A Love unspoken : An Unseen Affection

Chapter:2

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As Aarish stood in the hall, taking in the familiar surroundings, a servant spotted him. The man's eyes widened in recognition, and he called out, "Chhote Sarkar!" His voice carried through the room, drawing the attention of everyone present.

Aarish's eyes followed the voice, recognizing one of the old servants who had helped raise him. The affection in the old man's eyes filled Aarish's heart with a deep sense of belonging.

Every face in the hall turned towards him. Smiles of joy, surprise, and relief spread like wildfire. His feet carried him forward as if guided by the very walls of this centuries-old Rajbari. He hadn't realized just how much he missed home until this very moment.

"Aarish!" A booming voice broke through the joyful noise, and Aarish turned to see his father, Somnath Bhattacharya, striding towards him with open arms. The man's tall figure, donned in a crisp white shirt and pants, a blend of a successful businessman and a zamindar's heir. His sharp eyes, though stern most times, softened as they took in Aarish.

"Baba!" Aarish greeted, embracing him. Somnath's pride for his son was evident in the firm grip of the hug.

"You've grown into a young man, haven't you?" Somnath pulled back and patted Aarish's shoulder with pride. "The city life suits you." Aarish smiled.

"It's good to be back, Baba," Aarish replied, his voice full of affection. His father had always been his guiding star,a businessman by profession, but a zamindar at heart, steeped in the traditions of their lineage while moving the family business towards modernization.

Beside him, an older figure approached, but his eyes still sparkled with the energy of a much younger man. Shantanu Bhattacharya, Aarish's grandfather, the true patriarch of the family and the last zamindar of their vast lands, stood before him. He wore a regal dhoti-kurta, embroidered subtly with gold, an unmistakable symbol of his status.

"My boy," the old man said, pulling Aarish into a warm embrace. "You've made us proud." His voice deep with age but still held the same authority. "Your excellence in the education and in extra activities, it's all we've ever hoped for."

Aarish smiled, feeling a deep sense of fulfillment. "Thank you, Dadu. I only did what you and Baba taught me."

Their conversation was interrupted by the loud clatter of running feet, and suddenly Aarish found himself surrounded by his siblings. His elder sister Sucharita, married and with a family of her own, grinned mischievously as she came forward, pinching Aarish's cheek.

"Oh look at you, the favorite son returns!" she teased. Her saree fluttered as she moved gracefully, the gold bangles on her wrists tinkling softly. "Do you even remember your poor sister?"

"Of course, Didi," Aarish laughed, rubbing his cheek, "I could never forget you. But, stop pulling my cheek I am not a kid anymore."

" yes I can see that", she said glancing at his height, she barely reached his shouler.

Before he could reply , his younger brother Debashish threw his arm around Aarish's shoulder. "So, Dadabhai do they treat you like most favorite in the hostel too, or just here?"

Aarish smirked. "Jealous, Debu? I can give you some lessons."

Debashish rolled his eyes dramatically. "No, thank you. I'm quite happy being the pampered one around here."

"In my absence, now that I am back, nobody will look at you." Aarish teased him.

Their banter was interrupted by their youngest sister , Kumud, bounding in with youthful energy. "Dadabhai Dadabhai, I knew you will be back soon ! Did you bring me anything from the city?" She asked eagerly.