His Sunshine, His Midnight Rain

09

_THAKUR MANSION_

Naina stepped into Thakur's mansion after Prakash's unexpected call, a curiosity bubbling within her. Wondering if there was some urgency, she shook off the thoughts and ventured further.

The sight that greeted her was Prakash in the entrance lawn, tending to his garden with an air of contentment. A genuine smile graced her face as she observed him, finding joy in his good mood.

She was adorned in a radiant yellow anarkali, a testament to her fondness for traditional attire.

Greeting him warmly, she couldn't help but notice the spark in Prakash's eyes. Eager to understand the cause of his happiness, she asked, "You seem particularly happy today, uncle. Anything special?" His nod was accompanied by a cryptic statement, "Well yes, but to let that happiness last, you should also agree."

This confused her and before she shot her questions he suggested to take a seat.

They took a seat in the garden, surrounded by inviting chairs and a table adorned with vibrant flowers.

"So, Naina," Prakash began, "you know that I am soon going to hand over my company." Naina nodded in understanding. She was aware of Prakash's plans and his dream of seeing his son as the next CEO. His discussions about Ayaan taking the reins were a familiar topic.

"Yes, uncle, and how may I help you with that?" Naina asked, still confused about why she was here and why he was talking about the company.

Prakash explained, "After I retire, Ayaan will take over the company, and the investment contract will be over. However, you and Ayaan don't have a good relationship, and he tends to avoid business dealings with people he doesn't like."

Naina frowned, realizing what Prakash was implying. "So, he doesn't want to invest in my company?" she asked, concerned about the potential impact on her business. While she didn't necessarily need the investment, the perception of Thakur Industries not investing might affect how others view her company.

"Well, he WAS not interested," Prakash stressed the word 'WAS,' leaving Naina puzzled. "I talked with him, and he said that he wants to see how you work and how things go," Prakash added, glancing behind Naina.

She turned to follow his gaze and found Ayaan Thakur standing at the doorstep, casually sipping coffee in sweatpants and a t-shirt. He had been there the whole time, observing the interaction.

Ayaan had seen the genuine smile Naina shared with her father, her respect and concern evident. He noticed her beauty and the warmth in her smile, making the coffee in his mug turn cold.

Facing Prakash again, Naina asked, "You want me to work with him and impress him?" Prakash nodded, and she turned back to prakash with a pout and puppy eyes.

"Don't give me that look. I gave him the same look yesterday, and that's the reason he at least agreed to see your work," Prakash said, rolling his eyes.

"I'll give you time to decide, and here are the papers for the contract extension details from his side," he added.

With a long sigh, Naina took the papers and began to read through them.

Naina completed reading the contract.

"Uncle, I think I'm okay with this. I'll sign them once our contract ends," Naina said. Prakash smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Well then, work is over now," Prakash declared. Naina got up, ready to leave, but Prakash insisted she stay a bit longer.

"No, you're not going right away. Come in, I made breakfast myself today. I know you probably skipped breakfast like always, so no excuses," Prakash urged. All Naina could do was awkwardly nod her head, he knew a lot about her, even her habit of skipping breakfast.