Author's POV:-

Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Nestled a bit away from the busy city of Mumbai stood the 'Malhotra Estate', all majestic and breathtaking. The afternoon sun shone upon the tall glass windows which in turn reflected the light in all possible directions. With the bright bricks formulated in Victorian architecture, the passerbys could only gawk at the marvellous structure and feel jealous of the owners.

Of course! Who wouldn't?

The posh looking building was built in between acres of land which spread out for kilometres - with distinguished flora enhancing the place. Tall, mighty oak trees - which probably looked about a couple of centuries-old, cast shadows of the afternoon sun on the porch of the building. In general, the view was just a chef's kiss.

On the walled-fence of the vast estate was a golden plate with “The Malhotra's” carved in beautiful calligraphy - the name which made the entire corporate world shudder. The name which is always made a sensation among the citizens. The name which bought many glories.

The mansion which was once home to a lively, happy family - now only had one person residing in it.

The elder Malhotra - Maheshwari Ashok Malhotra.

.

Clad in spotless white saree with beige border, the 'elder Malhotra' sat in on one of the maroon divans while folding a betel leaf.

"Maaji, here are your tablets.", a man in his 30s rushed to her with her meds which were usually taken after her meals.

"Aah yes, thank you, Ramesh.", she replied, taking the bunch of pills and the glass of water from the said male's hand. After taking the medicines, she handed the glass and leaned back on the divan, popping the betel leaf into her mouth.

"Maaji? I have news from Delhi estate.", he said, keeping the glass on the table and folding his hands over his chest as a sign of respect.

"What is it?", she asked curiously, as she rarely heard news of her son, that too from a source rather than her son. It wasn't like he didn't call, he was just always busy and drowned himself in work and never paid attention to anything. It was always her who would call him.

She wasn't mad or anything, but she was deeply worried for him. Ever since his wife died, he had been living a life of hell and she was witness to that. He rarely took care of himself. He would go to the Malhotra Headquarters early in the morning and return late at night, or sometimes he would even stay in the office. If he came home, the only sound to be heard was the sound of glass breaking and his cries. He even neglected his sons while mourning for his life. He loved his wife a lot and she meant everything to him, and her leaving this world felt like tearing away every single organ out of his body with bare hands.

That's why he left Mumbai and established multiple branches in Delhi and started a new life there. The day he left with his sons was the day the mansion became gloomy. Nothing was to be heard except for the Bajans Maheshwari sang in the morning and the usual ordering of the servants.

"I don't know if it's true Maaji, but... Uh..... A source said that Sahib has remarried.", he said, looking down at the velvety carpet.

"What?!", she shot her head up "He is married?" It was indeed a shocker for her.

15 years. It has been 15 years since the horrifying incident had happened. 15 years since her daughter-in-law died. It would be a lie if she said that she didn't mourn for her even now. Her daughter-in-law was one of the purest and kindest souls she had ever met. Though they both had a feud in the early years, they overcame their misunderstanding and built a very strong relationship. She was more like her daughter. Her leaving this world created a huge hole in her heart. God knows how her son went through it.

"Haan Maaji, I don't know how much of a truth it is. But as soon as the news came, I delivered it to you."

"It's okay Ramesh. Now make a call as soon as possible."

It's time for some truth.

~•~•~

The trio - Aarav, Artika and Arvind were scattered in the study room with Aarav in one corner, talking with someone on his phone whereas Arvind and Artika were seated on chairs. Arvind was playing a game on his mobile with Artika leaning her head over his shoulder - her eyes drooping watching the game.

Honestly, all she wanted to do was to sleep. Her school had been stressing her with all the continuous tests and classes. August hasn't finished, yet her teachers are preparing her for the boards next year. Lazily fiddling with the frills of her shirt, she nudged Arvind who immediately looked over his shoulder.

"Bhai....with whom is Aarav bhai talking?"

"Oh, that fool might be talking with one of his stupid, good-for-nothing friends.", he replied, hiding the fact that he was talking with his lover.

"I see..... I am so tired..", she mumbled, hugging his right arm which she found fluffy.

A perfect pillow.

If one thing the boys observed was that Artika was very clingy. She loves clinging like a monkey with anyone of the twins. There isn't a day where isn't stuck to them like fevicol. Not that they were irritated. The boys always wanted a sister figure in their lives and now that they've got one, they are gonna pamper her a lot.

"Cute baby.", Arvind commented, pinching her small nose which made her scrunch her face.

"I am not a baby. I can break your nose with one punch.", she commented.

"And I can break your ribs baby sister. I am very strong you know?", Arvind retorted while flexing his arms, which only earned a slap on his chest by Artika.

"You are such a meanie.", she said while again hugging his arm.

