Chapter 9

In the living room, Vijay and Aarti were discussing the marriage proposal, and Aarti was blooming with happiness at the thought of Disha joining such a respected family.

Aarti joyfully remarked, "I can't believe our Disha is getting such a wonderful proposal. She will be a part of such a respected family." Vijay nodded in agreement, expressing his happiness silently.

Aarti, with a gleam in her eyes, further added, "I always wished for the best for Disha, and now this proposal seems like a dream come true." Vijay, smiling, responded, "Yes, our daughter deserves all the happiness in the world."

Vijay, looking at Aarti, remarked, "Our little girl is growing up. It feels like just yesterday she was playing in the backyard." Aarti, with a nostalgic smile, replied, "Time flies, but seeing her happy makes every moment worthwhile."

Vijay expressed his concerns about retiring soon, sharing that he didn't want to burden Disha with worries about him when she's focused on her career. He admitted his age and health history, emphasizing the importance of her having a supportive partner for a secure future.

Vijay, with a sigh, said, "Aarti, you know my health condition. I don't want Disha to bear the responsibility alone. If she gets married, at least I can have peace of mind about her future." Aarti nodded empathetically, realizing the significance of Vijay's words.

Aarti reassured Vijay, "Disha is a sensible girl. She will make the right decision." Vijay nodded, appreciating Aarti's comforting words.

Disha, having overheard their entire conversation, made her way down the stairs, remaining silent about what she had heard.

After seeing Disha coming towards the dining table, Vijay and Aarti changed the topic and joined her for dinner.

Disha remained quiet throughout dinner, prompting Vijay to subtly hint to Aarti about Disha's contemplation. In response, Aarti reassured him with a knowing look, indicating that Disha was likely pondering the marriage proposal.

After dinner, Disha wished her parents good night and headed to her room.

Sitting on the floor with her head in her hands, Disha contemplated how to decline the proposal.

Understanding how thrilled her parents were about the proposal, Disha felt conflicted and faced a difficult decision ahead.

Disha sat there for an hour or more, contemplating the situation. Eventually, she decided that she would not break her parents' hearts and trust. If getting married would bring happiness to them, she was willing to go through with it. However, her resentment towards Aryan increased significantly.

After lying on the bed, she finally drifted into sleep without worrying about tomorrow, with the thought in mind that she would share her thoughts with her parents tomorrow morning.

On the other side, as usual, Aryan was working all day, but as requested by his mother, he came home early at 8. After freshening up, he joined the dining table to have dinner.

Nita shared, "Aryan, Vidyut and his parents had to go to London for some urgent business matters. They'll be back soon." Grandpa added, "We'll talk about something important after dinner, Aryan."

Aryan simply nodded, and they all settled into their dining chairs.

Nita was eagerly waiting for this moment. Once everyone settled down, she made an announcement that they had sent the proposal.

Nita excitedly exclaimed, "Aryan, we've sent the proposal for Disha!"

Aryan, unsure of how to respond, simply nodded in return, while Grandpa chuckled, sensing Aryan's awkwardness in the situation.

Grandpa said, "Don't worry, Aryan. It's a good step for your future."

Grandma said, "Disha's parents are good people, Aryan. You'll find them very respectable."

Everyone immersed themselves in dinner, enjoying the moments of laughter and banter.

Sameer teased, "Aryan, you're getting married, man! What's your plan for the grand proposal?"

Abhi chimed in, "Maybe a flash mob, Aryan bhai? Or a romantic serenade?"

Ishaan joined the fun, "Come on, Aryan bhai, spill the beans. We need to know the details."

Sameer continued teasing, "Aryan, you're becoming the talk of the town. Better prepare for the media frenzy!"

Abhi laughed, "Imagine headlines - 'CEO Aryan Singhania's Grand Proposal!'"

Ishaan jokingly suggested, "You should take dance lessons, Aryan bhai. Impress Bhabhi ( sister-in-law) with some smooth moves."

Aryan, upon hearing "bhabhi," choked on his food and glared at Ishaan, who kept quiet but couldn't stop laughing at Aryan's expression.

Nita, concerned about Aryan, quickly handed him water, but as laughter erupted around the table, she couldn't help but join in, finding amusement in Aryan's reaction to the unexpected mention of "bhabhi." The joyous atmosphere continued as the family shared laughter during dinner.

After dinner, Sameer left for his home as he wasn't staying over tonight. The rest of the family members retired to their rooms, and Aryan followed Grandpa to the study.

Once Grandpa and Aryan settled down in the study, without wasting any time, Grandpa made it clear that Vidyut has gone to London to wrap up the business completely. Devraj has already destroyed the business, and Grandpa doesn't want Vidyut to suffer in trying to make it work when it's on the verge of going bankrupt.

