FATE ( Part 1 )

REALISATION AND PLOTTING

After, Ishaan left,

Inaya leaned back against the couch, her arms crossed, watching her brother disappear up the stairs. A slow, mischievous smile spread across her face as she processed what had just happened.She had seen Ishaan in countless moods-angry, frustrated, arrogant, even slightly amused at times. But this? This was new.

The infamous Ishaan Singhania, the grumpy, workaholic, impossible-to-please CEO, had just smiled. And not just any smile-a soft, genuine smile.

And the reason? Roshini Malhotra.

Inaya let out a dramatic gasp, covering her mouth like she had just uncovered the biggest scandal of the century. She grabbed a cushion and hugged it to her chest, rocking slightly as she whispered to herself, "Oh. My. God. My brother is falling for Roshini." She was so happy thinking of her future sister in law and her brother together.

A burst of excitement bubbled within her. She had suspected something was up between them, but Ishaan had always brushed it off with his usual gruff responses. And Roshini? She was completely clueless. But now, seeing the way his entire mood shifted just by knowing she was coming over-it was clear as day.

Her mind immediately went into matchmaking mode.Okay, Inaya. Play it cool. Act normal. Don't scare them away.

She grinned, already planning how she was going to tease him later. Maybe she should pretend not to notice at first? Or should she casually mention Roshini in every conversation just to see him react?

She was still in the middle of plotting when suddenly-

"I know that look."Inaya jumped slightly, turning to see her mother, Shivani, standing there with a knowing smile.

"What look?" Inaya blinked innocently.Shivani chuckled, stepping closer. "The look of someone who just discovered something interesting." She gave her daughter a pointed stare. "Something you're going to have way too much fun with."

Inaya bit her lip, debating whether or not to share. But then again... moms always know.She smirked, lowering her voice as she whispered, "Bhai likes someone."Shivani raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Inaya nodded eagerly. "And guess what? She's coming over today."Shivani's curiosity piqued. "Who is she?"

"Roshini."There was a beat of silence. Then, a flicker of recognition crossed Shivani's face. "His PA?"

Inaya clapped her hands. "YES! And Mom, you should have seen him. He was so... I don't know... happy when she agreed to come over. And he literally gestured for me to LIE just so she wouldn't know he was home."Shivani hummed thoughtfully. "Okay?."

"Very interesting," Inaya corrected, wiggling her eyebrows. "And you know what's the best part? They don't even realize what's happening."Shivani smiled fondly. "Well, love has a funny way of creeping up on people when they least expect it."

Inaya nodded dramatically. "Exactly! But now, my dear mother, it is our responsibility to make them see it."Shivani laughed. "Oh no, you are not dragging me into this, young lady."

Inaya gasped. "But Mom! Imagine how cute they would be together! You saw how Roshini is-she's kind, hardworking, and completely capable of handling bhai's grumpy self." She wiggled her fingers mischievously. "And bhai? He needs someone like her."Shivani sighed, shaking her head but smiling nonetheless. "Just don't push too hard. If something is meant to happen, it will."

Inaya grinned. "Oh, don't worry. I'll nudge them. Just a little."Shivani rolled her eyes. "I have a feeling your version of 'little' is going to be a lot."
Inaya winked. "You know me too well, Mom."

Just then, her phone buzzed with a text. She glanced at the screen and squealed. "She's on her way!"Shivani chuckled. "Then let's get ready to welcome our guest."

Inaya smirked, rubbing her hands together as she muttered under her breath, "Oh, this is going to be fun."

Just as Inaya was about to rush off in excitement, Shivani suddenly stopped her with a firm yet gentle grip on her wrist.

"Hold on, young lady," Shivani said, her voice laced with amusement and curiosity.Inaya turned back, blinking. "What?"

Shivani gave her a knowing look. "You seem to be very invested in your brother’s love life, but what about the alliance? You know, the girl he just met today?"

For a second, Inaya had completely forgotten about Mahira.

Her excitement dimmed slightly as she recalled Ishaan’s reaction at the meeting. He had been polite—too polite, in fact. His disinterest was so evident that even a blind person could have noticed it. He wasn’t rude, but he wasn’t engaged either. And when he had said they needed more time to think? That was Ishaan’s classic way of delaying something he didn’t want to deal with.

Inaya crossed her arms. “Mom, you saw him today. Did he look even remotely excited about Mahira?”Shivani sighed, nodding slowly. “No, he didn’t.”

Inaya smirked. “Exactly. If he was even slightly interested, he would’ve agreed right away. But nope—he’s stalling. And do you know why?”Shivani raised an eyebrow. “Because he’s not sure?”

Inaya wiggled her fingers dramatically. “Because his heart is already busy thinking about someone else.”Shivani gave her a skeptical look. “And you’re certain that ‘someone else’ is Roshini?”

Inaya placed a hand on her chest as if offended. “Mom! How dare you doubt my matchmaking skills? Haven’t you noticed how different he’s been lately?”

Shivani tapped her chin thoughtfully. “He has been a little… restless. But that doesn’t mean he realizes what he’s feeling.”

Inaya snapped her fingers. “Bingo! That’s where we come in.”Shivani laughed. “You really won’t rest until you push them together, will you?”

Inaya grinned. “Nope! And neither should you. Don’t you want your son to marry for love instead of some random family alliance?”

Shivani sighed, shaking her head. “I do. But I also don’t want to interfere too much. Love should happen naturally.”

Inaya groaned. “Ugh, why do mothers always have to be so wise? Can’t you just join me in my devious plans without making me feel guilty?”

Shivani chuckled. “I’ll support you—but I won’t manipulate Ishaan. If he likes Roshini, he’ll have to realize it on his own.”

Inaya pouted. “Fine. But if he starts realizing it soon, you better not stop me from teasing him.”Shivani smirked. “Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Inaya grinned, pleased with the answer. But then she hesitated for a second."So… what will you tell Dad about the alliance?"

Shivani sighed. "I’ll tell him exactly what Ishaan said—that they need more time. No rush, no pressure. If he truly doesn’t want this, I won’t force him. But I will keep an eye on him. If he keeps thinking about Roshini, we’ll know soon enough.”

Inaya beamed. “Perfect! In the meantime, let’s just sit back and watch the sparks fly.”Shivani chuckled, shaking her head. “You’re impossible.”Inaya winked. “And you love me for it.”

Just then, her phone buzzed again with another text from Roshini. "I’m almost there."

As they both walked towards the door, Shivani gave one last glance toward the staircase where Ishaan had disappeared. A small, knowing smile played on her lips.

Maybe… just maybe, her daughter was onto something.
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Hey lovelies....what do you think, What is INAYA upto? What will she do?
Do share your thoughts for sure
See you tomorrow with the next chapter till then bye bye