GAUTAM SINGHANIA
The atmosphere in the Singhania mansion was electric, bustling with the energy of reunited family members and close friends. My parents, along with Chachu and Chachi, had returned home, bringing with them a sense of joy and excitement. Nik, Nisha, and Vivaan were also back, adding to the lively atmosphere with their presence.
As we gathered to kickstart mine and Sanya's wedding preparations, the mansion buzzed with discussions and decisions. All the elders were in Dad & Chachu's wing of the mansion and we were in mine & Nik's wing. With only three months left until the big day, there was so much to plan and organize. Family friends had flown down to lend their support, eager to help in any way they could.
Meanwhile, Sanya had made a full recovery and was back to her usual vibrant self. Her extended stay had proven beneficial, allowing her to set up her work in DC more efficiently. We both looked forward to our future together, knowing that she would soon join me in the United States after our wedding.
Amidst the excitement and anticipation, my mind couldn't help but wander to the upcoming dinner with Saanvi. Despite my commitment to Sanya, I felt torn by the sense of obligation I still harbored towards Saanvi, my ex-girlfriend. Lost in my thoughts, I found myself contemplating the complexities of my situation, unsure of the best course of action.
Soham's voice broke through my reverie, bringing me back to the present.
He said, "Alright, guys, let's get down to business. We've been discussing mutual funds and stocks lately. Any hot tips?"
Nikhil said, "Well, I've been eyeing some promising tech stocks. The market's volatile, but the potential gains are worth it."
Rohan said while nodding, "True, but don't underestimate the stability of mutual funds, especially in uncertain times. Diversification is the key."
Soham said, "Have any of you looked into blockchain investments? It's gaining traction, and I've read some interesting reports."
Kabir said enthusiastically, "Blockchain is the future, Soham bhai. I've diversified a bit into that sector. Seems promising."
Abhinav said, "Don't forget about keeping an eye on the economy, American economy especially. It affects everything. With the upcoming election, things might get interesting."
Aditya said while raising an eyebrow, "Speaking of interesting, Gautyy, how are the wedding preparations going? Any thoughts on the best men's attire for the sangeet, mehendi, haldi, wedding and reception?"
I said while grinning, "Smooth transition, Adi brother. Wedding plans are on track. For the sangeet, I'm thinking traditional with a modern twist. What do you guys suggest?"
Randheer said while suggesting, "How about royal blue sherwanis with intricate gold embroidery? Classic yet contemporary."
Vihaan said, "Nice! And for the mehendi, vibrant colors like emerald green or deep maroon could work well."
Ishaan said while joining the discussion, "Haldi calls for something bright and cheerful. Yellow kurta with floral motifs, perhaps?" Everyone approved the idea.
Nihar smirked, "Now, for the cocktail, we've got to go all out. Black-tie event, gentlemen."
Abhishek said while raising his glass of mocktail, "Cheers to that. And for the wedding reception, classic navy blue/black suits with bow ties?"
I was satisfied. "Perfect. We've got our attire sorted. Now, let's get back to those stock tips, shall we?" I said.
Aashi came with a tray full of snacks and said, "you guys can literally talk about business & the market anytime anywhere right?" We just chuckled.
As the discussion continued, my thoughts remained consumed by Saanvi. I couldn't shake the feeling that meeting her would only complicate things further.
Suddenly, Ishaan approached me, with a serious expression on his face. "Gautam, can I have a word with you?" he asked, gesturing towards a quieter corner of the room.
I nodded, we excused ourselves from the group and I followed Ishaan to the secluded corner he gestured at. The music and chatter from the party faded into the background as Ishaan spoke.
"Gautam, I need to talk to you about Saanvi," Ishaan began, his tone serious. "I know you've been helping her with her business, but I think it's time to reconsider."
My eyes widened in surprise. "How did you...?"
Apart from Vihaan, Nihar & their wives, Dev & Alia, only Ishaan from our family friends circle knew about me & Saanvi.
Ishaan cut me off. "It doesn't matter how I know. Gautyy buddy I know Saanvi was your everything and you loved her to bits, she was your world but not anymore. What matters is that you're putting your relationship with Sanya at risk by keeping in contact with your ex. You need to prioritize your future with Sanya, not dwell on the past that's not worth dwelling on in the first place, it's bitter but that's how the truth is buddy."
My heart sank as I realized the truth in Ishaan's words. I had been so focused on being polite and supportive towards Saanvi that I hadn't considered the implications for my relationship with Sanya.
I knew deep down that Ishaan was right, but admitting it aloud was another ordeal altogether.
"You're right, Ishaan," I finally managed to utter, my voice laced with a tinge of remorse.
"I've been so caught up in trying to maintain a facade of politeness and support towards my first love, my ex Saanvi that I failed to see how it could jeopardize my relationship with Sanya."
Before I could say more, the abrupt cessation of music signaled the attention of everyone in the room. I felt exposed, vulnerable, as all eyes turned towards me and Ishaan, the atmosphere heavy with tension.
Sanya excused herself from the group of girls, sensing the seriousness of the moment. Alia, Aashi, Ayesha, Samaira, Nisha, Dakshita, Mihika, and the others quickly followed suit, trying to lighten the atmosphere with their lighthearted banter.
THIRD PERSON POV
Gautam felt a knot form in his stomach as he realized that his private conversation with Ishaan was now public knowledge. He braced himself for the inevitable questions and judgments that would follow, knowing that he had some explaining to do.
As the weight of the room's attention settled on him, Gautam took a deep breath, steeling himself to reveal the hidden pain that had been buried within him. All the guys were patiently yet eagerly waiting for Gautam to speak.
"There's something I need to share with all of you," he began, his voice steady despite the turmoil raging within.
"I haven't spoken about this to many, but it's about Saanvi—my ex-girlfriend," Gautam confessed, his words heavy with emotion.
"I loved her deeply, more than I can put into words. But despite that love, we couldn't make it work."
A somber silence filled the room as Gautam continued, recounting the bittersweet memories of his past relationship. "When Saanvi's father passed away, she was thrust into the responsibility of running the family business," he explained, his voice tinged with sorrow. "The weight of that responsibility consumed her, and slowly, we drifted apart."
Gautam's gaze grew distant as he recalled the pain of their separation. "We tried to hold on, but in the end, the distance and the burden of her new role tore us apart. When she ended things, it shattered me. I felt lost, adrift in a sea of uncertainty," he admitted, the rawness of his emotions laid bare for all to see.
He recounted the events, from their unexpected encounter at the charity event to her persistent requests for help with her father's business in the US.
As he glanced around, he found understanding and empathy in the eyes of his loved ones. It felt like a weight lifted off his shoulders as he finally shared his pain, knowing he could now focus on his future with Sanya. Now everyone understood, the struggles and heartache that had shaped him into the person he was today. The shock and disbelief that rippled through the room were palpable as his friends and family listened intently to his confession.
Gautam braced himself for the inevitable questions and judgments that would follow. The murmurs of confusion and speculation echoed around him but before anyone could speak, Nikhil stepped forward, his expression a mixture of concern and determination.
"Gautam, you can't keep dwelling on the past. You have Sanya now, and you need to prioritize her above all else. Sanya's trust in you is paramount, and any breach of that trust could have severe repercussions. You can't afford to hurt her, not after everything she's been through." Nikhil said firmly, his words cutting through the tension.
Gautam nodded, the gravity of Nikhil's words hitting him like a ton of bricks. He knew he had to make things right, no matter the cost. With a renewed sense of determination, he vowed to do whatever it took to protect his relationship with Sanya, even if it meant confronting his past once and for all.