Iqraar

Chapter 4

Wish you all a very Shubh Deepavali! I hope you have lots of health, wealth, peace and everlasting joy!

Chapter 4

The air in the room hung with palpable tension as Shashi Gupta sat opposite Arnav, contemplating the weight of the decision he had come to make. His mind was preoccupied—by the rumors that had refused to die down, by the increasing buzz around his daughter's involvement with Arnav Singh Raizada. It wasn't just idle gossip; there was a murmur of judgment. While many were sympathetic toward Khushi, some still whispered that she was using the situation to her advantage, perhaps even to elevate her family's standing.

Shashi had heard it all and, as a father, it pained him. Khushi had done nothing wrong, and yet the world was quick to cast her in a dubious light. And now, standing at the precipice of what could be a significant opportunity, Shashi found himself torn. He knew Raizada's name all too well, not just from the rumors but from the man's undeniable influence in the industry.

This opportunity could be a turning point for their chikankari business, an opportunity to stabilize their finances and expand their operations. But was it worth the price of associating with someone so closely tied to the very rumors that had put his daughter in an awkward position?

He sighed deeply. Business had been steady, but the margins were tight. Running a traditional chikankari business in these modern times was no easy feat, and while they had loyal clients, the competition from mechanized textiles and cheaper alternatives had grown fiercer by the day.

Shashi closed his eyes for a moment, remembering the conversations at home and the unanimous opinions when he had voiced his apprehension considering the situation with Khushi.

"The rumors... they haven't stopped. I hear them in the market, and at the temple. Good or bad, people refuse to stop talking about it. It's unfair. Our daughter did nothing wrong. As it is, it is because of your long standing friendship with them and our good fortune that the Agarwals have decided to overlook these rumours and proceed with the proposal for Payal. We can't have anything threatening that too right now," Garima had said, expressing her motherly concern.

"But the business... we need this, Shashi babua. You've worked so hard to keep it going, and this could give us the financial security we've been hoping for. We need the money," Buaji had said, her practicality rising over emotions.

"In time, people will forget. We don't need the others, Babuji. This is an incredible opportunity. AR Designs is one of the most prestigious fashion houses in the country, known for their luxury collections and high-profile clientele. To be invited to work with them was nothing short of an honor—and an opportunity that could elevate our business to a level we have never imagined," Payal had said.

"We have lived with these people for so many years. They have practically seen me grow up. If all it takes is one incident for them to assume the worst about me, are these people even worth thinking about? Don't worry about me, Babuji. We have worked so hard all these years and this is our reward. You cannot say no it! These are not the people that will feed us when we are hungry. These are the people that will still bargain if you decide to raise your prices by a small fraction. They are not the ones that will pay our bills or help you marry jiji off," Khushi had said.

Arnav leaned back in his leather chair, his eyes fixed on Shashi. He had been quiet, giving Shashi all the time he seemed to need.

"Mr. Raizada," Shashi started, his voice hesitant but determined. "I've been thinking about this... project."

Arnav arched a brow, instinctively knowing where this was going. He sensed Shashi's discomfort and waited for him to continue.

Shashi swallowed, his voice trembling with concern. "I am glad that you haven't withdrawn your offer to me for your requirement of hand artisans, especially considering... what happened at your event. But after everything that's occurred, I can't help but feel that this may not be right for my daughter."