Originally posted by: A_Star39
Part 17:Kahani Chirkut Ki
The living room was filled with the aroma of fried kachoris and the sound of laughter. Kaira was sitting cross-legged on the sofa, feedinga piece of jalebi to Nikhil, while Kairav and Muskan watched with indulgentsmiles, wiping grease off their fingers.
Nikhil (Chewing dramatically): "Uncle, this kachori has more personality than half the people I met at London Fashion Week. It’s spicy,it’s dangerous, it’s unapologetic."
Kairav (Laughing): "Don't let your cardiologist hea rthat, Nikhil."
Just then, the heavy oak doors swung open.
Aaryan Poddar strode in. He wasn't walking; he was marching.Dressed in a stiff, charcoal-grey suit that looked uncomfortable in the Udaipur heat, his eyes immediately locked onto Nikhil lounging next to Kaira.
The atmosphere in the room shifted from "SundayBrunch" to "Hostage Situation" in two seconds.
Aaryan (Voice tight, fake smile plastered on):"Namaste, Kairav Uncle, Muskan Aunty. I heard Kaira had a guest. I thoughtI’d come and welcome him personally."
He walked straight to Kaira, placing a hand on hershoulder—a marking of territory.
Kaira (Surprised but smiling): "Aaryan! You’re here!This is him! This is Nikhil, my childhood best friend from the US!"
Nikhil didn't stand up immediately. He slowly licked jalebisyrup off his thumb, adjusted his sunglasses (indoors), and stood up with afluid, lazy grace that made Aaryan’s stiff posture look even worse.
Nikhil (Extending a hand, smirking): "So, you’re thefamous Aaryan. I’ve heard... words about you."
Aaryan (Gripping Nikhil’s hand too hard): "And you arethe fashion designer. Nikhil, right? Kaira mentioned you... briefly."
Nikhil (Wincing theatrically at the grip): "Easy,Tiger. My hands are insured for millions. If you crush them, you'll have tosell the Law Firm."
Kaira giggled. Aaryan quickly let go, looking annoyed.
Nikhil stepped back, looking Aaryan up and down with thecritical eye of a stylist.
Nikhil: "Bro, I have to ask. It’s 35 degrees outside.Why are you dressed like you’re attending a funeral for a spreadsheet? Yeh suithai ya insulation? "
Aaryan straightened his tie, defensive.
Aaryan: "This is a bespoke Italian cut. It commandsrespect. We value presentation in our family."
Nikhil (Chuckling): "Aye Chirkut, presentation is fine.But you look like a walking 'Terms and Conditions' page. You know what you are?You’re a Beige Flag. Walking, talking beige."
Kaira (Laughing): "Nikhil! Stop teasing him!"
Aaryan (Fuming): "I don't think fashion designers ahemcircus clowns understand the gravity of corporate law, Mr. Raizada."
Nikhil (Winking): "And I don't think corporate lawyersunderstand the gravity of heatstroke, Mr. Poddar. Loosen the tie, Jijaji. Livea little."
The use of "Jijaji" was so sarcastic yet socasually delivered that Muskan had to pretend to cough to hide her laugh.
Just then, Ruhi walked down the stairs, holding Daksh’shand. She stopped, seeing the standoff.
Ruhi (Dryly): "Oh, look. The Poddar energy has arrived.I sensed a disturbance in the vibe."
Kaira (Beaming): "Ruhi Di! Daksh! Come here! MeetNikhil!"
Nikhil turned, his expression softening instantly as he sawRuhi. He stepped forward, dropping the flamboyance for a moment of genuinewarmth.
Nikhil: "Ruhi Di. Finally. Kaira talks about you somuch. You’re the sane one, right?"
Ruhi (Smirking, eyeing Aaryan): "Debatable. But I amdefinitely the allergy medicine for the Poddar dust. Nice shirt, by the way.It’s loud. I like it."
Nikhil (Bowing): "High praise from the Queen ofSarcasm."
He then knelt down to match Daksh’s eye level. Daksh wasclutching his clipboard, staring at Nikhil’s colorful outfit.
Nikhil: "And you must be Dr. Daksh. The man, the myth,the legend."
Daksh (Serious): "Are you the Pathogen Sample?"
The room went silent. Kairav and Muskan froze. Aaryan lookedconfused.
Aaryan: "Pathogen? What is he talking about?"
Nikhil (Without missing a beat, looking at Daksh with aconspiring wink): "Yes. I am the Green Flag Pathogen. Highly contagious.Symptoms include: excessive laughter, good fashion sense, and an intolerancefor boring people."
He offered a fist bump.
Nikhil: "Safety protocol requires a fist bump. Tostabilize the gradient."
Daksh’s face lit up. He bumped Nikhil’s fist.
