'𝓑𝓮𝔂𝓸𝓷𝓭 𝓛𝓪𝓫𝓮𝓵𝓼'

11. REVELATIONS

Dev stood confidently at the podium, surveying the room filled with esteemed guests. He welcomed everyone, his voice commanding attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, I'm honoured to host this evening's celebration. Tonight, we gather to commemorate our company's remarkable journey of 50 years." He spoke of his ancestors' tireless efforts, his father's visionary leadership, and the dedication of his team. The audience listened intently, mesmerized by Dev's powerful aura. As he concluded, the room erupted into applause. The atmosphere shifted, becoming more relaxed and convivial. Just then, the Chaudhary couple entered, exuding elegance and poise. 

Dev's mother rushed to greet them."Rajveer sahab, Kavita ji, it's so wonderful to see you! You're looking stunning, as always." Mrs. Chaudhary smiled warmly. "Thank you, Nilima ji. You're too kind. We're sorry we're a bit late; the traffic was terrible." Nilima ji politely spoke, "Please don't apologise, I surely understand the situation." Mr. Chaudhary added, "But we wouldn't miss this for the world. I heard about your son's inspiring speech by some of your guests as I entered. We are really impressed." Nilima beamed. "Thank you, Rajveer Sahab. That means a lot coming from you." 

As they chatted, Raima entered with Aarav, her eyes apologetic. "Sorry about the delay.  "Aarav spilled chocolate on his clothes.", she whispered to her mother-in-law. Aarav looked up, sheepishly. "Sorry, Mumma." Nilima's gaze locked onto Raima, her expression complex. She felt a pang of familiarity, mixed with a hint of sadness. Mrs. Chaudhary intervened, "Nilima ji, I'd like you to meet my daughter-in-law, Raima. Raima, this is Mrs. Mittal." The women exchanged warm smiles.

Just then, Aarav darted from behind Raima and exclaimed, "Hello, Nilima ma'am!" Nilima's eyes widened. "Aarav! What a pleasant surprise! How are you, young man?" Raima's eyes narrowed. "Aarav, how do you know Mrs. Mittal?" Aarav grinned. "Mumma, She owns the piano school I go to!" Raima's surprise turned to confusion. "You never told me that!"

Mrs. Chaudhary chimed in, "We had no idea either! What a wonderful coincidence! Oh, I forgot to introduce, Aarav is our grandchild, Raima's son" Nilima chuckled. "Yeah, I just got to know. Well, Aarav's a talented student, and I have heard from Mrs. D'Souza about his remarkable progress. I'm glad to see him here tonight."

As the conversation flowed, Aarav's gaze wandered, scanning the room. Suddenly, his eyes locked onto a familiar figure, whose back was turned to him. Aarav's curiosity piqued, he inched forward, trying to get a better look.

When he finally saw the man's profile, Aarav's face lit up with shock, happiness, and excitement. He shrieked, "Champion!" and darted towards the man, leaving Raima's hand. Raima's eyes widened, "Aarav!" she called after him, alarm etched on her face.

Nilima, Mrs. Chaudhary, and Mr. Chaudhary were equally startled. However, Nilima quickly regained her composure, a warm smile spreading across her face. She had learned about Aarav and Dev's connection from Mrs. D'Souza and Dev himself though Dev was reluctant to tell her. As Aarav ran towards the mysterious figure, the room's dim lighting obscured the man's identity from the others. But Aarav's ecstatic cry left no doubt—it was Champion. Nilima's gaze softened, witnessing the reunion. She hadn't seen her son this carefree in years, and Aarav's bond with Dev warmed her heart.

The room fell silent, with all eyes on the Dev and Aarav. The dignitaries were equally suprised but no one had the nerve to interfere or raise questions over this. Dev's expression, once guarded, now radiated warmth and affection as he lifted Aarav into his arms.

Raima called out, "Aarav!" but her son was too engrossed in Dev's embrace. Dev, lost in the moment, forgot about his surroundings. "Hey, little champ! How've you been?" Aarav grinned. "I've been good, Champion! I missed you!" Dev's eyes sparkled. "I missed you too, buddy!"

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with laughter and warmth. But suddenly, Dev's gaze swept the room, and reality hit him like a ton of bricks. Aarav, here? Alone? Who's with him? Before Dev could process, Aarav exclaimed, "Mumma, come meet Champion!" Dev's heart skipped a beat as he turned. The smile on his face faltered, replaced by anxiety. His heart raced as old memories flooded back. The pain he thought he'd buried resurfaced, piercing his chest.

 Raima stood frozen, her eyes locked on Dev and Aarav. Shock, surprise, and disbelief warred on her face. Her mind reeled as she realised what she saw; her mind racing over the fragments of conversations that clicked into place. Aarav's words echoed in her mind: "Champion's mom owns the piano school." Mrs. Nilima Mittal, the owner of the school, and her son... Dev Mittal.. Raima's eyes widened as the dots connected. Just yesterday, she saw Dev's picture in a news article, her soon-to-be business partner. And now, he was standing in front of her, holding her son. Her thoughts swirled. How could this be? Aarav's Champion, the man who brought so much joy to her child, was Dev Mittal? Raima's feelings tangled into a knot. She felt like she'd been punched in the gut, unable to breathe. The room spun around her. She felt like she'd been living in a bubble, oblivious to the truth.

Dev's eyes met Raima's, and the air thickened with unspoken emotions. The ravages of past and an oblivious present collided, leaving them both breathless. Aarav, oblivious to the tension, beamed. "Mumma, isn't Champion the best?" Raima's lips parted, but words failed her. She couldn't process the revelation. Dev's face mirrored Raima's shock, his eyes searching for answers. The silence between them grew, heavy with unresolved emotions and unanswered questions.

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Quite overwhelming....

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