7 PM – Singhania Mansion, Living Room

The Himachali twilight gently filtered through the tall windows of the Singhania Mansion. Lamps were lit. The crackling warmth of the fireplace played softly against the quiet hum of evening conversations. In the sprawling living room, laughter echoed. Jay, Shourya, Riaan, and Raiansh sat on the plush couches, casually stretched out, sipping tea. Across from them sat their wives Diya, Tanushri, Paridhi, and Piyali , smiling, exchanging stories, and occasionally rolling their eyes at the men's dramatic commentary. The teasing was in full flow when the grand doors opened. 

Kabir Singhania, in a Olive Green shirt with rolled sleeves, finally arrived, his calm posture belying the faint tiredness in his eyes. He set down and the banter began. "Look who finally remembered home," Jay said, mock serious. Riaan chimed in, "Dr. Kabir 'No Emotions, Only Brain' Singhania." Shourya added, "He probably thinks love is a hormonal imbalance," igniting laughter. Kabir merely raised an eyebrow, a half-smile playing on his lips as he sat. Gauri their maid served evening adrak chai and almond biscuits, offering Kabir his cup. Piyali leaned forward, smirking. "Kabir, you'd marry a CT scan machine if you could." Paridhi joined in, "His bio: Neurosurgeon. Seeks medical terminology only." Tanushri chuckled, "His wife will need appointments." "Imagine the proposal." Diya said, "Statistically, companionship improves cardiac health" More laughter erupted. Kabir, amused, finally spoke, "Done diagnosing my personal life?" Raiansh teased and said to kabir, "Not yet, Will you ever prescribe yourself some love Dr. Kabir?" Kabir's smile softened, his silence and the glint in his eyes . As the room filled with familial warmth and laughter, Diya, Paridhi, Piyali, and Tanushri went into the kitchen to prepare dinner, while the boys dispersed to attend to their tasks.

As Kabir stepped into his room, the calmness felt different , familiar, comforting. The space reflected him entirely. A large king-sized bed with crisp grey linens stood at the center. Minimalist décor, clean lines. A walnut wood study desk near the tall window was stacked with medical journals and a laptop neatly organized, not a page out of place. One wall was adorned with framed anatomy sketches and a rare photo of Kabir in surgical scrubs, smiling faintly with his team after a successful pediatric surgery. Bookshelves lined with neuroscience books, one small potted bonsai. He walked into the attached bathroom, sleek, modern. After a quick shower, he returned, towel slung over his shoulder, hair damp, rubbing it dry with one hand

(Kabir's Bedroom)

(Walk in  Wardrobe of Kabir's Bedroom)

A soft knock.

"Aaiye, Maa," Kabir said, without turning. Akriti , dressed in a light beige cotton saree, her hospital duties over. Her poise remained, softened by a motherly smile. she said coming towards her son "How was the surgery, beta?" she asked warmly. Kabir, now on the edge of his bed, gave a small, satisfied nod. "Successful, Maa. Seven hours, but the child's safe. We managed." Akriti sat beside him, her eyes reflecting pride and concern. "That's good, beta. I saw your name on the operation board all day. The hospital was hectic, but we managed. Your father's preparing for tomorrow's round discussion. "Kabir smiled softly, leaning his head onto her lap. Surprised, Akriti instinctively stroked his damp hair, as she had when he was a child. "Thak gaye ho na?" "Bas thoda," Kabir murmured, eyes closed. Silence settled, a rare pause in his regimented life. "Kabir..." Akriti began cautiously, "Even your dad is saying it's about time you start thinking about marriage" Kabir opened his eyes, listening. "See, we are not forcing you, But you deserve a partner, Kabir. Someone who will sit here just like this not because you're tired because she wants to know how your day was. Someone who waits without asking why you're late. Someone who brings softness to your discipline." Kabir sat up slowly. "I don't know if I'll get time, Maa. Or if someone will understand this life." Akriti smiled faintly. "Maybe not everyone will. But the right one will. And Kabir your heart may be quiet, but I know it's not empty." She stood, brushing his hair. "Kabhi kabhi... kuch decisions dil ke liye lene padte hain, beta. Dimaag ke nahi." Before walking away Akriti smiled gently and said calmly, Come for dinner on time. When she left Kabir watched the door click shut. For the first time in a long while, the man who mastered the brain felt a stir in his heart. With the thought of marriage lingering from what his brothers, bhabhis, and mother had said, he quietly walked toward his balcony, cold and still under the touch of Shimla's winter.

                                                                    ************

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-[Pristi Scrolls]