Daksh: "Gradient stabilized. Cool shirt. It has highvisual variance."
Nikhil (To Kaira): "I love this kid. Can we keep him?Can he be my assistant?"
Aaryan watched the easy camaraderie—how effortlessly Nikhilfit in with Kaira, Ruhi, and Daksh—and felt a burning, ugly knot of jealousy.He felt ignored in his own fiancée's house.
Aaryan (Checking his watch loudly): "Kaira, I have ameeting. I just came to check on you. Don't eat too much of this... oily streetfood. You have a fitting tomorrow."
Nikhil : "Don't worry, Jijaji. I'll make sure she burnsthe calories. We have a lot of dancing to catch up on."
Aaryan glared at Nikhil, gave a stiff nod to the elders, andmarched out.
As the door closed, Ruhi picked up a kachori.
Ruhi: "I like him. The Pathogen can stay."
Kaira was watching the door close after Aaryan, her earlierburst of carefree laughter fading quickly. She turned to Nikhil; her browfurrowed with genuine concern.
Kaira: "He was just... stressed. Right? You know howimportant the firm's reputation is to him, Nikhil. Papa's questions were quiteaggressive yesterday."
Nikhil (Putting an arm around her, gentle voice, handing hera piece of samosa): "Sure, Kai. Just stressed. Have a bite. Stress tastesbetter with mirchi."
Kaira automatically took the bite but didn't look at thefood. She was looking for validation, and Nikhil knew he couldn't push too hardyet.
Kaira: "No, seriously. He tolerates so much—my latehours, my professional demands... you know how much pressure he is under toperform. He’s fighting for me, for us. He told me that."
Nikhil (Taking a deep breath, trying to keep his voiceneutral): "He fights for you. Got it. But Kai, being 'stressed' doesn'tmean you have to look at everyone else like they owe you money. It doesn't meanyou treat people like they're interrupting your brand launch."
Kaira (Shaking her head, determined): "He wasn'tinterrupting! You just don't know him, Nik. He is meticulous. His life isstructured. He is trying to protect what we have. He only wants the best forme, and that's why he's so guarded about... well, about anything that couldupset his plans."
Kaira laughed, the tension easing slightly, but thelingering frown showed she was still mentally defending Aaryan.
Aaryan drove his black, gleaming sedan with aggressivefocus, gripping the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles were white. The coolprecision he maintained in court had completely evaporated, replaced bysimmering rage.
He hated that Goenka house. He hated the noise, the easylaughter, and most of all, he hated Nikhil Raizada. He reached over andviolently threw his expensive sunglasses onto the passenger seat.
Aaryan (Muttering furiously to himself): "Who does hethink he is? 'Beige Flag'? Chirkut? That cheap circus clown! He has no respectfor decorum or brand value. And Kairu... why was she laughing like that? Shenever laughs like that with me."
His irritation was compounded by the unexpected familialintrusion he had just navigated. He needed to get his mind back to his corestrategy: stability and control.
Aaryan (His voice low, laced with disgust): "And RuhiBhabhi... my God! Did you see the way she was looking at me? That mockingsmirk! As if she knows something! It's utterly unprofessional! Just because herhusband, Rohit, is... gone, she thinks she can look at the family elders and melike that. Disgusting."
He shook his head violently, trying to clear the image ofRuhi's sarcastic gaze. His focus quickly shifted to the far more pressing andprofitable matter—the family wealth.
Aaryan (Pounding the steering wheel once): "And thewhole property drama! Everything was running smoothly! Dadisa was finally agreeing, Kajal Bua was onboard...the property was about to be divided, and we were set to get our share of theUdaipur estate and Poddar Law Firm..."
He ground his teeth, remembering the recent family meeting.
Aaryan: "...But then Armaan Bhai and Abhira Bhabhi hadto come in with their emotional, outdated nonsense! 'Family unity,''togetherness,' 'respecting Dadisa’s legacy'! They completely stopped themomentum!"
Aaryan: "They used their big, dramatic speeches toconvince Dadisa that the property division talks should be postponed.Postponed! As if money just magically grows without legal separation! Those twoare an absolute liability to the financial structure of this family. I needthis division to happen. I need the security it provides for Kaira and me. Thissentimental garbage is going to ruin everything!"
He accelerated hard, the sedan roaring down the emptystretch of road, his mind churning with two new problems: the unexpectedappearance of Nikhil threatening his relationship status, and the emotionalinterference of Armaan and Abhira threatening his financial status.
Aaryan’s rage about Armaan and Abhira’s emotionalinterference slowly curdled into a cold, sweating anxiety. His eyes darted tothe rearview mirror as if expecting the Goenkas to materialize behind him.
