Aarav Singhal’s mornings were always the same—a comforting routine that grounded him in the midst of his demanding life. The first light of dawn filtered through the sheer curtains of his small bedroom, waking him before his alarm had the chance. He lay there for a moment, listening to the soft hum of life in the house—the distant clatter of dishes from the kitchen, the faint hum of his father’s morning prayers, and the soft rustle of his sister’s hurried footsteps as she got ready for college.

He finally rose from bed, stretching out the sleep from his limbs, and reached for his phone to check the time. 5:45 AM. Right on schedule.

After a quick shower, Aarav made his way to the kitchen, where his mother was already preparing breakfast. The familiar scent of freshly brewed chai filled the air, along with the comforting aroma of parathas sizzling on the stove.

“Good morning, Ma,” Aarav greeted, bending down to touch his mother’s feet—a habit instilled in him since childhood.

His mother, a petite woman with a warm smile and kind eyes, patted his head affectionately. “Good morning, beta. I’ve made your favorite—aloo parathas. You’ll need the energy today.”

Aarav smiled as he took a seat at the small wooden table. “Thanks, Ma. You always know exactly what I need.”

His father, a retired school teacher, looked up from his newspaper, his eyes crinkling with a smile. “Aarav, make sure you eat well today. You work too hard, beta. Don’t forget to take care of yourself.”

“I will, Dad,” Aarav replied, appreciating the concern in his father’s voice. His parents had always been his biggest supporters, encouraging him to excel in his studies and later in his career. They had sacrificed so much to ensure he could pursue his dreams, and Aarav was determined to make them proud.

Just as he was about to take a bite of his paratha, his younger sister, Rhea, breezed into the kitchen, her college backpack slung over one shoulder and a mischievous grin on her face. “Good morning, Bhaiya!” she chirped, plopping down beside him.

“Morning, Rhea,” Aarav replied, already sensing the teasing tone in her voice.

“So, how’s life at Oberoi Empire?” Rhea asked, leaning in with exaggerated curiosity. “Any new stories to share? How’s your boss—still as scary as ever?”

Aarav chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s fine, Rhea. And Shivanika Ma’am is just... focused. She’s a perfectionist, that’s all.”

“Focused?” Rhea snorted. “You make her sound like a laser beam. Admit it, she’s terrifying!”

Aarav’s lips twitched in amusement. His sister had a knack for making everything sound more dramatic than it was. “She’s demanding, yes, but she knows what she’s doing. She expects the best because she gives the best. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

"Hmm, it sounds like you admire her,” Rhea teased, waggling her eyebrows. “Maybe a little too much, hmm?”

“Rhea,” Aarav warned, though there was no heat in his voice. His sister’s playful banter was something he was used to. She had always enjoyed poking fun at him, especially when it came to his job.

“Okay, okay, I’ll stop,” Rhea said, holding up her hands in mock surrender. “But seriously, Bhaiya, you work so hard. You’re always so serious. You need to loosen up a bit and have some fun. Maybe find someone who can help with that.” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

Aarav rolled his eyes, but there was a fond smile on his face. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“Just looking out for you, big brother,” Rhea replied with a grin before turning her attention to her own breakfast.

As he ate, Aarav couldn’t help but reflect on his family and the life they had built together. His parents had always been his guiding stars, instilling in him the values of hard work, humility, and kindness. Growing up, Aarav had always been the studious one, a topper in high school, always aiming for excellence. His father, a man of simple means but great wisdom, had taught him the importance of education and perseverance.

Aarav’s success in school had been a source of pride for his family, especially his mother, who had often stayed up late with him during his exam preparations, making sure he was well-fed and cared for. His father had been his mentor, helping him with math problems and teaching him how to approach life’s challenges with a calm and steady mind.

Rhea, on the other hand, had always been the spirited one, the one who brought laughter and lightness into their home. She was the complete opposite of Aarav, more carefree and fun-loving, but she had a sharp mind and a kind heart. She often teased him about his serious nature, but Aarav knew it was her way of showing she cared.

As he finished his breakfast and prepared to leave for work, Aarav felt a deep sense of gratitude for the family he had. They were his anchor, his strength, and the reason he pushed himself to excel in everything he did. He wanted to give back to them to make sure they never had to worry about anything.

“Have a good day, Bhaiya!” Rhea called out as he grabbed his briefcase and headed for the door. “And don’t forget—have some fun!”

Aarav shook his head with a smile as he stepped outside. Fun wasn’t exactly on the agenda for the day. But as he thought about the work ahead—about Shivanika Oberoi and the challenges of the day—Aarav couldn’t deny that there was a part of him that looked forward to it all.

His job at Oberoi Empire was demanding, yes, but it was also fulfilling in a way that nothing else had been. And as he made his way to the office, Aarav couldn’t help but wonder what the day would bring, Bhaiya, and what new challenges awaited him in the world of corporate giants and high expectations.