CHAPTER-9

NEXT DAY...
VIHAAN’S POV:
I woke up and looked at the time — it was 5 a.m. It's become a routine now because of my insomnia. I didn’t sleep again. I got off the bed and went to the gym.
At 7 a.m., I came back from my workout, quickly took a shower, and got ready in my three-piece suit.

After that, I went downstairs and saw Chachi and Mom preparing breakfast with the help of the maid aunty. I noticed Papa and Chachu returning from their morning jog and heading to freshen up. Meanwhile, I sat on the couch and began checking my emails.

After a while, Dad and Veer Chachu returned and Dad asked Maya Chachi about Krish.
“Maharaj abhi tak so kar nahi uthe honge, kyun bhai sahab, kuch kaam tha uska?”

(Your majesty must still be asleep, hasn’t woken up yet. Why, brother, did he have some work?)

“Hmm… woh kal humse keh raha tha ki usse kuch business-related seekhna hai, use future studies mein help ho jaayegi.” Dad explained.
(Hmm... yesterday he was telling me that he wants to learn something business-related. It will help in his future studies.)

“Bhaiya, woh nahi aayega… din bhar games khelta hai. Kahan interest hoga use business mein.” Veer Chachu said.
(Brother, he won’t come… plays games all day. Where would he have interest in business?)
I understood his frustration because Krish is really into gaming, and it’s not like Chachu and Chachi dislike it — it’s just that they don’t want Krish to spoil his future. They want to see him succeed.

“Don’t worry, Chachu. Krish is sensible. I’ll handle him, he’ll understand. You just focus on your health,” I said sincerely, trying to reassure him.

“Breakfast is ready, come on!” Mom said, emerging from the kitchen with a bowl. We sat down, and just then Krish came in.

“Good morning, everyone,” he greeted cheerfully, hugging Mom and Chachi and kissing them on the cheeks. We all greeted him back.

“Krish, you’re coming with me to the office,” Dad told him.
“Why, Bade Papa?” Krish asked. Chachi and Mom chuckled. We all knew what was coming next.
“Mr. Krish Singh Rathore, how old are you?” Dad asked.
“22, but why are you asking this, Bade Papa?” Krish replied.
“If you’ve forgotten, let me remind you — yesterday you told me you wanted to learn about business, and now you’ve forgotten?” Dad reminded him.

Looking at Krish’s face, we could all tell he regretted saying anything about wanting to learn business. When it comes to business, Dad is extremely strict and professional. Krish may be the youngest and Dad’s favorite, but when it’s about learning something — especially business — Dad becomes a different person.
"Brother, take him with you. He’ll learn something. Right now, he’s just fooling around during the vacation." Chachu said.
"Someone please ask me too... you’re all just making decisions on your own." Krish said, making a pout.
Drama queen.

After a bit more talking and roasting Krish, we all finished our breakfast and left for our respective work.

AT THE OFFICE...
I entered my cabin and called my PA, instructing him to bring me all information about Sanjay Arora, his family, and their connection to my family.
I don’t know why… but I want to know everything.

I want to remember every detail, because once I had an accident… and after that, I forgot everything. My family didn’t tell me much either. But ever since I met Chahat — I don’t know why — I feel some kind of connection with her.

Ever since I saw her, I just want to stay lost in thoughts about her… her anger, her annoyance, her smile, her tears… everything affects me, and I don’t know why.

CHAHAT’S POV:
Yesterday was one of the happiest days of my life because I got to reconnect with the Rathore family. The moment I reached home, I told everything to Mumma, Papa, Tauji (uncle), and Taiji(aunty). They were so happy to hear about it. They also want to meet Jay Uncle and Maya Aunty. So today, I’m calling Aunty to invite them all to our house for dinner.

Veena: V, Chahat: C

C: Namaste Aunty, how are you?
M: I’m good, how are you, child?
C: Perfectly fine, Aunty. Actually, I called to tell you that I told my family about you all, and they’re really excited to meet you. If you all are free, we’d love to invite you to our house for dinner.
V: Even I was thinking the same, beta. We’re glad to meet you all too… I’ll tell your uncle — he’ll be so happy to hear this.
C: Then how about tomorrow, Aunty?
V: Sure, beta. We’d love to come.
C: So now I’ll hang up the call. Mumma and I have a lot to prepare — after all, special guests are coming!
V: Tum maanogi nahi agar main tumhe kuch special karne ke liye na kahu… bachpan se habit hai tumhari.
(You won’t agree unless I ask you to do something special... it’s been your habit since childhood.)
C: Yes, you know me well. [giggles]
V: Okay beta, we’ll see you tomorrow. I’ll tell Jay — he won’t be able to wait to meet Gautam Bhaiya and Sanjay.
C: Same here, Aunty!

After talking for some time, we said our goodbyes, and I told Mumma and Taiji about the Rathore family coming over. They were so happy.

AT NIGHT...
I also told Papa and Tauji (uncle)about tomorrow’s dinner. They were happy too — obviously! Tauji and Jay Uncle are best friends, just like Papa and Veer Uncle. Ever since they moved to London, we lost contact, but now finally, they’re all meeting after so many years.

