3. Back for good

Jai

Coming back to India was bound to happen sooner or later. I missed my family, especially my brother.

On a random Sunday during their breakfast, I decide to surprise my parents and brother. I ring the bell, and my mom opens the door.

"No way!" she exclaims.

"Hey, Mom," I greet, flashing a smile.

She pulls me into a hug. My family knows me better than anyone else. Outside, I'm not the same. I come across as emotionless. It's a front I put on because, well, I'm aiming to become the CEO someday. And that's one of the reasons I'm back home.

"Jai!" my brother shouts and gives me a tight hug.

"Hey, champ," my dad greeted with a smile.

"Hello, everyone."

We go into the living room and get seated.

"So, what's the sudden visit about?" my dad inquires.

"I thought about what you said, Dad. I'm ready to step into the CFO role," I reveal.

My dad wanted me to be the CFO and eventually the CEO if I followed the path. But I needed to follow the rules grandpa laid.

"So, you're back for good?" Mom asks.

"I guess Mom's attention is gonna be divided now," Aarav cries. I mean, I deserve some pampering, right?

"As if you got that before," I tease.

"Oh please!" he scoffs

"So, what's on the breakfast menu?" I ask, rubbing my tummy.

"I made dosas. Go wash up, and I'll get them ready for you."

"Alright," I say and head to my room. My room feels just the same. It brings back memories of college.

After a quick freshening up, I head downstairs for breakfast. We all sat down for breakfast, sharing what we'd been up to these past months. I really missed this – having people around who genuinely cared for me, just me not the money.

"So, have you thought about the CEO clause?" my dad inquires.

"Yeah, I've got it in mind, but honestly, I don't see myself getting married anytime soon."

"But you've got a year and a handful of weeks, or else that position's out the window," Dad reminds me.

"Yeah, I know," and that's what freaks me out the most. I don't understand why Grandpa came up with that rule.

Why on earth was he so concerned about my marital status when it comes to running the company? I could manage things just fine even without a wife by my side.

After breakfast, I pulled my dad aside. "Dad, can we chat for a sec?"

"Sure, son" he agreed.

We head to the study room, and I get straight to the point.

"Why did Grandpa make such a fuss about marriage?" Since Grandpa passed away a few years back, I've been left hanging with this question.

"Alright, I'll tell you what I believe," Dad began.

"Okay"

"See, Grandpa always believed in family and the legacy it carries. The love and support that pass down through generations. Even I was under that rule. I got married before I took the position as CEO. I married for love, not obligation. And guess what, I got both the company and the love. It was a win-win for me."

My parents, they fell in love and then tied the knot. They're like glued together whenever they're home. I never quite understood that, though. Love, or whatever they have, it's foreign to me. I've never felt even a shred of it towards anyone.

"And what about me?" I question.

"You never intended to marry. And even if this rule didn't exist, I don't think you'd be getting married after becoming the CEO either. You're focused on building the company's reputation, but that doesn't give you a family," he explains.

"But I've got you guys," I state. That's always been enough for me.

"You'll have us, of course, but you need someone who'll always stand by you, like your Mom does for me. You need someone to live for. You need that love and obsession in your life."

And my mind involuntarily flashes her face...

"Alright, Dad, I'll consider it," I respond.

Back in my room, there was a knock on the door.

It was Mom. "You got a minute?" she asks.

"For you, always," I grin.

"Okay, don't get mad. I've shortlisted a few potential matches for you. You don't have to pick, I've made it easier."

"Okay, let's see."

"Seriously? You're actually thinking about it?"

"Yeah, I mean, at some point I've got to do the whole marriage thing," I reply.

We start scrolling through the pictures one by one, reading their descriptions and brief details.

We check out a bunch of women, but honestly, none of them catch my interest. They were all good-looking, but they just weren't my type.

Then, out of nowhere, a picture pops up that leaves my mouth hanging.

"No way, Mom!"

"Hey, don't blame me, I didn't add it," she replied, looking perplexed.

It was clear that she wasn't the one who slipped Anika's photo into the mix.

"I'll be right back, give me 5 minutes," I tell her and head to my brother's room.

"Aarav!" I knock on his door.

"Yeah?" he responds, opening the door.

"Did you sneak Anika's photo into the mix?"

"Think I would do something like that?" he retorts with a hint of sarcasm. I just stare at him.

"Alright, fine, I did it. I figured she'd be a great fit."

"Because she's your best friend?" Anika and Aarav's friendship dates back to college, and they're still close even after all these years. It's honestly a relief that my brother has someone like her in his life.

"No, it's because she could handle your overbearing self, and you two would make a cute couple."

"Let's not discuss this again," I respond before walking away. I don't really know why I wasn't against that idea. There's something about that girl, a kind of magic in her smile that just draws you in.

..........

A few days later, we had to attend a colleague's son's wedding, who also happened to be Aarav's friend.

Anika had played a major role in planning the whole thing. She did a fantastic job – everything was on point.

I had some conversations with other colleagues since I'd be working with them moving forward. After what felt like ages, my social battery was completely drained, and all I want was to head home.

Then I spot her outside the hall in the dead of the night. She had a cab booked, but taking a cab at this hour wasn't safe. I offered to drop her home – I mean, Aarav would have my head if I left her stranded, and honestly, my heart wouldn't allow it either.

With her in my car, things felt a bit strange.

I'm not one to welcome others into my personal space easily, but she's always been an exception.

And tonight, she looked especially stunning. The way she danced, she looked unreal. Too darn pretty.

She gives me directions to her place, and when I drop her off, I couldn't resist saying, "You looked stunning tonight." Not that she doesn't always look pretty.

I returned, finish up a bit of work, then call it a night.

As I lay there, I begin thinking over my dad's words. Yeah, I could marry, but it'd be for the company's sake.

Falling for someone? That wasn't part of the plan.

Yet, there was one thought that stuck – Mom didn't seem opposed to the idea of Anika's picture in that bundle. Does she think Anika's a good match? But that thought, I pushed away.

Anika deserves someone who'll treat her with love, and that, I know I can't give.

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❀₊˚⊹♡

I hope you liked this chapter. This is just his introduction so I couldn't make it interesting but wait for the next part.😉

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