That evening, at the Malhotra Mansion...

Aarav arrived at his family's sprawling mansion, his thoughts still consumed by the events of the day. His family's home was a grand blend of modern architecture and traditional Indian design, a testament to the Malhotras' deep respect for their heritage despite their contemporary success.

As he walked into the living room, he was greeted by his mother, Suman Malhotra, who enveloped him in a warm hug. "Aarav, beta, you're right on time," she said with a smile, her eyes twinkling with pride. "We've been waiting for you."

Aarav glanced around and noticed that the entire family was present-his father, Vikram Malhotra, sitting at the head of the table, his Dadaji and Dadiji comfortably settled on the sofa, and Tara sitting beside them, chatting animatedly with their grandparents.

"What's this about, Dad?" Aarav asked, sensing that something was up.

Vikram exchanged a glance with Suman before speaking. "We've been discussing something important with the Mehras," he began. "And we believe it's time for you to settle down."

Aarav's frown deepened. He knew where this conversation was heading, and he didn't like it. "If this is about an arranged marriage, you already know my answer."

His father held up a hand, cutting him off. "Hear us out. The Mehras are an influential family, and their daughter, Ira, would make an excellent match. The alliance would benefit both families-socially and professionally."

Aarav's jaw clenched. He had no interest in getting married, especially not to someone chosen for him for business reasons. "I'm not a pawn in a business deal," he said coldly.

Suman placed a hand on his arm, her expression softening. "Aarav, we're not asking you to marry her tomorrow. We're only asking that you meet her. You might find that she's more than just a business proposition."

Aarav wanted to argue, but the earnestness in his mother's eyes made him pause.

Aarav stood in silence for a moment, his eyes locked on his mother's hopeful gaze. Deep down, he knew his family always had his best interests at heart, but the idea of marrying someone purely for an alliance left a bitter taste in his mouth. His father was a pragmatic man, but his mother... she wouldn't push him into a marriage just for business. There had to be more.

"What do you know about her?" Aarav finally asked, his tone less sharp than before.

Suman smiled, as if she'd won a small victory. "Ira Mehra is a very capable young woman. She's educated, intelligent, and kind. She's from a respectable family with values that align with ours. Besides, her parents are just as traditional as we are, but she has a modern outlook on life."

Vikram chimed in. "She's not just any woman, Aarav. She's someone who could stand as your equal, both in intellect and in business. The Mehras are no ordinary family either. Sameer Mehra is a well-respected businessman, and this alliance would strengthen both families' standing in society and business."

Aarav sighed. "I've never met her. How can I agree to something so important without knowing her?"

"That's why we're asking you to meet her first," Vikram said, leaning forward. "No one's forcing you into anything, but it's important that you at least consider it."

Aarav turned away, glancing toward the large windows of the living room. Outside, the city of Mumbai glittered with a life that never seemed to slow down. He had always been at the center of that rush, controlling it, bending it to his will. But marriage? It wasn't something he could control, especially not with a stranger.

"I'll meet her," Aarav said, his voice even. "But I make no promises."

Suman beamed, squeezing his arm affectionately. "That's all we ask."

At the Mehra Mansion...

Later that evening, Ira Mehra sat across from her father at the dining table, her posture straight and her eyes focused, though her thoughts were far away. Dinner at the Mehra home was usually a quiet affair, with her mother, Radhika, overseeing the meal with her gentle warmth, and her father, Sameer, engaging in occasional small talk. Her grandmother, Sunanda Mehra, usually sat silently, observing everything with a stern, judgmental gaze. Ira loved her family, but family dinners often felt like business meetings in disguise.

Tonight, however, the atmosphere was heavier than usual, and Ira had a sinking feeling she knew why.

"Ira," Sameer began, after a few minutes of silence. "I've been speaking with Vikram Malhotra recently. You remember him, don't you?"

Ira set down her fork, her suspicions confirmed. "Of course, I remember. He's one of your closest business associates. What about him?"

Sameer leaned back in his chair, choosing his next words carefully. "His son, Aarav, is around your age. A very successful businessman in his own right. Their family has suggested a potential alliance."

Ira's expression didn't change, but her heart sank a little. The dreaded marriage talk had arrived. "An alliance?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "You mean an arranged marriage."

Radhika, Ira's mother, placed a gentle hand on her daughter's. "Ira, we're not trying to rush you into anything, beta. It's just a proposal. Aarav Malhotra is a very eligible man, and this marriage could be good for both families."

Ira swallowed her irritation. "I don't need an alliance to prove my worth, Maa. I've built my career on my own, without needing a husband by my side."

Sunanda Mehra, her grandmother, who had been silent up to this point, cleared her throat. "Times are changing, Ira. A good match is not just about business. It's about finding a partner who complements you. Your father isn't pushing you into this for selfish reasons. He wants what's best for you."

"I know, Dadiji," Ira said softly, her eyes flickering toward her father. "But I'm not interested in marrying someone just for the sake of business. I need to know if this person is someone I can respect and trust."

Sameer nodded, understanding her concerns. "That's why we're not asking you to make a decision right away. Just meet him. Give yourself a chance to see who he is before you decide."

Ira sighed inwardly. She knew this was coming, and as much as she didn't want to entertain the idea of marriage right now, she also couldn't deny the weight of her family's expectations. Her father had been supportive of her career, giving her the freedom to manage Arya Enterprises under her pseudonym. She owed him at least this much.

"Fine," Ira said finally, her voice measured. "I'll meet him. But I'm not making any promises."

Sameer smiled, relief evident in his eyes. "That's all we ask."

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This is all for this chapter . Stay tuned guys for next update and for their meeting 🤝 let's see what happens when the two ego clashes.

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