Later that evening, the Kapoor family gathered around the dining table, the aroma of home-cooked delicacies wafting through the air. Mr. Kapoor, a stern yet loving patriarch, presided at the head of the table, while his wife, Mrs. Kapoor, offered warm smiles as she served the dishes.
"Maya," Mr. Kapoor said, "you've been quite secretive about your studies lately. Are you keeping up with your responsibilities?"
Maya, the youngest and the apple of her father's eye, smiled brightly. "Of course, Dad. I'm working hard. Just balancing studies and… other interests."
Aarav, Maya's older brother, leaned back in his chair, keenly observing the interaction. He had always been fiercely protective of Maya, and his eyes narrowed slightly as he sensed her hesitation. "As long as those 'other interests' don't distract you from your studies," he interjected, a hint of seriousness in his tone.
"I'll never disappoint you, Aarav," Maya replied, playful defiance sparking in her eyes.
"Good," he replied, his protective nature flaring up. "Because if anyone tries to mess with you, they'll have to answer to me."
Their parents exchanged knowing glances, the atmosphere filled with familial warmth, yet underscored by Aarav's watchful gaze.
The conversation shifted when Mrs. Kapoor brought up Alim. "What do you think of Alim? I heard he organized an amazing event in medical, but how is his college life? Is he the same?" Maya's cheeks flushed slightly, a smile creeping onto her lips. "He's different. He's not like the others."
Aarav leaned in, protective instincts flaring. "Different how? Is he a troublemaker? You know I won't allow anyone to hurt you."
"No, it's not that," Maya insisted, her voice firm. "He's actually low-ranked in college, but he's a talented dancer and has a deep understanding of alternative healing. He believes the world is ruled by money, not by hearts."
Aarav raised an eyebrow, intrigued yet wary. "So, he's got a complex perspective. But why does he always seem alone?"
"Because he chooses to be," Maya said softly, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of admiration and sadness. "I think he's been hurt before."
As dessert was served, Maya delicately placed a dessert in front of Alim during a college gathering, their eyes locking in a moment that felt electric. Aarav noticed the way Maya's cheeks flushed and her gaze softened. There was something more than mere friendship in that look.
"I need to learn more about him," Aarav thought, suddenly aware of the stirrings of jealousy and protectiveness that surged within him. He quickly sent a message to his friend, seeking to uncover Alim's story.
Later that night, Aarav's phone buzzed. It was his friend, calling to share what he'd discovered about Alim. "You're not going to believe this," his friend began, excitement evident in his voice. "Dude, he's a low or average type guy in rank! But get this—his love life? It's a complete mess. The girl he liked broke his heart."
"What else?" Aarav pressed, his interest piqued.
"Dude, he's a dance talent! He organized a flash mob event, and everyone went crazy for him. But here's the kicker: Alim prefers being alone. He thinks the world is ruled by money, not by hearts. It's like he sees right through the facade people put on."
Aarav sat in silence, absorbing the information. In Kali Yuga, there is Krishna, but in a Muslim style? He couldn't help but think how rare it was to find someone like Alim, someone who could challenge the norm in a world so focused on wealth and power.
"That's deep," he finally said, a newfound respect forming in his mind. "I'll tell my parents."
Meanwhile, in her room, Maya sat on her bed, a soft smile lingering on her lips as she reflected on the evening. She reached for a book on her shelf—her journal of sorts—filled with memories and musings. As she flipped through the pages, she came across a photo that had somehow made its way into her heart. It was a picture of Alim, captured during one of the college events.
Her fingers traced the edges of the photo, and a wave of nostalgia washed over her. She remembered the first time she met him: a bright afternoon at the college fair, where laughter and chatter filled the air.
She recalled how he had passionately showcased his dance moves during a college competition, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm as he captivated the audience. While most of her friends dismissed it as just another event, she found herself captivated by his sincerity and talent.
Later that evening, Aarav found his parents in the living room, immersed in their usual routine of discussing the day's events. The ambiance was warm and inviting, filled with the soft glow of a table lamp and the scent of freshly brewed tea.
"Mom, Dad, can I talk to you about something?" Aarav asked, his voice steady yet tinged with excitement.
"Of course, Aarav. What's on your mind?" his mother replied, setting aside her knitting.
"I think Maya has feelings for someone," he began, taking a seat across from them. "I saw it in her eyes tonight—when she was serving dessert to Alim."
His father raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Maya? The girl who's always been so focused on her studies?"
"Yeah, that's her," Aarav confirmed, nodding. "But tonight, it was different. The way she looked at Alim… it was like she saw something in him that others don't. It was love, Dad, I'm sure of it."
His mother smiled softly, her eyes glistening with nostalgia. "Ah, young love. It can be such a beautiful thing."
"But what about Alim?" Aarav continued. "He seems like a nice guy, but does he even realize how she feels? He's always talking about how he thinks the world is ruled by money, not by hearts. It makes me wonder if he's really ready for a relationship."
"That's the beauty of it, Aarav," his father replied, leaning back in his chair. "Sometimes, the most genuine connections happen unexpectedly. If Maya cares for him, maybe she can help him see that there's more to life than just that perspective."
Aarav mulled over his father's words, realizing the truth in them. "I just hope he treats her right. She deserves someone who appreciates her for who she is."
"Why don't you talk to her about it?" his mother suggested. "Maybe she can open up about her feelings."
"Yeah, I think I will. But I need to make sure Alim is good enough for her too," Aarav replied, determination in his voice.
His father chuckled, "Protective big brother mode activated! Just remember, you can't control who she falls for. All you can do is support her and trust her choices."
Aarav nodded, feeling the weight of his role as an older brother. "You're right. I just want what's best for her."
As Aarav left the room, a newfound sense of purpose filled him. He was determined to keep an eye on the budding relationship between Maya and Alim, hoping to see their love story unfold.