It was the time of the year when the entire Oberoi family got swept up in the festivities of Durga Puja. The grand celebrations, lavish decorations, and opulent pandals were all part of the tradition for the Oberois. But this year, Shivaay Singh Oberoi was feeling a little different. He had spent his life surrounded by luxury, VIP access, and high society events, but this time, he felt an urge to experience something more authentic, more down-to-earth. He wanted to visit a Durga Puja pandal like a common man.
It wasn't the first time he had attended one of these events, but he had always been accompanied by security, reporters, and a retinue of staff, making it feel more like a public appearance than a genuine experience. He wanted to shed the air of the Oberoi legacy, just for a day, and walk through the pandal without anyone knowing who he was.
Shivaay stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his outfit. No flashy suits, no designer shirts, just a simple kurta and jeans combo. He was determined to blend in. He looked at his reflection and nodded. "Today, I'll be just like everyone else," he muttered to himself.
Anika walked into the room, dressed in a simple, beautiful sari. She froze when she saw him. "Shivaay, are you seriously going out like that? You look—"
"Like a common man?" Shivaay finished her sentence with a smirk. "Yes, that's the point. I want to experience the pandal like everyone else. No security, no cameras, no reporters. Just me, the crowd, and the spirit of Durga Puja."
Anika was still in disbelief. "You're really going to try this?"
Shivaay gave her a playful grin. "Why not? I've spent my whole life in the limelight. It's time to do something different. Besides, I've got it all under control."
Anika shook her head. Her husband had truly lost it but she was not going to be the one to tell him so.
As Shivaay made his way down the stairs, Rudra and Om came into the scene, both looking startled. "What's going on, bhaiya?" Rudra asked, his eyes widening when he saw Shivaay in his 'common man' attire.
Shivaay grinned confidently. "I'm going to the Durga Puja pandal. You know, like a normal person. No one will recognize me. It's going to be fun!"
Om gave him a skeptical look. "Shivaay, I don't think this is a good idea. You're... you're used to a certain lifestyle. You're going to be overwhelmed."
Rudra stepped in, dramatically throwing his arms up. "Bhaiya, I know you like doing things your own way, but there's a reason we have security. Imagine you being mobbed by the crowd—people will pull on your clothes, take pictures, maybe even... faint from seeing you up close!"
Shivaay raised an eyebrow. "You two really think I can't handle a little crowd?"
Anika stepped in, trying to diffuse the situation. "Shivaay, they have a point. There are a lot of people at these pandals. It can get chaotic, especially with the enthusiasm of the crowd. You'll be fine here with us and the security, and we can enjoy the puja from a distance."
But Shivaay was resolute. "I'm not going to let something like a crowd stop me from experiencing this."
As Shivaay prepared to leave, the rest of the family gathered around him.
Pinky, in all her dramatic flair, practically gasped. "Shivaay, beta, are you out of your mind? The pandal? You? No, no, no! You're the heir to the Oberoi empire! You can't just go wandering around like one of those... those... normal people!"
Shakti, ever the voice of caution, chimed in. "Pinky's right, Shivaay. You don't know how the crowd will react. What if something happens to you? What if your allergies and heart issues are triggered? You need to think this through carefully."
