Madhava Aaradhana

Prologue

Aadhya!!! Aadhya!! Aarush walked tiredly inside the Naik’s home as he called for his younger sibling.

What happened? Why are you calling Aadhya? His aunt questioned Aarush with a concerned voice, and she quickly passed him water as she heard his car entering the premises. It’s an untold fact, that Prema is the sweetheart of the family, who attends to everyone's needs without being told at any point in the day.

Why did you call me?? Aadhya was still hanging on the last staircase wall, looking at her brother with sleepy eyes. It was 12’o’ clock for godsake. She wanted to scream at him for violating her sleep mercilessly, However, she couldn’t wave off the call because he was her 3’O’ Clock partner, who was there for her always.

Aarush bottoms up the whole glass of water and gives back the empty glass to Prema with a sweet smile. He still wondered how his sister and he got lucky to be adopted by this woman. Losing parents at 5 with a sibling to take care of, was a nightmare for sure to Aarush’s life. He didn’t know whom to go with his little Aadhya, who was crying holding their dead parents, who died in front of their eyes and the reason was Honour Killing. If not for Praveen, husband of Prema, they would’ve followed the same fate as their parents.

Come over here. I’ve something to say. Aadhya yawned yet sat beside Aarush. He patted the seat beside him to Prema. She took it gracefully after an enquiry about his dinner details. Once she was satisfied, she gave complete attention to the envelope he was removing from his office bag.

Ain’t Aarush didn’t arrive yet? They heard from the master bedroom next to the kitchen, it was Praveen who woke up from sleep.

Ji. Aarush has come but he has something to say, by the end of the statement they saw Praveen entering the drawing room while cleaning his specs from his nightwear.

What’s the matter, Aarush? Praveen sat on a single-seater, giving complete attention to the matter. 

Before they proceeded they heard another car entering their premises. The attention went to the main door which was unlocked from outside and entered the woman in her ’20s. She rubbed her running nose with a handkerchief as she locked the door behind her. And noticed the family gathered in the drawing room, which is shining brightly with a traditional touch.

Hey, What’s up? She ruffled Aadhya’s hair lovingly.

Aayush has something to say!! Aadhya filled her. She sat in Indian style on the coffee table after depositing her laptop bag on her father's lap, completely neglecting the empty L extended-shaped sofa. Seeing her so comfortable even on a coffee table, the family sighed. This girl could find comfort even in a closed kitchen cabinet, thanks to her tiniest self.

Aaradhana, you are late again? No, they didn’t have a night curfew rule in their home. Thanks to Praveen, who was way more broad-minded than any male in their entire family. He let his daughter have all the privileges of their son. He made a point of it. Because he knows a girl or Woman is stronger than any Boy or Man. And strongly believed in Feminism.

I had an emergency with security issues for my client, She explained as she chugged a whole tumbler of water, which was offered by Aadhya.

Be careful. Prema caressed her daughter's hand worriedly, though she has the same ideology as Praveen. A mother is a mother. She is very sensitive and always scared of her maternal home, which has put a deep scar on Prema. However, she has come so far with Praveen, but there is always a fear deep inside her.

I’ll be Mamma. She turned her attention to Aayush, who waited patiently for anyone’s attention.

I got the deal. It was not new for Naik to hear that from Aayush. Yet, they didn’t show it and waited patiently to uncover the whole news that he wanted to say.

And I’ll be a partner to MA Empire in the coming future, which may be from next week. Aayush completed in his base voice only to hear the scream of Aadhya. 

You're kidding me. MA Empire? You mean MA Empire which is owned by Madhav Rao. Aadhya couldn’t hold herself, the mighty Madhav Rao who is the talk of the world. He brought India to the next level which it couldn’t imagine ever. The world looks up to the man, who brought the Revolution into each person’s life.

The Very, Aadhya. Aayush isn’t surprised by Aadhya’s crush on the man. He is the man, every woman desires to have in their life. 

Congratulations, Aayu. Aardhana congratulated her big bro, she was genuinely happy for him. She can see how he is growing the way he wanted to build himself in this world. He wanted to create his name and she could see, that he was not far from it. Association with Madhav Rao will fetch him heights for sure.

