When he saw her last night, standing drenched in the rain with an air of grace and vulnerability, the only word that came to his mind was "beautiful." It was as if she had stepped out of a dream, a vision that had captured his attention in an instant.

As the rain poured and a thunderclap echoed through the night, he found himself making a fateful decision. It was meant to be a simple act of gratitude, a thank-you for the ride she had generously offered. He should have let her continue on her way, taking her act of kindness with her as a cherished memory.

But instead, he had asked her to stay, inviting her into his world, and in doing so, he had unknowingly set in motion a chain of events that would forever alter the course of their lives. It was a decision he now regretted, not because he didn't want her presence, but because he couldn't fathom the intense emotions and complexities that had since unfolded.

In that moment, as they stood together under the pouring rain, he couldn't have foreseen the profound connection they would forge, the hours of conversation that would pass like mere minutes, or the way his heart would yearn for her when she was no longer by his side.

Regret weighed heavy on his heart as he reflected on that pivotal choice. Perhaps, if he had resisted the urge to ask her to stay, he wouldn't have to grapple with the tumultuous emotions that now consumed him. But life had a way of surprising us, of leading us down unexpected paths, and he couldn't help but wonder if their meeting had been destined all along.

His heart ached, a deep and persistent yearning that left him feeling restless and uncertain. He longed for more time, just a few moments longer, so he could figure out the bewildering emotions that now consumed him. It was a sensation he had never experienced before, a disorienting mix of longing, curiosity, and an inexplicable connection.

Throughout his life, he had been the quintessential good-hearted boy, the one whom elders admired for his diligence and younger peers affectionately called a studious nerd. He had always been focused and driven, with a clear path in mind. Distractions, especially those of the romantic kind, had never been permitted to enter his meticulously organized world.

While his contemporaries had chased after girls and reveled in parties, he had remained steadfast in his pursuit of knowledge and success. His peers might have seen him as the studious one, but he saw himself as a determined individual with unwavering goals. His aspirations were simple and clear: to excel in his chosen field and one day have the opportunity to meet his ideal, a figure he admired and looked up to, much like his own version of Mahesh Singhania.

Yet, in the midst of that rainy night and the chance encounter with a stranger who had appeared like a mirage, his well-ordered world had been thrown into disarray. He had found himself captivated by her presence, entangled in a web of emotions that defied logic and reason.

As he lay in his bed, tossing and turning, he couldn't help but reflect on the sudden turmoil that had taken hold of his heart. The questions swirled within him—Who was she? What had drawn him to her? And why did he now yearn for a connection that defied the very essence of his carefully constructed life?

In that moment of introspection, he realized that he was on the precipice of something entirely new, something that challenged the very core of his being. It was a turning point, and he couldn't help but wonder where this unexpected journey would lead him.

He tried to convince himself that it was all about business, that his interest in her was purely driven by a desire to meet Mahesh Singhania, his ideal figure in the world of business. It seemed like the logical explanation to keep his mind from wandering into the tumultuous territory of emotions that had engulfed him since that fateful night.

Business, he reasoned, had always been his driving force, the very reason for his unrelenting pursuit of success. If he could befriend her, the daughter of his business idol, it would create an opportunity to meet the person he admired most in his field—Mahesh Singhania.

That's what he told himself. It was the best explanation he could conjure up to maintain a sense of control and practicality in the face of what he truly felt. Deep down, he knew it was a feeble attempt to mask the undeniable truth.

The reality was that he had never forgotten about his job or his goals the way he had during the hours he had spent with her. It wasn't regret that plagued his thoughts, but rather a sense of longing and connection that he couldn't deny.

Yet, he couldn't afford to acknowledge these emotions. Accepting them would only complicate matters further, and he had always prided himself on his ability to stay focused and unwavering in his pursuit of success.

So, he made a decision. He would distance himself, leave his apartment, and give himself space to clear his mind. After all, they were strangers, and it was easy to forget someone you barely knew, especially after just one night.

With these rationalizations in mind, he drifted off to sleep, hoping that the distance would help him regain his focus and bring an end to the inexplicable connection he had felt. But deep down, he couldn't escape the nagging feeling that this was far from the end of their story.

____

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, gently coaxing Siddharth awake. He blinked, adjusting to the soft glow that bathed his room in a warm, golden hue. For a brief moment, he lay there in a state of half-consciousness, the events of the previous night slowly seeping into his waking thoughts.

His mind felt heavy with the weight of his family's expectations, and the news of his impending alliance hung over him like a dark cloud. He knew he had to take action, and the first step was to request a fifteen-day leave from his job.

With a sigh, Siddharth pushed aside the covers and swung his legs out of bed. He glanced at the clock on his bedside table; it was early, but he had a busy day ahead. His usually organized thoughts were in turmoil, as he grappled with the sudden turn his life had taken.

As he stood and stretched, the morning light danced across the room, casting intricate patterns on the walls. He made his way to the bathroom, the warm water from the shower soothing his tense muscles. The rhythmic sound of the water was almost like a calming mantra, a moment of respite from the chaos that had taken hold of his mind.

After dressing in a crisply pressed shirt and trousers, Siddharth stood before the mirror, adjusting his tie with meticulous precision. His reflection stared back at him, his dark eyes betraying the inner turmoil he felt. He had always been the responsible one, the diligent student, and the dedicated professional, but now he found himself questioning the path he had meticulously paved for himself.

