Chapter 1

This is the first chapter I am dropping.... Starting with Kairav's Life.

I hope this chapter makes you interested in further chapters too.

I am really excited to show the book which is roaming in my mind for an year. I hope I can give you the book as I have imagined.

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1) Kairav Mehrotra

AUTHOR'S POV

The Mehrotra family was gathered around their large dining table for lunch, the familiar clatter of dishes and gentle conversation filling the warm afternoon air.

Atharv, the eldest son at thirty, was seated in his usual spot when he looked across at his younger brother.

"Is the check ready?" Atharv asked, pausing between bites. His voice carried that naturally calm tone of an older brother, but it was relaxed in the comfort of their family home.

"Yes, Bhai sa, the check is ready and just needs to be signed. Once I sign it, I will send the check to Shreeji Orphanage." the man said quietly. His voice sounded serious and controlled, but there was a hint of warmth in it, too.

This was Kairav Mehrotra - a wealthy businessman who owned a big company called 'Mehrotra Industries.' What made him special wasn't just his money, but how he got it. He had worked his way up from nothing, without any help from his family or their wealth. Every rupee he earned, every success he achieved, came from his own hard work and determination. He had built his fortune completely on his own, making him what people call a "self-made" man.

Despite all his wealth and power, there was something gentle about the way he spoke about helping the orphanage - like underneath all that business success, he still had a caring heart.

And then comes his elder brother, Atharv Mehrotra.

Atharv Mehrotra was also a businessman, but he was completely different from his brother Kairav. While Kairav had made his own way in the world, Atharv carried on the family business that had been passed down to him. He was the kind of person who smiled easily and talked warmly to everyone he met.

Where Kairav kept his feelings hidden and stayed quiet, Atharv was open and friendly. He was the type of man who would ask about your family and genuinely care about how you were doing. People felt comfortable around him right away.

Both brothers were successful in business, but they were like two sides of a coin. Kairav was the serious, self-made one who kept his distance, while Atharv was the warm-hearted one who treated everyone like family. Despite their differences, they both had good hearts - they just showed it in completely different ways.

"Abhi bas ye baatein side mein rakhiye aur aap log breakfast kar lijiye. Thanda ho jayega." came a gentle, loving voice that instantly softened the mood in the dining hall.

("Please put all this business talk aside for now and finish your breakfast. It's getting cold." )

It was Aadhya, Atharv's wife and the eldest daughter-in-law of the Mehrotra family. Her voice carried the kind of warmth that could make anyone feel at home. She spoke with the caring authority that only comes from genuine love - the way mothers and wives do when they are looking after their family.

As she spoke, she was carefully feeding their little daughter, Ira, who was sitting in a highchair beside her. Aadhya would take a small spoonful of food, make funny faces to make Ira giggle, then gently coax her to eat another bite.

"She is right, business can wait, but hot parathas cannot." Atharv said with a warm smile, pausing their business talks.

Even Kairav, who rarely let anything interrupt his work discussions, stopped their talk. There was something about Aadhya's gentle way of speaking that no one in the family could ignore - not because they had to, but because they wanted to. She had that special gift of making everyone feel cared for without ever raising her voice or demanding attention.

"Good, family time is the most important time, hai na Maa?" Aadhya smiled, wiping a bit of food from little Ira's cheek and turning to ask her mother-in-law with genuine affection.

Vandana Rajveer Mehrotra looked up from her own plate, her eyes crinkling with warmth as she smiled back at her daughter-in-law. She was the kind of woman who had raised her sons with both firm values and endless love. Her graying hair was neatly pulled back, and she wore a simple but elegant saree that spoke of her refined taste.

"Bilkul sahi kaha, beta, no matter how successful we become, how busy life gets, this table - this family - is what matters most." Vandana replied softly, her voice filled with the wisdom of years.

She reached over and gently touched Aadhya's hand. Vandana had always been grateful for the way Aadhya had brought such lightness and love into their home. The young woman treated her not just with respect, but with genuine care - calling her 'Maa' with real affection, not just formality.

"You're absolutely right, Maa. Some things are more important than any business deal." Atharv chimed in, looking fondly between his wife and mother.

Even little Ira seemed to understand the loving atmosphere, clapping her tiny hands together as if agreeing with the grown-ups around her.

