TANGLED TRADITIONS

The Perfectionist

                       Chpater 2

In the high-rises of South Mumbai, where the elite lived in luxury apartments with views of the Arabian Sea, there resided a family that embodied power and prestige. The Oberois were known for their successful business empire and their impeccable reputation. At the heart of this empire was Vihaan Singh Oberoi, a man of discipline, order, and ruthless efficiency.

Vihaan's day began before the sun had a chance to rise. His routine was a testament to his unwavering commitment to perfection. By 5 AM, he was already at the gym, pushing his limits, sculpting his body to match his sharp mind. The gym was his sanctuary, a place where he could focus on his goals without distraction. Every drop of sweat was a reminder of his relentless pursuit of excellence.

After his morning workout, Vihaan returned to his pristine apartment, where everything had its place, and not a single item was out of order. He showered, dressed in a tailored suit, and meticulously arranged his tie. Perfection was not just a goal; it was his way of life.

At 6 AM, the rest of the Oberoi household was still enveloped in the quiet of slumber. His father, Arjun, his sister, Meera, and his younger brother, Yash, were all still in bed, enjoying the peaceful early morning hours. Vihaan, however, was already in the kitchen, brewing his morning coffee—black, strong, and without a hint of sugar. It was his ritual, his way of kickstarting the day.

As he poured the steaming coffee into his favorite mug, the sound of light footsteps caught his attention. He turned to see his mother, Kavita Oberoi, entering the kitchen, her eyes still soft with the remnants of sleep.

"Good morning, Vihaan," Kavita greeted him with a warm smile.

"Morning, Maa," Vihaan replied, his tone respectful yet slightly reserved.

Kavita's smile widened as she moved closer to her son. "Ah, my little Bunty, always up before the crack of dawn. You should really try some of my special chai instead of that strong coffee."

Vihaan's expression remained stoic at the mention of his childhood nickname, one that only his mother used in the privacy of their home. He glanced around the kitchen, feeling a sense of warmth and affection despite his stern exterior.

"Maa, please," he said quietly, his voice carrying a hint of exasperation, "not in front of everyone."

Kavita's smile widened mischievously. "Oh, come on, Bunty. Don't be so shy! Embrace your inner Bunty-ness!"

Vihaan sighed, his expression unchanging. "Maa, you know I prefer to leave Bunty behind closed doors."

Kavita laughed, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Alright, my dear Bunty. Your secret's safe with me... for now."

Vihaan shook his head slightly, but there was a flicker of something softer in his eyes as he watched his mother bustling around the kitchen.

"Seriously, Maa," Vihaan continued, his tone softening just a fraction, "you don't have to get up this early every day just to check on me."

Kavita waved her hand dismissively. "Nonsense, Vihaan. It's my job as your mother to make sure you're taking care of yourself. You're always working so hard."

Vihaan took another sip of his coffee, savoring the bitterness that jolted his senses awake. "I appreciate it, Maa, but you know how important it is for me to stay on top of things."

Kavita nodded, her expression turning serious for a moment. "I do know, beta. But you need to remember to take care of yourself too. You're not a machine."

Vihaan's lips twitched almost imperceptibly. "I'll try, Maa. For you."

Kavita's smile returned, brighter than ever. "That's all I ask. Now, how about a proper breakfast before you head off to conquer the world?"

Vihaan glanced at the clock, his meticulous schedule flashing in his mind. But the sight of his mother, so earnest and loving, made him reconsider. "Alright, Maa. But just a quick one."

Kavita clapped her hands together, delighted. "Perfect! Sit down, and I'll whip up something delicious in no time."

As Kavita bustled around the kitchen, preparing his favorite breakfast, Vihaan sat at the table, his coffee mug in hand. He watched her with a mixture of admiration and affection that he rarely showed openly. Despite her playful teasing, she was the backbone of the family, always ensuring that everyone was taken care of.

"Here you go," Kavita said, placing a plate of steaming parathas and a bowl of curd in front of him. "Eat up, Bunty."

Vihaan's eyes flicked up briefly before focusing on his plate. "Thanks, Maa."

Kavita grinned. "You wouldn't dare, Bunty."

They ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the only sounds being the clinking of cutlery and the distant hum of the city waking up. Vihaan felt a rare sense of peace in these moments, a stark contrast to the hectic pace of his daily life.

"Maa," he said after a while, his voice steady, "I know I don't say it often, but thank you. For everything."

Kavita looked at him, her eyes softening. "You don't have to thank me, beta. You're my son. I would do anything for you."

Vihaan nodded slightly, feeling a lump form in his throat. "I'll try to take it easy, like you said."

Kavita reached across the table and squeezed his hand. "That's all I ask, Bunty. Just take care of yourself."

Vihaan's gaze softened just a bit. "I will, Maa."