The hum of the airplane engines filled the cabin as I gazed out of the window, watching the endless sky stretch across the horizon. Fluffy white clouds floated beneath us, casting moving shadows over the deep blue ocean. A small smile tugged at my lips.

Three years.

It felt surreal that so much time had passed since we left India. Singapore had given me some of the best years of my life-new experiences, valuable lessons, and memories I would cherish forever. But now, we were returning home. My heart fluttered at the thought of seeing my brother, Sanjay, and his new house.

Beside me, Vino nudged my arm. "What are you thinking about?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.

I turned to her, my eyes twinkling with excitement. "Just about how much has changed in these past three years. We completed our diploma and degree. Now, it's time to chase our dreams," I said, my voice brimming with anticipation.

"True," Vino agreed, stretching her arms. "And honestly, I can't wait to crash at Sanjay's new place!"

We both giggled, and before we knew it, the pilot's voice announced our descent.

Homecoming

The Indian air was warm and familiar as we stepped out of the airport. The moment I spotted Sanjay near the exit, a rush of emotions overwhelmed me. He looked different-more mature, exuding an air of confidence that wasn't there before.

"Vidya! Mom! Dad!" he called, waving with a wide grin.

We hurried toward him, and as soon as I reached, he pulled me into a tight hug. "Welcome home, little sis!"

I chuckled. "Wow, you actually missed me?"

"Obviously," he said, ruffling my hair like he used to when we were kids.

After loading our luggage into his car, we began the drive to his new home. My eyes widened as we pulled up in front of a stunning terrace house. Warm golden lights illuminated the exterior, highlighting the elegant wooden doors and neatly trimmed garden.

"Whoa," I breathed. "Sanjay, this place is amazing!"

My parents beamed with pride, and my father patted Sanjay's shoulder. "You've done well, son."

Sanjay scratched the back of his neck, grinning. "Thanks, Appa. Come inside."

The moment I stepped in, I was in awe. The house had a perfect blend of modern sophistication and traditional warmth. The walls were painted a soft ivory, accented with wooden furniture and stylish décor. A beautiful chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a cozy glow over the living room.

"Wow, brother, the color scheme and theme are so beautiful!" I said, admiring the interior.

Sanjay smirked. "I knew you'd love it. Oh, and I decorated your room with your favorite color."

My curiosity piqued. "Wait, really?"

Before I could react, Vino grabbed my wrist. "Come on! Let's check it out!" she squealed, dragging me upstairs.

The moment I opened the door, my breath hitched. The room was painted in soothing shades of blue and white, with fairy lights twinkling along the walls. A plush bed with soft blue covers sat in the center, and a reading nook by the window made it feel like a dream.

Vino gasped dramatically. "Vidya, can we switch rooms?" she joked, flopping onto my bed.

I laughed. "Not a chance. Sanjay did an amazing job."

After spending time exploring the house, Vino left to visit her family, and evening soon arrived.

A Surprise Dinner

As I walked into the dining area, my mouth watered at the sight of the feast laid out before us. Plates of steaming rice, crispy fried chicken, stir-fried vegetables, golden-brown fried eggs, and rich, spicy chicken sambal with boiled eggs filled the table.

"Wow, it looks delicious!" I exclaimed, taking in the irresistible aroma of the food.

Sanjay crossed his arms proudly. "I made everything."

Silence.

My parents and I blinked at him in disbelief. My mother was the first to speak. "Seriously? You cooked all of this?"

Sanjay puffed his chest. "Yes, Amma."

I eyed him suspiciously. "If it doesn't taste good, I swear, I'm going to-"

"Just take a bite first," he interrupted, his confidence unwavering.

Fine. I took a spoonful of rice, pairing it with a piece of fried chicken. The flavors burst in my mouth-perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. I chewed slowly, processing my shock.

"No way," I muttered. "You're actually a good cook?"

My father laughed heartily. "It's delicious, son! I'm impressed."

My mother clasped her hands together. "I'm so proud of you, Sanjay!"

Sanjay grinned. "I knew it! Now, eat up before it gets cold."

Dinner was filled with laughter and conversation, but as we were finishing, Sanjay turned to me with a serious expression.

"Vidya, there's a company party tomorrow, and I need you to come with me."

