4 days later,
Mumbai, Maharashtra

The lavish high rise, 40 floored building of Rathore industries stood tall emitting the non-dismissible aura of power. It was one of their many official bases in India.

The posh and spacious boardroom located in the 25th floor was thoroughly occupied by the important personnel, waiting for the arrival of Rudra Pratap Rathore. The Aggarwals, who were the dealers, were apprehensive because only 5 minutes were left for the meeting to start and the industrial head was yet to arrive. They heard a lot about him but they were yet to experience his magic.

The massive door opened by the guard gave its way to Rudra and his PA, Satnarayan Murthy. Mr.Aggarwal glanced at the clock, not a second late, right on the time. Everyone rose to their feet in greeting. The important and trusted employees and board members examined the young man in suit who held unyielding power; an emotionless mask barricading his thoughts and emotions.

"Good evening gentlemen, let's start the meeting." Rudra's booming voice filled the boardroom. The Aggarwals gave their presentation on the upcoming deal which impressed the other members inside the room.

"...and I am sure this project will be beneficial for both of us," Sameer Aggarwal, son of the owner of Aggarwal industry, concluded. Rudra, sitting on the head chair, stared at him twirling a pen, making him break in cold sweat.

"Mr. Sameer, I need to know the success ratio of this project and its contribution in marketing schemes" Rudra asked. Sameer cleared his throat, "This project will be contri..."

Rudra gestured him to stop, "Will be, could be, would be, if; these are mere possibilities, Mr.Sameer. I do not tread on possibilities and probabilities. I need assurance and guarantee. This is an impressive project, no doubt. However, the major loopholes cannot be neglected. Once this project commences, these loopholes will cost us huge expenditure." Rest of the members, including the head of the dealers Mr.Aggarwal, were left awestruck.

Mr. Aggarwal looked at his son who was quite nervous. He didn't take long to weigh the highs and lows of characters between his son and Rudra.

"I am afraid we won't be going ahead with this deal, Mr.Aggarwal." Rudra stood. All other members too rose with him, suppressing their smile. Undeniably this was 'the Rudra Pratap Rathore'.

Outside the boardroom, Rudra was talking to his PA when Mr.Aggarwal came towards him. The man at the age of 60, was one of the shrewd businessmen known for making impeccable decisions. He kept his hand on Rudra's shoulder and affectionately patted him, "Now, I understand why they speak so highly of you. This strategy and maturity is very rare in this age. I will be looking forward to crack a deal with you. See you soon, my boy," Mr.Aggarwal said with an amusing smile. Rudra returned his gesture.

Inside his office room, Rudra kept flinging certain instructions at his PA, "...contact James. I want all the reports of the New York based project, Mr.Murthy. You may leave now." Murthy walked out of the room. He turned and smiled, "Welcome back, sir."

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Rudra sat on the hotel bed and scrolled down his phone. It took him a lot to convince his Maa to let him attend this meeting. At last, the promise to return within 12 hours seemed to work. His thoughts moved towards Gauri. It had been 4 days, 4 damn days since he last saw her though they were constantly in contact.

His phone buzzed with life making him smile; Gauri's call. It looked like they were indeed connected, he affirmed with a smile.

"Hello Gauri," he spoke with inevitable delight. "Hi Rudra, hope I am not disturbing you," Gauri answered in sweet voice "Actually tomorrow is my birthday, I usually spend it with my family and Radhika. Now that you are my friend, I would like if you could join us too."

Rudra took a moment to channel his exultation. This was a milestone for him. "Sure, Gauri. I would love to."

"Okay, we will be visiting Mahadev's temple tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. Come there and bring Siddharth bhai along." Rudra agreed, they chatted for few minutes before disconnecting.

Without further ado, he directed his call to his PA. "Ah yes, Mr.Murthy. Get the chartered plane ready. I need to reach Jaipur before the break of dawn."

He cut the call and started laughing, "Man! She called Siddharth 'bhai' (brother). Wait till he listens."

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Chimes of bells rang in air with a horde of devotees linning up the stairs.

Radhika whispered something incoherent to Gauri, urging her to break into soothing laughter. They were waiting for the newest additions in their friend circle, outside the temple. A red jeep halted in front of the entrance, marking their arrival. They saw Rudra and Siddharth getting down, laughing at some jokes.

Gauri and Radhika walked up to them. All the laughter died inside Rudra when he saw Gauri.

Draped in a red Kota Doria saree, complimented with a hand woven vibrant blouse and adorning a beautiful smile, she seemed to walk right out of the heaven.

"I'm so glad you both joined us," Gauri said politely.
"Happy birthday, Gauri. So how many years did the angel complete of her enchanting presence on the earth?" Rudra chirped. His words rewarded him with a tint of pink on her cheeks.

"24," she said bashfully. "Happy birthday, Gauri. May all your wishes turn true," Siddharth wished her with a humble smile. "Thank you, Rudra and Siddharth bhai. Come my family is inside. Come, Rads." She held Radhika's hand and moved inside.

"She called me 'bhai'" Siddharth said shockingly. Rudra looked at him in sympathy, patting his shoulder.

"Why didn't she call you bhai?" Siddharth questioned Rudra who stared at him horrified.

"You speak wicked words, my friend. I will have to dump you into Holy Ganga," Rudra scorned.

"What is my name?" He asked with hardened expression. "Rudra," Siddharth answered.
"What is her name?" Rudra asked again. "Gauri..." Siddharth uttered in confused manner. Finally, it seemed to dawn upon him.

Rudra held Siddharth by his shoulder and spoke with seriousness, "You see, Sid. It is in our name. We are not meant to be brother and sister." Giving a cheeky grin to Siddharth, he moved ahead.

Radhika came towards Siddharth and opened her mouth to say something when he stopped her, "I am not your brother. So, don't attach endearments like 'bro' or 'bhai'. Call me Sid or Siddharth" he grumbled.

Radhika gaped at him in astonishment. "When did I call him 'bhai'?" She muttered under her breath.

Siddharth was introduced to Gauri's family members who were happy to see him. They ecstatically welcomed Rudra and showered their affection on him who won their hearts in just one meeting.

Gauri witnessed the happenings from afar. Her lips bloomed into a smile. Nothing could make this day any better.