When Disaster Meets Perfection

Ch-23. The Unexpected Homecoming

Outside the airport

Shivay arrived at the airport, his eyes scanning the crowd for a familiar face. He spotted Om leaning against a car, a wave in his hand signaling his presence. As Shivay approached, Om greeted him with a warm embrace.

"I missed you, Shivay," Om said, his voice filled with genuine affection.

Shivay, removing his sunglasses, replied, "Only two months, Om. We've been video calling each other regularly."

Om chuckled, "I think you've been too busy with your love to miss us."

Shivay, settling into the car with Om, responded, "My love? I was busy with business deals, not with some girl."

Om laughed, "Oh, come on, Shivay. Don't deny it. Rudra's nickname for your work is 'your love'."

Shivay sighed, "Rudra and his antics. Let me rest until we reach the mansion. There's more drama waiting."

In the Car

Om chuckled, and let Shivay rest for few minutes. Looking outside the window he stated to remember the unexpected call from Shivay announcing his trip to London for a business deal. They were all shocked by the sudden departure, especially since he had left right after the fashion show fiasco.

Just then, Om's phone buzzed with a message from Ishana, breaking his reverie. He was delighted to read that Annika had finally secured a job. He couldn't wait to share the exciting news with Rudra, who had been equally invested in Annika's success. Both Om and Rudra had been rooting for Annika to find a job in Mumbai, hoping to prevent her from having to return to her hometown.

A smile crept onto Om's face as he thought about the changes that had occurred during Shivay's absence. He had developed feelings for Ishana, who had surprised him with a visit after the fashion show. Their professional relationship had evolved into a personal one.

Annika, still unemployed, had often accompanied Ishana to her office, where she met Om and Rudra. They had quickly formed a bond, sharing their secrets and struggles. While they were aware of the events surrounding Annika's encounter with Vishal, they had chosen to keep it a secret, pretending to be Ishana's business acquaintances.

Oberoi Mansion

As they arrived at the mansion, Om and Shivay stepped out of the car and began walking towards the entrance. Suddenly, Shivay was enveloped in a tight hug by Rudra, who exclaimed, "Bhaiya, I missed you so much! How could you leave without meeting us? You know how sad I was."

Shivay sighed, accustomed to Rudra's melodrama. Gently breaking free from the hug, he teased, "You really missed me? Then why didn't you send me your mid-semester results when I asked?"

Rudra's grin faltered for a moment before he quickly recovered. "Bhaiya, come on, let's go! Dadi and Dadaji are waiting for you."

Shivay chuckled, shaking his head, and followed Rudra towards the mansion, with Om walking alongside them. The warm welcome and familiar banter felt comforting after his two-month absence. Little did he know, more surprises awaited him inside.

As Shivay entered the mansion, he was greeted by the warm glow of the evening lights and the loving presence of his family. His mother, Badi Mom, Dadi, and Dada were seated in the living room, enjoying snacks and tea.

His mother's eyes widened in surprise as she spotted Shivay, and she hastily set her cup down on the tray. Rushing towards him, she enveloped him in a tight hug.