I frowned. "What? But Vino invited me to meet her parents."

"I already gave your name for the guest list," he admitted sheepishly.

My fork clattered onto my plate. "What?! Without asking me?"

"Come on, it's just a small favor," he pleaded. "I'll talk to Vino."

I groaned. "Fine. Whatever."

The next evening, I stood at the top of the staircase, smoothing my yellow and blue dress. The fabric clung gently to my curves, a vibrant contrast to the soft, natural tones of the house. My hair, pulled back into a sleek ponytail, swayed slightly as I moved, the simple elegance of the look adding to the overall charm.

"I'm ready!" I called out, my voice slightly higher than usual, betraying my nerves.

Sanjay, seated on the couch with his eyes on his watch, looked up immediately. His lips curled into a frown. "What kind of fashion is this?"

I blinked, confused. "What?"

"It’s not just a small gathering. You need something more glamorous," he said, shaking his head as if I were committing some kind of fashion faux pas.

I twirled in place, the dress swirling gently around my knees. "But this dress is beautiful!"

"It is," he admitted, his tone softening just a fraction, "but not suitable for the event. Do you even have fashion sense?"

I gasped dramatically, clutching my chest. "How dare you question my fashion sense?"

He smirked, clearly enjoying the teasing. "Just go change."

Rolling my eyes, I marched back upstairs, determined not to let him get the last laugh. Fifteen minutes later, I reappeared, my dress now a knee-length gray number with intricate white patterns twinkling subtly in the light. My hair was styled into an elegant bun, with delicate white clips holding stray strands in place.

Sanjay raised an eyebrow, inspecting me closely, then gave a nod of approval. "Now, that’s better."

At the Party

The moment we arrived at the venue, my senses were overwhelmed by the opulence. The grand chandelier overhead bathed the room in a warm, golden glow, its crystals refracting light in dazzling patterns. The soft hum of classical music mingled with the low murmur of guests, many of them in their finest attire. The atmosphere was one of understated luxury, the polished marble floors reflecting the elegance of the crowd.

Tables adorned with white linen were arranged in a perfect semicircle, each set with gleaming crystal glasses, polished silverware, and fine china. I couldn’t help but marvel at the extravagance of it all. The guests, chatting animatedly in small groups, exuded an air of importance.

Sanjay led me to a table where four other people were seated. As I smiled and greeted them, one of the uncles let out a chuckle.

"Wow, Sanjay, I didn’t know you had such a beautiful sister," he remarked with a glint in his eyes, clearly amused.

I felt a warm flush rise to my cheeks. "Thank you, uncle," I said, my voice betraying my shyness.

Auntie beside him nodded approvingly. "She looks absolutely stunning."

Sanjay smirked, clearly satisfied with the compliments I was receiving. It was as though his point had been made, and he now had the upper hand. I raised my chin with a playful sense of pride and flipped my hair, savoring the moment.

He rolled his eyes. "Are we late?"

One of the uncles chuckled, his tone light. "No, there are still more guests to arrive."

Sanjay relaxed, leaning back in his chair. "Good. Then let’s enjoy the evening."

As I sat down beside him, my eyes began to wander, taking in the grandeur of the event. My fingers lightly traced the rim of my wine glass, absentmindedly, while I tried to steady my racing thoughts. But before I could take a sip, a sudden flurry of movement at the entrance snapped my attention away.

A flurry of activity near the entrance caught my eye. The sound of camera shutters clicking in rapid succession filled the air, and I could see the guests shifting their attention. There was a palpable sense of anticipation, as if the room collectively held its breath. Cameramen scurried to adjust their lenses, trying to capture the perfect shot, while whispers swirled around the room.

The host, a sharply dressed man in a navy blue suit, tapped the microphone, his voice commanding attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived. It is an honor to welcome the number one businessman in the industry, the man behind numerous successful ventures—Kathir Rathore!"

The applause erupted like a wave crashing against the shore, loud and enthusiastic. My feet, almost involuntarily, shifted, and I stood along with the crowd, my heart hammering in my chest. I turned toward the entrance, my curiosity building, an inexplicable unease settling in the pit of my stomach.

Then, he walked in.

