~From Ashes to Passion~ [Multicouple Series #3]

I adjusted the cuffs of my crisp white shirt, giving myself a final glance in the mirror.

The faint smell of my cologne lingered in the air, blending seamlessly with the fresh morning breeze drifting in through the slightly ajar window.

My reflection stared back at me-a man determined, composed, and ready to take on the day.

Though I was Nikhil's PA and confidant, my own security management startup was steadily growing, and balancing both roles gave me a sense of pride and independence.

I reached for my tie, knotting it with precision, when my phone vibrated on the dresser.

The caller ID brought an instant smile to my face: "Maa".

It was Aparna, the woman who was more than a mother to me-a guiding light, my anchor in a world full of chaos.

I picked up the call, a fond smile spreading across my face. "Good morning, Maa," I greeted warmly.

"Good morning, bacche!" Maa's cheerful voice rang through the phone, carrying the warmth of home. "How are you?"

"I'm good, Maa," I replied, adjusting the knot of my tie as I spoke. "Just getting ready for office."

"Okay, listen," she interjected, her tone filled with excitement "Your dad and Nikhil have both gone to Mumbai, so why don't you come over? Today, mother and son will have breakfast together."

The offer was tempting, and I couldn't help but smile at her suggestion.

Maa's cooking was irresistible, and more than that, her presence had always been a comfort to me.

"Okay, Maa. I'm on my way," I assured her, already reaching for my car keys.

"Come quickly." she chuckled softly before hanging up.

Placing my phone on the dresser, I took a moment to pause.

My thoughts drifted to the memories of the Randhawa mansion, the warmth and love I had received there.

Maa was truly one of a kind-a wonderful woman who had embraced me as her own.

I chuckled, remembering how upset she had been when I decided to move out and buy my own apartment.

She hadn't spoken to me properly for a week, her silence louder than any words of disapproval.

It had taken me endless apologies and reassurances to pacify her, and even now, the memory brought a smile to my face.

But I knew my decision had been the right one.

I didn't want to burden the Randhawa's, who had already done so much for me.

Moving out wasn't about distancing myself-it was about standing on my own two feet while keeping the bond with my family intact.

Shaking off the nostalgia, I grabbed my blazer and slipped it on, taking one last look in the mirror.