Suryavanshi Company
Vikram entered the office building, removing his sleek black sunglasses as he walked in. Near the reception desk, four female employees were gossiping quietly.
Employee 1 (whispering): OMG, sir is looking extra handsome today...
Employee 2: Sir Vikram always looks handsome.
Employee 3 (disappointed): What's the point now? He's married...
Employee 4: But he's wearing a red tie today... that means he's truly in love. I've never seen him wear red before. And look at that smile... he looks genuinely happy.
Receptionist (sternly): If Sir hears any of this, you four are out of a job. Get back to work!
Vikram passed by them, and everyone stood up to greet him with a respectful, "Good morning, Sir."
He smiled warmly, responding with a confident, "Good morning," before heading straight into his cabin.
Once seated, Vikram leaned back into his chair, a soft smile playing on his lips. His inner monologue began.
Vikram (inner monologue):
I still remember the day I first felt something for Tara. She had no idea. She walked past me, said "Hello, Vikram Sir," and my heart skipped a beat.
That morning and today's morning... there's a difference of nearly two years. And now, she's completely accepted me. I'm not just happy... I feel peace, a calm I never experienced before.
Tara smiles more now. Suhani has brought even more happiness into our lives. But sometimes, I still catch that sadness in Tara's eyes. She misses her father. I'll try harder to make her feel whole again... happy, just like before.
There was a knock at the door.
Vikram: Coming.
Manager (smiling): Good morning, Sir.
Vikram: Good morning.
Manager: Sir, you have a meeting scheduled with Miss Yumi today. She arrived in India last night. If this deal is finalized, it could be a major step forward for the company.
Vikram: Alright. We'll need a translator fluent in both English and Japanese. Also, tell the heads of Marketing and Finance to keep all necessary files ready. Schedule the meeting during lunch.
Manager: Sir, Miss Yumi doesn't want a hotel or restaurant meeting. She's a nature lover and prefers to meet in a park.
Vikram (surprised): A park?
Manager: Yes, Sir.
Vikram: Fine. Book a nice, quiet park for a few hours. Make sure it's secured and tailored to her preferences.
Manager: Yes, Sir. Also... may I say something?
Vikram (sternly): No. Get to work.
Manager (smirking): Sir, this red tie really suits you. And you seem... happy. It feels like you've finally learned to say sorry, thank you, and please.
Vikram (glaring): Submit your resignation. This month is your notice period.
Manager (panicking): Sorry, Sir! Please forgive me! It was just a joke!
Vikram: Next time you speak like that, you won't even get a notice period. Now leave.
Manager: Yes, Sir! (He scurried out)
As soon as the manager left, Vikram chuckled.
Vikram (thoughts): He's right though... Tara made me do things no one else ever could. I am happy. Truly happy.
---
At Prithvi's House
Sunanda: Prithvi, what's wrong with you? You've been drinking nonstop since yesterday. No food, no words. Did Vikram say something? Or Dada and Dadi?
Prithvi: Please, Mom. I don't want to talk.
Sunanda (concerned): Have you been crying? Your eyes look swollen! What did that Vikram say? Tell me, I'll confront him right now!
Prithvi: Mom, it's not about Vikram.
Sunanda: Then what is it? What's got you like this?
Prithvi suddenly hugged her and began crying.
Sunanda (softly): Beta... what happened? Why are you crying?
Prithvi (choked voice): Mom... I lost to Vikram again.
Sunanda: What are you saying? Lost what?
Prithvi: Suhani. Yesterday she held Vikram's hand and said he was hers, and that I was nobody. She said he was good, and I was bad.
Sunanda: Are you serious? You're heartbroken over what a small child said?
Prithvi: That's the point, Mom. Even a child sees it. The same thing people say to my face, Suhani said innocently. Yes, I manipulated her, but yesterday... there was nothing in her eyes for me. No anger, no love. Just... emptiness. I broke inside.
Sunanda: You're overthinking. Stop drinking and get some rest. I'll bring lunch.
---
Meeting at the Park
Miss Yumi: Mr. Vikram, I don't need a translator. As you can hear, I speak fluent English.
Vikram: We didn't know that, Miss Yumi. But we respect your language and your country.
Miss Yumi: Mr. Vikram, you sound... interesting. Why don't we just walk around the park and talk business?
Vikram: As you wish.
They walked side by side through the garden.
Yumi: Tell me more about yourself.
Vikram: This company was founded by my parents. My mother played the major role in its early success. Her ideas made the company profitable within the first few years.
