The message from the earlier read - "Come home tonight for dinner, your dad and grandfather wish to discuss something with you. Act accordingly and do not disappoint us this time. It is for the good of our family, please understand. I cannot stand with you openly in this matter as was the case earlier. Love you -Your Mom"
After going through so much in his previous life and having no support from his family was the biggest regret he ever had. He kept his distance with his family because of his hot headed and rebellious nature when he was young.
This time however he would like the relations to not go stranded and not let his past mistakes repeat themselves. Rishab thought about how he had grown and matured since his previous life. He had learned from his mistakes after having a bitter life and was determined to make amends and start anew.
As he pondered his family's message, Rishab realized that this was an opportunity to strengthen his relationships with them. He didn't want to let his pride and ego get in the way, as they had in the past. It is not just about the ego, now after living for about forty two years in the past life, not being a rebellious teenager, Rishab has understood many things in the due course of time.
With a newfound sense of determination and humility, Rishab decided to respond to his family's message and agree to meet with them. He would listen to what they had to say and work towards understanding and getting together with them. Letting them understand what he wants in a calm and peaceful manner.
This time, Rishab was ready to put in the effort to build a stronger, more loving relationship with his family. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was willing to try.
As he left the conference room, having finalized the deal with Evergreen, Rishab felt a sense of hope and accomplishment. He was excited to start this new chapter in his life, both personally as well as professionally.
Little did he know, this was just the beginning of a journey that would test his patience, his relationships, and his very sense of identity. This life would also have his fair share of new understandings and betrayals. But Rishab was ready, for he had learned that with love, support, and determination, anything is possible.
As Rishab walked into his family's home, he was greeted by the familiar scent of his mother's cooking which he missed and the warmth radiating from the glow of the living room lights. His heart swelled with a mix of emotions - nervousness, hope, and a hint of trepidation.
His father and grandfather sat on the couch, their faces serious but not unkind. His mother stood by the dining table, looking tired from cooking or perhaps something more.
"Rishab, come sit down," his father said, patting the empty chair beside him.
Rishab obliged, feeling a sense of anxiety wash over him. What did they want to discuss? Was it about his past mistakes or something new?
"Rishab, we know you've been doing well for yourself," his grandfather began, his voice measured. "We're proud of you, but we also need to talk about the future."
His mind raced with various conclusions. What did they want from him?
"We want to discuss about our family heritage and legacy," his father continued. "We need someone to take the reins in the future and we have only you in the next generation in the main branch of the family, and we believe you're the right person."
Rishab's eyes widened in surprise. He had never been interested in politics, and they knew it. What has changed?
"I don't know, Dad," Rishab hesitated. "I have my own path, my own goals."
His mother stepped forward, her eyes pleading. "Rishab, please listen. This is important. It's not just about the business; it's about our family legacy, our heritage. You are our only heir and only you can take up the charge."
Rishab felt a pang of guilt and obligation. He had always wanted to make amends, to prove himself to his family. Was this the chance he had been waiting for?
"What happened Mom, why this discussion out of the blue right now?" argued Rishab.
Noticing the changes in the looks of his family, he knew there was something going on which he had failed to witness in the previous life. Getting no response from them, he looked around only to find something which was out of place in his home. There were no other staff present in the whole mansion. It was as if it was cleared out to discuss something important and only the family is involved. But if there are any spies involved, that would alarm them of a sudden clearance.
Looking at his father questioningly, Rishab expected some answer from him but his father shifted his gaze.
To ease out the situation his mother called everyone to freshen up, have dinner and continue with the discussion.
Rishab agreed for now and went to his room which was a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere that had settled over the mansion. The soft glow of the table lamp cast a warm light on the rugged carpet and the comfortable bed, where he had spent countless hours as a teenager. The room got a mature look which he found pleasant to look at after all the experiences he has had. Everything is in its place except for the change in the wallpaper.
The walls, which were once decorated with posters of his favorite boy bands, were now bare, a testament to his family's disappointment on his chosen career. He knew that his mother would have still kept those posters safely inside his shelf. But despite the changes, the room still felt like heaven, a place where he could escape the troubles that had haunted him for so long.
As he settled into the familiar comfort of his bed, Rishab's mind began to wander to his family's past and the potential dangers that might be lurking in their future. With the knowledge of the future, he knew that his family was safe and sound until his death.
Only thing that bothered him was whether the circumstances in which his cousin Rakesh Mehta, who had succeeded his father in taking up the charge on his behalf in the previous life were really as per the news circulated or not.
His grandfather, Mr. Ram Mehta, the patriarch of the family who has been in politics since independence has had a lot of say in the running of the country and even now a lot of people admire him for his courageous decisions back then.
Although his family never took helm as the ultimate leader of the nation, they hold a great power in the decision making process and people of the country admire them.
His father, Raj Mehta is currently holding the power which his grandfather held. They never wanted that seat of power even if they were offered to take it several times whether their party was ruling the government or not. They just want a better person who has that charisma to take the nation to new heights.
Rishab's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his mother's voice calling him for dinner. He got up from bed, his mind still preoccupied with thoughts of his family's legacy and the future.
As he entered the dining room, he saw his family already seated, waiting for him. His grandfather, Mr. Ram Mehta, looked up at him with a serious expression, his eyes hinting at the weight of the conversation to come. Rishab's father, Raj Mehta, nodded at him, his face stern, while his mother, Nalini Mehta, offered a reassuring smile.
Rishab took his seat, feeling a sense of anxiety wash over him. He knew that this dinner was not just about catching up, but about discussing the future of their family's legacy and the potential dangers that lay ahead.