Suddenly something came to her mind. Something which she wanted to clarify with the twins. After seeing Vijay cry in the library, Artika wanted to know why he was crying. And with the way Vikram was behaving with Vijay, she wanted to know if there was any feud between the two. If yes, then why? These questions had been bugging her mind ever since she saw the incident. She couldn't ask Vijay as she was afraid of his reaction. So her only way was the twins.

"Bhai?", he again nudged Arvind who now was stroking her raven hair softly.

"Yeah?"

"Is there anything wrong between Vikram and Vijay bhai? Like, do they fight a lot?"

"Why are asking Arti?"

"I don't know. It's just that, I noticed them and they don't seem to get along well though they are twins like you guys."

"Hmm...", he sighed "I don't know what's wrong between them both. They both had been at each other's neck every single time. For as long as I can remember, they never got along. Vikram bhai often used to blame Vijay bhai for things we still don't know. I and Aarav tried to bring them together, but no, they never get along and so we gave up. It is like, Vikram bhai is angry over Vijay bhai for some reason and never leaves a chance to taunt him. Other than their both's fight, Vikram bhai is very sweet. Trust me on this."

Artika didn't know what to say. She hadn't had a proper conversation with Vikram or Abhi. So she didn't want to judge him. But the way Vijay broke down to tears dug a hole in her heart. He had always been this strong fellow who never gave two flying figs. Even though he showed like he didn't care about her, she knew deep down he indeed cared for her.

Now she only wanted to get them both together and she would do that.

It's Artika we are talking about.

~•~•~

Peace was what Abhi felt as he sipped a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. He was standing on a reserved section of a well-known skyscraper. The music blasted by the DJ sent vibrations to every part of the building but he could care less.

He was at a party where the top executives of the country were having a formal meet. It was to celebrate the success of their newly established business in Petroleum Industry - which was definitely not a joke. Their success bought many more capitalists to invest in their conglomerate.

Everything was formal and neat until the DJ shouted 'ready to make some noise people?' which made the crowd go frenzy. Any sign of the once peaceful part was thrown out of the window.

Abhi took another sip and stared into oblivion - a big sigh leaving his lips. Times like these where he could relax and not worry about the paparazzi was very rare. Ever since he got into the business field, he was subjected to constant scrutiny.

When his father made him a CEO at the young age of 21, the Board of Directors questioned his credibility and many investors were willing to withdraw their shares. They didn't trust a young boy to run a whole business. But he proved them wrong. He showed them that he didn't just get this position just because he was in the next inline of the Malhotras, but because of his hard work and talent. He shut many mouths with his success.

He is a good example of work hard in silence, let your success be your noise.

And now, he is 23, and the CMD of the entire Malhotra Corporation while Vikram took up the post as the CEO. Constant work, meetings, trips etc... take a toll on him. So chilling with his friends was something he looked forward to. He may not be good at expressing things (which he had always found difficult since the very beginning) but he does love his near and dear ones.

As more alcohol entered his system, memories started invading his mind slowly making him forget his surroundings.

"Ma?", 4-year-old Abhi called out to his mother who was seemingly tired from the day's activities. Raising two toddlers along with a son was a hectic task. Abhi noticed that his mother was always busy and tired of taking care of his brother so he tried to be much less of a burden.

"Yes baccha?", the woman asked. She was beautiful, despite her tired expression and slouched body.

"Here, have some juice Ma.", Abhi said, cutely handing out the glass of orange juice to his mother.

"Did my Abhi make it?!?!!", she asked, her eyes lighting up like stars.

"Yes, Ma. I made it. You are tired, that's why I made it.", he replied, a smile making his way on his face when he watched his mother drink. Abhi tried. He really tried his best to make the juice. He climbed on a stool to fetch the sugar and other ingredients and to pour the water, he had to use both his tiny hands so that he doesn't spill it.

"Mmmmmm! This is yummy! Thank you my sweet baccha!", he said, hugging her son and placing a peck on his temple. Abhi didn't know how to react so he just slowly wrapped his hands around her. He was the type of person who showed his affection through actions as he was not good with words.

Releasing Abhi from her clutches, she messed Abhi's hair while again leaning back on the chair while sipping on the juice her son made.

The woman stared at her son, thinking of multiple reasons as to how she was gifted with such a beautiful son and what did she do to deserve him.

Abhi was an amazing kid. He was intelligent at a very young age. For a small kid, he was very fluent in two languages. He could say which flag belonged to which country and list out all the Presidents and Prime Ministers of India.

Another thing was his exceptional memory. He remembered was he ate for lunch a month ago and what he did at a specific time a year ago. His mother was shocked at first, but when he was taken to a doctor, after multiple tests he was diagnosed with a rare condition called - Hyperthymesia which made him remember almost everything.

People say he is gifted, only if they knew.

