Rhythms of the Heart ✅

39

A frown creased Neel's forehead as he stared at the ornately embossed invitation card in his hand. "Somya Agarwal's Engagement Ceremony," it proclaimed in elegant lettering. A wave of conflicting emotions washed over him – a flicker of curiosity, a deep pang of longing, and a heavy dose of apprehension.

Neel tossed the card onto the table, the sound echoing in the quiet of his room. He seriously considered declining. What business did he have attending a celebration filled with people who probably wouldn't even recognize him anymore?

Just then, the door creaked open, and his father, Mr. Oberoi, entered the room. A shrewd businessman, Mr. Oberoi rarely ventured into his son's private space. But seeing the invitation card lying on the table, his eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"Neel, there you are. I was just looking for you," he said, his voice laced with a hint of authority. "Have you seen the invitation for Somya Agarwal's engagement ceremony?"

Neel nodded curtly, avoiding his father's gaze.

"Excellent," Mr. Oberoi boomed, oblivious to his son's apprehension. "This is a wonderful opportunity, Neel. You'll get to meet some of the most influential business families in the city. Remember that presentation you gave in Paris? Apparently, Mr. Agarwal himself called and insisted on the entire Oberoi family attending. They seem quite impressed by you, son."

Mr. Oberoi's words, laced with a touch of pride, hung heavy in the air. Neel knew his father saw this invitation as a stepping stone for him, a chance to solidify his position as the heir apparent to the Oberoi empire. But Neel yearned for something more, something his father couldn't comprehend – a connection, a chance to find Malang, or at least some answers.

"I don't know, Dad," Neel mumbled, his voice hesitant. "Maybe this isn't such a good idea..."

Before he could complete his sentence, his mother, Mrs. Oberoi, swept into the room, her smile as radiant as the pearls around her neck. "Nonsense, Neel! This is a lovely occasion. You wouldn't want to be rude, would you? After all, the Agarwals are practically family."

Neel flinched at the word 'family.' The Agarwals, with their wealth and social standing, were a world apart from the life he shared with Malang. Yet, there was a part of him, a tiny flicker of hope, that clung to the possibility of seeing Malang, or at least catching a glimpse of the life he'd left behind.

Seeing the turmoil reflected in his son's eyes, Mrs. Oberoi softened her approach. "Look, Neel," she said, her voice gentle. "We understand if you're hesitant. But attending this ceremony doesn't mean you have to stay long. We'll respect your wishes," she added, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Neel met his mother's gaze, his heart heavy with a mix of emotions. He knew declining would cause unnecessary friction. The respect for elders, a deeply ingrained value in their family, made it difficult to refuse. With a sigh, he conceded defeat.

"Alright, Mom. I'll go," he mumbled, the words leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.

A triumphant smile spread across Mr. Oberoi's face. "Excellent decision, son! You won't regret it. Now, let's discuss your attire. This is a formal event, after all."

Neel nodded numbly, his mind already swirling with a thousand questions.

As Mr. Oberoi launched into a discussion about bespoke suits and designer labels, Neel couldn't help but wonder if attending this engagement ceremony was a step towards a promising business future, or a perilous journey into the labyrinth of his own unresolved past.
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