Author's Pov

The Raghuvanshi mansion was bathed in warm lights, shimmering with an air of opulence. The long dining table was set with fine silverware, and the aroma of rich delicacies filled the air. Virendra stood by the grand window, his sharp gaze fixed on the driveway as a black SUV pulled in.

The Chauhan family had arrived.

Virendra's parents, Vikram and Meera Raghuvanshi, greeted them warmly. Harshvardhan Chauhan, his wife Savita, and their daughter Ishita stepped inside with polite smiles. Ishita's simple elegance stood out amidst the grandeur - a pale blue salwar suit that complemented her soft, innocent features.

Virendra's gaze lingered on her longer than necessary, his heart beating just a fraction faster. She looked around the mansion with curious eyes, her lips curving into a faint smile as she admired the intricate decor.

"Namaste," Ishita greeted politely, folding her hands in front of Virendra's parents.

[Hello]

"Namaste beta, aaiye," Meera said warmly, guiding them inside.

[Hello Child. Come]

Dinner was a formal affair, the table laden with lavish dishes. The conversations revolved around business and collaborations. Virendra remained mostly silent, his cold, observant eyes flickering toward Ishita now and then. She sat demurely beside her mother, occasionally offering polite responses.

Harshvardhan: "Raghuvanshi ji, nayi collaboration ki baat toh bahut acchi lagi. Aapka vision hamesha se impressive raha hai."

Vikram: "Dono parivaar milkar kaam kare toh safalta tay hai."

Meera chimed in, "Aur rishton ka toh asar business par bhi padta hai, hai na?" Her eyes subtly glanced at Ishita, who was busy picking at her plate.

[Harshvardhan: "Mr. Raghuvanshi, the idea of this new collaboration sounds fantastic. Your vision has always been impressive."

Vikram: "If both families work together, success is inevitable."

Meera chimed in, "And relationships often influence business too, don't they?" ]

Virendra's sharp gaze caught the veiled hint in his mother's words. He smirked inwardly. Everything was going as planned.

As the dinner wrapped up, Vikram cleared his throat. "Harshvardhan ji, ek aur baat thi."

["Mr. Harshvardhan, there was one more thing."]

Harshvardhan looked up curiously. "Haan, kahiye?"

[Yes, Say]

Vikram exchanged a glance with Meera, who nodded encouragingly. "Hum chahte hain ki dono parivaar sirf doston ke roop mein na rahein... ek naya rishta banayein."

["We want both families to not just remain friends but form a new relationship."]

The room fell silent.

Harshvardhan's brows furrowed. "Rishta?"

[Relationship]

Meera smiled warmly. "Haan, hum Virendra ke liye Ishita ka haath maangte hain."

["Yes, we ask Ishita's hand for Virendra."]

Savita's eyes widened in surprise, while Ishita choked on her water. Her face turned crimson as she tried to compose herself.

Virendra's expression remained stoic, though his eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

Virendra: "Mujhe lagta hai dono parivaar is faisle ko samajhdari se dekhenge." His tone was calm, yet authoritative.

[Virendra: "I believe both families will view this decision wisely."]

Ishita's heart raced. She hadn't expected this sudden proposal, and Virendra's cold, intimidating presence only made her more nervous. She avoided his gaze, feeling overwhelmed.

Harshvardhan hesitated but smiled politely. "Yeh toh hume thoda samay chahiye sochne ke liye."

["We need some time to think about this."]

Vikram nodded graciously."Bilkul, par hamari taraf se toh tay hai."

["Absolutely, but from our side, it's decided."]

As the Chauhans prepared to leave, Meera whispered to Virendra,"Sab badhiya ho gaya. Ab baaki tum dekh lo."

["Everything is sorted. Now the rest is up to you."]

Virendra's lips curved into a faint smirk."Koi aur raasta hi nahi tha."

["There was no other way."]

_________

The Chauhan family had left, their departure marked by warm farewells and polite smiles. The Raghuvanshi mansion was now quiet, except for the faint clinking of glasses as the staff cleared the dining table. Virendra stood by the large window in the living room, his posture rigid, eyes cold as he watched the Chauhans' car disappear down the driveway.

His parents, Vikram and Meera, sat on the velvet sofa, exchanging satisfied glances.

"I must say, Virendra," Vikram spoke in a deep voice, "the Chauhans are a respectable family. Harshvardhan Chauhan is a man of his word. This collaboration will be beneficial."

Meera smiled gently. "And Ishita... she's such a delightful girl. Full of life and charm. Bilkul alag."

Payal chimed in with a grin. "Haan, bhaiya ka toh expression hi badal gaya tha jab unhone Ishita ko dekha."

[Yes, my brother's expression completely changed when he saw Ishita.]

Virendra's jaw tightened. "Focus on the business collaboration, not unnecessary matters," he said curtly.

But Meera wasn't one to back down. "Beta, Ishita is perfect for this family. And for you. Humne toh Harshvardhan ji se baat bhi kar li. They're open to the rishta."

[Beta , Ishita is perfect for this family.And for you.We've already spoken to Harshvardhan ji. They're open to the relationship.]

Virendra's eyes darkened, though a glimmer of satisfaction flickered beneath his composed exterior. He had orchestrated everything to perfection-inviting the Chauhans for dinner under the guise of a business collaboration, ensuring his parents took an interest in Ishita, and subtly steering the conversation toward marriage.

The plan was unfolding exactly as he had envisioned.

"Good," he said simply, his tone devoid of emotion.

Meera frowned slightly. "Bas itna hi? Tumhe toh khush hona chahiye."

[Is that all? You should be happy about it.]

"Khushi dikhane ka shauk nahi hai mujhe," Virendra replied coldly. "Bas kaam pura hona chahiye."

[I don't have a habit of showing happiness," Virendra replied coldly. "As long as the work gets done.]

Vikram chuckled. "Tumhara ye attitude toh bilkul mujh pe gaya hai."

[Your attitude has completely rubbed off on me.]

Virendra gave a faint nod and turned to leave.

Later that night, Virendra found himself pacing in his dimly lit study. His mind was consumed by Ishita - her soft laughter, innocent gaze, and the way she carried herself with a charming blend of confidence and shyness.

Unable to resist, he dialed her number. The call rang for a while before a sleepy voice answered.

Ishita: "Hello?"

Her voice was groggy, barely audible.

Virendra: "Soyi nahi abhi tak?" [Still not asleep]

There was silence on the other end before Ishita spoke, clearly still half-asleep. "Kaun pagal aadmi raat ko call karta hai?"

[Which crazy person calls at night?]

Virendra's brow arched in amusement. "Main." [Me]

She yawned loudly. "Aapke paas aur koi kaam nahi hai kya?"

[Don't you have anything else to do?]

He couldn't help the rare smile tugging at his lips. Her innocence was both amusing and endearing. "Tumhare sapne dekhne ke alawa nahi," he said smoothly.

[Other than dreaming about you, no.]

Unaware of his identity, she mumbled,"Accha hai. Sapne hi dekhte raho, asal mein toh milne ka chance nahi milega."

[That's good. Keep dreaming, you'll never get a chance to meet in reality.]

Virendra's eyes gleamed danger

ously. "Is baat ka intezaar rahega."

[I'll be waiting for that.]

Before she could respond, he ended the call, his smile fading back into his usual cold expression.