"Atharv, suniye." came a voice that commanded gentle respect from everyone at the table. It belonged to the eldest woman of the house - Usha Ashok Mehrotra, the grandmother and true matriarch of the family.

Even in her old age, there was something regal about the way she spoke. Her voice carried the kind of authority that comes not from being demanding, but from being deeply loved and respected by everyone around her.

"Ji, Dadi. Kahiye." Atharv immediately looked up from his plate, giving his grandmother his full attention. His voice was filled with the same respect and affection that he'd shown her since childhood.
("Yes, grandmother. Say." )

"Hum chahte hai ki aap aaj hamare saath vo purane Shivji ke mandir chaliye. Hame kuch daan karna tha." she said, her weathered hands resting gently on the table. Despite her age, her eyes still sparkled with warmth and purpose.
("I hope you come with me to that old Shiva's temple. I have to donate something." )

The old Shiva temple she mentioned was special to their family - a place where the Mehrotras had been going for generations. Usha Ji believed in giving back, in remembering their blessings, and she always made sure the family stayed connected to their roots.

"Of course, Dadi. It will accompany you." Atharv replied without hesitation.

Aadhya smiled, knowing how much these temple visits meant to the elderly woman, and how they kept the family grounded in their traditions.

"Okay, my breakfast is done. I will go now. Have early meetings to attend. And Bhai sa, I, myself, will give the check to Shreeji Orphanage. I will leave. Bye, everyone." Atharva said as he stood up from his chair. His chair screeched on the floor.

He stepped outside the dining hall and went to his room to collect the check.

Meanwhile, in the dining hall.

"Suniye, aap ko hi bol rahi hu, Ashok ji. "Usha said, turning toward her husband with that familiar tone of playful strictness that everyone at the table knew so well.

Ashok Mehrotra was a man who commanded respect in the business world - stern, principled, and uncompromising. But here, at his own dining table, he was just a husband who adored his wife's teasing.

"Ji kahiye, Usha ji." he said, carefully placing his spoon on his plate and looking up at her with the patient expression of a man who had been married for decades and knew exactly what was coming.

"Aap chalna chahte hai kya hamare saath mandir?" she asked, raising her eyebrows in that playful way that made it clear she already knew his answer.

"Ji ham?" he asked innocently, his own eyes twinkling with mischief.

The entire family exchanged knowing glances. This was their favorite morning entertainment - watching Usha Ji and Ashok Ji's playful banter. Everyone tried to hide their smiles, knowing what was about to unfold.

"Ji nahi, aap nahi. Ham to aapke pichhe hai na unko puch rahe the." Usha replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Hamare peeche?" Ashok turned his head dramatically to look behind him, pretending to be completely confused.

"Aapka naam hi Ashok ji hai na? Aapko hi kahenge na ham ki hamare saath mandir chaliye. Achha chaliye, rehne dijiye. Aapse chala nahi jayega kyunki aap budhde ho gaye hai to. Rehne dijiye. Vese bhi car mein aapke liye jagah nahi hai."

The entire table erupted in laughter. Little Ira clapped her hands, not understanding the words but loving the happy sounds around her.

"Dadi, good shot!" Aarav called out, laughing so hard he nearly spilled his tea. He was the cousin brother of Atharv and Kairav, and he always enjoyed watching his grandmother's legendary comebacks.

Aarav was the son of Dev and Meera Mehrotra - the second son and daughter-in-law of the house. Dev was Rajveer's younger brother, which made him the uncle of Kairav and Atharv, but the age gap wasn't too much, so the cousins had grown up more like brothers.

"Arе Aarav, don't encourage her. She is already too powerful." Ashok said with mock seriousness, though his eyes were still twinkling with amusement.

Dev, who was sitting nearby, grinned widely. He was the CFO of Kairav's company, Mehrotra Industries, but at home, he was just the younger brother who loved a good laugh. "Papa, aap haar gaye." he chuckled, clearly enjoying his father's playful defeat.

Meera, his wife, was trying to cover her mouth to hide her giggles. She and Dev were known as the house's most entertaining couple - always joking around, always finding reasons to laugh, and somehow managing to make even serious moments lighter with their loving banter.

"Dekho, even the younger generation is against you now." Usha said playfully to her husband, clearly pleased with her victory.

The whole family atmosphere was warm and filled with the kind of comfortable teasing that only comes from deep love and years of shared memories.

