Shattered (Book #1 In Heart Series)✔️

Chapter 1: The set up

The Singhanias are one of the richest families in Mumbai. Gautam Singhania started his business with a small restaurant, which expanded into a renowned chain of hotels and more, now famously known as Singhania Corp. His eldest son, Abhimanyu Singhania, is a famous lawyer, happily married to his childhood sweetheart, Priya Raichand.

The youngest, Aditya Singhania, is the business magnate and the brain behind Singhania Corp's success in the United States. He is everything to the Singhanias: a good son, a great businessman, a loving brother, and a loyal friend. One of the youngest billionaire bachelors in India, his charm and loving personality attract everyone. Many businessmen hoped to marry their daughters to Aditya, but he chose to find someone on his own.

The mansion was all set to welcome the second heir of the Singhanias. The giant gate was adorned with lamps, and the entire mansion was lit up. The members of Singhania Corp were eager to see the famous Aditya Singhania.

Abhimanyu Singhania, the brother, was both emotional and happy. His baby brother had finally decided to come home. He couldn't sleep the night before, reminiscing about their childhood when Aditya always relied on him. Aditya was a gentle soul, even scared to kill a mosquito. He remained a saint-like figure as he grew up, and Abhimanyu prayed that his brother would never change.

Swetha Singhania, Gautam's wife, was thrilled about her favorite son's arrival. She bustled around, instructing the workers who were decorating the mansion.

"Swetha, please relax. You've been running around all morning. They'll do their job. Don't worry," Gautam said, looking up from the files he was reading on the couch.

"It's not that, Gautam. I'm just so tense. He's coming home after five years," she replied emotionally.

"I don't know what happened to him. For two years, he barely spoke to us. We would call, and he'd answer in a few words. I'm worried about him, Gautam. Something has happened to him," Swetha continued, her voice trembling.

Gautam put down his files, walked over to her, and gently took her hands. "Don't worry, Swetha. He's coming home now. You can ask him directly."

"Yes, Ma, Papa is right," said Priya, entering the room with a tray of glasses.

Priya Singhania, Abhimanyu's wife, was a beloved daughter-in-law. "Ma, why are you stressing yourself? Please rest. You know your health isn't good, and the doctor advised against stress. Here, drink this," Priya gently scolded, making Swetha sit on the couch and handing her a glass of water.

Swetha shook her head with a smile and drank the water. "Beta, Aditya is coming home after so long. I'm excited," Swetha chirped. Priya smiled.

"Ma, don't worry. Aditya will come back in one piece. I'm excited to meet my devar for the first time. I've only seen him in photos," Priya grinned, hiding her sadness.

But the couple knew Priya was disappointed that Aditya didn't attend her and Abhimanyu's wedding.

"Yes, he didn't even come to your wedding. I'm really angry at him for this. Priya and Abhi tied the knot in sadness," Gautam said seriously, making the ladies worry.

"Papa, please. On our wedding day, Devar ji informed Abhi that he was busy with business problems and couldn't come. So please don't be angry at him," Priya pleaded, clutching his hands.

"She's right, Gautam. Aditya is the one who made our company successful in London. He's been working tirelessly, so please don't be harsh," Swetha supported Priya, feeling a bit more attached to Aditya than Abhimanyu. She hated it when anyone scolded him.

"I know, Swetha. He's a gem to us. He's the reason for the Singhania empire's growth, which is why I'm giving him the CEO position here in our country," Gautam announced proudly.

Swetha and Priya smiled happily at Gautam's decision.

"Yes, Papa, your decision is absolutely correct. He deserves that position," Priya said excitedly.

"Priya, did Abhi call you? Have they reached the airport?" Swetha asked.

"Yes, Ma. He called and said they would reach the airport soon. Until then, you should rest. Dad and I will take care of everything," Priya replied.

"Yes, Swetha, go and rest. We will handle everything," Gautam assured his worried wife.

"Okay, okay, I'll go. When will the Mehras arrive?" Swetha asked, getting up from the couch.

"Raj said they would come in an hour," Gautam replied.

"Ma, now you can go. Dad and I will start our duty," Priya said, making the couple smile.

Swetha sighed and walked to her room. She opened her cupboard and took out a giant album. It was filled with pictures of Aditya. She sat on the bed and opened the album. The first page had a picture of one-year-old Aditya with an innocent smile, which made her tear up.

"Adi, why didn't you call us last week? Did you forget us?"

All she received was silence.

"Adiii, don't scare your mom. Please tell me, baccha. Are you okay?"

"Mo...m, I... I'm not well. Will call you later. Bye."

That was their last conversation. Since then, he hadn't called.

As a mother, she knew her son wasn't well. Something had happened to him. What puzzled her was his sudden change. He had been fine a week before Abhimanyu and Priya's wedding.

"Hope my son will open up to me."