I thought it would be you getting a partnership with him towards his company security before me, looks like Madhav Rao has an efficient security team that he doesn’t need famous Aaradhana Naik. All the girl did was smile at him and pick up her laptop bag from her dad’s side. Well, it was mockery you get every time from Aayush towards Aaradhana. Though he is a genuine person, he is someone ambitious and dominating, which leads him to be jealous of his sister, who got the name before him in the country, though they entered careers at the same time in different fields.

As usual, Aardhana ignored his remarks, wiping her running nose yet again with her kerchief. 

Mamma, I’m heading upstairs, I’ve pending work to finish. And please don’t wake me up in the morning for breakfast. She moved towards the stairs only to stop after hitting her head and turning towards her father, And yes, before I forget, I’m going to Delhi, I’ll be back in a month. I have an issue with my client company security, I need to solve it. Praveen agreed to it immediately. He doesn’t want his daughter to hear another bad remark from Aayush, though he brought him up with his morals and ethics, he couldn’t do anything towards his narrow thinking. Praveen could never vanish the superiority complex from the Aayush system. It felt impossible to defeat that thinking of his.

Aaradhana is someone who doesn’t take any nonsense, she hates to be treated like that. She hated men who think the world run just because of them, the only thing that kept her snapping back at him was her father and her little Aadhya, for whom she could do anything, Which meant tolerating The Arrogant and Insensitive Aayush.

Aayush that’s not how you talk to Aaru. Aadhya sternly warned him, because this wouldn’t be said by elder Naiks ever to them. Praveen and Prema never wanted to do something to hurt or make them feel they weren’t their children, which led to no support for Aaradhana from her parents over Aayush. It was always complicated for them to balance Aayush and Aaradhana under the same roof. Resulting sore relationship between Aaradhana and her mother. It grew more when she was sent to Delhi to her paternal grandparents' home, which was the result of Aayush and Aaradhana's fight and she grew distant from everyone so that no one hurt her ever. Her only companion in her life is her career. She doesn’t expect anything from anyone. I mean anyone. 

Well, I said what’s the fact? Aayush ignored the words like always. Praveen moved upstairs with tablets. He did notice his daughter running nose which Preema didn’t. 

Did you have your dinner, Aaru? Seeing the room door open ajar, Praveen entered the room and saw his daughter throw herself on the bed tiredly. There was baggage under her eyes, which screamed she needed a break from work. 

Yes, Appa. She rested her head against the headboard looking at Praveen. He gave her medicine with warm water which he brought along. He sat next to her and massaged her head. She never said that, she was aching inside. Worn and torn. She needed this moment with her parents. However, she stopped voicing them out. Yet, Praveen never missed out on giving whatever he had along with fulfilling being her mother to his daughter. 

Take a break, You are worn out. He wanted to say this for the past six months as she never went for a vacation as she always did. Solo trip. The solo trip never failed to cheer her up. Whenever she came back from the trip, he used to see his little bubbly girl. He knew he failed to be the father he needed to be for his daughter. He saw how his daughter became a guest in her own home. She never stayed in this home. She preferred living somewhere where there was no Aayush or her mother. 

I’ll be going from Delhi. Aaradhana kept it short but informed her about her whereabouts.

Where will be you going this time? Praveen was very interested in this. He has seen his daughter unwinding the places that he couldn’t think anyone would go.

NewYork. Aaradhana said with a twinkle. Praveen never expected that his daughter always go to secluded places, although for the first time, his daughter is going to The Mighty City, which never sleeps. NY.

New York?? Why? His daughter is someone who liked silence and she going to the noisiest city was overwhelming to him.

I may move in permanently to NY. This came as bonkers to Praveen, he never saw that coming. 

What? Why?? He can accept his daughter staying in Delhi with his parents rather than sending her off across seven seas.

That’s where I wish to live from here on. I wanted to inform you before Amma. Praveen couldn’t believe his ears, this was what his daughter wanted. No, he is not stopping her from going there. He would never, he gave her wings to fly and she is going to fly high, where no one can touch her. He knew someday, his daughter would go far away from them. Too far.

Why?? Why New York out of all places in the world? Praveen questioned her back worriedly. 

That’s where I suppose belong. New York. That’s when he noticed how his daughter looked fascinated towards the frame which was opposite the bed. He had seen her doing that for the past ten years. She carries this frame wherever she goes. It was a priceless possession she held. 

What does that even mean? Praveen never understood her fascination for this frame. 

