Third person’s pov!

Vedant closed his eyes and visualised himself looking down at the busy city below from the tall glass windows of his Bangalore office. 

From that vantage point, everything appeared controllable—symphony-like movements. However, the clamour of obligations inside him would not stop. As the CEO of Khoda Enterprises, a flourishing corporate conglomerate, Vedant bore the burden of innumerable choices and expectations. 

Not only was work weighing heavily on him, but his large joint family also contributed to the burden.

Elder brother, elder son. Leader and problem solver. The demands were unrelenting, and the roles were limitless. 

His siblings and cousins looked to him for guidance, his parents, uncles, and aunts for stability, and the staff for excellence. 

Vedant was human, though, and his meticulously preserved exterior was starting to show signs of weakness.

He required a rest. An actual one.

Not the kind where he substituted long meetings with flimsy relaxation or boardrooms for opulent resorts. No. Vedant yearned for a location where his accomplishments, name, and face were irrelevant. He could just be anywhere.

Karna, his personal assistant, had an idea at that point.

“Would you mind using my family's house on the outskirts of Karnataka, Vedant?” In a late-night strategy discussion, Karna had made the informal suggestion. “Since we relocated to the city, our ancestral home has remained vacant, and the village is peaceful. There, nobody will recognize you.”

Initially, Vedant had brushed the idea off, but it persisted. 

It seemed... ideal—a week in a quiet village, away from the world's prying eyes. 

Thus, a few days later, with little luggage and a resolve to find tranquillity, he was travelling down winding roads surrounded by lush foliage and swaying coconut trees.

The house was simple but charming, a one-story building with broad verandas overlooking boundless fields and a roof tiled in red. The only sounds to break the stillness were crickets chirping and the distant ringing of temple bells. The air smelled of rain and earth.

Vedant had experienced an odd feeling of peace as he entered the house. 

The walls, though bare, seemed to welcome him with open arms. Karna had ensured everything was in order—there were groceries in the kitchen, fresh linens in the bedroom, and even a small radio in the corner of the living room.

The village stretched before him like a painting, untouched by the rush of modernity. For the first time in years, he felt unburdened.

This was exactly what he needed—a week in anonymity, where he could leave behind the CEO and the dutiful son to rediscover Vedant, the man.

And now two days later, he was feeling relaxed. And feeling relaxed is pretty luxurious for Ved.

His phone buzzed as he was leaning against the house's wooden railing and gazing out at the expansive rice fields. 

When he saw Mom as the caller ID, a smile pulled at his lips.

Rupali Khoda! His mother.

He responded right away.

"Ma..."

"How are you, Ved? How is your little vacation going?” Over the line, his mother's loving, warm voice could be heard.

"Ma, it's incredible. You should visit this location—it's very serene and peaceful. For once, I can hear myself thinking,” Vedant chuckled.

"I told you taking a break would be good for you." With a hint of delight, she remarked. "How is the food there? Are you eating healthily? Or are instant noodles your only food?”

Vedant laughed. Something only his immediate family and bestfriend is fortunate enough to see.

“No, Ma. Don’t worry. Karna had someone stock the house with supplies before I came. And I am even trying my hand at cooking!”

“Oh no,” she gasped dramatically, her voice full of mock concern. “Your own cooking? Should I be worried?”

“Hey! I am better than you think. You should have seen the omelette I made this morning—it was... edible.” Ved said. His mother burst into laughter, the sound familiar and comforting. 

“Ved, even your father, who adores you like crazy, wouldn’t dare eat something you cooked without a backup plan.”

"Ma, thank you for the vote of confidence. Anyways, how are things at home? Has Aarav And Rudra been driving you crazy again?” Vedant smiled while rolling his eyes.

"Ved, how do I respond to that?" She let out a sigh. “They continue saying they will join your company and don't need school, that they don't want to study. I can’t handle their studies. And your father has been working in the garden way too much, and I believe he intends to convert the entire backyard into a farm.”

"Classic Aarav and Rudra. Tell them that if they doesn’t pass his school, I will send them to some construction site to do on-site work. And Papa, well, let him dream of being a farmer. Perhaps this time he will produce something beneficial.” Vedant laughed, imagining the mayhem at home. 

"Farming is just an excuse to get away from my nagging." She jokingly remarked.

"Obviously. Who wouldn't want to take a break from Mrs. Khoda's extensive to-do lists?” Vedant teased.

“Are you making fun of me?” She said in mock anger. “Wait till you come back. I have a long list of things waiting for you, Mr. CEO.”

“Ma, this is why I ran away to the countryside! Can’t a man have some peace?” Vedant groaned dramatically. 

“You are lucky I called to check on you, or you would probably forget you even have a family.” Rupali said.

"Ma, that's not true, you know. This was all I needed to clear my head.” Vedant's tone softened. 

"I know, Ved," she whispered. "You work really hard for the business and for us. However, remember that you don't have to do it alone. We are here to support you.” 

"I understand, Maa."

“Good. Now promise me you will eat properly, sleep on time, and actually rest during this break. Promise me you won’t touch that laptop of yours.” Rupali demanded.

“I promise,” he said with a smile.

“Okay. I am hanging up now. Take care, and call me if you need anything.”

“Will do, Ma. Love you.”

“Love you, Ved.”

As the call ended, Vedant stared at the phone for a moment, a fond smile lingering on his face. No matter how chaotic life got, his mother always managed to bring a sense of calm. 

With a deep breath, he looked back at the fields and decided to make the most of this fleeting peace.

A/N

Hey guys,

I am back with Vedant's story now..

At the moment, I don't intend to post the book in wattpad, as the response in wattpad is very disappointing. I might change the decision later on. But right now, I am too disappointed with wattpad readers. As it is, wattpad doesn't promote my books much, as I have books in many platforms. Even the readers who read aren't commenting or voting. So what's the point of posting in wattpad😭..

And I will keep this book short... Not dragging it on like I did with Betrayal In Love and Bride For Hire..

Those who are reading here, please like and comment on the chapters...

Love,

SF❤️