𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑.2

A a r u s h

The sun's rays, like insistent fingers, pried open my eyelids. It was 8:45, the morning light a stark contrast to the darkness of my sleep-fogged mind. I blinked, the harshness of the light forcing me to squint, and a wave of disbelief washed over me. A year. It had been a year since I'd poured every ounce of energy into our family business, relentlessly pushing towards success.

Every late night, every sacrificed weekend, every agonizing decision – it had all culminated in this: I was a billionaire. A strange tingling sensation ran through me, a mix of pride and exhaustion. But there was no time to bask in the achievement; the day was already packed, important meetings, crucial decisions.

My head throbbed in protest, a dull ache that spoke of the night before, a night where I had celebrated my success with a reckless abandon that now left me paying the price. Time, always the relentless taskmaster, was already slipping away. The day had begun, and with it, a new chapter in my life – a chapter that promised both exhilarating opportunities and daunting challenges

✫✫✫✫✫✫✫✫

Aarush's morning routine was a symphony of meticulous detail. He moved with purpose, each action calculated and efficient. After a quick trip to the washroom, he stepped into the refreshing chill of a cold shower, the water invigorating his senses.

Emerging, he faced his wardrobe, a curated collection of designer labels, and selected a sharp brown suit for the day's office meeting. A sleek Rolex watch, a statement piece, found its place on his wrist. Aarush was a man who embraced the latest trends, his wardrobe a reflection of his discerning taste. A spritz of his favorite cologne completed the transformation, a subtle yet powerful aura of confidence.

As he descended the grand staircase, he was met with the familiar warmth of his grandparents, Dadu engrossed in the newspaper, Dadi meticulously arranging the breakfast table.

"Good morning Dadu," Aarush greeted, bending to receive his grandfather's blessings.

"Good morning beta," Dadu replied, his hand resting gently on Aarush's head. A warm embrace followed with Dadi, her eyes twinkling with affection.

"Good morning Dadi," he said, his voice full of genuine warmth. 'Are all the others still sleeping?' Aarush inquired, his gaze flitting around the room.

"Yes, they are," Dadi confirmed.

"Dadi, is breakfast ready?" Aarush asked, his stomach already rumbling with anticipation.

"Yes, it is. Are you going to the office today?" Dadi asked, her tone laced with concern.

"Yes Dadi, I have an important meeting," Aarush replied, a hint of seriousness in his voice.

"Then sit, I will serve you," Dadi said, her hands already busy with the platter of steaming delicacies.

"Dadi, you cooked all this?" Aarush asked, his eyes widening in appreciation.

"Yes, why do you ask?" Dadi questioned, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

"It tastes so good," Aarush replied, his lips forming a small smile. After a satisfying breakfast, Aarush rose, a satisfied sigh escaping his lips.

"I should wash my hands," he said, heading back towards the washroom.

"Good morning dadu and dadi." Ayaan wished and hugged them.

The gentle hum of the morning air was punctuated by Ayaan's worried question,"Aarush bhaiya didn't wake up till now?"

Dadu, ever the calming presence, asked, "What happened beta? Is there any urgent?" He didn't reveal Aarush's presence behind him, choosing to let the drama unfold.