Disha, starting her day anew, woke up on time and completed her morning routine. After freshening up, she dressed comfortably in shorts and a t-shirt, a choice she reserved for home. She made her way to the kitchen to greet her mom, where the delightful aroma hinted at a promising day ahead.
Disha greeted her mom with a kiss on the cheek, and the morning unfolded with the usual routines—catching up, exchanging smiles, and enjoying the comforting aroma of breakfast being prepared.
Disha, realizing it was Saturday, observed her mom preparing the aarti thali. She playfully smacked her own head for momentarily forgetting their regular trips to the temple on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Quickly changing into a pinkish Anarkali dress adorned with subtle golden work, she applied a touch of kajal and a bindi. Rushing to the living room, Disha greeted her father, who was engrossed in his breakfast, before heading out to the temple with her mother.
They engaged in conversation as they strolled towards the temple, enjoying the bonding time on the short 10-minute walk.
As the family enjoyed breakfast together, Sameer, who was staying at Singhania Mansion for a few days, joined in the lively conversation. Grandpa and grandma insisted on his stay, and Sameer's presence added an extra layer of warmth to the family moments.
Sameer, as mischievous as ever, couldn't resist teasing Aaryan.
Sameer grinned, "Aaryan, any new updates on the 'wild cat' front? Maybe you'll run into her again today."
Abhi chimed in, "Yeah, Bhai, you should invite her over for dinner sometime. It could be a family affair."
Aaryan, trying to keep a straight face, replied, "Let's focus on the important things, like the work at hand. We can talk about wild cats later."
The banter continued, adding a touch of humor to the family breakfast.
Nita: "Aryan, I've heard so much about this Disha. I'd really like to meet her. Can you arrange that?"
Aryan, surprised: "Mom, she's just a stranger. There's really nothing to meet about."
Sameer chuckled at Aryan's response. After breakfast, Aryan left for work, and Sameer headed to the hospital.
Disha, after a fulfilling visit to the temple, returned home feeling content and ready to spend time with her family.
Disha spent the day with her family, free from the worries of the world, enjoying simple moments and cherished time with her loved ones.
Aryan, committed to keeping his promise to his mother, navigated through a series of meetings and work commitments, each demanding his attention and focus. The clock seemed to move at its own pace as he delved into business discussions and strategies. It wasn't until the clock struck 7 PM that he finally saw a moment to conclude his work.
He took a deep breath, relieved that the hectic day was coming to an end. With a sense of fulfillment, he gathered his belongings and prepared to head home, eager to fulfill his commitment to be there early for his family. The journey back held a mix of exhaustion and anticipation, knowing that a warm welcome awaited him at Singhania Mansion.
As Aryan entered the living room, he was surprised to find his uncle, aunty and cousins there. Aryan was displeased by the sudden arrival of his uncle, aunt, and cousins, particularly due to his strained relationship with Vidyut and his parents. However, amid his irritation, there was a soft spot for his younger cousin Ishaan, providing a contrasting touch of warmth in an otherwise tense situation.
Aryan, despite his displeasure, joined the gathering in the living room out of respect for his elders. Sameer also joined in shortly, exchanging greetings with everyone. While Aryan's uncle and aunt remained distant, Sameer received a warm, brotherly hug from Vidyut. The camaraderie between Sameer and Vidyut was evident. Finally, Sameer greeted Ishaan and took a seat on one of the sofas, engaging in their evening tea.
Aryan decided to channel his frustration into a workout, heading to the gym after the tea. Aryan, seeking solace in his personal haven, headed to his private gym on the second floor, a space exclusively dedicated to his fitness routines.
The rhythmic clinking of weights mirrored the turbulent thoughts running through his mind.
Vidyut, with his typical arrogance, leaned against a nearby workout machine, observing Aryan's intense workout. The gym echoed with the clinks of weights and the occasional grunts, creating an atmosphere charged with tension.
Aryan halted his exercises, the tension in the room palpable. He looked at Vidyut and, with an unmistakable edge in his tone, demanded, "What are you doing here? Get out." The gym's atmosphere became even more strained as their confrontation unfolded.
Vidyut, wearing a sly smirk, broke the silence, "Aryan, my brother, we need to talk about some things."
Aryan, visibly irritated, responded curtly, "I don't have time for your games, Vidyut. What do you want?"
Vidyut chuckled, "No need to be so defensive. I'm just here to remind you of the past, the things you'd rather forget."
Aryan clenched his fists, "I've moved on.