Aaryan (Muttering, running a hand through his perfectlystyled hair): "Shit. Yeh toh maine socha hi nahi . Muskan Aunty... KairavUncle..."
He pressed the brake slightly, the fear hitting him. TheGoenkas were sharp. They didn't care about his family's shadi-byah (weddingsand festivals); they cared about solvency and independence.
Aaryan (Voice tight with panic): "Unhein kya bolunga?The whole alliance ki foundation hi is baat par thi ki I am separating! That Iwould be financially independent of the Poddar name and establish my own firm,separate from the haveli ki politics."
He remembered Kairav Goenka’s piercing gaze during thenegotiations.
Aaryan (Wincing): "Kairav Uncle clearly bola tha.' Heagreed only because he thought I was leaving the chaos. He thinks I’m the smartPoddar who got the property division done so I could use my share to startfresh."
Now, because of Armaan and Abhira, that narrative wascompletely derailed.
Aaryan: "Agar unhein pata chala ki division ruk gayihai...they will call off the rishta ! They’ll think I misled them. They’llthink I’m still tied up in that messy family drama!"
He hit the steering wheel again, the sound muffled by theluxury interior.
Aaryan: "I have to fix this. I need to call Kajal Bua.Dadisa ko manana padega . I need the property division, and I need it fast.Otherwise, not only will I lose the wealth, but I will lose Kaira and theGoenka Prestige! Aur yeh Nikhil Raizada... uski toh main..."
He trailed off, unable to complete the thought, too busycalculating the next strategic move to save his image and his future assets.His phone buzzed, momentarily distracting him from his frantic thoughts.
Kaira stepped out of the private elevator onto the top floorof Birla Hospital. She wasn't wearing pink today; she was in an ivory-whitesuit, sharp and clean—the color of surgical perfection. She expected dust andconstruction, but Harshvardhan, once impressed, moved with terrifyingefficiency.
The entire wing was unrecognizable.
The peeling acoustic foam was gone. The dusty floor wasreplaced by seamless, cream-colored epoxy flooring—easy to sterilize and sleek.The walls were painted a calming, expensive dove grey. Northern light pouredinto three large consultation rooms, equipped with the latest diagnosticimaging machines. The air smelled faintly of medical-grade sanitizers andexpensive leather.
The only sign of the wing’s previous life was a faint,nearly invisible shadow on one wall where the "Music Therapy Wing"sign used to hang, and a small, dusty patch where the broken guitar had rested.
Kaira (Internal Monologue): "He actually did it.Harshvardhan respects efficiency. This is a fortress of professionalism."
She walked into her main office, which was spacious andminimalist. Her assistant, a young, razor-smart resident named Dr. Sinha, wasalready placing a vase of orchids on her desk.
Dr. Sinha: "Dr. Goenka, welcome. Your first client is ahigh-profile case—a media magnate's wife. She requested you specifically."
Kaira (Nodding, already reviewing the file):"Excellent. Has Dr. Birla been up here yet?"
Dr. Sinha (Wincing slightly): "He was. He gave theentire construction crew a 45-minute lecture on why collagen injections were asuperior economic choice to purchasing new surgical gloves."
The intercom on Kaira's desk buzzed—a direct line from theCEO's office.
Harshvardhan (Voice crackling, loud and aggressive):"Dr. Kaira! Are you settled? Good. Now, listen. I’ve just been informed byDr. Sinha that you've requested marble countertops in the clean-up area!"
Kaira sighed, already mentally rehearsing her defense.
Kaira (Picking up the phone, perfectly calm): "Dr.Birla, it’s not a request, it's a non-negotiable professional requirement.Marble is non-porous and highly resistant to chemical staining, essential forcertain acid peels. I cannot risk cross-contamination or compromise theaesthetic."
Harshvardhan: "Nonsense! Granite is perfectlysufficient! This is exactly what I mean! Yeh tum Goenkas aur woh tuntunewaliAlways going for showmanship over sense! Granite is ₹1,500 per square footcheaper! This is financial vandalism, Dr. Kaira!"
Kaira (Annoyed by the constant 'tuntuna' references):"Dr. Birla, I am not my Bua. And I am not 'showmanship.' I am a brand. Myclients pay a premium for perfection. If they see chipped granite, they willassume the quality of their Botox is equally compromised. It’s an investment,not an expense. The cost is justified by the 90% profit margin I secured forthis wing."
Harshvardhan was silent for a moment, the word"profit" acting as his ultimate sedative.
Harshvardhan: "Fine! Fine! Get your marble! But ek aurpaisa waste hua toh, I’m installing that broken guitar in your reception andplaying that tuntuna myself! Now go make us money!"
Kaira hung up, feeling a familiar, unpleasant mix of triumphand exhaustion.
