ch 12 Sauce
The long oak dining table stretched across the Malhotra mansion's grand hall, gleaming beneath golden chandeliers.
Aditya lounged at one end, scrolling lazily through his phone, a smirk tugging at his lips.
Kabir leaned back with a glass of wine, restless as ever.
Raghav, silent and composed, unfolded his newspaper, though his sharp eyes missed nothing.
The air was heavy with unspoken things business, power, danger.
Then the double doors creaked open.
Aarav entered.
Tall. Broad-shouldered. His very presence shifted the energy of the room. The faint sound of his shoes against marble made all three of his brothers look up. Storm-grey eyes glinted under the chandelier as he adjusted the cuff of his black shirt, his face unreadable.
"You're late," Kabir muttered, arching a brow. "What kept the great boss so busy this evening?"
Aditya leaned forward, chuckling. "Don't tell me it was work. You've had that look since you got back... like someone managed to crawl under your skin."
Raghav folded his newspaper, placing it neatly beside his plate. His calm voice sliced through the teasing.
"It's not work. I can see it in his eyes. Who is she?"
Aditya's grin widened. Kabir let out a low whistle.
Aarav paused at the head of the table, poured himself a drink, the amber liquid catching the light. He didn't answer immediately. When he finally spoke, his voice was low, thoughtful.
"She's... careless. And stubborn." His eyes darkened. "But interesting."
Interesting. A word I don't waste lightly. I should've dismissed her like the rest. Instead, I can't stop replaying her defiance.
"Careless and stubborn?" Aditya grinned. "Sounds like trouble. Just your type, bhai."
Kabir swirled his glass. "Ya phir ek intern ne itna busy kar diya ke dinner ke liye bhi late ho gaye?"
Raghav allowed himself the faintest smirk. "Not many people can distract Aarav Malhotra from business. If she did... she must be unusual."
The table erupted with teasing, but Aarav only sipped his drink, silent. Then he set it down with a clink.
"Bas ho gaya?" His voice was calm, dangerously so. "You think an intern can distract me? She's not a distraction." His smirk returned, sharp, unreadable. "She's a challenge."
And challenges... I don't lose.
The room stilled. Then, as if on cue, the heavy oak doors creaked again.
Meera stepped in.
Elegant in a soft silk saree, her warmth softened the steel edges of the mansion. By her side toddled a boy no older than five, eyes wide with innocent wonder.
"Mumma, we ale home!" he chirped, tugging her hand.
Aditya smirked. "Arre wah, hamara chhota shehzada aa gaya."
Kabir chuckled. "Careful, Adi. One day this kid will outsmart even you."
"Daddaaaa!" Raj squealed, running with tiny feet.
For the first time that evening, Raghav's composure cracked. He scooped his son into his arms, rare affection lighting his face.
"My little champ... you're back." He kissed the boy's cheeks, then wrapped his hand over Meera's shoulder, kissing her temple softly. "Missed you."
"Missed you too," Meera whispered, smiling up at him.
Her eyes swept the table, pausing on Aarav. "It's been a while, Aarav bhaiya, kabir and aditya bhaiyaa how you are."
Aarav gave her a polite nod.
She's the only softness that exists in this house of iron. Raghav guards her like a jewel—and for once, I can't blame him.
kabir with a laugh,'' Are meera this house looks silent without you both our champ's naughtiness was missed by all here''. then he nudges raghav and says '' and most by your husband''
raghav shook his head and say;'' kabir cant you be quit for few minutes''
raj wriggled free, waving at his uncles.
"kabir chachu! adi chachu! Aarav tauji!"
kabir clutched his chest dramatically. "Dekha? Mujhe pehle yaad kiya. Main favorite hoon."
Aditya scoffed. "Favorite? Wait till he finds out who buys him all the toys."
aditya gave a smile and nod to meera and says '' so hows the visit gone seems raj enjoyed too much''.
then meera laughs softly and says, '' enjoys, he made many friends there specially tiara.. right raj..'' she said teasing her child
kabir : ''What.. raj.. you just five and already started charming around.. wait beta your chachu and specially tau ji.. is still single''.
raghav shots him glare and says'' kabir he is just a child''
kabir with mock offend,'' EXACTLY''
aditya shook his head and chuckles
raj with his childish grin looks at everyone and giggles like he is understanding evrything
The room, so tense moments ago, softened with laughter. Only Aarav stayed composed, though his eyes lingered on his nephew with something rare almost tender.
Meera sat with Raj on Raghav's lap, her voice warm but firm. "i missed this all ." she said and chuckled.
Aditya and Kabir smilles softly
Raghav leans at her sitting beside her and whispers in her ears and ''i missed you more like i love you more''.
raj leaned forward eagerly. "Mumma, mujhe sauce daalo!"
Before she could stop him, Raj's small hand tipped the bottle too farsplatt! Bright red sauce splashed across Aarav's pristine plate... and onto the edge of his perfectly tailored sleeve.
The table froze.
Aditya covered his mouth to hide a laugh. Kabir raised his brows, waiting for the explosion. Raghav stiffened, pulling his son back. "Raj!" His tone was sharp. "Careful."
Raj's eyes widened, lip trembling. "Sorry... tauji..."
For a beat, silence. Then Aarav set down his glass. He looked at the red mess. Then at the boy.
With precise calm, Aarav picked up a napkin, wiped his sleeve, and folded it neatly. His eyes locked on Raj calm, unreadable.
"Apologizing makes a man stronger," Aarav said, voice low. He nudged the bottle back toward him. "But next time... aim better."
The hall erupted in laughter Aditya loudest, Kabir shaking his head in disbelief, Meera sighing in relief. Raj giggled too, his fear forgotten.
"Tauji... aap bilkul gusse wale nahi ho!"
Kabir clutched his chest. "History witness kar le! Someone just said Aarav Malhotra isn't angry!"
Even Aarav smirked faintly. But as the laughter died, his storm-grey eyes lingered on the boy, a shadow slipping back over his face.
One day, Raj. One day you'll see. Nobody stays untouched in my world not even family.
"Innocence has no place here," Aarav murmured, almost to himself. His gaze cut briefly to Raghav, then back to his glass. "Better he learns that early."
The warmth cooled. The table quieted.
And the weight of the Malhotra empire pressed back into the room.
Aarav was on call, ''i dont know anything make the deal at any cost or kabir will make them sign and then they will not like his way of doing it'' he said with dangerous calm and dark aura.
he was walking out of office through lobby office was quit as employess left already as office hours ended already.
noise of his polished shoes and heavy rain outside coming there
then he paused on call seeing a figure on exit door.
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