Shattered (Book #1 In Heart Series)✔️

Chapter 4: Decisions

RAI HOUSE

After getting ready, Kritika and Aradhya rushed downstairs. In the living area, Raman Rai was sitting on the couch, engrossed in a newspaper. Both girls approached him.

"Good morning, Papa," Kritika greeted, wrapping her arms around him in a hug.

"Good morning, Kriti," Raman replied, returning the embrace.

"Good morning, Uncle," Aradhya greeted from a distance.

"Aradhya, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Papa?" Raman said with a gentle smile.

"Oh, sorry, Papa," Aradhya mumbled sheepishly, her eyes sparkling.

"Aradhya, you're like my own daughter, just like Kritika," Raman said affectionately.

Aradhya's eyes welled up with tears of joy as she rushed forward to hug him tightly. Kritika watched with a warm smile, glad to see her best friend receiving the love of her newfound family.

Ishita and Shivanya observed the touching moment with soft smiles on their faces.

"Alright, girls, breakfast is ready. Let's eat," Ishita announced, breaking the moment. Kritika and Aradhya moved to Ishita and embraced her.

"Good morning, Ma," they chorused.

"Good morning, my darlings," Ishita replied fondly.

"Good morning, Babhi," Shivanya added.

"Good morning, Kriti and Aru. Go and eat your breakfast. You're already running late," Shivanya reminded them gently.

"Ma, where's Bhai?" Kritika inquired, looking around.

"Your brother went to the office early this morning. But don't worry, he'll be home early today," Shivanya reassured her.

Aradhya's phone suddenly rang, causing a momentary tension. She excused herself to take the call. When she returned, she seemed visibly flustered.

"Kritika, Prakash sir has called me. He wants to see us soon. Let's go," Aradhya said urgently, grabbing her bag.

"Ma, Pa, Babhi, sorry, we have to leave now," Kritika said apologetically as she grabbed her bag.

"Take care, girls," Raman instructed, concern evident in his voice. They nodded and hurried out of the house, leaving the others sighing with worry.

"SINGANIA MANSION"

As Aditya entered his room, he was taken aback by the familiarity of his surroundings. Everything was exactly as he remembered it, untouched by the passage of time.

"My dear friend, how does it feel to be back in your room after so long?" Karthik asked, breaking Aditya's reverie.

Aditya glanced around the room, a bittersweet smile tugging at his lips. "It feels like I never left," he replied softly.

"Karthik, nothing has changed," Aditya observed, a hint of wonder in his voice. "Did no one enter my room while I was away?"

"No, Swetha aunty made sure no one touched anything in your room. She practically chased us away whenever we tried," Karthik chuckled.

"She really missed me, didn't she?" Aditya mused.

"Yeah, she talked about you every day. She couldn't wait for you to come back," Karthik confirmed, his voice filled with warmth.

Aditya sank onto the bed, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over him. "I think I'll rest for a bit," he announced.

"Sure, take your time," Karthik said, giving his friend a reassuring pat on the shoulder before heading to the washroom.

Alone in his room, Aditya stood at the balcony, gazing out at the familiar skyline of Mumbai. The city seemed unchanged, yet he knew that so much had happened in his absence.

"Adi, I need to talk to you about something," Karthik said, approaching him from behind.

Aditya turned to face his friend, a guarded expression on his face. "What is it?"

"I've noticed you've been lost in thought lately, especially about your time in London," Karthik said, his tone gentle but probing.

Aditya tensed, feeling a surge of unease at the mention of his past. "It's nothing, just memories," he replied evasively.

"Adi, I'm your friend. You can talk to me," Karthik insisted, his eyes searching Aditya's for any sign of distress.

Aditya hesitated, his mind swirling with conflicting emotions. "It's complicated," he finally admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Whatever it is, I'm here for you," Karthik said, his tone unwavering.

Aditya nodded, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "Thanks, Karthik."

"Anytime, Adi," Karthik replied with a reassuring smile.
"LIVING ROOM"

The gentlemen of the house had gathered for a discussion, while the ladies were busy in the kitchen.
"Dad, I think we should consider changing Dadi's treatment," Aditya suggested, his tone serious.

"Adi, the current treatment is progressing well. I don't see the need for any changes," Gautam replied, his expression thoughtful.

"But there hasn't been any improvement in Dadi's condition," Aditya argued.

"Adi's right, Dad. Maybe it's time to explore other options," Abhimanyu chimed in, nodding in agreement.

Gautam considered their words carefully before responding. "Alright, let's look into it. But we need to choose the right hospital and doctor."

"Don't worry, Dad. I'll take care of it," Aditya assured him.

"Adi, there's something else I want to discuss with you," Gautam said, changing the subject.

"What is it, Dad?" Aditya asked, intrigued.

"I want you to take on the CEO position at Singhania Company," Gautam announced, surprising everyone in the room.

"Dad, I don't know if I'm ready for that kind of responsibility," Aditya protested, feeling overwhelmed by the sudden offer.

"Adi, you've proven yourself time and again. You have the skills and the vision to lead our company into the future," Gautam insisted, his tone firm.

"Uncle is right, Adi. You're the perfect choice for the job," Raj Mehra added, his voice filled with conviction.

Aditya was taken aback by their vote of confidence. "Alright, if you all think I'm up for the task, then I'll do it," he agreed, feeling a sense of determination wash over him.

"Congratulations, Adi! This calls for a celebration!" Karthik exclaimed, clapping Aditya on the back.

Aditya smiled, feeling a surge of pride at the prospect of leading Singhania Company into a new era of success. But amidst the excitement, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease about the challenges that lay ahead.

"Alright, I'm heading out now. I'll be back with Mom and Dad later," Karthik announced.

"But Karthik, you must be tired from the journey. Please have something to eat before you go," Gautam suggested.

"I appreciate the concern, Dad, but I'm fine," Karthik insisted.

"Gautam is right, Karthik. Go freshen up in Adi's room. We'll call you both when it's time,"
Swetha interjected, gently overriding Karthik's protests. Karthik nodded and followed Aditya upstairs.