Kaira (To Dr. Sinha, rubbing her temples): "Dr. Sinha,please add a note: 'Ignore the CEO unless he mentions revenue.' And find me asecure line for client referrals."
Kaira walked out to the main consultation area, admiring thenewly installed lighting—soft, diffused light that made everyone look ten yearsyounger, even before treatment.
She stopped at the very end of the hall, where the acousticpanels had been ripped out. This area was designated for laser and high-techequipment.
Kaira (Looking at the space, a slight smile): "Itreally is perfect."
She recalled the sight of the dusty guitar and felt a fainttwinge of discomfort, not for the music, but for the history Harshvardhan wasso eager to erase. She understood the need for cold, hard science, but thedeliberate malice felt... unnecessary.
She took a deep breath, and the hospital air—clean, sterile,and full of potential—filled her lungs. Her first patient was waiting.
She was where she belonged: in a power position, validatingher worth through skill and cold, hard numbers. The arguments with Aaryan, theantics of Harshvardhan—all of it just fueled her determination to make thiswing an unassailable financial success.
Kaira (Adjusting the cuffs of her suit): "Let's see themedia magnate's wife. I need to close this quarter with a bang."
The Executive Dining Lounge at Birla Hospital was a visionof expensive austerity—walnut panels, dark leather chairs, and a silentefficiency from the waitstaff. Harshvardhan Birla had commandeered a cornertable, holding court like a Roman emperor.
He had summoned Kaira for a late lunch, less to feed her andmore to show her off.
Harshvardhan (Boisterously, as Kaira sat down): "Dr.Kaira, welcome to the official power center! No jalebi here, only importedgreens. Now, I want you to meet the remaining pillars of this institution—thepeople whose blood, sweat, and bank accounts built this empire. And who, unlikesome, understand the value of a solid balance sheet."
He gestured with theatrical flair to the four people seatedaround the table. Kaira, still riding the high of her successful morningconsultation, gave her most polished, professional smile.
Harshvardhan: "First, my niece, Dr. Nishta BirlaChatterjee. A brilliant pediatrician. She specializes in making children stopcrying. She is the daughter of my elder brother, the late Anandvardhan Birla,and she knows the family history better than the archivist."
Dr. Nishta Birla Chatterjee was a composed woman in hermid-forties, her eyes kind but sharp. She extended a hand with genuine warmth,a contrast to Harshvardhan's abrasive energy.
Nishta (Smiling gently): "Welcome, Dr. Kaira. It’swonderful to finally have someone here who focuses on happy, healthy skinrather than just broken bones and broken hearts."
Kaira: "Thank you, Dr. Chatterjee. I’m looking forwardto the collaboration."
Harshvardhan (Not pausing): "And this gentleman—hekeeps the lights on! Arvind Chatterjee, Nishta's husband. Handles theadministration. He ensures all my grand, expensive visions don't send us intodefault."
Arvind, a middle-aged man with a perpetually tired butamiable expression, gave a polite nod.
Arvind (Dryly): "Welcome, Dr. Kaira. I hear you'vealready introduced a rather significant marble expense to my budget sheet.Please be kind to the administration department."
Kaira (Chuckling lightly): "Only strategically kind,Mr. Chatterjee. The returns will be worth the headache."
Harshvardhan then turned to the younger couple, his toneshifting to one of profound professional pride, though still peppered with hisusual commentary.
Harshvardhan: "And these two. The real future. Mynephew, Dr. Shivansh Birla—Anandvardhan's grandson, Ruhi and Abhir's eldercousin brother. A cardiac surgeon of the highest caliber. Though he needs tostop wasting time on his children’s ridiculous school projects."
Dr. Shivansh Birla was in his late thirties, handsome andserious, a man who carried the weight of the Birla name with effortless grace.He had a brief, warm smile.
Shivansh (With a slight bow of his head): "Welcome,Kaira. It’s good to have another specialist on the roster. We've heard you’rethe best."
Kaira: "Thank you, Shivansh. The reputation of thehospital speaks for itself."
Harshvardhan: "And his better half, Dr. VaaniMaheshwari. A phenomenal orthopedic surgeon. She fixed my broken foot afterthat whole... tuntuna incident a few years ago. She understands that bonestructure is more important than emotional structure."
Dr. Vaani Maheshwari, a confident woman with an air ofpractical competence, offered a genuine handshake.
Vaani (Wryly): "Don't listen to Chote Dadu. Emotionalstructure is often what brings the patients to the orthopedics department.Welcome, Kaira. I look forward to swapping stories from the OT."
The conversation settled back into a quiet lull as thewaitstaff cleared the plates. Nishta watched Kaira with an intense, thoughtfulgaze that carried the weight of history.
