The Secret Wife of the CEO

A Plan for the Heart

While Bhargav was away at a gaming seminar overseas, a different kind of excitement was brewing at the Kulkarni household on a Monday morning. Narasimha returned from his morning walk radiating an unusual energy that morning. As Narasimha walked into the house with a noticeable spring in his step, Lakshmi couldn't help but comment with a playful twinkle in her eye, "Well, aren't we looking unusually sprightly today?" Narasimha, with a warmth in his eyes, approached Lakshmi, gently wrapping his arms around her. "Can't I be happy to see my beautiful wife?" he said, leaning in to kiss her forehead affectionately. Lakshmi, taken aback by the unexpected display of affection, let out a soft, bashful laugh. "Oh, what's gotten into you this morning?" she asked, her smile widening. Narasimha, still holding her close, replied in a conspiratorial whisper, "I might just have some exciting news. But let's talk in the garden where it's more peaceful. Come with me to the garden." he urged, eager to share his thoughts. Once secluded amidst the greenery, he revealed his conversation with Ashok Rao and the potential match for Bhargav. The revelation that the girl was Sanju, whom Lakshmi already knew and admired, brought an equal measure of excitement to her. Since they both were in agreement, they decided to share it with the rest of the family.

At breakfast, Narasimha and Lakshmi unveiled their plan to the family. While Krishna and Radha initially expressed reservations about the age difference between Bhargav and the prospective bride, their concerns eased upon realizing the bride in question was Sanju, whom they already knew. Acknowledging the merits of the match, they began to see the wisdom in the elders' suggestion.

Raghav, however, remained unconvinced due to the considerable age gap, especially given that Sanju was just 18. Yet, recognizing that the rest of the family was familiar with her, he decided to take a more proactive approach. Wanting the best for his brother, Raghav planned a covert visit to the orphanage to meet Sanju and assess her character himself, without disclosing his true identity.

However, the most daunting task lay ahead: persuading Bhargav. The family was hesitant to coerce him into an arranged marriage against his will. After some contemplation, they agreed to regroup the day after tomorrow. They also planned to include Vijay in the meeting, a childhood friend of Bhargav's who also thought highly of Sanju. This would give everyone time to brainstorm their individual approaches for convincing Bhargav.

The next evening, as Raghav approached the orphanage, his intention was to remain unnoticed, to silently observe Sanju from a distance. However, the scene that greeted him upon arrival was anything but quiet. The air was filled with tension, the usually peaceful orphanage grounds disrupted by the sounds of distress.

In the midst of the chaos was little Arjun, in the throes of a major meltdown. His small frame was tense, his cries piercing, as he struggled against the well-meaning but ineffective attempts of the staff to soothe him. The other children watched on, their faces a mix of concern and helplessness.

Raghav experienced a twinge of empathy mixed with uncertainty. He was walking towards Arjun to see if he can help. As a doctor, he was acutely aware of the challenges in managing meltdowns in autistic children, especially without specialized training. He couldn't help but wonder how Sanju, with her limited experience, would navigate this delicate situation if she was around. His question was answered almost as soon as it formed. Sanju arrived, her presence like a sudden calm. She assessed the situation with a quick, knowing glance and moved towards Arjun with a confidence that seemed to stem from a deep understanding of the little boy.Without a word, she knelt beside Arjun, her presence unintrusive yet unwavering. She didn't reach out to touch him, recognizing that physical contact might be too much for him in his current state. Instead, she started humming softly, a melody gentle and repetitive, a stark contrast to the chaos around. The effect was almost immediate. Arjun's cries began to subside, his tense body gradually relaxing as the soothing hum enveloped him. Sanju continued, her voice steady and comforting. Slowly, she inched closer, and when she felt Arjun was ready, she gently placed a reassuring hand on his back.

The staff and children watched in awe as Sanju, with her intuitive understanding and calm demeanor, brought Arjun back from the edge of his meltdown. It was a moment of profound connection, wordless yet powerful. Raghav, witnessing this scene, felt a deep respect and admiration for Sanju. Her ability to bring tranquility to a moment of intense turmoil spoke of her extraordinary empathy and strength. In that instant, any lingering doubts he had about Sanju's suitability for Bhargav evaporated. Her compassion, her calm in the face of a storm, were precisely the qualities Bhargav needed by his side.

As peace returned to the orphanage, Raghav made a silent vow. He would do everything in his power to support this match, for in Sanju, he saw not just a potential bride for his brother, but a source of healing and a partner for life.

On Wednesday evening, the Kulkarni family gathered, united in their resolve to convince Bhargav to consider the match with Sanju. Each member had devised their own method of emotional persuasion, aiming to strike the right chord with Bhargav.

Ajji's Approach: The Nostalgic Manipulation - Lakshmi Ajji decided to play on Bhargav's emotions by reminiscing about his childhood. She planned to share memories of how lovingly they had raised him, drawing parallels to the love and care he could expect in a marital life. Her strategy was to evoke a sense of guilt and obligation, subtly suggesting that agreeing to this marriage would be a way to repay the family's affection and sacrifices.

Tatha's Strategy: Legacy and Duty - Dr. Narasimha aimed to appeal to Bhargav's sense of duty and legacy. He planned to discuss the importance of carrying on family traditions and the joy of sharing life with a partner who respected those values. His emotional blackmail hinged on the implication that Bhargav's refusal would signify a disregard for the family legacy and disrespect to his ancestors.

Krishna and Radha's Tactic: Emotional Well-being and Companionship - Krishna and Radha planned to focus on the emotional stability and companionship that marriage brings. They intended to share their personal experiences, highlighting the void they filled in each other's lives. The underlying message was clear – Bhargav's refusal to marry would be seen as him choosing a life of loneliness and missing out on the happiness they had found.

Raghav's Plan: Guilt and Brotherhood - Raghav chose a more direct approach. He intended to talk to Bhargav about the loneliness and challenges of single life, contrasting it with the joy they found in each other's happiness as siblings. Raghav's emotional blackmail was to induce guilt – if Bhargav refused to marry, it would be akin to denying his brother the happiness of seeing him settled and content.

Vijay's Role: The Friend's Perspective - Vijay's strategy was to use his close friendship with Bhargav. He planned to discuss how life changes for the better with the right partner, citing examples from his own life and their friends. His emotional angle was to suggest that Bhargav's refusal to marry was an indication of not trusting his friend's advice and experiences.

The family, each armed with their emotional arsenal, was determined to break through Bhargav's defenses. Their love for him was genuine, but so was their belief that this marriage was what Bhargav needed, not only for his happiness but also for his emotional healing. The stage was set for a heartfelt, albeit emotionally charged, intervention. As the day of Bhargav's return neared, the family's anticipation grew. They were united in their purpose, each playing their part in the emotional tapestry they hoped would lead Bhargav towards a joyful and fulfilled married life.