Grandpa sternly said, "Aryan, We can't afford to let him struggle with a sinking ship. His well-being matters to us." Aryan, looking serious, nodded in understanding.

Grandpa explained, "Vidyut has great potential, and he can turn around that business. However, with Devraj and his wife planning to shift to India, I don't want Vidyut to be alone there. Once he wraps up the business, he'll join Singhania Group as the Managing Director." Aryan listened intently, absorbing the information.

Despite the personal differences between Aryan and Vidyut, Aryan was shocked but realized that the business belonged to Vidyut as much as it did to him. So, he didn't object to the decision.

Aryan firmly stated, "Grandpa, I have no problem with Vidyut joining the business. However, I want to make it clear that I won't tolerate any interference from Uncle Devraj. We need a stable business environment without his influence."

Grandpa nodded in agreement, well aware of Devraj's capabilities in jeopardizing businesses.

Several years ago, due to health issues, Grandpa took a step back from actively managing a part of the Singhania Group's business in London. In his absence, he handed over the complete responsibility of that business to Devraj, believing in his capabilities. However, recent challenges and the decline of the business compelled Grandpa to rethink its management.

"Aryan, take care of yourself. We have important days ahead," Grandpa said with a reassuring smile.

Aryan nodded, "I understand, Grandpa. Good night."

And with those words, they both wished each other a peaceful night and retreated to their respective rooms.

As Aryan entered into his room, he lay on the bed, and involuntarily, his mind drifted to thoughts of the Disha.

With thoughts of Disha lingering in his mind, Aryan drifted into a peaceful sleep.

Disha awoke to the melodious chirping of birds, deciding to forgo her morning yoga as her mood wasn't aligned with the routine. After freshening up, she carefully chose a simple yet elegant ensemble – a kurti paired with leggings. Small, matching earrings adorned her ears, and she added a touch of grace with lipstick, kajal, and a bindi. Satisfied with her appearance, she gracefully descended the stairs, her outfit reflecting both simplicity and charm. Making her way to the kitchen, she prepared to start her day with a hearty breakfast.

Disha found herself grappling with the uncertainty of how to express her acceptance of the marriage proposal to her parents.

While having toast and chai (Tea), Disha kept practicing in low voice, "I'm ready, I'm ready." Her mother, hearing Disha's cute reaction, chuckled and replied, "Are you saying that you are ready to accept this marriage proposal?"

In response to her mother's surprising question, Disha was momentarily stunned but eventually nodded in agreement.

Disha's mother couldn't hide her happiness, and she hugged Disha, kissing her on the forehead. "I know you are very sensible, beta. You will always make the right decision for yourself," she expressed with joy.

Vijay also appeared to be happy with Disha's answer and appreciated her for the decision she made.

Vijay, smiling, said, "I'm proud of you, Disha. Your happiness means the world to us."

Disha smiled, though her eyes held a different story. Nevertheless, for her parents' happiness, she was willing to do anything in her power.

Disha left for work after breakfast, and sometime later, Vijay also left. Aarti called Nita to share the news about Disha's decision.

Aarti called Nita, wishing her a good morning, and couldn't contain her excitement as she shared the news, "Good morning, Nita! I have incredible news to share.

Nita cheerfully responded to Aarti's good morning and eagerly inquired, "Good morning! What's the good news? I can't wait to hear!"

Aarti happily conveyed, "Disha has accepted the marriage proposal!"

Nita: "Oh, Aarti! That's wonderful news! I'm so happy. Please convey our heartfelt thanks to Disha for accepting the proposal."

Aarti: "I will, Nita. Disha's decision has brought happiness to our family as well."

Nita: "I can't wait to share this news with everyone and to meet you to make it official. It's such an exciting time for both our families!"

Nita and Aarti exchanged goodbyes, their hearts filled with anticipation for the days to come.

The news echoed through the dining room as Nita enthusiastically shared Disha's acceptance of the marriage proposal with everyone during breakfast.

Nita, with an infectious smile, announced, "Guess what, everyone? Disha has accepted the marriage proposal! Our families are going to be connected!"

As Aryan was sipping his black coffee, he felt a wave of shock and disbelief wash over him. The news seemed to stun him, leaving him almost breathless.

Adjusting to the reality, Aryan received congratulations from everyone, slowly letting the idea of his impending marriage sink in.

After breakfast Aryan, settled in the back seat of the car, couldn't hide his changed expression. He had anticipated Disha's rejection, hoping to escape the pressure of marriage from his family, but things didn't go as planned.