Nishta (Softly, leaning forward): "Kaira, there’ssomething I need to confirm, just for my own peace of mind, given how...volatile Dr. Harshvardhan is about the past. Kairav and Muskan are yourparents.Are you okay working here "
The tension returned, palpable and cold. Kaira noticed thefractional withdrawal of the younger Birlas—Shivansh and Vaani—at the mentionof the name. It was clear that Akshara was still a painful, almost taboosubject in this family.
Kaira (Meeting Nishta’s gaze steadily, professionally calm):"Yes, Dr. Chatterjee. Kairav and Muskan are my biological parents. Andyes, my Bua is Akshara Goenka and I am Okay"
Kaira knew she had to navigate this carefully. Any sign ofsentimentality, and she'd be grouped with the 'tuntuna-wali' Bua and dismissed.
Kaira: "However, I assure you, my professional life, myCentre, and my work ethics are entirely my own. I did my Residency in theStates and run my clinic as a purely profitable entity. My family history is aseparate matter."
Nishta simply nodded, a slight melancholy in her eyes."Understood, Kaira. Welcome to the family. In every sense of theword."
Just as the atmosphere threatened to become too heavy, Dr.Vaani Maheshwari Birla (Shivansh's wife, the Orthopedic surgeon) stepped in,her tone pragmatic and engaging.
Vaani: "Well, since we’ve established the family treeis still standing—and highly dramatic—let’s talk real science. Kaira, yourintegration is a huge win for Orthopedics, actually. We see so manypost-surgical patients with aggressive scar tissue and complex wound healingissues. We need a strong aesthetic angle for scar revision."
Kaira’s eyes immediately lit up. Vaani was talking business,and Kaira respected that focus.
Kaira: "Absolutely. We can consult on a protocol forearly intervention. I specialize in fractional laser resurfacing forhypertrophic scars. It drastically reduces recovery time and improves cosmeticoutcomes. We can even run a joint trial—Orthopedic repair followed by aestheticresurfacing."
Vaani (Clapping her hands together, a rare display ofenthusiasm): "Brilliant! Most plastic surgeons here are too focused ongeneral cases. A dedicated aesthetic specialist is exactly what the hospitalneeds. You and I, Kaira, we need to talk more sharper scalpels and bettercreams."
Kaira (Smiling genuinely for the first time): "Agreed.Let’s schedule a meeting on Monday. I think we are going to be fast friends,Vaani."
The mood was lightened by the professional synergy, but Dr.Shivansh Birla looked pensive. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke,the room listened.
Shivansh (Quietly, looking around the revamped wing):"This wing... it's strange to see it like this. It used to be...different. But seeing your drive, Kaira, I think Chachu would have appreciatedyour ambition."
Kaira (Intrigued, knowing he was referring to Dr. AbhimanyuBirla): "Your Chachu, Dr. Abhimanyu Birla?"
Shivansh (A soft, nostalgic smile): "Yes. The bestCardiac Surgeon this country ever saw. He was my idol. Growing up, I was alwayshere. Watching him. He wasn't just a surgeon; he was a revolutionary. Iremember when I was a kid, maybe eight or nine, and I saw him save a farmer whowas brought in with a massive chest trauma after a farming accident."
Shivansh’s eyes glazed over slightly with the memory.
Shivansh: "The odds were impossible. But he wasrelentless. He worked for ten hours straight. When he finally walked out,exhausted but successful, I was standing there, in a tiny little lab coat justlike the one Daksh was wearing today. He put his hand on my shoulder and said,'Shivansh, the heart is the most complex machine in the world. It’s a challengethat demands everything you have.' That day, he didn’t just save a life; hesaved mine. He inspired me to choose the heart—the one machine that runs on bothskill and emotion."
He paused, a palpable sense of loss in the air.
Shivansh: "He was always unconventional, sometimesemotionally driven, but his commitment to medicine was absolute. He left a holein this hospital that no amount of money or marble can ever fill."
Kaira listened, her professional armor momentarilyforgotten. She saw the deep, genuine respect and love Shivansh held for hislate uncle—a man she knew only through the complicated, whispered stories ofthe Goenka mansion.
Kaira (Softly): "That’s a beautiful legacy, Shivansh.And I understand the drive to honor it."
She felt a flicker of respect for the Birlas—beneathHarshvardhan’s transactional shell, there was a deep, inherited reverence forthe healing power of medicine. This was a place built on genius, even if it wascurrently managed by a lunatic.
The quiet reverence after Shivansh’s emotional tribute toDr. Abhimanyu Birla lingered in the lounge. Shivansh looked across the table atKaira, his expression shifting from nostalgic to slightly distant, touchingupon another sensitive family dynamic.
Shivansh (Hesitantly): "That brings me to... Abhir. Iknow you're cousins, Kaira. How is he? Is he... well?"
