Doriyaann

1. Rishton ki Door

The grand haveli of the Kapoor family stood tall and proud in the heart of Jaipur, its sandstone walls a perfect blend of tradition and opulence. The sprawling courtyard bustled with activity as sunlight filtered through the intricately carved jharokhas (windows). It was a typical morning in the Kapoor household-where discipline and chaos somehow coexisted in a delicate balance.

Naina Kapoor, the eldest daughter, sat at the head of the large wooden dining table, her posture as impeccable as always. Even in the morning, she exuded elegance-her sleek black hair tied in a low ponytail, her face framed by delicate strands that softened her otherwise fierce expression. Naina was dressed in a crisp white kurta and churidar, ready to head to the office. A stack of files lay next to her breakfast plate, untouched.

"Baba, we need to finalize the deal by the end of this week. Nahi toh we'll lose the investor," she said, her tone calm but firm as she glanced at her father, Shekar Kapoor, who sat across from her. He was sipping his morning chai, his face thoughtful. Despite his age, Shekar Kapoor maintained a strong presence-a man who had built an empire with his bare hands.

"Beta, we'll finalize it. Don't worry so much," Shekar replied, his voice reassuring. "But you need to take it easy sometimes. Tumhari tabiyat (your health) is important too."

Naina's lips pressed into a thin line. "I'll take a break when the work is done, Papa."

Before Shekar could respond, the door swung open, and in strolled Anika, the youngest Kapoor daughter, a bundle of energy as always. Dressed in a vibrant pink salwar kameez, her hair in a messy braid, Anika grabbed a paratha from the kitchen counter and plopped down next to her father.

"Good morning, parivaar!" Anika chirped with a wide grin, her face lighting up the room. She took a large bite of the paratha and winked at Naina, who gave her a disapproving look.

"Tumhe tameez hai bhi?" Naina asked, raising an eyebrow. "You can't just walk in like this, late, and start eating without even greeting properly."

Anika shrugged, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Didi, it's called prioritizing. I was too busy finishing the last touches of my painting. You know, the one I'm working on for the exhibition?"

Naina sighed, shaking her head. "Anika, tumhe serious hona padega about your future. Painting and writing are hobbies. You need to focus on something more stable, something that can provide."

Anika's smile didn't waver. "Didi, don't worry. I'll manage just fine. You focus on your files, and I'll focus on bringing some rang (color) into this dull haveli of ours."

Shekar chuckled, his eyes twinkling at the banter between his daughters. "Woh toh sahi keh rahi hai, Naina. Har cheez can't be about work. Anika's creativity is a gift."

Naina's response was cut short by the loud screech of a chair being dragged across the floor. Anika got up dramatically, mimicking a serious voice, "Didi, I will now leave this tense environment and go find some inspiration. You focus on those boring files and think about why you have no social life."

Naina rolled her eyes as Anika dashed out of the dining room, laughing. "You are impossible, Anika!"

•~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~•

Meanwhile, across town in the Malhotra mansion, a very different morning was unfolding. Aarav Malhotra, the eldest son of the family, stood in front of his massive desk, a sleek laptop open in front of him as he scanned through various reports. His office was immaculate-every file, every document in its designated place, reflecting his meticulous personality.