KAYAMATH (ON HOLD)

Chapter 27

The next few days were consumed by lavish wedding festivities, each moment more grandiose than the last. Every newspaper headline, every TV segment, and even social media were abuzz with speculations about the big day. What would the bride wear? Which designer was crafting her outfit? What style of makeup would she choose? There were even heated debates about the honeymoon destination of the soon-to-be-married couple. The buzz was almost surreal, making it seem like the entire world was eagerly awaiting the event.

However, behind the opulence and glamour, a storm was brewing. Neev had not come home. for several days, and his absence loomed like a dark cloud over his family. Niharika and Pranay were deeply worried, and their concern grew with each passing day. The company, which had been stable after Ayesha's significant investment, was now facing unforeseen challenges again. Pranay, seated in his study, often muttered under his breath, "This has to be because of that girl... Panchi."

Despite their endless efforts to locate him, Neev remained elusive. Late one evening, Niharika, Pranay, and Ayesha sat in the lavishly decorated living room, discussing the company's troubles and Neev's prolonged absence. Ayesha, dressed impeccably in a silk robe, sipped her wine indifferently. She seemed unfazed by the turmoil, her demeanor calm as though she had no stakes in the chaos unfolding around her.

Suddenly, the front door creaked open, and Neev staggered in. His appearance was shocking-his coat hung haphazardly off one shoulder, his hair was disheveled, and his face bore the unmistakable signs of drunkenness. The most alarming sight, however, was the bandage wrapped around his hand, stained with dried blood.

"Neev!" Niharika exclaimed, rushing to his side with Pranay following close behind.

"What is this? Just look at yourself!" Niharika's voice trembled with a mix of concern and frustration.

"And what if the paparazzi had caught you like this?" Pranay interjected angrily.

"Do you realize the damage this could have done? You'd be the scandal of tomorrow's headlines!"

Neev chuckled bitterly, a hollow sound that made both his parents pause.

"Headlines," he repeated mockingly. His words slurred. "Oh, wouldn't that be something? A real headline for once..."

Pranay's patience was wearing thin. "What's so funny? Do you even know what you're saying right now?"

But Neev ignored him, raising his injured hand. "Did either of you care to ask how this happened?"

Both Niharika and Pranay glanced at the bandage, their expressions shifting from anger to alarm.

"Oh my God! Neev, what happened? Were you hurt? How did this happen?" Niharika reached for his hand, but Neev pulled it away brusquely.

He moved past them, collapsing heavily onto the sofa.

"Neev!" Pranay's voice boomed. "What kind of behavior is this? We're asking you questions, and you're ignoring us. Do you even realize what this looks like? What impression will this leave on Ayesha?"

Niharika chimed in, her tone defensive. "Beta, don't get the wrong idea. My Neev is not like this. He's calm, composed, and respectful. He's just... upset."

Neev smirked, his sarcasm cutting. "Mom, you sound just like a salesperson, praising a product that's clearly flawed."

Pranay's fist slammed onto the table. "Enough, Neev! I've had enough of this nonsense!"

"Enough?" Neev echoed, his voice rising.

"I'm glad you said that, Dad, because I've had enough too. Enough of your control. My entire life, you've dictated everything-who I should be friends with, where I should go, what I should do. But you couldn't control one thing: my feelings for Panchi."