After dinner, we all went to our rooms to sleep, because tomorrow is my school day.
Oh, I forgot to tell you — I’m rejoining school! The suspension over me has been lifted, and the principal even apologized. He felt guilty because he had made the decision to fire me. But I don’t know what happened — he called me back and said sorry too. I don’t know what changed him, but whatever it is, my problem is solved now, and I’m happy.

Thinking all this, I didn’t even realize when I drifted off to sleep.

NEXT DAY...
I came home from school just 15 minutes ago, and I’m glad that everything feels normal again. No one even mentioned the incident.
Now Mumma is asking me to help in the kitchen because my kaamchor (lazy) sister ran away the moment she heard the word "work." So, I went to my room to change, and then came to help Mumma and Taiji.

It’s 6 p.m. now. I told Mumma and Taiji to rest and get ready while I finish the rest of the preparations.
I was setting the dishes and finishing up when Matashree came and told me to get ready — it was already 7:30! I looked at my watch, and yes, it was already 7:30 p.m.
I told Maa everything is ready, and I’ll just place everything on the dinner table once they arrive. Then I rushed to get ready.

I was still getting ready when Pihu came in and said they had arrived.
I don’t know why… but my heartbeat suddenly increased. I hurried to finish getting ready. I didn’t put on any makeup — just a lip balm and kohl.

Pihu: Sis, you’re panicking and getting ready like some relatives are coming to see you for marriage!
Me: Shut up, Pihu! You talk too much. Go downstairs and help with something.
Pihu: By the way, he’s handsome. No harm in getting ready for him.
Me: Pihu! Are you going or not?
Pihu: Okay okay, I’m going...

My thoughts drifted to him.
He’s here.
And I couldn’t help but smile. But I composed myself and went downstairs where everyone was sitting.

I saw him sitting beside Dadi, looking fine as wine in a black shirt.
No… no… not just fine… hot... hot and handsome.

He looked at me.
We held eye contact for 10 seconds… until Krish came and hugged me.

Everyone was so happy meeting each other. We had dinner while I could feel someone constantly staring at me — and it was none other than Mr. Akdu Rathore.

After dinner, Dadi went to rest and all the elders were sitting in the backyard — our little garden, my peace place.
Taiji told me to take Vihaan and Krish for a house tour if they wanted or play some games.

So currently we’re in my and Pihu’s room because Krish wanted to see it, and now he and Pihu are planning to play cards.

We all played cards — well, the three of us — because Mr. Akdu got a call and left earlier.

An hour later, the Rathore family left. Everyone was happy after the meeting.
After helping Mumma with chores, I went to my room with Pihu. We chatted for a while and called it a day.

VIHAAN’S POV:
Today we’re going for dinner, but Mumma didn’t tell me where we’re going. She just said it’s a surprise for me and Krish.
I noticed my family looked really excited. I asked Krish if he knew anything since he looked equally excited. He said he only knew we were visiting some friends for dinner.

When I asked why he was so excited, he said, “I’m just excited about the food.”
I lightly hit his head — such a foodie.

I went to get the car, and soon everyone came down. Papa gave me the address. After a 30-minute drive, we reached there.
And I don’t know why… but the place felt so familiar. Like I had been there before.

At the door, an uncle around Papa’s age greeted us with a hug. We went inside and I saw two ladies, an uncle, a grandmother, and a little girl.
After the greetings and some conversations, I found out — we were at Chahat’s house.

We all sat down. Dad, Gautam uncle, Veer Chachu, and Sanjay Uncle were chatting. The ladies were in their gossip group.
Krish and Pihu were arguing about anime characters.
I sat with Dadi; she was asking me questions and I was answering them.

Then I saw her…
And I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
She had her hair open, wearing a simple Indian dress. No makeup — just kohl and maybe some lip balm. She looked like an angel.
She doesn’t even need makeup… she’s already so beautiful.

Our eye contact broke when Krish came and hugged her.
She greeted everyone with her usual grace and politeness. Her smile… her presence…

We had dinner, and the entire time, I couldn’t stop looking at her.
I don’t know why… but whenever she’s near me, I feel captivated — drawn toward her.
She caught me staring a few times, and every time, I looked away quickly.

After dinner, Chahat and Pihu gave us a house tour. I saw her room — peaceful and captivating. Just like her.
Her study area caught my eye — so Madam loves to read books.

Her bed was of a princess theme. Pihu said she designed it.
When Pihu and Krish decided we would play cards; I was about to reject it — but then I saw Chahat was going to join too.

But suddenly, I got a call from my PA. He said it was important.
I told them I had to leave, and instructed Krish to call the driver when they wanted to go home.

I went to the backyard where all the elders were sitting and informed them it was a work call. Then I left.

While driving… a small smile appeared on my face.
Thinking about her…

Chahat.
My Ch…
No, Vihaan… what are you thinking?

I composed my thoughts… and reached the office.

….

Author's Note:
That's it for today, guys!
Hope you liked this chapter and all the recent updates.
Stay tuned — more is coming soon! 💫📖