Shades Of Purple

Chapter 26 - Try to be as rich as you can

UTKARSH'S POV:
[The next day] 15th March

I carefully remove the canvas from the off white cotton bag waiting for Raghvansh.

I sense my phone ring and it flashes with 'Mom'.

Shit.

I better not mess it up. Taking a deep breath, I swipe across picking up the call.

Mom's high pitched voice falls into my ear- "Hello, my son, good afternoon!"

Don't even be surprised. That's the way we talk— like distant relatives and I'm more than happy keeping it that way. As you know, my parents aren't really good humans and I don't feel shy from admitting that.

The only reason that forces me to be in touch with them or live with them is that— they've taken care of me during my childhood days or more like they appointed nannies but that doesn't matter because they didn't leave me alone like Raghvansh.

That's something I would never forgive them for. It's difficult to accept that humans can stoop this low but that's not my concern now. I'm more than happy about the way Raghav has been behaving with me.

Honestly, I didn't expect him to forgive me this quick, but I can't blame him too. I can't imagine how life might have been for him all these years alone. I'm determined to change it now, to let him know that he has a family who'll always have his, who'll love him and support him unconditionally.

Anyway coming back- "Hello, Utkarsh! Can you hear me?!"

I sigh unintentionally and say- "Yes mom. I can hear you.

She lets out a relieved sigh and says- "Then why weren't you replying? I was so worried."

Why? Because you're elder son won't remain with you too?

I let out a chuckle, not as bitter as my black coffee though. I say- "No Mom. I was here, just couldn't hear you." I smoothly lie.

"Anyway, the project you're monitoring is signed with Swiss Ltd India, right? And how long is it?"

"Yes, it's with Swiss. And about 5 months long but the date can be extended if it's not done by then." I reply.

To inform you— they have no clue about my love's existence; Aaraya, of course and they shouldn't do. I'm sure they'll try to ruin it if they know it as their only rule in life is 'try to be as rich as you can'. Considering that, they have been setting me up with the kids of their so-called billionaire friends.

Though I've made myself clear that I'm going to marry someone who I love, in future, they still arrange blind dates on my behalf.

I hear her say- "That's a lengthy one, beta (son). Come back to Mumbai, we'll send someone else for looking over there.

Are they calling me back because the project is lengthy? Nope. It's because they don't want me to be in the same city as Raghvansh, thinking maybe he could manipulate me for leaving them. But little do they know— I'm living in his house, Purple.

"No Mom, it's not that long. I'll just live here for a while. Anyway, Pune seems like a very lively and uncrowded place." I say and spot Raghvansh descending the stairs. "Okay, I'll call you later, I have to go to a meeting now. Bye."

He plonks himself on the sofa beside the one I'm seating on.

"Why are you always at home during this time, as in noon. Do you not have your projects or whatever to do? Anyway, you might be free but I'm not, so tell me why did you call me and ask me to meet you at my own house?" He shoots me a puzzled look, his lips curve from ear to ear as he smiles sarcastically.

Ignoring his clown-like face I say- "Okay. So... first, let me tell you I'm not joking. And secondly— I need your autograph."

I throw him a questionable look as I watch him smirk and he says- "See dada you don't need to be embarrassed. I understand you're a fan of mine and you know I love my fans so hesitate to ask me for an autograph."

He says and passes me a smug dominant smile. Why did cause myself so much mental exhaustion again?

Okay, yes.

I throw him a glare instead of a punch and say- "I'm going to Aaraya's parents, like for lunch— they've called me home. And like a good guest, I obviously will gift them something. As per my research, they're die heart fans of your game, actually their entire family. Also, as Aaraya told me, they talk about you very often. They watch every single match of yours' and also— they idolize you. Yes, that's why I want to gift them your autograph."

I say honestly and see him freeze. Why wouldn't he? If my future in-laws loved me this much, I would behave like a maniac but they probably think of me as a creep now. Nevermind. It's going to change soon.

I know it's too soon to them his in-laws but I'm sure he's serious about Piha.

My chain of thoughts is broken as I hear Raghvansh say- "Holy hell...dada if you're joking then please stop it's a very bad joke. You can't be serious?! Dammit. Is there any way I could join you?"

I chuckle and reply honestly- "No, Raghav. I'm not joking. And no to the second one too. I don't think Piha might have told her parents about..um..you guys being friends. I'll confirm it with Aaraya though."

I say only to watch him frown. That's the reason I hate the 'friend zone'.

It's better to have it this way— Like Aaraya and me. At least she knows what I'm expecting us to be, then it doesn't matter whether she makes me wait for days or months or years.

I say as it hits me- "Raghav, you need to be a bit slow and careful while getting emotionally close to her. You'll have to tell her about our family also, right? Make sure she trusts you first. Think twice before revealing anything, it's going to be hard for her as well Aaraya and their parents too. Let's just play it along as friends, for now, you get what I say?"

He nods and says- "Yes, dada. I'll take my time. I want her to be comfortable too, right? I want her to understand me. When you're going confess this to Aaraya, tell me beforehand, okay?"

I subtly not and say sincerely- "Yes I'll discuss it with you first. It'll be okay, I'm sure. It's not your fault, Raghav."

He flashes me a credible smile

_____________

I take a deep breath as I get out of my car.

Being this nervous doesn't suit you, Utkarsh. Fuck it, how do expect me to not be nervous. I'm meeting my my in-laws for the first time or as you may say my 'future in-laws'.

I ignore the turmoil at the back of my head. Taking a few steps, I knock at the door and take the name plate into notice.

Mr Hriddan and Mrs Ishaani

"Be confident, Utkarsh. It's not some ISRO rocket launch, meeting your in-laws is not a big deal. Their going to be good people unlike your parents, don't give them a reason to hate you." I say to myself and hear the door creak open.

~√~√

Author's note*

Hey, hope you're doing well!
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The next update will be out on 5th, Monday.
Take care!