Vidyut, with a sly grin: "Hey Aryan, heard about your past flame, Payal Dutta? Wondering if she still thinks about you."
Aryan, clenching his fists: "Don't you dare bring her into this, Vidyut."
Vidyut, tauntingly: "Oh, come on! You can't deny the memories, can you? What happened between you two was a mess."
Aryan, boiling with anger: "This is none of your business, Vidyut."
Vidyut, instigating further: "Is it true she left you for me?"
Aryan, unable to control his rage, throws a powerful punch at Vidyut, initiating the altercation.
Sameer, stepping in: "Enough, both of you! We're not here to relive the past. Let's settle this like adults."
Aryan, fueled by anger and frustration, unleashed his fury on the gym equipment. Each lift, each punch was a release of pent-up emotions. The clang of weights and the thud of his fists against the punching bag echoed through the space.
Meanwhile, Sameer sternly spoke to Vidyut outside the gym, "Vidyut, stirring up the past won't do any good. Leave Aryan alone. You know how sensitive that topic is."
Vidyut, smirking, replied, "I was just having some fun. Didn't expect him to lose it like that."
Sameer, warningly: "Well, he did, and it's not something to take lightly. Just stay away from him, especially when it comes to those old wounds."
As Sameer dealt with Vidyut, Aryan continued his intense workout, channeling his emotions into physical exertion. The gym, once a place of solace, now became a battlefield for him to conquer his inner demons.
On the terrace, Sameer confronted Vidyut about their shared past, "Vidyut, we were a trio. What's the deal with bringing up Payal's name and instigating Aryan like that?"
Vidyut, nonchalant: "I just wanted to see how strong his 'new self' is. But Sameer, you remember what Payal did, right? How she betrayed Aryan for money?"
Sameer, with a sigh: "Yes, I remember. It was a mess. But Aryan doesn't know the whole truth. He still believes in the image he had of her."
Vidyut, smirking: "Well, it's about time he faced reality. He can't keep living in denial."
Sameer, warningly: "This isn't the way to make him face it, Vidyut. You're only pushing him further away. Let go of the past; it's been years."
Vidyut, cryptically: "Some wounds don't heal, Sameer. And Aryan needs to know the truth sooner or later."
As Sameer and Vidyut delved into their past, Aryan's anger fueled his workout.
Sameer, trying to reason with Vidyut: "Look, Vidyut, bringing up the past won't help. Aryan needs time to heal, and this... this will only make things worse."
Vidyut, resolute: "He needs to know the truth, Sameer. Payal played with his emotions for years, and he deserves to see her for who she truly is."
Meanwhile, Aryan, unaware of the conversation on the terrace, intensified his workout, sweat glistening on his forehead. His muscles strained, mirroring the internal struggle he faced.
Sameer, empathetic: "I understand your concern, Vidyut, but forcing the truth upon him won't fix anything. We need to tread carefully."
Vidyut, determined: "I can't stand seeing him live in a lie, Sameer. If he finds out the truth, it might hurt, but at least he'll have a chance to move on."
Sameer, acknowledging Vidyut's sacrifice: "Vidyut, what you did back then, taking the blame upon yourself to protect Aryan, was a selfless act. You shielded him from a potential disaster. I can't imagine the burden you've been carrying."
Vidyut, with a bitter smile: "Sometimes, Sameer, we have to bear the weight of our family's happiness on our shoulders, even if it means enduring their pain. I couldn't let Aryan marry someone like Payal. She would have wrecked him."
Sameer, grateful: "You made a tough call, my friend. Aryan might not see it that way now, but someday, he'll understand the depth of what you did for him."
Vidyut, reminiscing: "We were family, bound by ties. I couldn't stand by and watch Payal ruin everything. I had to intervene, even if it meant being the villain in Aryan's eyes."
As Sameer and Vidyut shared a moment of reflection on their intertwined past, Aryan's intense workout below mirrored the turbulence within him. The revelation awaiting him was a storm he hadn't yet glimpsed.
After an intense workout in his private gym, Aryan took a refreshing shower and changed into casual attire.
Aryan, clad in a crisp white T-shirt that accentuated his athletic build, paired with stylish blue denim and complemented by casual yet elegant shoes, adorned his wrist with an expensive watch. His handsome features seemed even more pronounced as he walked with purpose towards the main door, leaving an air of quiet determination in his wake. Sameer, recognizing the need for camaraderie, decided to join Aryan on this impromptu excursion to Royal Reserve.
