Realisation

Ishan woke to sunlight streaming through the window, illuminating the cluttered room. Rohan sat hunched, surrounded by textbooks, notes and empty tea cups. His knowing grin sparked Ishan's curiosity.

"Morning," Ishan muttered, rubbing sleepy eyes.

Rohan chuckled, focusing on his studies.

Ishan showered, wondering what fueled Rohan's amusement. Dressing hastily, he approached Rohan.

"Rohan, what's behind that smirk?" Ishan asked, towel-drying his hair.

Rohan's expression turned innocent. "Nothing, bhai. Just morning vibes."

Ishan wanted to confront him his attention was diverted as Ma's melodious voice summoned them.

"Beta, breakfast's ready! Your favorite parathas! Come quickly!"

They gathered around the dining table. Ma smiled warmly. "So When are you going to meet Harivansh again?"

Ishan choked on his paratha. "What?"

"She is asking when will you neet your future Sasur ji, Bhaiya" Rohan smirked.

Ishan's eyes widened, mortified.

'FUCK! That wasn't a dream! Did I really tell them everything?'' Ishan thought, panic rising.

"How much did I tell you guys?" Ishan asked, anxiety creeping.

Baba replied calmly, sipping juice, "Almost everything, beta. Harivansh's proposal.... And that you are not Gay for accepting the marriage problposal"

"Which He kept reminding us throughout the dinner, by the way", Ma added laughing under her breath.

"Because I am not! It's already weird talking about it right now", Ishan said with irritation in his voice. He wanted to argue but was interrupted by ping sound coming from his broken phone.

"What happened, beta? ", Ma's curiosity sparked, "who is It?"

Ishan shrugged, "I received a mysterious message: 'Hotel Grand Paradise, 3rd floor, Blue Isle Restaurant, 7 P.M.' Probably Harivansh's secretary."

"Will Harivansh ji's son attend? What's he like?", Ma's eyes sparkled.

'Why the hell are you so invested in this ma?'

'And what will you wear for the meeting, Bhaiya?' Rohan teased, grinning, " oh.. I know.  you should Wear Ma's elegant Banarasi saree! Perfect impression for your future husband!"

Ma chuckled. "Rohan, stop teasing."

But Baba couldn't hide his laughter, Ma and Rohan also joined him.

Ishan's face flushed, "Ma? Baba, seriously? I'll attend, but I'll decline their proposal."

"Why?", Ma asked.

"You knwo why?"He said leaving his half eaten paratha.

Gathering his bag, Ishan hurried out, muttering, "This is ridiculous."

Ma called after him, laughing, "Stay calm, beta! God bless!" Baba's resonant laughter echoed.

Manager Santosh greeted Ishan warmly, his demeanor transformed since discovering Ishan's connection to Harivansh ji, the company's influential owner.

"Ishan, good morning! How's your day unfolding?  Santosh asked, eyes wide with eagerness."Light workload today, prioritize tasks at your pace"

Ishan sensed ulterior motives behind Santosh's unusual courtesy. Previously stern, Santosh now showered Ishan with attentiveness, frequently offering extensions, relaxed deadlines and generous breaks.

'Gaanv basa nahi ke Bikhaari pahle aagye(,the village is not even settled yet and Beggars have already picked their spot')

Ishaan thought getting irritated by his Manager change of nature.

"Thanks, Santosh sir. I'm manageable," Ishan replied politely.

Undeterred, Santosh lingered. "Anything required? Coffee? Perhaps log out early? Consider it approved." His obliging smile bordered on obsequiousness.

Ishan politely declined, seeking refuge in his cabin, pondering Santosh's dramatic transformation.

As 6 p.m. struck, Ishan refreshed himself, unusually using face wash. "This meeting will change everything," he thought.

Grabbing his bag, he discreetly exited, avoiding Manager Santosh's gaze.

"I'd rather not invite scrutiny...or unwanted invitations," Ishan thought wryly, escaping Santosh's obsequiousness.

He booked a cab on his phone instead of just going to the hotel by bus or metro like he does everyday wanting to create impression on his new employer/Father in law.

After a 30 minute journey, Ishan finally stepped from the cab, masking his humble means amidst Hotel Grand Paradise's opulence. Long fascinated, yet intimidated, by its grandeur, he'd never dared enter. A glass of water here would strain his budget.

As he walked towards the Glass door to enter the hotel his parh was blocked by tall guards.

Guards looked at him with judgy eyes, scrutinizing his modest attire. "Where are you headed?" one asked skeptically.

"I'm meeting Harivansh Raichand," Ishan replied steadfastly.

The guards exchanged disdainful glances. "Right, buddy,"

Other one sneered. "Harivansh Raichand, huh?"

Guard One sneered. "Hundreds like you swarm here daily, chasing CEOs and founders."

The other snickered. "You can't afford breakfast here, let alone impress Harivansh Raichand."

"Can you afford it big guy", Ishan's anger ignited "or you bushy brows".

"I have had enough of this bullshit", Guard One's massive hand shoved Ishan's chest, sending him stumbling backward. Ishan's feet scraped against the pavement, struggling to maintain balance.

Guard Two grasped Ishan's arms, twisting them. Ishan winced, attempting to break free. Guard One pinned Ishan's shoulders, slamming him against the gate.

"Whats going on in here?" a commanding voice echoed from within, "Leave the man alone!"

The guards recoiled, releasing Ishan. His shirt, disheveled and dusty, accentuated his shaken expression.

A poised woman approached, concern etched on her face. "You're Ishan Chaudhary?" she asked, surprise mingling with apology.

"I am," Ishan replied, brushing himself off.

"I'm Sandhya Sharma, Secretary to Harivansh Raichand. I apologize profoundly for the guards' unacceptable behavior." Her voice conveyed genuine remorse.

"Please, come," Sandhya urged, guiding Ishan toward the hotel's opulent lobby. "Mr. Raichand awaits."

=======================================

Hi readers I am trying to make this story a little more grounded. So there will be lots of conversations and dumb jokes.

But hold on tight because the Transformation of Ishan and the naughty stuff 🔥🔥 is also on uts way.

And please share if you have anything you want me to add/remove in the story.

=======================================