Unwritten Vows

Family, Friendship, and Expectations

Ayaan Kapoor's morning routine was precise: the alarm at 5:30 a.m., an intense workout, a minimalist breakfast, and a drive through Mumbai's chaos. Today included an unexpected family lunch with his parents and sister, Siya.

Knowing his father, Arun Kapoor's request was non-negotiable, he arrived at their family mansion in Juhu alert for more than just a casual meal. The house blended old-world grandeur and modern luxury, designed by his mother, Aradhna Kapoor.

Once an artist, she had an eye for detail that made the mansion feel sophisticated and welcoming. Inside, Ayaan was greeted by marble floors, vintage chandeliers, and oil paintings adorning every corner.

"Ayaan bhai!" Siya's voice echoed from the hallway as she bounded down the stairs, her face lighting up as she spotted him. 

Siya, his 20-year-old sister, was a whirlwind of energy, her expressive eyes and quick smile a contrast to his composed demeanor. She wore a sundress that swayed as she skipped the last few steps, wrapping her arms around him.

"Bhai! It's been ages!" she said with a mock pout. "I don't remember the last time you came home."

Ayaan raised an eyebrow, his expression softening at her enthusiasm. "It's been a week, Siya," he replied dryly. "Hardly what I'd call 'ages.'"

"Tell that to Mom and Dad," she laughed, looping her arm through his and pulling him toward the dining room. "They think you've taken some vow to be a workaholic sannyasi."

He chuckled lightly, though he knew she wasn't entirely wrong. "I'm here now, aren't I?"

Siya led him into the dining room, where their parents were already seated. His father, Arun Kapoor, sat at the head of the table, his posture as rigid as ever, his face unreadable but calm. Beside him was his mother, Aradhna, her sari draped elegantly, her eyes warm as they settled on her son.

"Ayaan," she greeted, her smile deepening as he bent down to touch her feet—a tradition he still held, despite his otherwise reserved demeanor. "You look well."

"Thank you, Mother," he replied, taking his seat. He exchanged a nod with his father, whose gaze, though proud, held a hint of scrutiny.

They began their meal, small talk floating between them as they caught up on recent happenings. Siya filled the air with stories of her college projects and her recent internship at a tech startup, her voice animated, her enthusiasm infectious. Ayaan watched her with a fondness he rarely expressed, though he kept his face neutral as she chattered on.

"Siya's been pushing for more responsibility at her internship," Aradhna remarked, a hint of pride in her tone. "She's showing quite the entrepreneurial spirit, much like you, Ayaan."

Siya flashed him a grin, her eyes twinkling. "I'm learning from the best, after all. Although, if I become anything like bhai, I'll have to start carrying a planner around just to keep track of my 'appointments,'" she teased, using air quotes to emphasize the word.

Ayaan smirked, taking a sip of water. "Discipline isn't a crime, Siya. I could lend you one of my planners if it'll help."

"Oh no," Siya laughed, holding up her hands in mock surrender. "One workaholic Kapoor is enough for this family. I'll stick to my organized chaos, thank you very much."

The warmth of their conversation was something Ayaan found himself relishing more than he'd anticipated. But he sensed, as the meal wound down, that the true purpose of this lunch hadn't yet surfaced. His father cleared his throat, setting down his napkin with a deliberate motion that drew everyone's attention.

"Ayaan," Arun began, his gaze steady, "I spoke with your mother last week about a matter we both feel is becoming increasingly urgent."

Ayaan kept his expression neutral, though he already had a feeling about where this conversation was heading. His father's voice held a firmness that left no room for evasion.