Page 5 of Shattered

Understanding the dismissal, Aditya rises to his feet. “I’ll send you a message once I’ve booked the table,” he says before leaving the room.

I dial my dad’s number, and he answers after the second ring. “Congratulations, son!” he exclaims before I have a chance to open my mouth.Only Dad would be so sure of my success before I even tell him. He’s one of a kind, always having faith in me.Rajesh Kundra isn’t just a brilliant businessman; he’s the best Dad anyone could ask for. And my mom, Raima, is no different.She’s our biggest supporter,proving time and again thatshe’s the perfect housewife and mother.

“Thanks, Dad,” I reply, smiling.

“So, are you going to celebrate with your old parents, or are you planning to go out with friends?”

“I intend to do both,”I reply with a grin. “Actually, I was thinking of coming over tomorrow and staying with you and Mom for a few days. It’s been way too long since I’ve been there.” Lately, work has kept me so busy that I hardly get time to see my parents. It’s usually just quick dinners or Dad dropping by the office. That’s why Ifigured spending some quality time with them would do us all good.

There’s a moment of silence, and I can’t help but wonder if one of us accidentally ended the call. Then, I hear Dad’s voice in the background, sharing the news with Mom. Soon after, Mom’s enthusiastic voice bursts through the speaker, her happiness palpable.

“Son, please tell me your dad isn’t joking and you’re really coming to stay with us?” I can hear the excitement in her voice, her smile evident even through the phone.

“Yup, I am really coming,” I confirm. Now, I am happy that I have made that decision.It’s amazing how sometimes these little things can bring so much joy.

“I’ll have your dad ask the movers and shifters to get all your stuff back here. Oh, now you can fill your room again! I used to hate going into that empty room of yours,” Mom rambles excitedly, and I can’t help but shake my head.

“Whoa, Mom, hold your horses. We don’t need to shift anything since I am just coming there for a day or two,” I interject gently.

“Just two days,” I can hear the disappointment in Mom’s voice.

“Hey, now don’t guilt trip me. I am coming; you should be happy with that,” I argue, leaning forward on my desk with my elbows as if gearing up for a debate.

“Honey, cut that boy some slack. Despite his packed schedule, he’s making an effort. That’s all that matters. You have two days to spoil him rotten,” Dad chimes in.

“Thanks, Dad,” I breathe out, relaxing back in my chair.

“Both of you, father and son, are always teaming up,” Mom complains, but then her voice softens. “When are you planning to come?”

“Tonight, I have plans with Aditya, so I’ll get there in time for lunch tomorrow. It’s been ages since I’ve had your chicken biryani. Could you please make that for lunch?”

“I’ll make that, and your favourite fruit custard too,” Mom promises.

God, I love my parents so much.

“If you keep this up, Mom, I don’t think I’ll ever want to leave home,” I tease.

“That’s the plan, son,” Mom replies, her voice brimming with affection and a hint of playfulness.

I chuckle, knowing better than to argue with her on this; I know where that conversation will end up. So, I better steer the conversation back to where it’s supposed to be. “I’ll be there tomorrow.”

“I also have photos of a few girls—” Mom begins, but I groan and cut her off, knowing it’s another conversation I need to steer clear of.

“Mom, I need to go. I’ll see you tomorrow,” I say, eager to end the conversation and avoid any further discussions about potential suitors.

“I know you’re trying to avoid it, but once you’re here tomorrow, there’s no escaping, son,” she warnsin a mock-serious tonebefore saying goodbye, and I can’t help but chuckle at her stern ‘Mom’ voice.

I drop the phone on my desk with a heavy sigh, running a hand through my hair.I am excited about spending time with my parents, but the whole marriage talk? Nah! It feels like a storm brewing in my gut. How do I break it to Mom without hurting her that I am not ready to give up my freedom just yet? I am still living it up, enjoying the single life. Yet, deep down, I know I can’t refuse her forever. Damn, I am stuck in a real bind. I suppose I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.

With that thought in mind,I push myself back into work, trying to focus on the tasks at hand.

Chapter 3

Kavya

“Absolutely not,” I say with a deep, frustrated groan, pacing my room. “I am not changing my mind—no means no.”

“Come on, please, Kavya,” Akash begs, sitting on the edge of my bed with puppy dog eyes.

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