Yumi: That I could've learned from the internet. But there's almost nothing online about your personal life.
Vikram: That's because I don't mix business with personal matters. I'm a professional.
Yumi stepped closer and lightly touched Vikram's red tie.
Yumi (teasing): A red tie to a professional meeting with a woman? Very... personal choice.
Vikram stepped back slightly.
Vikram: Miss Yumi, you misunderstood. This is my personal preference and has nothing to do with our meeting. Let's discuss the deal.
Yumi: I'm more interested in you than the deal, Mr. Vikram.
Vikram: I'm married. And I love my wife deeply. I think we should end this meeting here.
Yumi: I know you're married. It doesn't bother me.
Vikram: But it bothers me. I'm not comfortable with this conversation or this meeting anymore. Excuse me.
Yumi: These days, mixing business and personal relationships is profitable.
Vikram: I keep them separate. Nice meeting you, Miss Yumi.
He turned to leave.
Yumi: Mr. Vikram, wait.
Vikram: I don't think so.
Yumi: Alright, let's be professionals. Just business, nothing else.
Vikram turned back slowly.
Vikram: I was genuinely excited about this deal. But now... I'm not comfortable.
Yumi: That only makes me more interested in doing business with you. You're loyal. I respect that. Let's forget the personal comments and move forward. Deal?
Vikram: Fine. Let's schedule a proper meeting with both our teams. Strictly business.
Yumi: Agreed. Let's talk business only.
Suryavanshi Mansion
Tara's Room - Inner Monologue
Standing in front of the mirror, Tara gazed at her reflection, lost in thought.
"If I do something special, maybe Vikram will like it. Then fine, I'll dress up like a traditional Indian married woman today. Sindoor, bindi, bangles, mangalsutra... and that red saree. Mummy said I should take care of my husband in every way, even if he never says it. And I want to do it for Vikram. The way he looks at me... it makes me feel good, even if I get shy. He never takes his eyes off me..."
Tara smiled faintly.
"When Vikram takes care of me, I remember Papa. I never thought I could love someone the way I loved Papa. But Vikram... he's shown me with time that his love is real. That trust wasn't always there. He earned it. He never left me, not even once. If Vikram hadn't helped us when Papa fell ill, what would have happened to us? People can say what they want, but this world runs on money. The hard truth is... Papa only lived those four extra months because of Vikram. Without him, we wouldn't have survived even four days."
Her eyes grew misty, but she held her smile.
"I could've worked hard, but I couldn't have earned enough for Papa's treatment, Suhani's schooling, and to run the household. It wasn't just Vikram who made a deal... I did too. I didn't want to lose the people I love. I knew if I agreed to a contract marriage, I'd have to be ready for everything that came with it."
She adjusted the pleats of her saree carefully.
"No, our beginning wasn't perfect. Vikram wasn't this gentle either. We both had anger, egos, and pain. But we chose to work through it. To choose each other despite it all. That's life, right? No one's perfect. Neither Vikram nor I were perfect. We just chose each other. We decided to stay."
---
Living Room
Tara walked downstairs, graceful in her red saree. The whole family was seated in the living hall. Her elegance drew every eye.
Dadi smiled warmly. "Tara beta, you look so beautiful today. Everything about you is perfect. Touchwood! May no evil eye fall upon you."
Tara smiled shyly. "Dadi... what is Vikram's favorite food?"
Dadi chuckled. "Tara, you're the perfect wife for Vikram. You truly are the daughter-in-law of this house. He loves palak paneer and methi parathas."
Tara blinked. "What? Really?"
Dadi laughed. "Yes, Tara."
Tara thought to herself, Palak paneer and methi parathas? Seriously? Who even likes those? Mr. Suryavanshi has some of the weirdest taste buds! But fine... I'll make it for him.
Just then, Dadaji entered the room.
"Tara beta, you're glowing," he said. "Not because of the saree or the jewelry... but because you look genuinely happy. That smile makes you even more beautiful. Never let it fade."
"Dadaji," she smiled, "What do you and Dadi like to eat? I'm cooking dinner tonight."
Dadaji replied, "As you can see, your Dadi and I eat light. At this age, anything that's easy to digest becomes our favorite."
Tara nodded, then made her way to her mom.
Her mother became emotional at the sight of her. "You look beautiful, Tara. If your Papa were here, he'd be so Happy."
Tara held her hand. "He is happy, Maa. Wherever he is. But don't cry... just help me a little. I know how to cook, but I want some help tonight."