His initial plan had been clear – proposing to Disha with the expectation that her rejection would free him from the pressure of marriage. However, her unexpected acceptance left him puzzled, especially considering their past encounter and her evident dislike towards him.

Hope flickered briefly as the thought crossed Aryan's mind – could it be that Disha likes him? However, he swiftly dismissed the idea, convinced that her dislike for him was evident in her eyes.

Determined to unravel why Disha accepted the proposal, Aryan reached his office with that thought lingering in his mind.

Disha arrived at the office, not wanting to disclose her personal matters. She changed her sullen expression into a smiling one as she greeted everyone and settled down in her chair.

Engaging in a conversation with Aditi and Vishal, the topic of marriage momentarily drifted from Disha's mind.

During lunch, the trio made their way to the canteen where Vikram joined them. Sensing Disha's mood, Vikram asked her if she was okay.

Disha replied, "I'm okay, just caught up with some family matters."

Agreeing with that, Vikram continued his lunch, and they all began chatting about various topics.

After lunch, Disha returned to her desk and called Kajal to ask if she was available today.

Disha: "Hey Kajal, are you free today? I wanted to catch up with you."

Kajal excitedly replied, "Yes, I was about to call you because I'm returning tomorrow, and I wanted to meet you today."

Upon hearing that, Disha got emotional and said, "Please don't go, stay for a few days."

Kajal, concerned: "Is everything alright, Disha? Why do you sound upset?"

Disha: "I'm fine, Kajal, but I'll miss you. It won't be the same without you here."

Kajal reassured, "Silly girl, you made me so worried. I'll miss you too but I'm not going that far. I'll be coming back to meet you. And you can also come there to meet me."

After deciding to meet at a nearby cafe after Disha's work, they both ended the call.

Disha kept herself busy with work to avoid thinking about Aryan and all the marriage drama.

As Aryan was busy with his work, someone knocked on his cabin door.

Aryan looked up from his desk and replied, "Come in."

Rohit Mishra, his PA, entered the cabin with a file in hand and handed it over to Aryan.

Aryan carefully examined the papers containing the details of Disha Mehra. Aryan gestured to his PA to speak.

His PA continued, providing details about Disha's educational background, mentioning that she studied at St. Xavier's School in Mumbai and pursued her IT degree from Modern College. After graduation, she began her career in an IT firm.

Rohit Sharma, the PA, concluded his update, "Sir, that's a brief overview of Ms. Disha Mehra's background and career."

Rohit Sharma added, "Ms. Disha Mehra seems to have a strong educational background. Is there anything specific you would like to know, Sir?"

Aryan, feeling a bit uneasy, asked, "Any boyfriend or admirer in her life?"

The PA responded, "According to the background check, there is no one."

Aryan, showing minimal interest, was about to ask him to leave when the PA added, "Kunal Malhotra is Ms. Disha Mehra's childhood friend."

Aryan asked his PA, "Are you referring to Kunal Malhotra, the son of the owner of Malhotra Industries?"

The PA confirmed, "Yes Sir, that's the one. He's the son of the Siddharth Malhotra.

Aryan then nodded, gesturing for his PA to leave.

Aryan placed the file in the drawer and couldn't help but wonder why the son of a millionaire, Kunal Malhotra, was friends with Disha and how they got to know each other.

(Aryan didn't think less of Disha; it's just that he often observed rich people exploiting ordinary people and not having real friendships)

If there's more to the story, Aryan pondered to himself, he needed to find out. He then refocused and immersed himself in his work once again.

Around 5 pm, Sameer barged into Aryan's cabin without even knocking on the door.

Aryan, disturbed by the sudden sound of the door, looked up to find Sameer smirking at him. Ignoring Sameer, Aryan continued to work.

Sameer, with a mischievous smile, brought black coffee for Aryan and teased him about his upcoming marriage.

Sameer: "Here you go, Aryan. Black coffee to calm those pre-wedding nerves. Any thoughts about the bride-to-be?"

As Aryan took the coffee, he found comfort in the rich aroma of the coffee Sameer brought him, temporarily escaping the ongoing banter. Ignoring Sameer's comments, he immersed himself in the familiar warmth of the coffee.

Sipping his coffee, Aryan questioned Sameer: "What brings you here all of a sudden, Sameer?"

Sameer: "Just thought I'd check on the soon-to-be groom and share some pre-wedding wisdom, you know?"

Aryan, aware that Sameer was there just for some light-hearted teasing, chose to focus on his work. Sameer lingered for a while before eventually leaving, mentioning that he'd catch up with Aryan later, to which Aryan simply nodded.

As it was already past 5:30, Aryan, mindful of his 6 o'clock meeting, immersed himself in his work.