I just feel. That’s where my home resides. I wanna feel my home, Appa. There was need and desperation in her voice, which she wanted to hide from everyone. Her father was left speechless. His daughter felt her home was in New York rather than her own parental home. What does that mean? She feels less at home with them. Did he fail so much, to not make his daughter feel at home? 

I let you go to your home, Aaru. Stay wherever you feel at home but just be safe and call me always. Aaradhana just hugged her dad tightly. She knew she was hurting him. They both knew it was better not to hook in this home. 

I’ll miss you, Aaru. He tightened his hold on her. And caressed her hair lovingly. 

I’ll miss you, Appa. A lot. The whisper was still heard by Praveen. His heart sank at not having his daughter at home. He wants to set her free from this disappointment. He never pestered his decisions on her. All he did was stay by her side and hold her, whenever he felt she worn and torn. And that’s what he did now. Held her tightly before letting her off to fly, AGAIN.

CHAPTER 1

Good morning, Ma. Ragini Rao lifted her head from the newspaper as she saw her son walking towards the dining table.

Good morning, Madhav. She started plating his food which came pipping out from the kitchen.

They started having their breakfast as they chatted a little about current affairs that’s going on in New York. 

Hey peeps. Rajesh Rao entered the dining table after freshening up. Unlike mother and son, he was way easygoing. Unknown to him, he brings the spark wherever he goes. Smile like he won millions of lottery every day for pity things. Totally Lovable.

Hey Baba. Madhav is the dotted son of the Rao couple. They are blessed to be his parents. In childhood whenever he said he will make the world a better place, they laughed and made video clips of it. Rao couple never thought they move to New York, Forever from Mathura, their home town. 

I heard you are called, as a guest lecturer at NY University. Madhav enquired about it as he started platting food for his father as he saw his mother not doing it. Maybe another silly fight of theirs, Madhav ignored it. He better knew, never involve between couple fight. 

Yes. I should leave soon. Madhav saw his father devouring his mother’s cooking. He smiled at it.

Baba. Maa. I’ve Naik family coming today from Banglore. They are landing here. I’ve arranged the outhouse for them and they’ll be here for the dinner on the occasion of our partnership. Madhav informed them, he never missed out to fill anything to them. Even slightest thing, they are aware of it. He made sure of it.

I’ll prepare Maharashtrian food. Will that be fine? Ragini had this thing for her food. She loved to cook. Rajesh and Madhav loved devouring it to heart. 

More than fine, Ma. I’ll take leave. Rao couple saw him moving towards the door. He made their life something they never believed. From being poor to here, he made the change he wished. He made every IMPOSSIBLE to POSSIBLE. There is nothing in the world he couldn’t do. And he isn’t tired yet. He will bring more changes that the world needs.

Food was awesome as you, M’lady. Rajesh kissed the palms of Ragini, who finally smiled.

Madhav deserves to choose his partner Ragini. And he needs no girl you have chosen him. Stop this. I hope you understand. All she could do is a nod at defence. 

***

Mr Rao. Madhav stopped at the door as he saw his PA, Danish running towards him in hurry.

What’s wrong Danish? All his PA did was show his Macbook. Madhav rubbed his forehead to clear his frown.

Send mail to Mrs Rao. She’ll solve it. Danish nodded in relief. 

And yes Mr Nai… before he completed he was cut off by Danish.

He is waiting over there. He looked over Danish to see Praveen, Aayush and Aadhya. He smiled at them as he opened the door of his cabin to lead them inside it.

Good morning, Mr Rao. Aayush greeted him with a firm handshake.

Good morning, Mr Naik. Have a seat. Madhav made them well settled though he couldn’t miss out on the twinkling eyes of Aadhya, who is a beautiful woman.

Are you ready for the Partnership? Aayush nodded his head confidently. This is what he wanted to be, with the one, who lead the world altogether to the new world.

Yes, we are. This is Aadhya, my legal attorney, whom you haven’t met yet. Aayush added.

And also your sister. Madhav added as he took his coffee which is served by staff. Naiks were surprised to hear that from Madhav, not many are aware of this fact. This shows Madhav knows what he is getting with whom. 

Before Praveen say anything, they were interrupted by a knock, which is Danish with his Macbook.

Mr Rao, Mrs Rao asked to check your mail, she has solved the matter. Madhav nodded his head in relief. 

