Inside the Singhania Family Car, Post-Award Night

The luxury SUV moved smoothly through the quiet, winding roads of Himachal, leaving behind the glitter of the award night and its endless congratulations. Inside, a rare silence settled among the four people who shared the car, not uncomfortable, but thoughtful, reflective. Shivangi sat beside Devansh in the middle row, her hands calmly resting in her lap. On the front Seat Akriti on passenger seat, and Abhimnayu driving the car.  Abhimanyu and Akriti leaned back, the hum of the car and the cool night air filling the space between conversations. But eventually, it was Shivangi who broke the silence, her tone steady, as if she'd been holding the thought through the entire ride. "Devansh ji, did you notice something different about Kabir tonight?" Devansh gave a soft smile. "You mean apart from him winning one of the top awards of the evening?" Akriti, who had been quietly listening, smiled too. "Maa means the way he kept looking toward someone. I noticed it as well." Abhimanyu, a little puzzled, leaned forward slightly "Someone? Who?" Shivangi glanced at Devansh, as if confirming her observation. "Kashish Diwan." For a brief moment, the name hung softly in the air, settling in like it had already found its place in their thoughts. "Dr. Ranveer and Avni's younger daughter? The architect behind the AIIMS palliative wing?" Devansh recalled thoughtfully and continued saying "Yes... when we were standing with Angad and Mrs. Diwan, I did see Kabir and her walking from the garden area together." "I saw them too," Shivangi nodded. "I believe they must have crossed paths during the AIIMS board meetings, but today... it seemed different," she added. Akriti spoke gently, "Yes, Maa. And yesterday, when we were talking, Kabir mentioned her name when I asked who had taken on the AIIMS project. He praised her work, even in casual conversation." Shivangi's expression softened. "Oh? That says a lot. And today The way he looked at her, calm, present. Not just once or twice. And you know Kabir... He's not someone who gets distracted easily." There was a small pause, then Abhimanyu gave a knowing smile. "Are we... are we talking about a potential match?" Devansh's smile deepened, more thoughtful than teasing "It's not just about a match, Abhimanyu. It's about compatibility. Family, values, upbringing. That girl stood poised in a hall full of seasoned doctors, without needing to prove herself with words. That kind of composure speaks volumes." "And her upbringing..." Shivangi added softly, "Being Angad and Vaidehi Diwan's Grand daughter, she surely understands legacy, responsibility. She's grown up in a joint family like ours." Akriti agreed saying, "And maybe it's a good thing she's not from medicine. She brings a different perspective. For Kabir... it might just be the balance he doesn't realize he needs." The car dipped briefly over a bump in the road, but the conversation stayed steady. Devansh leaned back, thoughtful. "We're not saying anything concrete tonight. But perhaps... a quiet conversation with Diwan's Nothing formal. Just curiosity. See how they feel." Shivangi turned slightly toward Akriti and Abhimanyu. "What do you both think of Kashish as Kabir's wife? Would you consider her as your elder daughter-in-law?" Akriti exchanged a glance with Abhimanyu before replying, "I was thinking the same... but didn't know how to put it into words." Abhimanyu added, "First, let's speak to Kabir. See what he says. If he's open to it... then Akriti and I will speak with Ranveer and Avni." Shivangi and Devansh agreed with a quiet nod. The decision wasn't made, but the seed had been planted, gently, thoughtfully. The car continued its quiet journey up the driveway, the gates of the Singhania mansion now visible. But inside the car, something subtle had shifted. Not a decision but a beginning.

(Kabir's POV)

He stepped into his room, finally away from the noise, handshakes, and congratulations. A quick shower later, dressed in a simple sweatshirt and track pants, he stepped out onto the balcony. Shimla nights never disappointed the cool breeze, the quiet hum of the hills, the stars scattered like distant lights. He leaned against the railing, arms crossed. And Started speaking to himself. That's how the night ends. Another award, another applause, another speech. Same faces. Same smiles. Same congratulations. And yet... it wasn't the award that stayed with me. It's strange, isn't it? I should be thinking about the title they gave me tonight. National Medical Excellence Award. That's what's supposed to matter. That's what I've worked for. But what am I thinking about? A girl sitting quietly on a garden bench... asking me what I'm doing there. Kashish Diwan. Architect. Not doctor. Not from my world. And yet... somehow, she didn't feel like a stranger tonight. I don't even know why this is stuck in my head. It's not like we've shared anything meaningful. A few words. A handshake. A smile that wasn't meant for anyone else but me, I think. That's all. That's supposed to be all. What do I think? I don't know yet. I wasn't thinking. That's the problem. I was just... at ease. With her. In a way I didn't expect to be. In a way I haven't been in a long time. So what now? Am I reading too much into nothing? Or is this how things... begin? I guess I'll know soon enough.  I wasn't expecting to run into her again. Not outside a boardroom. Not here, like this. I thought she was just a name on the AIIMS project. Good work, sharp brain, professional. That's it. But meeting her tonight... It felt... normal. Easy. I don't usually have casual conversations with strangers at award nights. Especially not like that sitting on a bench, talking about nothing serious, no pretence. And yet, it didn't feel awkward. I noticed her. Not just tonight. Even at AIIMS. Do I see something there? Honestly, I don't know yet. But for the first time, I'm not irritated by the idea of someone bringing it up. Strange. 

But he shook his head. Too soon to think beyond this. For now, he just wanted quiet. One last glance at the night sky. Then, like it was just any other night, he turned back, stepped inside, switched off the lights, and lay down. And just like that, Thinking of Kashish Diwan, He fell asleep.

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