Abhi wasn't a social kid, At All. If anything, he would prefer to stay indoors and read books or play with his brothers than go out. He didn't talk much for a kid his age who were usually enthusiastic. He also exhibited traits of a dominant character. One glare from the tiny being could make a whole crowd go quiet.

But when it came to his mother, he was this soft sweet kid. Love was an understatement. He loved, cherished and adored her with his every being. She was the perfect woman in his eyes. He always tries to be a good kid to his mother and does everything as she says.

He loved her. A lot.

A cry rang through the room, interrupting the beautiful mother-son moment.

Abhi's mother instantly shot up from her seat - the orange juice was long forgotten. Any ounce of tiredness exhibited also vanished.

As soon as she entered the living room, she saw her two other sons - Vikram and Vijay, sitting on the floor in diapers. Vijay was wailing loudly and Vikram looked so panicked.

Apparently, she had let them scribble on a notepad and went to take a nap. But she had forgotten the open glass of water and now the water was all over the notepad Vijay was scribbling.

Guess the mischief-maker Vikram must've pushed it.

Vikram slowly took his tiny fists to Vijay's face in an attempt to wipe away his brother's tears. After some attempts, Vijay seemed to calm down. Vikram was babbling something on the words 'Chsowjbyy Bhuuu' or something in their alien language. He then gently placed a kiss on Vijay's nose.

Vikram then pushed away from the drenched notepad from Vijay and gave his own notepad and pencil to Vijay. He immediately accepted it with a toothy grin and started scribbling random things while Vikram sat simply - staring at his brother

Abhi just knew one thing from this whole ordeal - Vikram had this elder brother instinct towards Vijay and he is gonna be a great brother.

Abhi's mother couldn't help but wipe a tear of happiness. No matter how tired she gets or how sad her day is, these kids sure make her days better. And she loves them with all her heart.

"Bhai?", Vikram called snapping Abhi from his trance. He was dressed in a custom made Stuart Hughes hugging every muscle of his body. He was extremely handsome, to say the least.

"Have some more wine.", he said, pouring the wine from the bottle into Abhi's glass.

As Abhi started drinking down, Vikram lit up a cigarette and started smoking, casually puffing out clouds of smoke into the air. As they both eye contact, Vikram lifted his cigarette stick - asking if Abhi needed one.

"No thank you. I don't smoke.", he declined, staring into the night sky.

"Okay!", Vikram shrugged and continued smoking.

.

.

"So? What were you thinking about Bhai?"

"Huh?", Abhi asked with confusion laced in his face.

"Before I came, you were deep thoughts. So I asked what were you thinking about.", explained as he took another puff.

"Oh...um...I was thinking about Ma..", replied, again staring into space. The night breeze tousled his hair in various directions but he could care less.

"Oh.....", Vikram reacted, leaning his figure on the railing. "You know bhai? I nowadays don't even remember how Ma looked.", Vikram confessed, looking at the cancer stick.

"I gave you a picture of our Ma right?",   the older asked, throwing a questioning glance.

"Yes but.... It's different from remembering right? I hardly remember Ma now. All the memories are faded ones. Her voice is so distant, I can't seem to recollect anything about her. When I look at the photo, I know it's Ma, but.....",  he paused blinking back his tears "I now seriously wish that I had a memory like you bhai.."

"Oh you wish!", he scoffed, taking another big gulp and emptying his glass.

"I understand that due to your condition you can't seem to forget all the bad happenings but.....you can at least remember Ma. And I am so jealous of you about that fact.", he justified.

"At least you don't have to go through that pain every day. Do you know what I was thinking about? It was you and Vijay. You know, when you both were toddlers, you both were in diapers only for most of the time. Vijay would refuse to wear clothes and seeing him,  you would also act the same. Once you poured an entire glass of water on Vijay notebook and when he started to cry, you just wiped his tears away and kissed him."

"Oh God Bhai! Stop embarrassing me!!", Vijay whisper yelled to which Abhi let out a chuckle.

Carefree moments like these were rare.

"Even though you were so tiny and young, you knew Vijay was your little brother without anyone telling. You cared for him like no one. Now, why-"

"Bhai, you and I know the reason so please stop.", Vikram immediately cut him off, inhaling one more puff.

"It happened a long time ago and we know it isn't his fault. For heaven's sak-"

"Please......", Vikram begged "Let's not talk about him for tonight. I just want to take my mind off things."

"Okay fine.", Abhi retorted, pouring another glass of the wine and chugging the whole thing down, which left an astringent feeling in his mouth.

"So? How's your new secretary?", Abhi asked changing the topic

"Oh, Miss Nair? Yeah, she is pretty good. She sometimes reminds me of you. You are strict when it comes to work and so is she."

"Mmhhmm..", He nodded.

"Bhai? Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah what?"