Her mother wiped her tears. "Of course, beta. What do you need help with?"
"I want to make Vikram's favorite dinner: palak paneer and methi parathas. Maa, seriously... who likes this stuff? But it's Mr. Suryavanshi's favorite, apparently. I want to make something nice for Dadi and Dadaji too. Something easy on the stomach. And I already know your and Suhani's favorites."
Her mom chuckled. "Let's go then, my dear. Time for you to take care of your husband and this home."
Tara sighed. "Is all this really necessary?"
Her mom gently explained, "Cooking isn't just about filling stomachs. It shows love, care, and effort. It tells your loved ones how much you value them without using words."
Tara smiled and nodded. "Okay... let's do this."
---
9 PM - Vikram Arrives Home
Everyone was gathered in the living room when Vikram walked in. Dadaji, Dadiji, Suhani, Tara's mom... and then his eyes found her.
Tara.
He handed his blazer and briefcase to the staff and walked in, but his eyes never left her. She looked stunning.
Dadi smiled. "Come, Vikram."
He smiled back, though his gaze was still locked on Tara.
Tara, meanwhile, felt a little uncomfortable under his constant attention. Everyone was right there!
Suhani noticed. "Jiju, why are you staring at Didi like that? we all know she looks pretty!"
Everyone burst into laughter.
Vikram grinned. "I'll just go change."
---
In the Room
As Vikram entered, he laughed to himself. "Suhani and Tara are definitely trying to kill me today. That red saree... the bangles, sindoor, mangalsutra... she's going to be the death of me."
He placed his hand on his heart.
"God help me."
---
Back in the Hall
Tara's mom turned to her. "Go to your room, beta. Vikram must need something."
Tara nodded and went upstairs.
---
Room Scene
Vikram approached her and gently held her hand.
"You look so beautiful, Tara. So, so beautiful."
"Mr. Suryavanshi... thank you."
"Thank you isn't enough," he whispered.
Tara pulled her hand back. "Okay, okay! Now change and come down. I made your favorite dinner. Seriously... methi paratha? Who even eats that? And palak paneer? Come on!"
Vikram smirked. "I'll call for dinner up here. I'm not leaving you. Not like this."
He placed his hands around her waist, pulling her close.
Tara's breath quickened. "Vikram... everyone's waiting downstairs."
"Let them wait. Don't look so beautiful then."
His lips brushed against her neck, trailing kisses.
"Vikram, please, dinner first."
Still kissing her, he murmured, "Let me eat you first."
"Vikram... dinner..."
"Yes yes, I'll eat. You made it, after all. But give me five minutes."
He kissed her lips, holding her tighter. After a moment, he whispered, "Don't look so beautiful, please. I won't be able to control myself. Even Suhani said it in front of everyone."
His hands were still around her waist.
Tara, breathless, managed to say, "Okay fine. I won't wear makeup anymore. I won't try to look pretty."
Vikram laughed softly. "That's when you look the prettiest."
"Now come downstairs, or Suhani really will come up."
"Okay okay... I'll change."
"Good. I'll go first."
He stopped her again, pulling her back into his arms.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked.
"Because you're mine. Only mine."
"Vikram, let me go."
"Wait. Let's go together."
"If I wait, we'll never go."
Vikram grinned as she slipped out of the room.
---
Dinner Time
Everyone gathered around the dining table.
Suhani teased, "Jiju! Didi made your favorite dinner. Taste it and tell us how it is!"
Vikram smiled and took a bite. "It's good. Very good."
Tara rolled her eyes. "Only you could think methi paratha is tasty."
Dadi joined in, smiling, "Of course it tastes better. You made it."
Everyone laughed.
Dadaji added, "The moong dal khichdi you made is delicious too."
"Thank you, Dadaji."
Suhani chimed in, "And the rasmalai is mine! Dadi and Dadaji don't eat sweets, and jiju doesn't count."
Vikram: "I'll have some."
Everyone smiled at the light banter.
Dadi teased, "Of course Vikram's eating everything today. Tara made it all!"
The dinner ended in laughter and warmth.
---
Later That Night
Everyone chatted a little more before calling it a night. Dadi and Dadaji went to rest. Tara's mom and Suhani began heading to their rooms.
Suddenly, Tara spoke up, "Mummy, wait! I'm coming too."
Vikram looked stunned.
What? She's going to sleep with Suhani and with her Mummy tonight? Tara... you betrayed me. After all this, she won't even look at me. And I can't say a word...
To Be Continued