Blemished bonds

Chapter 2

AA Fashions:

Though Aarti had resigned from the CEO post, she could not stop herself from attending AA. It was her baby which she built from scratch. She had complete trust on Arnav to take it to heights but she did not want to miss working yet.

'May I come in Mam?' Tina, Aarti's PA knocked her door.

'Come in Tina', she invited her.

'Mam, there is an invitation for you, from Elite Fashions. Its their pre-launch party.' Tina handed over the invite to her boss.

Aarti gave that invite a glance before announcing, 'Arnav will attend it. Inform him. Send a bouquet from my side.'

'Sure Mam', Tina was about to leave when she was stopped by Aarti.

'Did Arnav reach office?'

'No mam, not yet. But he had informed just a few minutes ago that he would be here in an hour', Tina informed.

Aarti just nodded her head and asked her to leave. She just closed her eyes, her thoughts driving back to her past.

30 years before:

'Arjun, my family wont let us marry each other!' Cried a heartbroken Aarti leaning her head against Arjun's shoulders.

They had been in love since 3 years, and when they decided to tie a knot, they had strong opposition from Aarti's family members since Arjun was an orphan.

'I really dont know how to convince them Aarti. All they ask for is a family which I dont have.' Arjun sighed in disappointment.

'I cant stay away from you Arjun', Aarti clung onto him.

'Neither can I. But promise me you wont do anything stupid to defend me in front of your parents. They are not our enemies, Aarti. They love you and they want the best for you.'

'And that best is you. Why dont they understand?' Aarti cried onto his shoulders.

'It is not easy Aarti. But we will try. Try our best to convince them and marry with their blessings', Arjun said.

'I am scared Arjun. There have been various proposals for me and Maa is considering them. I am just scared', Aarti confessed.

'Shhh.. Aarti, nothing will go wrong', Arjun reassured her, though the fear of separation was evident in his eyes. He loved Aarti too much to let her go.

A few months later, Aarti's marriage was fixed against her will to a rich family and the two young lovers grew more impatient. One fine day, Aarti escaped from her house and reached Arjun and insisted to get married right on the spot.

A reluctant Arjun had to give in to her demands as he too was not ready to let her go. They loved each other a lot. With that, they tied a knot enraging the family and letting them cut all ties with Aarti and Arjun.

Aarti was snapped out of her thoughts by a knock on her door.

'Mom? You wanted to see me?' Arnav asked approaching her desk.

'When were you planning to tell me about Arjun's venture here Arnav?' She questioned without beating around the bush.

'Mom, trust me, he is no threat to us. AA fashions will not lose its market', Arnav replied, knowing very well about the fear that has been cultivated in his mother's heart.

'And dad is going to inform about the same in pre-launch party', Arnav continued.

Aarti's heart came back to normal with the assurance her son gave, as she did not want the entire empire to crumble down, which she struggled to build with hardwork.