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Kunj held his breath as his father pushed back from the table, the scrape of the chair echoing loudly in the tense silence. His mother, her eyes filled with a well of unspoken emotions, reached across the table and squeezed his hand gently. "I'll try to talk to your father, beta," she whispered, a glimmer of hope flickering in her voice.

The dishes clattered as Kunj began to clear the table, a dull ache settling in his chest. Despite his mother's comforting words, doubt gnawed at him. His father's silence spoke volumes.

Little Priya, perched on the kitchen counter, her homework forgotten, tilted her head, her big brown eyes filled with concern. "Chachu," she piped up, using her endearing nickname for him, "why are you sad?"

Kunj forced a smile, his heart twisting at the sight of his innocent sister's worry. "It's nothing, Priya," he lied, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Come on, let's finish your math problems together, okay?"

Priya nodded, her attention drawn back to her book. But Kunj couldn't focus on the numbers dancing before his eyes. His mind was consumed by the upcoming conversation with his father, the weight of his future plans resting precariously on its outcome.

Suddenly, the kitchen door creaked open, and his elder brother entered. He leaned against the counter, his face etched with a mixture of sympathy and understanding.

"Don't worry, Kunj," he said softly, his voice laced with a hint of frustration directed at their parents' conservativeness. "If it comes down to it, I can lend you some money for the trip."

Kunj shook his head, his pride flickering. "Thanks, Bhai, but that's alright. I have my savings. It's just… I want Papaji's permission. It wouldn't feel right going against his wishes."

His brother nodded, a silent respect passing between them. Kunj, despite his disappointment, admired his brother's practicality. But for him, this trip was more than just a fun adventure with friends. It was a chance to break free from the confines of their life, to experience the world and discover who he truly was.

As the night deepened, the tension in the house remained thick. Kunj retired to his room, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on him. He knew his parents would make their decision soon, and his fate, along with the dream of Switzerland, hung in the balance. Meanwhile, miles away, Abhimanyu's plans for his European adventure were taking shape, oblivious to the chance encounter that awaited them both in the heart of the Swiss mountains.
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A crystal chandelier cast a warm glow over the opulent Malhotra dining room. Crystal clinked against fine china as Abhimanyu, brimming with excitement, announced his plans for a trip to Switzerland.

His stepmother, ever the picture of grace, dabbed her lips with a napkin, a playful twinkle in her eyes. "Switzerland, darling? How delightful!" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with mock surprise. "Whatever made you choose such a… quaint destination?"

Abhimanyu, used to his mother's theatrics, rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Quaint? Maa, it's a land of breathtaking scenery, luxurious resorts, and… well," he added with a wink, "charming women too, I hear."

His father, a self-made billionaire, chuckled heartily. "Ah, always the ladies' man, aren't you, Abhi?" He speared a piece of tandoori chicken with his fork, a hint of concern flickering in his eyes. "But Switzerland, son? Isn't that a bit… tame for your usual adventures?"

Abhimanyu grinned. "True, Papa. But sometimes, a change of pace can be quite refreshing. Besides," he leaned forward, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "I hear the nightlife in Zurich is quite something."

His parents exchanged a knowing look, a silent conversation passing between them. Unlike Kunj's parents, the Malhotra household was a haven of indulgence. Abhimanyu, their only child, was showered with love and support, his whims and fancies rarely questioned.

"Well, if that's what your heart desires, beta," his mother finally said, her voice laced with affection. "Then Switzerland it is. Just promise you'll take good care of yourself. And call us every day, wouldn't want to miss a single thrilling moment of your European escapade."

A mock groan escaped Abhimanyu's lips. "Every day, Maa? You're spoiling me rotten."

His father boomed with laughter. "Enjoy it while you can, son. These trips won't last forever." The statement hung heavy in the air, a subtle reminder of the responsibilities that awaited Abhimanyu as heir to the Malhotra empire.

But for now, the future was a distant worry. Abhimanyu basked in the warmth of his family's unconditional love, his heart light with the anticipation of his upcoming adventure. Little did he know, amidst the snow-capped peaks and charming villages of Switzerland, a different kind of adventure awaited him – an encounter that would challenge his carefree existence and rewrite his destiny in ways he could never imagine.

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