"Bonds beyond blood"(on Hold)

chapter 5: Shocking confrontation

Yuvraj returned home from the office, his mind still occupied with the events of the day. He went upstairs to his private quarters, freshened up, and made his way to the dining hall. The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air, a comforting reminder of home, yet Yuvraj's thoughts remained distant.

As he entered, he noticed his younger brother, Aditya, staring blankly at his plate, lost in thought. Their mother, Arti, was quick to notice. "Aditya, where are you lost?" she asked, her voice filled with concern and curiosity.

Aditya, snapped out of his reverie, looked up but remained silent, his thoughts evidently still elsewhere. Before he could respond, Anaya, their lively younger sister, seized the moment to tease him. "Ma, I think he's lost in someone special," she said with a mischievous grin.

Laughter erupted around the table, lightening the mood. Yuvraj, however, maintained his cold, expressionless demeanor. His eyes, usually so sharp and observant, seemed distant. He, too, was lost in his thoughts. Their grandmother, Dadi, keenly observing her grandsons, couldn't resist making a light-hearted joke.

"Arti, it looks like you're getting two daughters-in-law at the same time. We need to start making arrangements," Dadi said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Aditya, caught off guard, choked on his water, causing even more laughter. Yuvraj remained impassive, his mind elsewhere. Anaya, not one to miss an opportunity, added, "Aditya, should we start planning the wedding already?"

Aditya rolled his eyes, trying to regain his composure. "Oh, come on, Anaya. You're the one who should be worried about wedding plans. Who's the unlucky guy?"

Anaya smirked, "At least I'll have a choice. Unlike you, who'll probably end up with someone like your textbooks-boring and heavy."

The family laughed again, the light-hearted banter echoing in the dining hall. Aditya, feeling the need to defend himself, finally spoke up, "I was just thinking about something important, that's all. Nothing else."

The laughter slowly died down, and the focus shifted to Yuvraj, who had been unusually quiet. His cold demeanor was intact, but it was clear his mind was preoccupied.

Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Dadaji, spoke in a serious tone that commanded attention. "Yuvraj, after dinner, meet me in my room," he instructed before leaving the table, his face revealing nothing of his thoughts.

A heavy silence fell over the dining hall. The earlier light-heartedness was replaced by a palpable tension. No one had the courage to ask questions, not even Mahavir nor Yuvraj, who was now even more deep in thought. The rest of the meal continued quietly, each family member lost in their own thoughts.

Anaya, noticing the tension, tried to lighten the mood again. "Aditya, maybe you should take a leaf out of Yuvraj bhaiya's book and focus on work instead of daydreaming about girls."

Aditya shot back playfully, "Maybe you should take a leaf out of Yuvraj bhaiya's book and stop poking your nose into other people's business."

Anaya laughed, "Touché. But seriously, Aditya, who is she? Is she from college?"

Aditya sighed dramatically, "There is no 'she,' Anaya. My focus is on my studies. Unlike some people, I don't have time for frivolous distractions."

Anaya grinned, "Good. Then you won't mind helping me with my assignments, right? Since you have all that focus and free time."

Aditya groaned, "Why did I open my mouth?"

The family laughed again, easing the tension just a bit.

After dinner, Yuvraj received a business call. He handled it with his usual efficiency, his voice calm and composed despite the turmoil inside. Once the call ended, he made his way to Dadaji's room. He knocked on the door and waited.