Chapter 5
The Rathore mansion stood imposing and elegant in one of Delhi's most exclusive neighborhoods. As Arnav's car pulled into the circular driveway, lights from within the sprawling home spilled onto the manicured lawn. It was past midnight, but he knew his family would still be awake.
Arnav entered the house silently, hoping to make it to his wing without encountering anyone. He wasn't in the mood for conversation, not with Aanya's face still burning in his mind.
Neelam Rathore (ML's mother)
Arnav, finally aa gaya tu (Arnav son, you've finally arrived.)
Neelam Rathore sat regally in her favorite armchair, silver streaks in her hair only adding to her elegance. Beside her, his father read a newspaper despite the late hour. And sprawled across the largest sofa was his younger brother Ayush, eyes glued to his phone.
Arnav Singh Rathore (ML)
Mom, dad, you are still awake?
Neelam Rathore (ML's mother)
Yes, because we knew you would come late
Sanjay Rathore (ML's father)
How was Vikram's engagement? We were going to come too, but your mother suddenly got a migraine
Arnav Singh Rathore (ML)
It was good
Aayush Rathore (ML's bro)
*snorted* Bhaiya's vocabulary – good, okay, yes, no. that's it
Arnav Singh Rathore (ML)
Shut up
Neelam Rathore (ML's mother)
Sit down. I need to talk to you about something important
Arnav sat, already anticipating what was coming. His mother had only one "important" topic these days.
Neelam Rathore (ML's mother)
Beta, tees saal ka ho gaya hai tu
(Son, you've turned thirty.)
Aayush Rathore (ML's bro)
Marriage mission mode on, trial no. 594. *whispered to himself*
Arnav Singh Rathore (ML)
Maa please-
Neelam Rathore (ML's mother)
Raised her hand *** one minute, at least listen to what I have to say
Aayush Rathore (ML's bro)
Suddenly became intrested and put his phone down while giving his full attention to his mother and brothers talks with a mischievous grin***
Aayush Rathore (ML's bro)
The one who loved watching his stoic older brother squirm under their mother's marriage talk👈🏻👈🏻👈🏻
Neelam Rathore (ML's mother)
Dekho beta, mujhe koi problem nahi hai agar tumhe ladkiyan pasand nahi hain ***said seriously***
(Look son, I have no problem if you don't like girls.)
Arnav Singh Rathore (ML)
what ?? ***Looked at his mother confused****
Neelam Rathore (ML's mother)
Haan! Agar tumhe ladke pasand hain, toh bhi theek hai. Main woh ladke ko bhi accept kar lungi. Par tumhe shaadi karni hi hogi
(Yes! If you like boys, that's fine too. I'll accept that boy as well. But you must get married.)
Sanjay Rathore lowered his newspaper again, eyebrows raised in amusement. Ayush was now openly laughing, clutching his stomach.
Arnav Singh Rathore (ML)
Maa, mujhe ladke pasand nahi hai ***said firmly, pinching the bridge of his nose***
(Mom, I don't like boys.)
Neelam Rathore (ML's mother)
"Toh phir problem kya hai? Tum handsome ho, successful ho, healthy ho. Ladkiyan line mein khadi hongi tumhare liye." (Then what's the problem? You're handsome, successful, healthy. Girls will stand in line for you.)
Arnav Singh Rathore (ML)
Nothing came in mind and repeated that old answer he had been giving from the time the marriage mission mode started*** I don't have time, Maa
Neelam Rathore (ML's mother)
"Kaunsa time? Business ke liye toh chaubees ghante hain tere paas. Bas shaadi ke liye time nahi hai?" ***voice rising with exasperation***
(What time? You have twenty-four hours for business. Only for marriage you don't have time?)
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