Rhythms of the Heart

36

Neel stepped through the grand Oberoi mansion doors, a faint echo of Parisian nights clinging to him. The familiar scent of his mother's cooking filled his nostrils, a comforting welcome after a whirlwind trip. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Oberoi, greeted him with warm embraces and beaming smiles.

"Neel! My star performer," Mr. Oberoi boomed, clapping him on the back a little too enthusiastically. "We heard all about your triumph in Paris. Bravo! You had them all eating out of your hand, didn't you?"

Neel chuckled, a hint of fatigue coloring his voice. "Something like that, Dad. It was a productive conference."

Mrs. Oberoi fussed over him, ushering him towards the dining table. "You must be famished! I made your favorite – lamb rogan josh. Sit, sit, and tell us everything."

As they devoured the delicious meal, his parents' questions flowed like the finest wine. They recounted snippets they'd heard about his impressive presentation, the positive buzz surrounding him, and the potential investors eager to partner with him.

"Neel," Mrs. Oberoi said, her eyes sparkling with pride, "everyone's talking about you becoming the next CEO! You'd be a natural leader, just like your father."

Neel felt a familiar weight settle on his shoulders. The CEO position, a future meticulously planned for him, loomed large. He offered a smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "That's very kind of you to say, Mom. There's still a lot of time before Dad even considers stepping down."

Mr. Oberoi, oblivious to his son's inner turmoil, boomed, "Nonsense! You've proven yourself more than ready, Neel. The company needs your vision, your charisma. You'll take Oberoi Enterprises to even greater heights!"

Neel nodded, a wave of conflicting emotions washing over him. He appreciated his parents' faith in him, but a nagging voice in his heart yearned for something more, something their carefully crafted future couldn't offer.

"I appreciate your confidence, Dad," he said finally, his voice soft but firm. "But before we talk about the CEO position, there are other things I'd like to focus on for now."

His parents exchanged a surprised look, but Mrs. Oberoi squeezed his hand gently. "Of course, Neel. We just want you to be happy, that's all."

Neel offered a grateful smile. "I know, Mom. And I am happy. But there's also...unresolved business, you could say."

His gaze drifted away, his thoughts turning to Malang. Despite the distance and the years, the memory of him remained stubbornly etched in his heart. A silent vow formed on his lips – he wouldn't give up. He would find Malang, no matter the cost.

With a tired sigh, Neel pushed back his chair. "Excuse me, I think I'll retire for the night. The jet lag is finally catching up to me."

His parents nodded understandingly. "Of course, dear. Get some rest," Mrs. Oberoi said, her voice laced with concern.

Neel ascended the stairs, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. The CEO position, his parents' expectations, and the unwavering pull towards Malang – everything felt overwhelming. Yet, a sliver of hope flickered within him. Maybe, just maybe, there was a way to navigate this complex maze of life and find a path that resonated with both his heart and his head.

As he drifted off to sleep, a single thought echoed in his mind – "I'll find you, Malang." It was a promise, a whisper of defiance, and a beacon of hope in the darkness.
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Days turned into weeks, and a sense of routine settled back into the Agarwal mansion. Malang continued his charade, diligently attending introductory business courses with Veer and meticulously studying the mountain of textbooks his father had bestowed upon him. Yet, during his stolen moments, his fingers would find their way to the piano keys, weaving melodies that expressed the emotions his forced smile couldn't hide.

One sunny afternoon, a flurry of activity erupted at the mansion's entrance. Laughter and excited chatter filled the air as a sleek black car pulled up the driveway. A slender woman, her face alight with a radiant smile, emerged from the vehicle.

"Somya!" Malang exclaimed, rushing forward to engulf his elder sister in a tight embrace.

Somya, who had been managing the Agarwal family business in London, returned the hug with equal enthusiasm. "Malang! How much you've grown!" she teased, ruffling his hair playfully.

Malang swatted her hand away with a mock frown, but his eyes sparkled with genuine joy. Somya, unlike his parents or even Veer, had always been his confidante, a safe harbor where he could be himself without judgment.

The entire Agarwal family gathered in the living room, welcoming Somya back with warmth and affection. Sanjana bustled around, preparing tea and snacks, while Mrs. Agarwal bombarded Somya with questions about her life in London.

Malang, perched on the arm of the sofa next to Somya, listened intently as she recounted her experiences. He missed her dearly, and her presence brought a much-needed breath of fresh air into the somewhat stifling atmosphere of the mansion.

"So, tell me everything, Malang," Somya said, her gaze turning to him. "What have you been up to while I was away?"

Malang hesitated, a flicker of apprehension crossing his face. He couldn't share his true passion with her, not yet. But he couldn't bring himself to lie, either.

"Well," he began cautiously, "Dad's been pushing me towards joining the family business. Lots of boring lectures and textbooks."

Somya's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. "Business, huh? That's not quite the Malang I know."

Malang's heart sank. He knew the disappointment in her voice mirrored his own.

"It's not exactly what I want, Somya," he confessed, his voice barely a whisper. "But Dad..."

He trailed off, unable to articulate the suffocating weight of his father's expectations. Somya reached out, her hand gently squeezing his.

"Hey," she said softly, "you don't have to tell me everything right now. But know this, Malang – no matter what path you choose, I'll always be your biggest supporter. Don't let anyone dim your light, okay?"

Malang met her gaze, a surge of gratitude washing over him. Somya's words were a balm to his soul, a reminder that he wasn't alone in his struggle. Perhaps, someday, he would find the courage to share his musical aspirations with her, to seek her support in navigating the challenges that lay ahead. But for now, the simple act of being around her, of having a safe space to confide in, was enough. As the afternoon sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the room, a flicker of hope ignited within Malang. With his family's love and his sister's unwavering support, he knew he could weather any storm. And maybe, just maybe, he could even find a way to bridge the gap between his father's expectations and the melody that played on repeat in his heart.

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I feel bad for this two especially neel my boy is searching for his bunny 🐰........🥹

Well not to worry cause they will reunite soon but..........not without some twist😉....