The casting manager, observing the child with interest, turned to a staff member and said, “Call his parents in a few minutes.”
Before the staff could move, a soft yet sharp voice echoed through the studio.
“My parents aren’t here,” Aarush announced, sitting composedly on the oversized beanbag. “Let’s discuss the contract first. If you agree to my conditions, only then will I sign.”
The entire room fell silent in disbelief. Even Arjun, who had just walked into his cabin without turning back, halted briefly at the boy’s audacity before continuing inside. A moment later, Aarush calmly rose and followed him in.
---
### **Inside Arjun’s Cabin**
For a few seconds, silence filled the space as the two stared at each other—one a towering man with an authoritative air, the other a small figure with remarkable confidence.
Resting his arm along the sofa, Arjun looked directly at the boy and asked, his voice cold and commanding, “What are your conditions?”
Mirroring his posture with endearing innocence, Aarush replied sweetly, “I want a two-year endorsement fee, paid in advance.”
Gasps filled the room. Arjun’s assistant Varun, along with a few startled staff members and the casting manager, stood frozen in place, sweat forming on their brows.
One of the staff whispered, “This kid negotiates better than some executives... and he’s what—six?”
Arjun raised an eyebrow, slightly amused yet intrigued. “Seems like you’re in desperate need of money?”
Aarush shook his head gently and replied in a soft, sincere tone, “No, sir. I just need a home.”
Arjun blinked.
Aarush continued, his voice a calm breeze in the tense air. “Shifting houses again and again is hard. I don’t want my mom to go through that anymore.”
Arjun’s heart stirred slightly at the innocent reasoning. *Single-parent family,* he noted internally, his expression unreadable.
Sitting upright now, Arjun asked, his voice firm, “And what makes you think I’ll agree to your terms?”
Aarush, with a calm authority far beyond his years, responded, “Because I’m the best fit for your brand.”
Arjun leaned in slightly, intrigued. “Why do you think that?”
Aarush explained confidently, “First, the photographer took only a few photos of the other kids, but a *lot* of mine. Second, I overheard staff saying you're still looking for a worthy model internationally.”
Arjun listened, silent but impressed.
Then Aarush’s voice grew sharper, eyes wide with playful pride. “And third—and most importantly—you’re the big boss here. Yet, instead of sending someone else, you’re sitting with *me*, discussing conditions yourself.”
Arjun couldn’t help the smile that tugged at the corners of his lips. Without hesitation, he said, “I agree to your conditions.”
Turning to the casting manager, Arjun ordered, “Contact his supervisor immediately and get the contract signed.”
The manager stepped closer, nodding eagerly. “Yes, sir. It’ll be done right away.”
Overjoyed, Aarush jumped down from the large sofa, walked confidently over to Arjun, and extended a small hand. “So, Mr. Chairman… I’m excited to work with you.”
Arjun shook his hand and smiled. “Likewise, Aarush. You’re truly remarkable.”
Placing a gentle hand over the boy’s head, Arjun asked warmly, “What’s your name, child?”
Aarush looked up at him with bright, trusting eyes. “Aarush Jia Yadav.”
Arjun blinked at the name. “Aarush… It means radiant rays of the sun,” he murmured.
A sudden flash of a memory pierced through him—*a woman with golden, wavy hair… skin glowing like sunlight… and a scent he couldn’t forget… Jiya.* But her face remained a blurred silhouette in his mind, lost somewhere in time.
Snapping back to reality, Arjun gave a slight nod and said, “It’s a good name.”
Aarush beamed. “My mom gave it to me.”
After a brief pause, the boy tilted his head curiously. “And what’s *your* name, Mr. Chairman of the Board?”
Before Arjun could respond, the casting manager stepped forward to speak. “This is our—”
Arjun raised a hand, silencing him with a calm but firm gesture. “I’ll introduce myself.”
Then, rising from the sofa and placing a hand once again on Aarush’s head, he said gently, “My name is Arjun Singh Thakur.”
He looked at the boy thoughtfully. *How could he possibly understand what his name means? He’s too young.*
But Aarush, still peering up at him, responded in his soft, innocent voice, “Strong, radiant, and open-minded.”
Arjun froze, stunned. *How does he know?*
The casting manager, who had been observing their interaction closely, let out a soft laugh. “You two are so alike. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were father and son.”
Both Arjun and Aarush turned to look at each other.
Arjun’s mind echoed the phrase. *Father and son…*
He opened his mouth, about to say something, and softly spoke, “You—”
But before he could finish, Aarush’s smartwatch rang.
Without hesitation, the little boy turned away, ignoring Arjun completely. The dismissiveness caught Arjun off guard.
Aarush lifted his wrist and answered with excitement in his voice. “Hey, Mom!”
On the other end, Jia’s cheerful voice came through loud and clear. “How was the audition, sweetheart? Do you think we’ll get that house?”
Arjun’s breath hitched. That voice… it struck him like lightning.
*I’ve heard this voice before...* he thought, stunned. *It’s—Director Jiya?*
His eyes widened as the truth began to form in his mind.
*Wait... this boy… Aarush… he’s Director Jiya’s son?*
YOU ARE READING
ECLIPSED HEARTS - Twisted Fates & Unveiled Truths
RomanceSix Years Ago....She Disappeared Jiya Yadav never thought she would cross paths with *him* again. That one fateful night has now turned her life upside down. Arjun Singh Thakur, the commanding CEO, has become her hotel's VIP client. The problem? He...
