TANGLED TRADITIONS

chaos and shopping

                        Chapter 10

**Oberoi Industries – Morning**

Vihaan was already at his desk when the sun barely peeked over the horizon. His office was bathed in the soft glow of early morning light, but his mind was far from serene. The aftermath of the data breach still weighed heavily on him, and he had called an early meeting with his IT team to ensure progress was being made.

“Morning, everyone,” Vihaan greeted his team with a curt nod as they filed into the conference room. His tone was brisk, and his expression sharp.

Anish, the junior analyst who had been feeling the pressure since yesterday’s intense discussion, was the first to speak. “Sir, we’ve updated our security protocols and are in the process of implementing the new measures. External consultants are due this afternoon.”

Vihaan leaned back, folding his arms, his gaze piercing. “Good. I want daily updates on the progress. If there’s even a hint of another breach, we’ll be in serious trouble.”

Sunil, the head of IT, interjected, “We’re also conducting a full audit of past incidents, ensuring nothing like this happens again. We won’t let you down.”

Vihaan gave a sharp nod. “I expect nothing less. Make sure everything runs smoothly from now on.”

With that, the meeting ended, and Vihaan returned to his office. He tried to focus on his other tasks, but the lingering tension from the breach still clung to him. His phone buzzed, and it was his mother, Kavita.

“I hope you’re not skipping breakfast again, Vihaan,” her familiar, gentle voice came through the phone.

Vihaan smiled faintly, though his voice remained strained. “I’ll grab something later, Ma. I’m swamped with work.”

Kavita sighed, knowing she couldn’t argue with him while he was at the office. “Alright, but make sure you take care of yourself. You know how important balance is.”

“I will, Ma. Don’t worry,” Vihaan reassured her before ending the call. Yet, balance seemed like a distant dream for him at the moment.

**The Mall – Late Morning**

Meanwhile, Aradhaya was out at the bustling mall, preparing for her next big step—an interview at one of the largest companies in the city. She moved through the store, browsing racks of formal clothing. She wanted something sharp yet elegant, something that would make her feel confident and ready for anything. This interview was crucial, and she knew first impressions counted.

After selecting a few outfits, Aradhaya made her way to the checkout, carefully checking her notes about the company on her phone. Lost in her thoughts about the upcoming interview, she didn’t notice the elderly woman in front of her as she rounded the corner.

“Ah!” The woman yelped as she stumbled slightly, her shopping bags slipping from her grasp.

Aradhaya, quick on her feet, reached out and caught the bags before they hit the ground. “I’m so sorry, Auntie!” she said apologetically, bending down to help the woman gather her things.

Kavita, the woman, chuckled softly as she regained her balance. “Oh, don’t worry, dear. It was my fault for not paying attention.”

Aradhaya smiled warmly as she handed the bags back. “I’m just glad I could help. Are you alright?”

Kavita looked at her closely for the first time, her eyes narrowing slightly, not in suspicion but in recognition. A warm, familiar feeling spread through her as she studied Aradhaya’s face. “You know, you remind me of someone,” she said, her tone soft and almost nostalgic.

Aradhaya tilted her head curiously. “Oh? Who?”

Kavita smiled, a distant look in her eyes. “My old friend, Jyoti. You look just like her when she was younger.”

Aradhaya’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. **Jyoti?** That was her mother’s name. She smiled politely, but her mind was buzzing with curiosity. “Auntie, what’s your friend’s full name?” she asked hesitantly, wondering if it could be a coincidence.

Kavita’s smile deepened as she responded, “Jyoti Sharma. We were very close many years ago, but life took us in different directions.”

Aradhaya’s heart skipped a beat. “Sharma? That’s my last name too. My mother’s name is Jyoti Sharma!” she exclaimed, the connection slowly clicking into place.

Kavita’s eyes widened in astonishment. “Your mother is Jyoti? Oh, my dear, what a small world! I haven’t seen her in years! How is she?”

Aradhaya smiled brightly, still processing the surprise of this encounter. “She’s doing well! I had no idea you two were friends.”

Kavita beamed, her face lighting up with memories of the past. “Your mother and I were inseparable back in college. We used to get into all sorts of mischief together.” She laughed softly, clearly delighted by this unexpected reunion through Aradhaya.

“Well, I’ll have to tell her I met you. She’ll be so happy!” Aradhaya said, feeling a rush of excitement.

Kavita nodded warmly. “Yes, please do! And you, dear, you’ve grown into such a lovely young woman. I can see so much of your mother in you.”

Aradhaya blushed slightly, touched by the compliment. “Thank you, Auntie. It was really nice meeting you.”

“Likewise,” Kavita said, squeezing Aradhaya’s hand gently. “I hope we meet again soon.”

With that, they parted ways, but the encounter left both women with a sense of nostalgia and curiosity about the past.

**Sharma Household – Afternoon**

Later that day, back at home, Aradhaya couldn’t wait to tell her mother about the chance meeting. She hurried into the living room where Jyoti was sipping tea.

“Maa, you won’t believe who I ran into at the mall today,” Aradhaya began excitedly.

Jyoti looked up, intrigued. “Who?”

“Kavita Aunty! She said you two were old friends from college.”

Jyoti’s eyes widened in surprise, her face breaking into a fond smile. “Kavita! Oh, I haven’t seen her in years. We were so close back then. How is she?”

“She’s doing well. She recognized me right away. I couldn’t believe it,” Aradhaya said with a laugh.

Jyoti leaned back, her expression thoughtful. “It’s amazing how life works sometimes. After all these years…”

Aradhaya nodded. “I know. Maybe you two should reconnect. She seemed really happy to hear about you.”

Jyoti smiled, a touch of nostalgia in her eyes. “Maybe we will.”

As Aradhaya headed upstairs to prepare for her interview, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this chance encounter with Kavita was more than just a coincidence. It felt like a door to something new, something she couldn’t quite put into words just yet.