A tall, commanding figure strode through the door, his presence undeniably magnetic. His tailored black suit fit perfectly, the fabric sharp and precise, catching the light as he moved. His dark hair was neatly slicked back, but one rebellious strand fell lazily across his forehead, softening the sharpness of his features. His almond-shaped eyes scanned the room, dark and unreadable, like deep pools of mystery that seemed to absorb everything around them.

The brief flash of his silver cufflinks reflected the light as he adjusted them with the subtle grace of someone who knew exactly what they were doing. His chiseled jawline, framed by a neatly trimmed stubble, looked like it had been carved with precision, adding an edge to his already commanding demeanor.

The tattoos on his right forearm peeked out from beneath his sleeve—bold, intricate patterns that seemed to whisper stories I could never know. A sleek black watch glinted on his wrist, and tiny, edgy cuff earrings added an unexpected touch to his otherwise polished appearance. His every movement was effortless, exuding power, confidence, and a calm detachment that made everything around him seem irrelevant.

A shiver raced down my spine.

Kathir?

The name whispered through my mind like a forgotten memory. My breath hitched. I tried to shake off the sensation that washed over me—disbelief, shock—but it refused to leave.

Could it really be him?

I felt a sudden chill, despite the warmth of the room, and goosebumps rose on my arms as if the very sight of him brought a rush of cold air. He looked so different—so much more than the quiet, shy college student I remembered.

As he made his way through the crowd, the applause seemed to reverberate around me, but I was frozen. My eyes remained fixed on him, unable to look away.

Sanjay tugged at my arm, and I was jolted back to reality.

"Vidya, sit down," he whispered, his tone insistent.

I obeyed without thinking, my gaze still fixed on Kathir. He moved effortlessly, slipping into a seat surrounded by businessmen who seemed to hang on every word he said. Respect. Admiration. The way they leaned in, listening to his every word, told me all I needed to know.

I turned to Sanjay, my voice barely audible. "Sanjay… who is he?"

Sanjay raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Who?"

I swallowed, trying to steady my voice. "The man who just walked in."

Sanjay’s eyes followed my gaze, and then he chuckled lowly. "That’s Kathir Rathore. The biggest name in the industry right now. He owns over fifteen companies, and his influence is unmatched."

Fifteen companies?

"Before him, his dad ran the business empire," Sanjay continued. "But Kathir took it all over a few years ago, and he turned everything around. His strategies? Genius. Every article about him says the same thing. He’s made failing businesses into billion-dollar companies."

I barely heard him. My mind was spinning with the revelations. Could this really be the same man? The same Kathir who used to hide in the background, avoiding attention?

He was unrecognizable.

Where were his old friends? Where was his family? Did he have a wife? Children?

The thought nagged at me, but I pushed it aside as the host’s voice cut through the air again, booming over the microphone.

"Now, let’s welcome Kathir Rathore sir to the stage!"

Thunderous applause filled the room as Kathir stood, his movements deliberate and composed. His eyes never lingered on anyone; his focus was solely on the task at hand.

He took the microphone in his hand and addressed the crowd in a deep, steady voice, his words direct and professional.

"Welcome, everyone. Thank you for being here. Tonight, we launch our newest project—SSMA. A groundbreaking venture that promises to redefine the industry. Further details will come in the weeks ahead. Thank you for your continued support."

Short. To the point. His voice left no room for sentimentality. It was all business.

The host, eager, asked, "Sir, what advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who wish to follow in your footsteps?"

Kathir’s response was quick, no hesitation in his words.

"Work hard. It pays off."

With that, he handed the microphone back, and the crowd erupted into applause once more. But my mind was elsewhere, still processing the man who had walked in, the man who had changed so drastically.

This wasn’t the Kathir I once knew. This was someone else. Someone different.

Someone I wasn’t sure I was ready to face.

Lying on my bed, I stared at the ceiling, the coldness of the room making me feel even more distant from the world around me. My fingers drummed the edges of the comforter as I spoke to Vino, my voice barely a whisper against the weight in my chest. My mind raced, playing over every moment, every glance from earlier.

I let out a heavy sigh, trying to breathe through the rush of thoughts. "I never thought in a million years I'd have to see him again, but it seems luck's just not on my side."

I rolled over on the bed, sinking into the plush pillows, my fingers running through my tangled hair. The weight of everything felt too much to bear right now, and Vino could sense it.

