'𝓑𝓮𝔂𝓸𝓷𝓭 𝓛𝓪𝓫𝓮𝓵𝓼'

10. DO OR DIE

Aarav stood in the doorway, dressed in his finest attire, watching Raima get ready for the party. "Mumma, why are you going to the party?" Aarav asked, his curious eyes locked on Raima's reflection. Raima paused, applying her lipstick. "What do you mean, beta? We've been invited, and it's an important event." Aarav tilted his head. "But you don't like parties. You always say they're boring."

Raima chuckled. "That's true, Aarav. I rarely attend parties because I find them... superficial. People pretending to be someone they're not, just to impress others or gain business profits." Aarav nodded thoughtfully. Raima's expression softened. "However, this party is different. Mittal Enterprises has been a valued partner for our company, and your Dada ji is eager to attend. Plus, I genuinely want to go." Aarav's eyes sparkled with understanding. "Okay."

Raima smiled, adjusting Aarav's tie. "You look so handsome, my love." Aarav smiled and complimented, "Mumma, you are so pretty." Raima gave a bright smile and spoke " Thank you beta. Now, are you excited about the party?" Aarav nodded enthusiastically. Raima chuckled. "Shall we go then?" Raima asked, offering her hand. Aarav nodded, taking her hand. "Let's go, Mumma." They joined the elder couple at the car near the porch and headed to the party.

Little did she know, tonight would bring more than just business discussions and polite smiles.

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Dev stood in the office cabin of his room at the Mittal mansion, surrounded by papers and files, partially dressed for the party. His blazer and shoes lay abandoned, as he sought refuge in work. It was his escape mechanism, a desperate attempt to distract himself from her thoughts. He couldn't face her. The mere possibility sent his heart racing. Yet, he couldn't avoid her either. Tonight, at the party, their paths would cross.

Dev's mind replayed the previous night's restless thoughts. "Why does it have to be Rudraksh Corporations?" he had thought. "Why does it have to be her?" He wanted the alliance with Rudraksh Corporations for complete professional reasons; he knew it was the best for the project in hand. But somehow, this was affecting his personal life. "I can't blame anyone," he had thought, frustration etched on his face. "No one is at fault. It's my feelings that are messing with me."

He couldn't shake off the feeling that his professional goals were now tangled with his personal demons. "I just need to focus on the project," Dev told himself, convincing himself that his intense work ethic was merely dedication. To silence the nagging thoughts, Dev had buried himself in work, just as he always did when he needed a distraction. Last night was no exception.

Dev's mother swept into his room, resplendent in her outfit for the party. Her eyes narrowed, finding her son buried in work. "What's wrong with you, Dev?" she exclaimed, snatching the file from his hands. "The party's about to start, and you're still working?" Dev whined, "Maa, this is important." His mother's anger flared. "Is work more important than your own party? Especially today?"

She scolded, her words tumbling out in rapid succession. "You're always working, Dev. Always. You don't have a life outside these papers and files. You're not getting any younger, you know. You need to think about settling down, having a family." Dev's eyes dropped, avoiding her gaze.

His mother's tone turned exasperated. "I'm fed up with you, Dev. Five years, I've been telling you to get married, and what do you do? You run off to some conference or meeting or God knows what. You always have an excuse." Her voice softened, infused with concern. "I want to see you happy, beta. You need someone to take care of you, love you. I won't be around forever to pamper you."

Dev's eyes widened as his mother's words took a stern turn. "Either you take action, or I will. I've already spoken to my friend, and her daughter is perfect for you. Beautiful, intelligent, and kind. You'll make a great couple." But, unbeknownst to Dev, this was just an empty threat, designed to provoke him into action. She had no intention of actually arranging a marriage without his consent. Dev's face paled, his mind reeling.

"Maa, no..." he began, but she cut him off. "Don't 'Maa' me, Dev. I mean business. You have two options: find someone yourself or let me arrange something. Your choice." Just then, a staff member knocked on the door. "Ma'am, guests have started arriving." His mother rushed out, calling over her shoulder, "All the best, Dev. See you." As she left, a hint of a smile played on her lips.

Dev stood frozen, his mind racing. He ran a hand over his hair and face, frustration etched on his features. "What have I gotten myself into?" he muttered, feeling trapped. With a deep breath, Dev composed himself and headed towards the hall, his heart heavy with foreboding.

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Any idea what's Dev gonna decide??

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