02. INTRODUCTION TO CHARACTERS...
SHARAD, the male lead of this story, has a name that means the autumn season—the season loved by all. Just like that, Sharad is deeply loved by his close ones.
His family includes his parents—Harish and Asha Goenka, and his younger twin brother Varad Goenka, who was born ten minutes after him. Sharad and Varad share a neutral bond—they don’t fight, but they also don’t talk much. Still, they are always there for each other and are each other’s biggest support after their parents.
Sharad has a good circle of friends. His best friend since childhood is Arun, who knows everything about Sharad, including his past.
Sharad has light brown eyes and a calm, attractive appearance. He is tall and well-balanced in height and weight—not too muscular, but perfectly fit.
He recently turned 26. Having spent most of his life in America, he completed his MBA there. Recently, he moved back to India and now lives with his parents in Manali, as per their wish. He has also started his own business called Asha Residencies.
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SHRIYA, our female lead, is cheerful, independent, and carefree. She follows only her uncle Hemant’s decisions.
She is beautiful and smart—a perfect example of beauty with brains. She never likes taking help from others and prefers doing everything on her own.
Some people mistake her confident attitude as arrogance, but she is kind and caring towards the people she loves.
Her parents passed away in a tragic accident when she was just 10. Since then, she has lived with Hemant and his family. She completed her studies and now owns an apartment where she lives.
She considers Hemant’s family her own. Although she never calls them “Mom” or “Dad,” she treats them with love and respect. She ties rakhi to Dishan and Deepak, Hemant’s sons, who also see her as their sister and protect her always.
Now 25 years old, Shriya is a successful surgeon and the Dean of the hospital where she works.
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{AT HEMANT'S HOUSE — 5 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING}
Shriya wakes up with a small smile, feeling grateful for her life.
She had been staying at Hemant’s house for the past three days. After freshening up, she walks downstairs, still smiling.
Her uncle and cousins are waiting at the dining table. She joyfully greets them, and they respond with equal warmth.
Just then, Radha (Hemant’s wife) joins them, bringing hot aloo parathas from the kitchen. She serves breakfast and the boys begin eating. Shriya makes a face, and Radha laughs seeing her expression.
Radha: “Stop making faces, Drama Queen! I know you won’t eat this. You’ll say it’s too oily and full of carbs. Here—take your sandwich instead.”
Shriya: “Thank you, aunty. You’re the best!”
Dishan: “Maa, bring me another paratha! Let Shriya di eat her boring sandwich. By the way, the paratha is delicious. Shriya, you should taste it.”
Deepak: “Yes di, he’s right. You should try it at least once. Or else, when you get married, I’ll tell your husband to feed you parathas!”
Shriya: “No thanks! You enjoy your parathas. And about my husband—he can never force me to eat one!”
Deepak: “Let’s see, di... Time changes everything. Maybe you’ll change too.”
Shriya smiles and insists she won’t change.
Hemant: “Shriya beta, how’s work going? How does it feel being such a reputed surgeon?”
Shriya: “It’s going great, uncle. Thank you. Also, about what I told you yesterday—did you decide anything?”
Hemant: “I’d like to meet him before I make any decision. Today works. I’ll message you the time and venue. Ask him to meet me.”
She nods with a smile. The others are curious, but Hemant walks away without saying anything.
Radha is about to ask something when Shriya quickly says she’s getting late and leaves.
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Shriya drives to the hospital. The hospital is funded by Hemant Goenka, and Shriya is the Head and Dean of it. She has managed it well since she joined.
Doctors and nurses smile and greet her when she enters. She warmly greets them back.
She goes to her cabin, takes her seat, and presses the bell. A young boy—about 19—enters and greets her.
Shriya: “Good morning, Ravi. Do I have any appointments or surgeries today?”
Ravi: “Yes di, there’s an appointment at 11 AM and a surgery scheduled half an hour later.”
Shriya: “Okay. Tell the nurses to prep the OT and sterilize the instruments. Also, give me the surgery patient’s reports.”
Ravi nods and leaves. He returns a few minutes later with the reports and hands them over.
Shriya is reading the reports when she gets a call from Hemant.
He tells her that he agrees and will meet the boy today at 11 AM in Cubbon Café. She thanks him and ends the call.
Immediately, Shriya calls that person. He answers right away.
Shriya: “Hello, darling! Uncle wants to meet you today at 11 AM.”
Man: “Thanks, baby! You already spoke to him? Soon we’ll be married! Should I meet him at your house or his office?”
Shriya: “At Cubbon Café. Be there by 11 sharp. I’ll talk to you later—I’ve got surgery now. Good luck with the meeting!”
She ends the call and goes back to reviewing the reports, switching off her phone to focus.
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Who do you think this man is?
How will the meeting go?
Let me know in the comments! 😊
Till then, keep reading.
KEEP SMILING AND BE HAPPY 😊
