Chapter 2

Mehul's POV

" Dad, you wanted us to come as soon as possible to go and have dinner at Suresh uncle's place. Are you serious? I was so tense that something was wrong. We came all the way from Delhi to Surat to attend a dinner? Is it some kind of a joke dad.? "

" Relax son, trust me nothing is wrong, go and get ready. We are getting late. We will talk once we get back. " 

I was irritated but got ready as I didn't want to argue with him. We all reached the uncle's haveli. It was as lavish as our's... standing there in all its glory.

 Suresh Uncle, I mean, Mr Suresh Mansukh Kothari is a very traditional man. His values are quite deep-rooted. He is one of the biggest exporters of Indian ethnic handicrafts. I was always fascinated with the beautiful artworks that increased the glory of their Haveli ( mansion). 

But this time I felt that it was looking even more beautiful... I used to come here as a child as uncle's son Vimal Bhai and Mudit Bhai were very good friends. Vimal had a very irritating sister.

 She was very young and used to follow us everywhere. I still remember the way she was. following us like a shadow, I used to avoid her like plague as she used to fight with me and then tell our parents that I was teasing her. 

Our parents always scolded me, though they knew it was the other way around.

" Welcome Vipul, Sita Ben and Mehul. Nice to meet you after such a long time. Mehul you have turned into a very young and handsome boy. I remember you coming here like a small boy and now you are taller than me. " I smiled and touched his feet.

 He patted me on my back and gave his blessings and then hugged me tightly." So what are you doing these days? Vipul told me that you have joined his business and you are taking care of your jewellery stores in Delhi and all over India?? That is increadible beta. I know you are working very hard, God bless you. " He said.

We all went inside their Haveli, it was looking as if I was visiting some Palace, because all the art pieces were incredible. The work was so intricate, everything was looking very pretty, the perfect combination of traditional and modern.

 Whoever had designed the interior of the house must be simply incredible. I greeted Reema aunty and smiled at me and hugged me. My mom and Reema aunty both went inside. We all settled in the drawing-room and I asked uncle about Vimal. 

He said, "He is taking my business to a higher level. He had even started the online store of our products. So he is usually travelling. He was in London last week and will come back in a couple of days. Our handicrafts are famous worldwide. We have the best artisans from all over India. We buy the best of their products at very good prices so that they can also lead a respectable life."

" That is incredible, Suresh. Our sons are working very hard and I am sure they'll take our business to the next level. Even Mudit is doing very well, he is taking care of all the overseas orders in most of the countries and all over India with the help of Mehul. Right now he is gone for his honeymoon... but he'll be back in a day or two. By the way, why didn't you come for his marriage? I was too upset with you," said Dad.

" I know Vipul I would have come at any cost but you know that my mom was not well. She was unstable at that time. Doctors are saying she might not survive for long now. All she wants is to see all her children settled before she dies."

The food was laid out on the very huge dining table. All the traditional Gujarati food was served there. Just then I saw a tall, beautiful girl with long, black hair entered with mom and aunty. 

She was wearing a beautiful white long suit. She was looking very elegant and pretty. She came towards us and looked at me for a few seconds.

 Her eyes were black just like her hair, with very long eyelashes which framed her doe eyes perfectly. Beautiful !! very beautiful... I was mesmerized by her beauty.