In the quiet journey to Royal Reserve, Sameer attempted a few small talk topics, but sensing Aryan's mood, he wisely fell silent. Upon reaching their usual spot, Aryan wasted no time in ordering his preferred drink, immersing himself in the solace of the familiar surroundings.
Sameer, seated quietly at the table, felt his phone buzz with Vidyut's incoming call. Realizing he couldn't answer it in front of Aryan, he excused himself, heading outside to pick up the call.
"Hey, Sameer! What's the plan for tonight?" Vidyut's voice crackled through the phone.
Sameer, keeping his tone hushed, responded, "Listen, Vidyut, it's a bit complicated tonight. Aryan is here, and things are a bit tense. I'd suggest not joining us. It might make matters worse."
Vidyut, catching the seriousness in Sameer's voice, chuckled lightly, "Don't worry, Sameer. I wasn't planning to crash your party anyway. You guys enjoy, and we'll catch up later."
Sameer sighed in relief, "Thanks, Vidyut. I appreciate it. We'll catch up soon. Take care."
Ending the call, Sameer returned to the table, keeping the details to himself for now, hoping the night wouldn't take a turn for the worse.
Sameer, growing concerned as Aryan continued to drink heavily, made attempts to intervene. However, Aryan, lost in his thoughts, kept downing one drink after another. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Sameer took charge, guiding Aryan out of the bar.
Despite Aryan's protests, Sameer managed to steer him towards the car. He gently pushed Aryan into the passenger seat and swiftly took the driver's seat, determined to get him home safely. The engine roared to life, and they began the journey back to the mansion. The tense atmosphere in the car mirrored the brewing storm within Aryan.
As the car glided through the city lights, Sameer, trying to break the heavy silence, spoke, "Aryan, you can't keep bottling up everything. What happened back there?"
Aryan, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery, muttered, "Just leave it, Sameer. I don't want to talk about it."
Sameer persisted, "I get it, but shutting everyone out won't make it better. We're here for you, man."
Aryan, with a bitter laugh, replied, "Here for me? Who's here for me, Sameer?"
Sameer, maintaining a calm tone, said, "Your friends, your family. We all care about you. Let us help."
Sameer, glancing at Aryan, continued, "You can't keep blaming yourself for everything. Life throws curveballs, and sometimes you need to face them head-on."
Aryan, clenching his fists, retorted, "You don't understand, Sameer. You don't know what it's like to trust someone blindly and then have that trust shattered."
Sameer, with empathy in his voice, responded, "Maybe I don't fully understand your pain, but I know you're strong enough to overcome it. Don't let one person's betrayal define your entire life."
Aryan, staring out the window, whispered, "It's not just 'one person,' Sameer. It's Payal – someone I thought was my everything."
Sameer, choosing his words carefully, said, "I get it, Aryan. But dwelling on the past won't change it. You have a whole life ahead, and we're here to support you, no matter what."
The car continued its journey through the quiet night, carrying the weight of Aryan's shattered trust and Sameer's sincere concern.
Sameer, guiding Aryan carefully, reached the mansion. Concerned about Aryan's condition, he told Abhi, "Clear the hallway, Abhi. We can't let anyone see Aryan like this. We don't need unnecessary worries right now."
Abhi quickly gathered everyone in the garden area to divert their attention. Meanwhile, Sameer discreetly led Aryan to his room, away from prying eyes.
In the dimly lit hallway, Sameer navigated through shadows, ensuring Aryan's troubled state remained a secret. The hushed silence enveloped them as they entered Aryan's room, away from the curious gazes of the mansion's occupants.
Having successfully secured Aryan in his room, Sameer decided to head home, yearning for a moment of solitude and reflection. The quiet night embraced him as he made his way out, leaving behind the mansion's lively atmosphere.
As the morning light streamed into the room, Aryan gradually opened his eyes, only to be greeted by a relentless throbbing in his head. The consequences of last night's excessive drinking weighed heavily on him. With a groan, he tried to sit up, and a wave of dizziness hit him.
The room seemed to spin for a moment before gradually steadying. Aryan winced at the harsh sunlight filtering through the curtains, aggravating his headache. The scent of stale alcohol lingered in the air, a stark reminder of the previous night's indulgence.
He reached for a glass of water on the bedside table, taking slow sips to alleviate the dryness in his mouth. The events of the night flashed before him – the relentless drinking, Sameer's attempts to intervene, and the somber drive back home.
Aryan massaged his temples, reflecting on the decisions that led to this state. The weight of regret settled in.