The question hung heavy. Shivansh knew the answer wascomplicated, given the painful history and the stark severance of ties.
Kaira (Her professional mask snapping back into place, butslightly strained): "Abhir is... busy. He's a professional musician—arockstar, actually. He broke all contact with the Birlas, as you know. Puraanachapter band kar diya hai and even Charu Bhabhi passed away”
She kept her tone matter-of-fact, mirroring Abhir’s owndetachment.
Shivansh (A flicker of genuine sadness in his eyes): "Arockstar. I see. That’s certainly... a different path from the one we expected.He was always so much like... Chachu, in a way. Passionate, but also quick towalk away when hurt.I heard about Charu,cancer did her bad"
Shivansh (Sighing slightly): "I know he won't contactus. But... just tell him, if you ever speak to him, that we don't hold anygrudges, Kaira. That he always has family here, even if he doesn't want toacknowledge it."
Kaira nodded, accepting the weight of the family history shewas walking into. She was here to conquer the future, not inherit the emotionalwreckage of the past.
Kaira: "I will pass on the message, Shivansh. Though Ican’t promise he’ll listen. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a follow-upconsultation. I need to get back to the revenue-generating procedures."
The Poddar living room, freshly scrubbed of any trace of theGoenka visit, was hosting a tense morning council. Kaveri (Dadi Sa) satenthroned, radiating a defeated but resolute energy. The heavy air was thickwith the scent of anxiety and expensive jasmine incense.
Kaveri (Clapping her hands once, sharp and final):"Enough mourning the loss of a little pride. The alliance is sealed. Wegot the Goenka name. Now we move on to the next phase: the weddingpreparations. Vidya, call the Pandit ji immediately. We need the auspiciousMuhurat (timing) for the engagement and the wedding. We will invite the Goenkashere next week to finalize the date."
Vidya (Relief evident): "Yes, Maasa. It will be thegrandest wedding Udaipur has seen. We must show the Goenkas that the Poddarlegacy is not just about law books, but also about parampara (tradition) andhigh standards."
Manisha, however, still looked pale and utterly miserable.
Manisha (Whining to Kaveri): "Maasa, that girl...Kaira. She refused to even talk about our rasam (rituals). She openly saidshe'd hire a cook! Bahu aisi thodi na hoti hai! This isn't a marriage; it's acorporate takeover by that arrogant girl!"
Kaveri (Eyes flashing, but a cold smirk on her face):"Enough, Manisha. Stop behaving like a bechari (helpless woman). She is ahigh-profile doctor with a high-profile background. If you want high status,you accept the baggage. I will tame Kaira. She will learn that in this house,the Mother-in-Law's word is the final law. Accept the alliance, do your duties,and let me handle the taming."
Aaryan, seizing the slight shift in focus, stepped forward,his tone urgent and businesslike.
Aaryan: "Dadi Sa, the wedding planning is fine, but themost urgent matter is the balance sheet demand and the property division.Kairav Uncle is expecting my financial separation to be complete. If he seesthose weak numbers tied to the firm's overall debt, he will..."
Before he could finish, Abhira made a show of dramaticallydropping a pen and bending down to retrieve it, completely derailing Aaryan’sprofessional flow.
Abhira (Straightening up, sighing loudly): "Oh, Aaryan,can we please have five minutes without discussing the tedious subject of'money and division'? Subah subah 'Anxiety ka Atta' mat goondho! It’sexhausting! We are planning a happy future for you, not restructuring a debtportfolio!"
Armaan (Jumping in immediately, reinforcing Abhira'semotional stance): "Exactly, Aaryan. Thoda relax karo. (Relax a bit.) Thefamily is united. We should focus on togetherness. We promised Dadi Sa we wouldput the division talks aside and focus on stability for the wedding."
The nautanki (drama) worked instantly. The mention of'Anxiety ka Atta' and 'togetherness' triggered Kaveri's need to assertpatriarchal control over the property.
Kaveri (Banging her hand on the table, her voice booming):"Silence! Armaan is right! There will be no division! Not before thewedding, and perhaps not ever! The sight of Kairav Goenka demanding our balancesheets was the final insult.The Poddar Law Firm and the family estate remainunited!"
Aaryan (Horrified): "What?! Dadi Sa, you can't! KairavUncle..."
Sanjay Bansal (Kajal's husband, stepping forward nervously):"Maasa, with all due respect, Aaryan needs the division for his ownventure. And Kajal and I also need our share for our children’s future!"
Kaveri (Glaring at Sanjay): "The Goenkas will get whatI allow them to get! I will send the firm's overall balance sheet, and I willdeclare that Aaryan's future is secured by the undivided might of the entirePoddar Empire! No division! Final decision!"