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KAIRAV'S POV

I walked upstairs to my room to get an important file that I needed for today's meeting. I also had to pick up the checkbook I had prepared for Shreeji Orphanage - the same one I had been talking about earlier at breakfast. A check for the donation.

As I gathered everything from my desk, something felt different. There was this strange feeling in my chest, like when you know something good is about to happen but you can't put your finger on what it is.

It was the kind of feeling you get right before receiving unexpected good news, or like the air itself was holding its breath for something special.

I tried to shake off the odd sensation. Maybe it was just because I was looking forward to helping the orphanage, or maybe I was just imagining things. Either way, I didn't have time to think about it too much.

I quickly grabbed the meeting file, tucked the checkbook safely into my suit pocket, and picked up my car keys from the nightstand. Whatever this feeling was, I had work to do. The meeting couldn't wait, and neither could the children at the orphanage who were counting on this donation.

Still, as I hurried back downstairs, that warm, anticipatory feeling lingered - like my heart knew something my mind had not figured out yet.

I settled into the driver's seat and slowly drove through the tall gates of our mansion. The morning air had that perfect balance - not too cold, not too warm - the kind of weather that makes you roll down your windows and just breathe.

It was eight-thirty in the morning, which was unusually early for me to be leaving the house. Everything today seemed to be happening ahead of schedule.

We had finished breakfast much earlier than usual, and now here I was, already on the road when I would normally still be having my second cup of coffee while reading the file in my home-office.

The roads were wonderfully clear.

Since it was still early, there wasn't the usual rush of office-goers and school traffic that would come later. Instead, the streets had that peaceful morning charm. I could see a few people jogging along the sidewalks, some elderly folks taking their morning walks, and a couple of cyclists enjoying the cool air.

There was something calming about the quiet roads and the gentle morning light filtering through the trees. It felt like the whole city was still waking up slowly, stretching and getting ready for the day ahead.

Maybe this early start was a good thing. I would have more time at the office, and I could visit the orphanage without feeling rushed. Sometimes the best days begin when you least expect them to.

I took a left turn onto the main road and there it was - the sign for Shreeji Orphanage.

The board looked like it had been there for years, weathered by time, but someone had recently given it a fresh coat of paint and updated lettering. It had that mix of old history with new hope.

The gates were wide open, welcoming. I drove through them and found a good spot to park under a large, shady tree. The tree must have been there for decades - its thick branches spreading out like protective arms over the courtyard.

I turned off the engine and stepped out of the car, making sure the checkbook was secure in my jacket pocket. As I looked around the grounds, I could see children's voices echoing from somewhere nearby, and there were colorful drawings and decorations on the building walls, the kind of artwork that only kids can create.

That is when I spotted my assistant, Raghav Sharma, standing near one of the smaller buildings. He was bent down slightly, talking to a little boy who couldn't have been more than eight or ten years old. The child was gesturing with his hands as he spoke, completely absorbed in whatever story he was telling.

Raghav was listening patiently, nodding and smiling at whatever the boy was saying.

It was one of those sweet moments that reminded me why I was here - not just for business, but because this place was home to children who deserved every bit of care and attention they could get.

I walked toward them, my footsteps crunching softly on the gravel path. As I got closer, I could hear bits of the conversation. The little boy was excitedly telling my assistant about a drawing he had made, his small hands moving animatedly as he described every detail.

"Fir mene ye Suraj dada banaye. Bade vale kyuki Kashvi Didi ne bola tha ki vo hame energy dete hai or mujhe bohot saari energy chahiye thi cricket khelne ke liye!" the child was saying, his eyes bright with enthusiasm.

("And then I made the sun really big because Kashvi Sister says the sun gives us energy, and I wanted lots of energy for playing cricket!" )

Raghav noticed me approaching and straightened up with a respectful nod. "Good morning, sir. I was just meeting some of the children here."

The little boy turned to look at me, suddenly becoming a bit shy. He had those curious, innocent eyes that children have - the kind that seem to see straight through you. His clothes were simple but clean, and there was a small bandage on his knee, probably from some playground adventure.

"Hello." I said gently, crouching down to his level. "What is your name?"

He looked between Raghav and me, then whispered, "Arjun." His voice was soft but polite.

"Bohot pyaara naam hai aapka. I am Kairav. Mene suna aap mere friend ko ek drawing ke baare bata rahe the?" I smiled.

