THE IMPERFECT PERFECTIONS

•∆1~𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭

(edited version)

♡ ☆ .♡‧₊˚ ☆ .♡ ‧₊ ♡‧₊ ☆ .♡ ☆ .♡‧₊˚ ☆ .♡ ‧

*Singhania house*

Aditya's grandmother had been repeating the same plea since he descended the stairs for breakfast.

"Marry her for my sake... Can't you do this much for me? I am not going to be around much longer."

She implored, "At least meet her, then you can decide."

She had chosen a girl for him, convinced from the moment she laid eyes on her that she would be the perfect match for her grandson.

With a sigh of resignation, Aditya relented, "Ugh... okay, fine."

Ever since she returned from the hospital, his grandmother had been incessantly talking about this girl.

"Bye, Maa, I'm off," Aditya announced as he prepared to leave for the office. He bid farewell to everyone, sought blessings from his parents and grandparents, and made his way to the door.

"Veer, hurry up!" he called out, waiting at the threshold for his brother.

"Coming, Bhai!" Veer responded, hastily finishing his paratha and milk before joining Aditya.

The brothers settled into the car, and Aditya took the wheel. Thirty minutes later, they arrived at the office. As Aditya entered, his secretary reminded him of the 10 AM meeting with the foreign client. After reviewing his schedule for the day, he sent a message to his mother.

**On Chat:**

**Aditya:**
"Please ask her to meet me at the Imperial Restaurant today at noon."

**Mom:**
"Okay." 👍

He locked his phone and shifted his focus to his laptop. Ten minutes later, Ragini, his secretary, informed him it was time for the meeting.

**After 1½ hours:**

"I hope we will have the opportunity to work together in the future as well," Aditya expressed, shaking hands with the client.

"It would be my pleasure, Mr. Singhania," the client reciprocated.

"I'll take my leave now, Mr. Williams. I hope you enjoy your stay in India," Aditya said before exiting the conference room and returning to his office. He settled onto the couch and began analyzing the files laid out before him.

His phone pinged. Glancing at the screen, he saw a text from his mother-a reminder of the upcoming meeting.

*"I will say no,they can't force me"* he thought resolutely, grabbing his blazer from the couch. With determined strides, he made his way to the car in the garage.

In due time, he arrived at the café and settled into his secluded spot on the second floor.

*At Taniya's residence*

"Come downstairs fast" her aunt's voice boomed from the living room.

Startled, Taniya rushed down the stairs.

"You are going to meet him. Wear something nice, and don't embarrass us," her uncle instructed sternly.

She nodded, her mind wandering back to the chance encounter with the elderly lady in the hospital. It was because of her that she now had to meet the woman's grandson.

"Be ready before 12. His driver will pick you up," Manisha interjected, snapping Taniya back to reality.

Quietly, Taniya retreated and began the walk to her room.