Aaryan and Sanjay exchanged a look of pure, impotent rage.Aaryan’s financial foundation—the very thing he promised the Goenkas—had justbeen obliterated by his own grandmother's pride.
Meanwhile, Abhira stood slightly apart, watching theexchange with a strange mix of annoyance at the drama and calculating fear.
Abhira (Internal Monologue, sipping water): "KairaGoenka. The doctor, the CEO, the cousin-sister... now my devrani “
Abhira ran a subtle, critical eye over the room, assessingthe threat.
Abhira (Internal Monologue): "She’s everything I claimto be but truly lack: unapologetic confidence, effortless success, and genuineindependence. She doesn't need Armaan's family name; she uses it.."
Abhira smiled thinly, accepting the new challenge. Kaira wasnot just a cousin; she was a looming, powerful threat to Abhira's hard-wonposition in the Poddar house.
Kaira arrived at the restaurant slightly late, her ivorysuit still crisp, radiating the subtle scent of medical sterilization andsuccess. She was tired, but the exhilaration of her first day at the BirlaHospital's new aesthetic wing still hummed beneath her exhaustion.
Aaryan was already waiting at a secluded, candlelit tableoverlooking the lake. He was no longer in the stiff, charcoal suit of themorning. He had changed into a soft linen kurta, projecting a carefully curatedimage of the "Green Flag Husband"—charming, sensitive, and utterlydedicated.
Aaryan (Rising with a warm, solicitous smile): "Kairu,my queen! You look incredible. But you must be exhausted. Come, sit. I orderedyour favorite artisanal tea. My doctor needs pampering."
He pulled out her chair, not just for politeness, but tosubtly guide her posture.
Kaira (Softening instantly): "Aaryan, you are the best.It was a long day, but the wing is magnificent. Harshvardhan uncle isdifficult, but the revenue potential is enormous, and I connected well withVaani (Shivansh's wife)."
Aaryan (Pouring the tea, his voice low and intimate):"Of course, you did. You are a genius, Kairu. And that’s why I brought youhere. I wanted to celebrate your success, away from all the family noise."
Aaryan leaned forward, his gaze intense and validating—thequality Kaira cherished most.
Aaryan: "I know how stressful the last few days havebeen, with Kairav Uncle's aggressive questioning and all the Poddar familydrama. You handled it with such grace, Kairu. You are the only one in my lifewho understands the weight of a legacy and the drive for perfection."
He gently took her hand across the table.
Aaryan: "Everyone else—Armaan, Abhira, even my ownmother—they try to pull me down with their sentimental demands for parampara or'family unity.' But you... you are my partner in ambition. You raise my statusjust by existing."
He avoided any mention of the property division drama,instead focusing entirely on elevating her.
Aaryan: "This alliance isn't just about us, Kairu. It'sabout securing our status as the future of Udaipur. And I will not let anythingcompromise that. I fight the drama at home only because I want to protect thepeaceful, successful future you and I are building."
Kaira Almost Falls for It
Kaira felt a wave of warmth wash over her. His words actedlike a balm to the small, nagging doubts planted by Nikhil and the tension fromthe Baat Pakki. Nikhil had made her question if Aaryan valued her laughter;Aaryan was reminding her that he valued her worth.
Kaira (Sighing, her eyes earnest): "You're right,Aaryan. I just wish you didn't have to carry so much stress alone. You lookedso angry today when Nikhil was teasing you."
Aaryan (Feigning vulnerability): "Nikhil? He’sirrelevant, Kairu. Just a clown in a loud shirt. But yes, I was angry. I wasangry because his casual attitude was disrespecting the serious, professionalstandard we set. He doesn't understand that for us, time is money, andpresentation is prestige. I can't afford frivolous distractions when I'mfighting to secure our financial future."
He squeezed her hand, gazing into her eyes with what lookedlike pure devotion.
Aaryan: "Every single action I take, Kairu, is aboutmaking sure you get the life—the empire—you deserve. I see your potential, andI will be the foundation that helps you reach it."
Kaira smiled genuinely, the last traces of her earlierfatigue vanishing. This was the Aaryan she loved—the one who saw her as a CEO,not just a wife.
Kaira: "Thank you, Aaryan. I needed to hear that. Youare the only one who truly understands me."
She leaned in, reassured by his possessive, protectivevision for their shared future. She had almost dismissed him due to a sillyteasing session, but here, under the soft lights, his commitment felt solid andreal.
The Goenka kitchen was dimly lit. Nikhil was perched on ahigh stool, effortlessly hot in a loose grey tank top and black tracks. He wasfocused on his high-end gourmet ice cream.
Kaira walked in, dropping her structured ivory purse ontothe counter with a weary thud, the sound heavy with the stress of theengagement process.