("That's a lovely name. I am Kairav. I heard you were telling my friend about your drawing?")

Just then, I heard footsteps approaching from the main building. Someone was coming to greet us, probably one of the caretakers or staff members who ran this place.

"Arjun, my little prince, chalo. Breakfast ready hai. Aa jao." came a gentle, sweet voice that seemed to float through the morning air. There was something so warm and caring about the way she spoke - the kind of voice that made you feel safe and loved.

("Arjun, my little prince, come. The breakfast is ready. Come fast." )

"Ji Didi, aaya!" little Arjun called back cheerfully, and before I could even process what was happening, he was already running past me, his small feet pattering quickly across the courtyard toward the main building.

("Yes sister, coming!" )

I turned around quickly, curious to see who had such a lovely voice, but by the time I looked in the direction the voice had come from, she was already gone.

All I caught was a glimpse of someone disappearing around the corner of the building - maybe the edge of a dupatta or the hem of a kurta, but nothing more.

"The children really love their caretakers here." Raghav said, watching Arjun bound up the steps toward breakfast.

I nodded, still looking toward where the voice had come from. There was something about that voice that had struck me - not just its sweetness, but something familiar, though I couldn't place what. It left me with a strange feeling, like when you think you recognize a song but can't remember where you've heard it before.

"Shall we go meet with the director, sir?" Raghav asked, bringing me back to the present moment

"Yes, let's go." I said, though part of me was still thinking about that voice. There was something about it that lingered in my mind, but I pushed the thought aside and focused on why I was here.

We walked across the courtyard toward the main building. The morning was getting a bit warmer now, and I could hear the sounds of children chattering and laughing from what must have been the dining hall. The smell of fresh parathas and tea drifted through the air - clearly breakfast was in full swing.

My assistant checked his phone quickly. "The director should be expecting us, sir. I confirmed the appointment yesterday."

As we approached the entrance, I noticed how well-maintained everything was despite the building's age. Someone clearly cared deeply about this place. The walls were painted in cheerful colors, and there were small potted plants lined up along the walkway. Children's artwork was displayed proudly on bulletin boards near the entrance.

We climbed the few steps to the main door, and I could see a sign pointing toward the administrative offices down a corridor to the right. The building felt alive with the energy of children and staff going about their morning routines.

I adjusted the checkbook in my pocket, making sure it was secure. Today's donation would hopefully make a real difference in these children's lives.

I glanced down at my watch - fifteen minutes to nine. Perfect timing. The appointment was scheduled for nine o'clock sharp, so we'd arrived with just enough time to spare.

"We're right on schedule." I mentioned to Raghav as we walked through the corridor. The sound of our footsteps echoed softly against the tiled floors, mixing with the distant chatter of children enjoying their breakfast.

The early start to the day was actually working out well. I had have enough time for this meeting, then head to the office for the business presentation later. Everything was falling into place smoothly.

As we approached the director's office, I could see nameplates on various doors - "Administration." "Medical Room." "Counselor's Office." This place was more organized and professional than I had expected. It was clear that whoever ran this orphanage took their responsibilities seriously.

I straightened my jacket and made sure the checkbook was easily accessible. Fifteen minutes was also enough time to have a proper conversation with the director about how the donation could be best utilized for the children's needs.

The morning was turning out to be quite productive, even if it had started unusually early.

But that sweet voice kept echoing in my mind, refusing to fade away.

Arjun, my little prince, chalo. Breakfast ready hai. Aa jao.

The way she had called out to the boy - there was so much love in those simple words.

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I was here for business, to donate and discuss the orphanage's needs. There was no point getting distracted by a voice I had heard for barely a few seconds.

But still, something about it felt.... familiar? No, that was impossible. I had never been to this orphanage before.

I stopped right in front of the director's office door, taking a deep breath to refocus myself. The nameplate read "Director's Office" in neat, professional lettering. My assistant was already reaching for the to knock the door, waiting for my signal.

"Ready, sir?" he asked.

I nodded, pushing away the lingering thoughts about that mysterious voice. Whatever it was about her words that had affected me could wait. Right now, these children needed my attention and support.

Raghav knocked on the door twice, hearing a muffled "Come in" from inside.

Raghav opened the door, and we stepped into a modest but well-organized office. The director, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes and graying hair, stood up from behind her desk with a warm smile.