"Do you....have any sort of relation with Miss. Nair? Like, romantically?", he asked.

"No Vikram. We don't. We share a professional relationship. She is very good at her work and I respect her for that. Other than that, nothing."

"Oh!", Vikram let out a deep breath that he didn't know that he was holding. He was somewhat relieved?

He didn't know why he was feeling relieved but just felt that.

"She is like a sister to me Vikram."

"Oh? Then what about Artika? She would be jealous bhai.", Vikram playfully retorted but Abhi stayed silent.

"We haven't even talked to her right?", Abhi questioned after a while.

"Yeah.....we..haven't talked to her at all."

.

.

.

"What do you think of Artika bhai?", Vikram asked, twirling the stick that was dangling between his fingers.

"She is our Pa's daughter-"

"No. I meant how you felt when you first saw her?"

The first time Abhi saw Arti was during the Lunch meet at their mansion. The way she stepped in the house and the way her doe-eyes raked over the interior design.  She looked so tiny compared to his 6-foot frame that even if he hugged he was sure he could cover her like a blanket. The kid was just so.......innocent.

Yeah, innocent. Something which he wished he was.

All he wanted to do was to tuck her in a suitcase and take her to a hill station so that she doesn't have to face the cruel world. Every time she greeted him with a cheerful 'good morning', he would ignore it. Every time she waved a 'goodbye' before going to school, he would ignore it. But he didn't want to. It was all his defence mechanism. He didn't want any more weakness.

"She was small.", he said bluntly.

"Small? That's all?"

"Yeah. Small."

"Jeez fine. I think she looked very innocent.", Vikram stated.

Best bros have the same thoughts.

"Vikram, as I told you from the very beginning, she is Dad's daughter and now a part of the Malhotra family. She comes under our custody and we will just monitor her. Otherwise, we will have nothing between us. Understood?"

"Yeah...."

"Sir?", a deep voice interrupted the conversation "A person is waiting to meet you.", the bodyguard informed.

"Who?", Abhi asked, turning his full body.

"She says she Kaviya Nair and that she is Vikram Sir's assistant.", the bodyguard replied.

"Whhaaaaat? Omg, let her in soon.", he ordered frantically. Once the guard went out, Vikram was just in a state of panic. He threw the glass of wine (which he borrowed from Abhi earlier) out of the open area not caring if it was expensive or not. And he dropped the cigarette stomped it with his expensive shoe. Suddenly, the said person entered the hall in dazzling party wear, catching his breath in his throat.

"Sir?", her voice shook him out of his trance and he embarrassingly scratched his neck. All the while Abhi was watching his brother's activities with amusement glittering in his eyes.

"Ah, hello Miss Nair, what brings you here?', he asked, fixing his coat and hair - trying to appear as casual as possible.

"Actually Deepak Sir wanted to talk to Abhi Sir. I came here to give the call.", she said, passing over the phone to Abhi. Apparently, Deepak didn't know that Abhi has changed his assistant so he called Kaviya out of habit.

"Oh yes, thank you, Miss Nair. You can take your leave."

"Welcome Sir.", she replied, and bowed a bit to Vikram and left the area.

'Wow! She looked stunning!', Vikram thought.

Meanwhile, Abhi connected the call to his father, eagerly waiting for the person on the other line to pick up. After a couple of rings, Deepak picked up.

“Hello, Pa? You asked me to call you?”

“Yes, I did. Get our private jet ready. We are going to Mumbai tomorrow.”

“What? But why?”

“Please do as I say Abhi. And we are leaving at 11 pm. I don't want any news to be leaked out.”

“Wait- does that mean-”

“Yes Abhi, we are going there as a whole family. Including Devika and Arti. Now be quick.”, Deepak hung up the phone leaving Abhi to thoughts.

"Bhai? What happened-", before Vikram could question, Abbi quickly interjected.

"Vikram, I need you to postpone all the meetings for the next two weeks. Any very important dealings alone should be dealt with by Aaryan or Kaviya. And any important contracts to be signed alone should be taken with us. I will take care of the security team and the tickets. Also, I will inform the officials of our arrival. Make sure everything is prim and proper Vikram.", Abhi ordered, the alcohol in his system quickly vanishing away.

Man, he just needed some relaxation.

"Yeah, I will do as you say. But why all these?"

"We are going to Mumbai."

______________________________________

Author's Section:-

First of all, a very Happy New Year guys. May this day be the best and may you all have a great year ahead.

Thank you for your support so far. A lot of new readers are coming so 'Welcome Guys!'

I know my updates hadn't been frequent. I was giving my exams and hadn't had a proper time.

I will try to update asap. Till then, have a great year!❤❤❤

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Updated:- 01/01/2022
Word count:- 3900 to 4000

Please don't forget to vote❤