Your partnership papers. Danish passed them agreement copy as Madhav started reading mail. He got more relaxed that there was no security breach. And all the documents were intact and safe.

Once the paper was verified by Aadhya they signed the deal. Sealing their partnership to a new beginning. 

I hope you are comfortable in the outhouse. If you require anything you can ask the staff they will provide everything to you. Madhav added further when he was escorting them outside his cabin. 

And yes, I’ve arranged dinner at my home. You all are invited to it. Praveen was hesitant to accept it, but he agreed when Madhav insisted again.

I’ll be waiting to have dinner with you all. Naik’s left the premises as Madhav walked back to the cabin. He relaxed a bit and indulged with his work after making sure every problem is solved. And the rest will be taken care of by Mrs Rao.

***

Naik’s were well seated in the luxurious Mansion of Rao, which is known as Rao Mansion. Ragini and Rajesh being the host made Naik’s family very comfortable. And Ragini was bonding well in Prema, who was dumbstruck by the beauty and place and people here. The Rao couple were so down to earth than they expected. Aayush was touched by how Ragini and Rajesh were making them comfortable with affection and bubbliness. 

Sorry, I just caught up. Hope you don’t mind. Madhav took the head seat opposite his father. And a seat empty beside him, which Aadhya was going to occupy. But Madhav placed his hand over the seat, which stopped Aadhya from taking the seat.

That chair belongs to my wife. You can take another empty chair. Madhav cleared it before Aadhya makes a move towards him. He saw that coming, very well aware of her crush on him. He wouldn’t accept that no woman is allowed to have the seat except his wife. Period. 

Umm. Sorry. I didn’t know it. Aadhya was embarrassed before others. She never believed him stating he is married because no one saw this Mrs Rao to date. She thought it was said to avoid women. However this looks, he is saying the truth all time. Mrs Rao does exist in this world, somewhere.

It’s fine. Ragini nodded her head in disbelief. She saw the advances of Aadhya, wished Madhav took them seeing such a nice lad. However, he said whatever he said always. He is Married, which she also doesn’t believe.

The staff served food. Ragini was praised once again which she shied away from as she called staff to serve dessert.

Somebody switch on the TV. Madhav asked his staff as they waited for dessert. It was usual time for Madav to watch TV or binge some interesting series.

Aaradhana Naik, caught the attention of Madhav as he pressed the previous news channel. There came Aaradhana on the grand screen of Madhav TV, flawlessly. 

Could you go back to the previous channel? Praveen turned to Madhav as he heard his daughter name, only to see him doing that already. 

“Aaradhana Naik might be taking the position in the New York govt soon.” Aaradhana was walking with officials in Italy towards the restaurant. She waved at the camera as she headed inside the hotel.

That’s interesting. Madhav said he ate his favourite rasgolle. 

You’ve brought up diamond, Mr Naik. Rajesh praised Aaru. Madhav noticed pride and gleam at the same time. He didn’t say anything.

Indeed. She is. Ragini added brightly. She always admires the woman who walks with high yet ground to earth.

Thank you, Naik couple replied politely. They weren’t aware of this news. Though Praveen had an idea of her shifting completely, he was clueless about this job offer, she is getting over here. So, she is firm and knew where she is going.

Aaru is coming over here, out of all places. It's unbelievable for me. She didn’t see that coming, she thought Aaru was staying back in India forever. Her love for her country can’t be unseen. And she coming to the crowdest city in the world is surprising. She is a silent bird, who flies to unseen places always.

Aaradhana is shifting to NY permanently. Praveen revealed it. Though he wanted to keep it a private affair within the family. But he said it loud enough when he saw the uneasiness of Aayush. He was jealous of her comebacks towards his win. She directly hit the NY Govt. 

You said what? Madhav said it aloud all shocked. He couldn’t believe that Aaradhana is willing to leave her cage. Wow! Surprise!! Surprise!!

Praveen what are you talking about? Prema was speechless to hear the news.

She is moving to NY, she said when she left for Delhi. Praveen filled leaving the rest of the matter to discuss later.

Finally, going to get meet Ms Naik. Madhav voiced out as he completed his dessert. 

Mr Rao. Madhav turned towards the house staff who gave the parcel to him.

We received it in the morning after you left. He nodded his head in acknowledgement. As he started uncovering the parcel, which stated Mrs Rao. He opened it and saw Raksha dhaga and smiled at it.

Sir, can