An Arranged Journey To Forever

PART 2

The men from the Malhotra and Murthy families had reached Kolkata for the much-anticipated meeting. The project at hand required both companies to collaborate in the development of global restaurants—focusing on quality ingredients, innovative recipes, superior hospitality, and beautiful interiors. Hence, industry leaders from all related fields had gathered together.

As soon as Raj and Raman met in the conference hall, their old friendship seemed to ignite in an instant.

"Raman!" Raj called out, his voice full of warmth.

"Raj!" Raman responded, his grin widening as the two friends embraced.

Manik and Cabir exchanged a subtle smile, then turned to glance at Abhimanyu, who nodded back with an easy smile.

Raj grinned as he patted Raman's back. "Raman, you've become a bit of a grandpa now!"

Raman laughed heartily. "And look at you, still the same! Are you sure you're not Shahrukh Khan's son?"

Raj raised an eyebrow playfully. "Shahrukh, huh? Is he still your favorite, or have things and choices changed after marriage?"

Raman shook his head. "Of course not! Shahrukh forever! We've watched so many of his movies together, how could that ever change, Raj?" He paused for a moment, his voice softening. "You've made me emotional now."

They shared another warm hug, but the moment was broken by a loud cough from Cabir.

"Do we need to introduce ourselves too?" Cabir quipped, his tone playful.

Raj rolled his eyes. "Shut up, Cabir!" He turned to Raman. "Let me introduce my sons: Cabir and Manik."

Manik, always respectful, bent down and touched Raj's feet, while Cabir, in his usual informal manner, casually said, "Hey, uncle!" He received a playful smack on his head from his father.

Manik straightened up and smiled. "Namaste, uncle. I've heard so much about you from Papa."

Raman smiled warmly. "God bless you, beta. Everyone knows Manik. He's earned so much respect at such a young age."

Raj nodded proudly. "Yes, Raman, and I'm so proud of him."

He then turned to Abhimanyu. "Hey, Abhimanyu!"

Abhimanyu, offering a polite smile, said, "Namaste, uncle. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Raj's smile widened. "Nice to meet you too, beta."

At that moment, they all became aware of the curious stares from the other contractors who had arrived later, only to be ignored. Despite this, they all maintained their authoritative demeanor, letting nothing phase them. The meeting continued with the same professionalism.

Raman couldn't help but notice Manik's impressive shift in attitude—his confident transformation from a young man to a business mogul who commanded respect.

After the meeting wrapped up, Raj suggested they all grab a cup of tea.

"Aur bata, Raman, how's life?" Raj asked, sipping his tea.
Or
"It's good, Raj," Raman replied, his voice warm with contentment. "A happy, loving family by God's grace... what more could I ask for?"

"True that," Raj agreed, taking a sip of his tea. "And how's Nandini and Naira? And Bhabhi? Everyone doing well?"

Raman smiled fondly. "Everyone's doing great. Nandini's become such a well-established doctor, and I'm so proud of her. Naira, on the other hand, is still focused on her dance academy and getting married. And that's why we're here! I personally invite you and your family to their destination wedding in Dehradun. Come at least 10 days before—everyone's coming. Manik, Cabir, you both too!"

Raj chuckled, "Such great news! Of course, we'll be there! Abhimanyu, beta, what are you doing these days?"

Abhimanyu, a soft smile on his lips, replied, "Uncle, I'm currently working on a new business venture."

Raj raised his eyebrows, impressed. "Nice, nice! All the best, beta! You've got a great businessman at home for guidance, right, Raman?"

Raman felt his chest tighten, his eyes misting over as he wiped a tear away, trying to keep it hidden.

Just then, Raman's phone rang—it was Nandini. He knew that Abhimanyu wanted to speak to her, though he wouldn't say it, so he put the call on speaker.

"Dad, did you have your lunch yet?" Nandini's chirpy voice came through the phone.

Manik immediately perked up at the sound of her voice. He had been listening intently, mesmerized by the softness and warmth that radiated from her words. Something stirred within him—something he couldn't quite place.

Raman smiled fondly. "I'll have it soon, don't worry, beta."

Nandini, almost scolding him, said, "Dad, don't just have lunch. Take your medicines too. Have it now. Where's Bhai?"

Abhimanyu replied, smiling but with a hint of concern, "Yeah, yeah, Nandini, I'm here."

Nandini's voice was full of care as she added, "Bhai, you haven't had your lunch yet, right? Go and have it now, and make sure Dad takes his medicines, okay?"

Abhimanyu smiled softly, his voice full of tenderness. "Nandini, I'll make sure we have lunch, but one should take care of his health himself when he knows you get worried."

The Malhotra men exchanged glances, puzzled by the sweet bond they shared. It felt strange to them, but Raman had a small smile on his face, realizing how much Abhimanyu cared for him. These small gestures were more than enough to give him hope that one day, things would fall back into place.

Nandini continued, "Bhai, we'll talk later. Just have your lunch now."

Raman, trying to lighten the moment, interjected, "Hello, Nandini, Raj here!"

Nandini's voice came through, slightly surprised, "Oh! Namaste, uncle. Sorry, I didn't realize you were there too!"

Raj laughed. "No problem, beta. Don't worry. These men will have their lunch right now, and I'll call you to inform you personally later, okay?"

Nandini smiled. "Yes, uncle. And make sure you have your lunch too, okay?"

Raj nodded. "Of course, beta."

Nandini, with a soft chuckle, added, "Alright, uncle, I need to go for surgery now. I'll talk to you soon!"

Raj smiled warmly. "All the best, beta! And soon, we'll meet at Naira's wedding! Take care."

Nandini's voice was filled with gratitude as she replied, "Thank you so much, uncle!" Then, the call ended.

Manik had been quietly listening to Nandini all this time, his gaze thoughtful. He was struck by the respect she had for her father and the genuine care she showed for her brother. Something about her warmth made him feel... different. He couldn't quite understand what it was, but it lingered with him.

Cabir noticed Manik's rapt attention and decided to let him be for now. He'd ask him about it when they were alone.

The group finished lunch together and then headed for their private jets, ready to return to their respective cities. But before they left, they all made a silent promise to meet again soon.