Chapter 1 Introduction

In a grand size office room, a tall man in his late fifties with a subtle jawline, fair complexion, and salt pepper hairline was pacing. A knock on the room stills him, and a man in his late thirties enters, "good afternoon sir. Viren sir's flight will land in an hour and I have sent the car to pick him up from the airport." After informing him the man leaves the office.

This is Mr. Rai Bahadur Singh, president of one of the top enterprises in India. They manufacture almost everything. His only son Viren who is in New York City has gone for his higher education and never came back. The only times he was there was when his father would forcefully call him. Today also he came due to his father's pressure.

A sudden knock on the door stills him. "Come in".

On getting approval, a girl in her mid-twenties wearing professional attire enters. Her chestnut hair was tied in a neat bun. She was fair-complexioned with doe-like big eyes. She is truly beautiful with a brain. She is Priya, Rai Bahadur's assistant.

" Good afternoon sir. I had come to inquire about your lunch".

"Priya, as you know, today Viren is coming so I will have my lunch with him. Reschedule today's appointments for tomorrow, and ask Raghav to get my car ready. I will be going home."

"Jotted everything, sir. May I take my leave now sir?"

"Yes, you may". He nodded his head in approval.

" Good Day Sir". With that Priya moves out of the cabin.

After some time Priya informs him that his car is ready. He leaves for his mansion.

The car enters a huge drive surrounded by a beautiful garden, a huge fountain can be seen in the middle, surrounded by benches. The grass was freshly trimmed. The car stops in front of a huge gate engraved with beautiful carvings reminiscent of some palace.

Rai Bahadur was greeted by his butler."Good Afternoon sir."

"Good afternoon, Viren has arrived."

"Yes sir, Viren sir has gone to freshen up."

"I am also going to freshen up and will have lunch with Viren."

Half an hour later the father and son duo meet. Viren took his father's blessing. After the exchange of little pleasantries between the two, they arrived at the dining room. All the favourite food of Viren has been laid off on the table. Dal Makhani, Paneer butter masala, steamed rice, and butter roti. They ate their lunch in silence. After eating, Viren excused himself as he was suffering from jet lag and the time difference was taking a toll on him.

It was late dusk when he woke up. He stirred from his sleep and took a few moments to register where he was. The realisation kicks in that his father must be waiting for him. He went down.

"Good evening son. Did you rest well? Come, will you have tea or a drink?"

"Stephen please ask Maria, aunty, to fix a cup of my favourite adrak(ginger)wali tea"

"How is your work going back there?" Rai bahadur inquired.

"All well. I have started investing in wall street, not very much but a little bit."

"That is incredible. But you don't need to give any explanation, it is your hard earned money and you can use it as you wish".

" Good evening everyone." Both of them turned toward the source of the voice. Viren got to greet the person.

"How are you, young men?" The person inquires about Viren.

"Fine uncle. Is everything fine with dad? I mean you never visit him on weekdays and especially at this hour." His eyebrow creased a bit in anticipation of the worst

"Today Vikram(Rai Bahadur's original name)has his weekly scheduled check-up. His last cardiac arrest has weakened his heart, his BP is fluctuating. Loneliness is giving way to depression. Why don't you come back, marry a suitable girl, and get settled down?"

"Please uncle marriage is not on my agenda and as for coming back that can be given a thought." Viren shakes his head from right to left.

"As you wish. Come, Vikram, I have to go to the clinic as well"

Both the men strolled away. Since Viren was feeling exhausted and sleep-deprived he called an early night off.

Following morning

"Stephen, is Viren awake"?

"Sir, Viren sir was in his gym when I last checked"

"Good Morning, dad."

"Good Morning son. Come and have breakfast. Are you all set to join me in the office?"

"It is still evening in NYC, I don't have much work. I will be free for the day that is why I thought of giving a hand to you"

"You are always welcome. I think I should start searching for a girl for you or if you have someone back there then tell me I have no objection. It is high time now I want a daughter-in-law."

"Dad, please I have no girlfriends and I don't want to marry".

"But why? What is wrong with getting married? Don't you think that there should be someone waiting for you when you return home after a tiring day or someone to talk your heart out or someone who loves you unconditionally or on whom you can rely? When you will fall in love you will find your solace ." He stopped to collect his breath.

"I will think about it". Viren spoke as he wanted to end this topic for the time being.

Viren pov

Dad has called me here so that he can marry me. Dr.uncle was saying that dad is not well and his only wish is to see me settled. I want to fulfil all his wishes but I can't do this. I can't commit to anybody. Marriage and love all look good in books only, these things don't exist in the real world.

A knock on his door brought him back to reality. "Come in".

A man in his late thirties entered." Good Morning sir. Boss has asked you to attend the meeting with him. It is past lunchtime and this file contains all the details."

"Tell dad, I will be ready . Is that all".

" Yes sir, that is all. Please call me if you need anything". Explaining everything the man went out of the cabin.

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