𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐘𝐀𝐀𝐍𝐍

5. Chhupe Hue Raaz

It was late in the evening at the Kapoor mansion. The entire house was buzzing with activity as the family prepared for a grand business celebration in a few days. Mr. Kapoor, as always, was in his study going over some old documents. Naina, exhausted from her busy day, had retired to her room after dinner, while Anika was in her usual spot, painting a new canvas and humming a light tune.

But there was a heaviness in the air tonight, something unspoken lingering between the walls. The calm before the storm, as they say.

Meanwhile, at the Malhotra mansion...

Aarav had just wrapped up a long meeting and was sitting in his study, scrolling through contracts and numbers. Business was at the forefront of his mind, as usual, but lately, something else had been weighing on him. There were talks of an important family event, and his father had been acting more secretive than usual.

Neel, being Neel, strolled into Aarav’s study, munching on an apple. “Bhai, have you noticed how weird dad has been lately?”

Aarav didn’t look up from his laptop. “Weird how?”

Neel took a seat across from his brother, his usual playful demeanor shifting slightly. “He’s been meeting people without telling us, and he’s been looking over old papers. I saw him going through some really old documents today. Doesn’t it feel like something is going on?”

Aarav finally lifted his gaze. Neel’s observation was sharp this time. “I’ve noticed, but I didn’t think much of it. You know how dad is, always focused on business.”

“Yeah, but this is different. I overheard him talking to Mr. Kapoor on the phone,” Neel said, lowering his voice. “It sounded serious.”

The mention of Mr. Kapoor caught Aarav’s attention. The Kapoor family was well-known in Jaipur, particularly Naina Kapoor, who had a reputation that preceded her. Aarav had never met her, but he’d heard enough about her to respect her professional abilities. His father and Mr. Kapoor were old friends, but what could be going on between them now?

“Acha,” Aarav said thoughtfully. “I’ll talk to dad about it later.”

Neel shrugged, his carefree nature taking over again. “Just saying, bhai. Something’s fishy.”
___________________________________________

Back at the Kapoor Mansion...

Anika had just finished her painting when she heard a knock on her door. “Come in,” she called out, her voice soft.

Naina entered, looking unusually calm after the stressful day. “Kya kar rahi ho, Anika?” she asked, sitting on the edge of Anika’s bed.

“Just finished a new painting,” Anika replied, wiping her hands. “Tum thak gayi lagti ho, didi. You okay?”

Naina nodded, though her mind seemed distant. “Haan, bas thoda kaam ka stress hai, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.”

Anika tilted her head, sensing something more. “You sure? You seem... distracted.”

Before Naina could respond, they heard voices coming from their father’s study. Mr. Kapoor was on the phone, and his tone was unusually stern. The sisters exchanged a glance.