She was quiet for a beat before speaking up, her disbelief mirroring my own. "It's absolutely crazy! Is that the same guy who used to stay quiet in the class? And now he's running 15 companies? Back in college, he didn't give off that vibe at all!"

I turned my head to face her, my gaze still haunted by the memory. "Oh, trust me, I was frozen in shock when I saw him. He's like a completely different person now, with those edgy hairstyles, his face no longer holding any of that old innocence, and... he has a tattoo!" My voice faltered as the image of him resurfaced-the man he'd become, almost unrecognizable from the one I had known.

Vino raised an eyebrow, leaning forward as she processed my words. "A tattoo? What kind of tattoo?"

I shook my head, unable to find the words. "I don't even know. It's like he's turned into someone else entirely. I can barely wrap my head around it."

Vino, always the curious one, sat up abruptly. She snatched my laptop from the nightstand, her fingers flying across the keys with impressive speed. I couldn't help but feel a little intrigued, though I remained wrapped up in my own chaotic thoughts.

"Check this out," Vino said after a moment, pushing the laptop closer to me. I glanced at the screen, still processing her words, but my eyes quickly locked onto the article she had pulled up.

"The company that used to be in 7th place has shot straight to the top under his leadership! His full name's Kathir Rathore, and get this-his dad's Charan Rathore! Looks like it's all in the family."

I blinked, trying to process the information. His father, Charan-the name sounded so familiar now. I remembered the power and confidence that always surrounded him. I could almost see the resemblance between father and son.

"Ah, now it makes sense!" I muttered, finally making the connection. "No wonder he's so devilishly handsome."

Vino scrolled down, her eyes scanning the screen for more details. "There's nothing more here," she said, after a brief pause. "Just him and his dad. It's all a mystery."

I frowned, feeling a sense of frustration bubble up inside me. "How strange! What kind of businessman is he? Doesn't it seem weird that he doesn't share anything on social media?"

I leaned back against the headboard, folding my arms as I tried to process it all. "How does someone like him keep his life so private? I mean, surely there'd be at least one family picture from some event or something."

Vino shrugged, clearly just as perplexed as I was. "Maybe he's just... different. A private person, you know?"

Before I could respond, a soft knock on the door interrupted us. My heart skipped a beat at the unexpected sound.

"Come in!" I called out, hoping it wasn't someone who would disrupt my thoughts further.

The door creaked open slowly, and in walked my brother, looking a little frazzled. His usual carefree demeanor seemed to be replaced with an air of exhaustion.

"Hey, can you do me a favor?" he asked, almost too casually, like he was trying to hide the stress in his voice.

I straightened up on the bed, bracing myself for whatever he needed. "What's up?" I asked, trying to read the look on his face.

"Tomorrow, I need you to send a gift to one of my important clients. I'm still finishing up some things, but I promise I'll wrap it up tomorrow. Can you handle it for me until I get there? You can decide if you want to leave after I arrive. Please, I really need your help. I've been working all night on this project, and there's just a little more to go."

I noticed the tiredness in his eyes, the bags under them that spoke of late nights and too many deadlines. I could tell he was burnt out, but I also knew how much this project meant to him. I didn't hesitate for a second before agreeing.

"Alright, send me the address on WhatsApp. Just don't take too long, or I might struggle with it."

"Thanks so much. You're the best." His smile was sincere, though I could tell he was still running on fumes. He tried to make it look like he was getting emotional, but I rolled my eyes.

"You're welcome," I said with a teasing smirk. "But seriously, stop making that face."

He stuck out his tongue playfully before leaving the room, the door shutting softly behind him.

I turned to Vino, thinking of the task ahead. "Why don't you come with me tomorrow?"

Vino's expression softened with a sigh. "I wish I could, but I can't. My parents' friends have invited me over. I think they're a little smitten with me. They have a son, and I'm supposed to meet him."

I raised an eyebrow, grinning. "Ah, so that's what's going on. Alright, I get it."

We both laughed, the sound of it light in the otherwise quiet room. But even as I smiled, there was a lingering feeling of loneliness. The thought of going alone to deliver the gift felt a little empty, but I knew it was just one of those days. Life went on, and somehow, everything always seemed to work itself out, even when it didn't make sense.