15. INAYAT'S ENGAGEMENT

AYAAN MUKHERJEE'S POV

I stand at my window, gazing out at the familiar sight of my front yard. But today, something's different. Today, Yuvraaj is standing there, his eyes fixed on my house with a mix of hope and nervousness.

My heart skips a beat as our gazes meet, even from a distance. It's been three months since he apologized, three months since I've been trying to process my emotions. I thought I'd made progress, but now, seeing him again, I'm not so sure.

Yuvraaj takes a step forward, his hands shoved deep in his pockets. He looks uncertain, like he's not sure if he should be here. I can relate. I'm not sure if I want him here either.

But as I look into his eyes, I see something there that gives me pause. Sincerity? Longing? I'm not sure, but it makes me hesitate.

Yuvraaj takes another step forward, his eyes locked on mine. I feel a flutter in my chest, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. What does he want? Why is he here?

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. I need to know what he wants. I need to know why he's here, after all these months.

Slowly, I make my way to the front door, my heart pounding in my chest. I open it, and Yuvraaj's eyes meet mine, filled with a mix of hope and trepidation.

"Ayaan," he says, his voice low and husky.

I nod, my voice caught in my throat. "Yuvraaj."

As I stand at the door, trying to process my emotions, my parents appear beside me, a look of surprise on their faces as they take in Yuvraaj's presence.

But then, something unexpected happens. My parents' expressions soften, and they bow their heads in respect, their hands together in a namaste.

"Yuvraaj beta, come in," my mother says, her voice warm and welcoming.

My father nods in agreement. "Yes, come in, Yuvraaj. It's been a while."

I'm taken aback by their reaction. I thought they would be angry, or at least hesitant, given the past. But instead, they're treating Yuvraaj like an honored guest.

Yuvraaj looks equally surprised, but he quickly recovers, bowing his head in respect as he enters our home.

"Thank you, Mr. Mukherjee," he says, his voice filled with gratitude.

As we step aside to let him in, I shoot my parents a questioning look. What's going on? Why are they being so welcoming?

As we sit in the living room, my parents, and Yuvraaj engage in a conversation that takes an unexpected turn. They start discussing business, and I realize that my parents have been considering a potential partnership with Yuvraaj's family company, Singhania Industries.

" Mr. Mukherjee, you have been looking to expand your business into new markets," Yuvraaj says, his eyes lighting up with interest.

"And I believe Singhania Industries could be the perfect partner to help me achieve that goal." Dad said.

Yuvraaj Nods, a thoughtful expression on his face. "We've been impressed with the way Mukherjee Industries has innovated and grown in recent years. A partnership could be mutually beneficial."

Yuvraaj leans back in his chair, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I'm intrigued by the idea. Perhaps we could explore some...synergies between our companies."

My mother's eyes light up with excitement. "That sounds like a wonderful idea, Yuvraaj! We'd be delighted to discuss it further."

Yuvraaj nods, his eyes glinting with interest. "I'd like that. Let's...exchange some ideas and see where it takes us."

I notice that Yuvraaj doesn't directly agree to the proposal, but his hints suggest he's interested. I'm not sure what to make of it, but my parents seem thrilled at the prospect of a potential partnership.

As the conversation continues, I find myself watching Yuvraaj, trying to read between the lines. What's he really thinking? Is he genuinely interested in a partnership, or is there something more to it?

As the conversation winds down, Yuvraaj stands up, a warm smile on his face. "I'm so glad we had a chance to talk, Mr. and Mrs. Mukherjee. And Ayaan, it's been...enlightening speaking with you again."

My parents exchange a pleased glance, and my father nods. "The pleasure is ours, Yuvraaj. We're glad to see you're doing well."

Yuvraaj's smile widens. "I am, thank you. And I'd like to share some of that joy with you. My younger sister, Inayat, is getting engaged next week, and I'd like to invite your entire family to join us."

They exchange glances at each other and nod.

My mother's eyes light up. "Oh, that's wonderful! We'd be delighted to attend."

Yuvraaj nods, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Great! It'll be a wonderful opportunity for us to catch up and celebrate together. I'll send over the details."

I'm taken aback by the invitation, but my parents seem thrilled. As Yuvraaj bids us farewell and leaves, I can't help but wonder what this means.

As my father heads to his room, my stepmother, Nalini, turns to me with a sly smile. "Well, well, well. Look who's trying to make connections again."

I feel a knot form in my stomach as she takes a step closer to me. "Yuvraaj Singhania, of all people. I'm surprised he'd even bother with you, Ayaan."

Her voice drips with venom, and I know what's coming. "After all, you're not exactly the most successful person, are you? I mean, that girl you got pregnant is marrying someone else, isn't she?"

I feel a stinging sensation, like she's slapped me across the face. "Nalini, that's enough."

But she just laughs. "Oh, poor Ayaan. Can't handle the truth? You're useless, Ayaan. You've always been useless."

I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I know she's trying to provoke me, but I won't give her the satisfaction.

"I'm going to my room," I say, turning to leave.

Nalini's laughter follows me, echoing in my ears. "Run away, Ayaan. That's what you're good at."

I slam the door behind me, trying to shut out her toxic words. But they linger, festering in my mind like an open wound.

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I am back again, I hope I am not late.

Tell me how you like it.

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To be continued...