Reminiscing about the past

After ending the call, Minar placed his mobile on the glass table and leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. Memories flooded his mind as if everything had happened just yesterday. He was still grappling with the shock that his younger brother wanted to get married so soon. It wasn’t that he was against the idea—far from it. But Minar couldn’t shake the suspicion creeping into his thoughts.

Marriage had always been an afterthought for Viraj, who often teased, “I’ll marry only after Bhai does.” Now, this sudden change of heart was perplexing. Something didn’t add up.

Minar Singhania—the chairman of "MIRAJ," an automobile giant—had always been the cornerstone of his family. With a commanding presence and piercing eyes, he exuded authority. But beneath the cold exterior, he harbored an unwavering love for his family: his mother, Suhana, and his baby brother, Viraj.

After their father, Rudra Pratap Singhania, tragically passed in a plane crash, Minar stepped into his shoes. Rudra had built the nation's leading automobile company through grit and determination, and Minar idolized him. Taking over as president at such a young age wasn’t easy, but Minar had proved his mettle. Under his leadership, the company thrived, expanding domestically and internationally. Despite his success, his heart remained tethered to the legacy his father had left behind.

Though revered by employees for his brilliance and dominance, they knew one truth: his family was his Achilles' heel. While Minar commanded respect, his love for his mother and brother defined him. His bond with Viraj was especially profound—an inseparable duo who once shared every secret. Yet, in the last five years, an unspoken distance lingered between them, ever since Minar left the country.

One and a half years ago, something shifted. Viraj, with his boyish charm and magnetic personality, had revealed he was smitten by a girl. His excitement was palpable as he confided in Minar.

Flashback: One and a Half Years Ago

“Bhai, are you even listening to me?” Viraj’s voice broke Minar’s train of thought, his impatience evident.

“Yes, Vir, I am,” Minar replied, rubbing his temples. “But who is this girl? What’s her name? Have you looked into her background?”

“Background? Seriously, Bhai? She’s not a criminal! And no, I don’t know her name yet.” Viraj groaned, covering his face with his hand. “Who asks these questions anyway? Aren’t you supposed to ask if she’s pretty or smart?”

Minar couldn’t suppress a chuckle. “Vir, you’ve been chasing her for two weeks, and you don’t even know her name? What exactly are you planning to say when you finally approach her? If Mohit had taken this up, he’d probably have her entire family history by now.”

“Yeah, yeah, your loyal Mohit,” Viraj retorted, pouting. “I don’t want his help. I want your help, Bhai. Please? Pretty please?”

Minar leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm. “Vir, I don’t know the first thing about love. I can’t help you there. Why don’t you ask Ryan? He seems to be an expert in... romantic endeavors.”

“Ryan? Bhai, he’s a playboy, not a love guru!” Viraj sighed dramatically, his shoulders slumping. “Fine, I’ll talk to him.”

Minar smirked. He knew Viraj’s exaggerated sulking all too well. “Alright, kid, don’t pull that face. You’ll figure it out. I’ve got work to do. Talk later, okay? Take care.”

As the call disconnected, Viraj paced his room, muttering under his breath. “Okay, Vir. You’ve got this. You’re brave, you’re charming, and you can handle this. You’re going to make her fall for you.”

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