The weight of his family's expectations pressed upon him, and he knew he had to find a way to navigate the uncharted waters that lay ahead. As he left his apartment and made his way to the office, Siddharth couldn't shake the feeling that his life was at a crossroads, and he would need to make some difficult choices in the days to come.

As Siddharth was on his way to the office, his mind was preoccupied with the sudden turn of events in his life. The news from his best friend Vishal the previous night had prompted him to make a call to his eldest brother, Abhishek. The conversation had been brief but impactful.

"Come back to India, Siddharth," Abhishek had instructed, his tone firm but not unkind. "The Roka is set for the following Sunday, just two days from now. It's time to fulfill our family obligations."

And just like that, his life had taken a swift and unexpected detour. Siddharth had spent his entire life focused on one singular goal: to become a successful businessman. He had been unwavering in his dedication to his studies, even choosing to bury himself in books while his brothers enjoyed family vacations.

His mother, with her warm and motherly wisdom, had often told him, "Siddharth, it's important to live a little, to enjoy life beyond your studies. Socializing and experiencing the world are as valuable as your dedication to your education." He had brushed off her advice, believing that his commitment to his studies would pave the way for his future success.

Now, he found himself grappling with the consequences of his singular focus. The desire for adventure and a more vibrant social life had only started to bloom within him as he settled into his job. Traveling the world, starting his own business, and eventually settling down had been on his bucket list. He had envisioned a life where he could savor every moment, take chances, and perhaps even find love on his own terms.

But fate had a way of playing unexpected and sometimes cruel tricks. In just one night, the prospect of getting to know that enigmatic girl had sparked a longing for something beyond his meticulously planned life. And now, he was faced with the stark reality of an arranged marriage that left him feeling trapped, with little say in his own destiny.

As Siddharth navigated the bustling streets of the city, he couldn't help but reevaluate his priorities and desires. The path he had envisioned was no longer as clear-cut as before, and he was left pondering the sacrifices he had made for his ambition, wondering if it was finally time to explore the uncharted territories of life that had always beckoned to him.

Siddharth stormed into his office with a palpable sense of anger and frustration coursing through his veins. His typically calm and composed demeanor had given way to a tempest of emotions that threatened to consume him. The weight of his family's decisions, made without his consent or knowledge, bore down on him like a suffocating blanket.

He had always believed in open communication within his family. They were a unit, a team, and he had thought that they shared everything with each other. But the events of the past few days had shattered that belief. They had kept him in the dark, as if he were an outsider rather than a member of their close-knit clan.

The first source of his anger was his parents. They should have been the ones to inform him about the situation, to seek his counsel, and to consider his feelings. Instead, they had chosen to make decisions behind closed doors, treating him like a child incapable of understanding the complexities of life.

Then came his brothers, Abhishek and Bhavesh, whom he had always considered his confidants. They had known about the entire situation, yet they had chosen to keep him ignorant. It felt like a betrayal, a breach of trust that cut deep.

As he sat at his desk, his hands clenched into fists, Siddharth couldn't help but wonder about the consequences of his brother's actions. Yes, Bhavesh had made a mistake, but did that mean he should be forced into a marriage as a solution? What about the girl involved? What about her happiness and dreams?

His thoughts were a whirlwind of anger, frustration, and confusion. He knew he had to confront his family, to demand answers and make them understand his point of view. He had always been the responsible one, the level-headed one, but now he felt like a pawn in a game he had no control over.

The storm within him raged on, and Siddharth knew that he had a long and arduous battle ahead, not just with his family, but also with his own emotions.

Siddharth took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil within him as he stood outside his boss's office. He had rehearsed his request in his mind countless times, ensuring that he presented it with professionalism and clarity. It was essential to convey the urgency of his situation while maintaining the respect he had for his job and employer.

With a determined mindset, he knocked on the door, and a voice from inside called, "Come in."

As Siddharth entered, his boss, Mr. Jones, looked up from his desk, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "Siddharth, this is an unexpected visit. What brings you here today?"

Siddharth cleared his throat and replied, "I apologize for the sudden request, sir, but I find myself in a situation that requires immediate attention. I would like to request a fifteen-day leave of absence, starting from today."

Mr. Jone's brow furrowed slightly as he leaned back in his chair. "Fifteen days? That's quite a lengthy leave, Siddharth. Is there a specific reason for this request?"

Siddharth chose his words carefully. "Yes, sir, there is. It's a family matter, and I need to be present in India to address it. It's a situation that has arisen unexpectedly, and I believe my presence is required to resolve it."

His boss regarded him thoughtfully for a moment before nodding. "Family always comes first, Siddharth. I understand the importance of such matters. However, I must also consider the impact on the projects you're currently working on."

Siddharth was quick to respond, "I have already made arrangements for my work to be managed in my absence. I'll ensure a smooth transition, and I'm confident that my team can handle any urgent matters that may arise during my leave."

Mr. Jones leaned forward, his expression softening. "Very well, Siddharth. I appreciate your dedication to your work and your responsible approach. You have my permission to take the requested leave. Please keep me updated on your situation and let me know if you need any assistance while you're away."

Siddharth felt a wave of relief wash over him, knowing that his boss had understood his predicament. "Thank you, sir. I will do my best to minimize any disruptions, and I'll ensure a seamless handover of my responsibilities."

With the leave granted, Siddharth exited his boss's office with a sense of accomplishment. He knew he had a challenging road ahead, dealing with his family's unexpected decisions, but at least he had secured the time he needed to address the situation.

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