My Dream Lover

chapter 3

The next morning, Aarav woke up to the sound of his mother's voice, shrill and insistent. "Aarav, beta, wake up! We need to leave for the beach house soon."

Aarav groggily opened his eyes, rubbing the sleep from them. He had barely gotten any rest, his mind racing with thoughts of Samantha and the strange connection they had shared.

As he got dressed and packed his bag, Aarav's father handed him a cup of coffee. "Listen, Aarav, I need to talk to you about something."

Aarav raised an eyebrow, sensing a lecture coming on. "What is it, Father?"

Vijay Singhania hesitated, his eyes narrowing. "It's about the business. I know you're not interested, but you need to start taking more responsibility. You're 25 now, Aarav. It's time to step up."

Aarav felt a familiar surge of resentment. "I know, Father. But can't it wait? I'm not exactly thrilled about this beach trip as it is."

Vijay's expression turned stern. "No, Aarav, it can't wait. The business needs you now more than ever. And as for the beach trip, you'll do as you're told and make an effort to enjoy yourself."

Aarav bit back a retort, knowing it would only lead to more conflict. He nodded curtly and followed his parents out to the car, feeling trapped and suffocated.

As they drove to the beach house, Aarav's mind wandered to Samantha and the freedom she represented. He couldn't wait to see her again, to escape the suffocating grip of his family's expectations.

But little did he know, the beach house held secrets of its own, secrets that would change everything.

As they arrived at the beach house, Aarav was struck by its beauty. The house was perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, its windows gleaming in the sunlight.

Samantha was already there, standing on the deck with a book in her hand. She smiled as Aarav approached, and he felt his heart skip a beat.

"Hey," she said, closing her book. "Welcome to the beach house."

Aarav nodded, feeling a little awkward. "Thanks. It's beautiful."

As they spent the day lounging on the beach and exploring the tide pools, Aarav found himself relaxing in Samantha's presence. She was easy to talk to, and he felt like he could be himself around her.

But as the sun began to set, Aarav's parents called them in for dinner. As they sat down at the table, Aarav noticed that Ragul was there, his eyes fixed intently on Samantha.

"So, Samantha," Ragul said, his voice dripping with charm. "Tell us more about yourself."

Samantha smiled, seeming to sense the tension in the air. "Not much to tell," she said. "I'm just a marine biologist, trying to make a difference."

Ragul raised an eyebrow. "A marine biologist, huh? That's fascinating. I'm sure Aarav here could learn a thing or two from you."

Aarav felt a surge of annoyance, but Samantha just laughed. "I doubt that," she said. "Aarav seems like a smart guy to me."

As the dinner conversation continued, Aarav found himself growing more and more uncomfortable. There was something about Ragul's behavior that didn't sit right with him.

And then, just as they were finishing up, Samantha dropped a bombshell. "I have something to tell you all," she said, her voice hesitant. "Something that might change everything."

Aarav's heart skipped a beat as Samantha's words hung in the air. What could she possibly have to say that would change everything?

"I've been researching the Singhania family's business dealings," Samantha said, her eyes locked on Aarav's father. "And I think I've uncovered some disturbing information."