Kaira: "Oh, thank God, I thought I was the only personawake. Aaj ka din toh marathon tha. (Today was a marathon.)"
Nikhil (Without looking up, the spoon scraping the tub):"Welcome back, Dr. Goenka. Did your alliance meeting conclude with anothermandatory status update? I’m still recovering from your parents coordinated'Thu! Thu!' ritual."
Kaira (A tired, forced smile): "Stop, Nik. It was justAaryan. He took me to the lakeside. He was trying to assure me he’s got thingsunder control after Kairav Uncle's aggressive audit demand."
Nikhil finally looked up, his expression softeningimmediately at her genuine fatigue.
Nikhil: "Control is his attempt at reassurance, Kai.Peace is mine. Want a spoon? This flavor is called 'Guilt-Free Therapy.'"
Kaira (Shaking her head): "No, thanks. Caloriemanagement. But sit with me." She took a stool opposite him. "Youlook... relaxed. You're never relaxed."
Nikhil (Taking a large scoop): "I’m in my gym clothesand eating ice cream at 1 AM. This is my version of a strategic retreat. By theway, Aaryan Jijaji was very upset today. He thinks my hands lack corporatedecorum."
Kaira: "He was just stressed, Nik. You don't understandthe pressure he's under. He told me tonight that everything he does—even hisstress—is about building the perfect empire for us. He’s fighting for us."
Nikhil paused, the spoon hovering. His voice dropped,becoming deep and thoughtful, focused entirely on Kaira's well-being.
Nikhil: "Kai, let me give you the Nikhil Raizada POV onalliances. Marriage is an investment, yes. But the real return isn't financial;it's Emotional Sustainability."
Kaira (Intrigued, crossing her arms, leaning in): "Goon. The practical philosopher speaks."
Nikhil: "Look at it logically. You are ahigh-performing woman who constantly fights for respect in the world. Yourinner peace is finite. You need a partner who doesn't constantly demand thatyou prove your loyalty or worth."
Nikhil: " We needpartnership, not an accountability partner. Does his 'control' elevate yourspirit, or does it diminish your spontaneous self? That’s the core question ofrespect, Kai."
Kaira: "Aaryan is meticulous. That is his respect forour future."
Nikhil: "Meticulous is discipline. But possessivenessis a burden, Kai. Think about it: Does he celebrate who you are, or does hecelebrate the image you create for his benefit? "
He gestured to the ice cream.
Nikhil: "This ice cream is expensive and perfect. Butif I ate it in front of a truly loving partner, they wouldn't ask abouttomorrow’s calories or client meetings. They'd ask, 'Are you enjoying it?' Hewants a 'perfect' life, but perfection, as he defines it, often meanssacrificing your authentic, messy happiness."
He put the ice cream tub down, meeting her gaze seriously,the focus entirely on the quality of her life.
Nikhil: "Love isn't about finding someone who justifiesyour choices, Kai. You do that yourself. Love is finding someone who makes youfeel safe enough to be unfiltered. Someone who respects your right to choosejoy, even if it’s illogical. You are already fighting the world outside; gharaake, you should feel loved, not managed. Look for emotional freedom in youralliance, Kai. That is the highest form of respect."
Kaira stared at him, the argument cutting through the hazeof Aaryan's possessive assurances. She felt the depth of his understanding—hesaw the cage Aaryan was building.
Kaira (Softly, a profound realization): "That’s avery... sensible point of view, Nik. Tum toh bade practical ho, aurphilosophical bhi."
Nikhil (Picking up his spoon, the tone lightening to easeher tension): "Duh. I design clothes. I literally balance art withnecessity. Now, go get some rest. Aur kal se, thoda sa manmarzi ka risk toh leliya kar. It’s essential for your internal harmony."
As she reached the top of the stairs, the image of Aaryan’spossessive grip during the alliance meeting flashed in her mind. Then, sherecalled Nikhil's words: “Does he celebrate who you are, or does he celebratethe image you create for his benefit?”
Kaira stopped by her bedroom door, her hand hovering overthe handle. She frowned, looking back toward the kitchen where Nikhil'spresence still felt warm and easy.
He's just worried, she told herself firmly. Nikhil is acreative soul; he doesn't understand the structure needed for a legal empire.
But then, she looked down at the hand holding her purse, thehand that Aaryan had tightly squeezed while declaring, "You are my trophy,my ultimate acquisition!"
She remembered Aaryan's face: not proud of her, buttriumphant because of her.
A cold, unfamiliar feeling of unease settled in her stomach.It wasn't about the alliance anymore; it was about her own reflection in hiseyes.
Is he building an empire for us... or a pedestal for me tostand on, perfectly still?
Shiv Shakti
Ye Hai Mohabbatein
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