"Mr. Mehrotra, what an honor to have you here, I am Mrs. Charan, the director of Shreeji Orphanage. Please, have a seat." She said, extending her hand.

The office walls were covered with photographs of children - some individual portraits, others group photos from various events and celebrations. There were also certificates and awards recognizing the orphanage's work, along with thank-you letters that looked like they had been written by former residents.

"Thank you for accommodating our visit on such short notice." I replied, settling into the chair across from her desk.

"Not at all, Mr. Mehrotra. We are always grateful when people like yourself take interest in our work here. I understand you are interested in making a donation?" She poured three glasses of water from a pitcher on her desk.

I nodded, reaching into my jacket for the checkbook. But even as we began to discuss business, that voice kept playing in the back of my mind - gentle, caring, and somehow achingly familiar.

35 MINUTES LATER

Thirty-five minutes later, I was sliding the signed check across Mrs. Charan's desk. The amount would cover new beds for the dormitory, educational supplies, and medical equipment for the next six months.

"This is incredibly generous, Mr. Mehrotra. You have no idea how much this means to our children." Mrs. Charan said, her eyes actually welling up with tears as she looked at the check.

"Education and healthcare should never be compromised, I would like to set up quarterly donations going forward. My assistant will coordinate the details with you." I replied, standing up from my chair.

Mrs. Charan stood and shook my hand firmly. "Would you like a tour of the facilities before you leave? I would love to show you where your contribution will make the most impact."

I checked my watch. I still had some time before my office meeting. "That would be appreciated."

As we walked toward the door, Mrs. Charan continued, "We have some of the most dedicated staff here. Our head caretaker especially, she has been with us for two years now. The children absolutely adore her. She has such a way with them, treats each one like they are her own."

That voice echoed in my mind again. I found myself curious about this head caretaker she mentioned.

"I would be interested to meet some of the staff as well." I said as we stepped out of the office.

"Of course. Most of our staff should be in the dining hall right now. The children are just finishing their late breakfast." Mrs. Charan smiled as we walked down the corridor.

We passed through the main hall, and I could hear the sounds of children's chatter and the clinking of plates coming from a large room ahead. As we approached, Mrs. Charan gestured toward the open doorway.

"This is our main dining hall. Let me introduce you to-"

But as we stepped closer to the entrance, I could hear that same voice again, clearer this time. She was gently encouraging the children to finish their food, her tone patient and loving.

"Come on, beta, just two more bites of your paratha. You need energy for playing later. And Priya, drink your milk properly. Don't make faces at me." the voice said warmly.

The children were responding with giggles and playful protests, clearly comfortable and happy with whoever was speaking to them.

Raghav was checking something on his phone, but I found myself drawn to that doorway. There was definitely something about that voice that was stirring something deep in my memory.

Mrs. Charan noticed I had stopped walking. "Would you like to meet our children? The children love showing off their good manners for visitors."

"Yes, I would like that." I said, though my voice came out slightly more eager than I'd intended.

Mrs. Charan led us toward the dining hall entrance. "You will love meeting our one member from our staff. She is Kashvi Goenka, a guest caretaker. She is wonderful with the children - they call her Didi, and she is like a mother to all of them."

Kashvi Goenka.

As we approached the doorway, I could see inside the bright, cheerful dining hall.

Long tables were filled with children of various ages, some still eating their breakfast, others chatting happily with their friends. The walls were decorated with colorful paintings and motivational quotes.

"Kashvi, we have some special visitors." Mrs. Charan called out as we entered.

I heard a chair scrape against the floor, and then footsteps approaching from deeper inside the hall. My heart started beating a little faster for reasons I couldn't explain. That familiar feeling from earlier this morning - like something important was about to happen - suddenly felt much stronger.

"Coming, mam." Came that same sweet voice, closer now.

I found myself holding my breath as a figure began to emerge from behind a group of children who had gathered around one of the tables. Raghav was still busy with his phone, completely unaware of the strange anticipation building inside me.

She is coming....

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So, here ends the 1st chapter.

I hope you liked it and continue to like the story plot! I hope that you can love my book and storyline.

I have tried my best giving the chapter as I thought. The next chapter will be up soon in this week too.

Andddddd.... hehe... show some love and tell me how was the 1st chapter so I can make upcoming chapters better for you.