Tangled Beliefs

Chapter-14: The Lion's Den

He may control my actions, but he’ll never control my spirit.

In the grand living room of the Malhotra mansion, Raj Malhotra sat in his usual armchair, flipping through the pages of a business journal. The room, with its high ceilings and elegant chandeliers, reflected the family's stature and influence. Neyonika entered, her silk saree trailing behind her as she carried a tea tray. She placed it on the table and sat across from him, her curiosity piqued by the contemplative look on his face.

"You’ve been unusually quiet today," Neyonika said, pouring him a cup of tea. "What’s on your mind, Raj?"

Raj closed the journal, setting it aside with a deliberate motion. His expression shifted into one of calm resolve. "I’ve been working on something important. Something that could shape the future of our family."

Neyonika tilted her head, intrigued. "The way you’re saying it, it sounds more personal than business. What is it?"

He leaned forward slightly, resting his arms on his knees. "It’s both, actually. You remember the Murthy family, don’t you?"

"Of course," she replied, her brows lifting. "The Murthys are one of the most prominent business families in the country. What about them?"

Raj’s lips curved into a faint smile. "Manish Murthy and I had a conversation recently at a conference. We discussed many things—our companies, market challenges, and potential collaborations. But then, the conversation turned toward something more significant. Something that goes beyond just business."

Neyonika’s curiosity deepened, her eyes narrowing slightly. "What are you getting at, Raj?"

He straightened in his chair, his tone steady. "We’ve decided to propose a marriage alliance between our families. Manik and their daughter, Nandini."

For a moment, Neyonika simply stared at him, her expression frozen in surprise. Then, as the words sank in, her face lit up with a smile. "A marriage alliance? Raj, that’s wonderful news!" Her excitement was palpable as she clasped her hands together. "I’ve been thinking for a while now that Manik needs someone in his life. He’s so consumed by work, and he hardly lets anyone in. A partner might be exactly what he needs."

Raj nodded, pleased by her reaction. "Exactly. And this isn’t just about Manik finding a partner. This alliance would solidify our standing even further. The Murthys and the Malhotras together would be an unstoppable force."

Neyonika’s smile softened, and she leaned back in her chair, her mind already racing with thoughts. "Do you have a picture of Nandini? I’d like to see what she looks like."

Raj chuckled. "Not yet, but Manish assured me they’ll send her picture by tomorrow. And we’re going there on Friday to discuss the proposal further."

"Friday?" Neyonika’s eyebrows rose. "That’s so soon. Don’t you think we should talk to Manik first? He’s not exactly someone who takes surprises well, especially something this personal."

Raj waved a hand dismissively. "There’s no need to tell him yet. You know how he is—if we tell him now, he’ll overthink it and probably oppose the idea without even giving it a chance. Let’s handle the preliminary discussions first. Once everything is in place, I’ll talk to him."

Neyonika frowned slightly, her maternal instincts kicking in. "Raj, he’s, our son. He has the right to know about something as important as this. What if he reacts badly later because we kept him in the dark?"

Raj placed a reassuring hand on hers. "Trust me, Neyonika. I know how to handle him. Manik might be stubborn, but he’s also practical. Once he understands the benefits of this alliance, he’ll see reason. Besides," he added with a faint smile, "I’m not suggesting we force him into anything."