Kavita blinked. “You’re home? This early?”
Harshit adjusted his glasses. “Business dinner?”
“Yes,” Raghav said, walking in. “Deal closed.”
That got his father’s full attention.
“Signed?” Harshit asked.
“An hour ago.”
A slow nod. “Good.”
Kavita beamed. “See? I told you he would seal it.”
Vikram set his phone down and looked at Raghav dramatically. “So if you’ve already eaten and conquered another company, what blessing has brought you to dine with the commoners tonight? We usually need to book you two weeks in advance.”
Raghav ignored him and took his seat. “I’ll just have something light,” he said.
“Of course,” Vikram muttered. “He descends from the corporate heavens to sip soup with us.”
“Enough,” Harshit said mildly, though the corner of his mouth twitched.
Kavita signaled the staff. “Serve him.”
Raghav waited until the bowl was placed in front of him. He didn’t pick up the spoon. “I need to talk to you,” he said.
The table quieted instantly.
Vikram leaned forward, delighted. “This sounds promising.”
Raghav didn’t look at him. “There’s someone,” he said calmly. “A woman.”
Kavita’s spoon froze mid-air. Harshit blinked once. Vikram slowly placed both elbows on the table. “I knew it.”
Raghav continued, steady. “And I intend to marry her.”
Silence.
The kind that feels deliberate.
Kavita recovered first. “What?”
Vikram stared at him in open fascination. “You. In love. I need to sit down.”
“You’re already sitting,” Raghav said dryly.
Kavita looked between her husband and her son, something unreadable passing across her face.
Harshit set his fork down with deliberate care. “Go on.”
Raghav finally picked up his spoon. “I wanted you to hear it from me first.”
Across the table, Vikram’s grin returned. “Oh, I’m definitely hearing more,” he said. “Please continue.”
“And what about the family we’ve been in talks with for months?” Kavita asked gently.
“I’ve made my own decision.” Raghav responded.
