Shashikala Ji thought and told me I was not listening to her very carefully, but something seemed a little queer about the manner in which she had gotten her veil down. She immediately turned down as I asked her to lift it. I didn't force her, so I let it go."

At this Kashish looked at Shashikala Ji and said with rather curiosity, "Grandmother, did you not think she was shorter than usual? She had an interrogative expression on her face.

Vikrant, on hearing this, cast a stern look of query at her. Kashish turned around and came to Vikrant and said, "I do not know everything, but I remember distinctly that girl was shorter than Ratika." And something struck me as absolutely outrageous—when did such a high-profile girl as Ratika begin to enjoy wearing a veil? That got me a little wary, but I did not think much about it. However, again, as I remember, that girl was absolutely the opposite of Ratika—just the opposite. I was really sure that she was one of my age, 19 or 20, or so.

Vikrant was well started to suspect that it was so as soon as Kashish uttered this. At this point Ishani was in the full circle of his skepticism. His face grew as cold and hard as ice.

Dhruv, who had been sipping juice meanwhile, burst into a certain amount of laughter—then he began coughing at top volume.

He said to Kashish, still laughing, "Kashish, do you even know your senses? How can that be? You say she looked your age? In the event that this is so, then the life of that poor girl is ruined! Have you noticed the age of Vikrant Bhai? He's almost old now. Imagine it—a man with a man and a girl with a girl, of 33 years and 19 or 20 years? I cannot even imagine it—because it is so horrible!

His speech was accompanied by exaggerated faces. But as his eyes chanced to see Vikrant, he stood still—because Vikrant was staring at him like a raging monster.

And just at this moment came a voice through the door:

Vikrant is old: how can you say so? Look at him carefully! At 33, he is able to shine among young men. Yes, he is even capable of shining you! This is because my Vikrant is the most handsome man in this world—a successful man and among the top ten wealthiest men in the world!

The whole Shikhavat family turned in the direction of the voice.

A handsome-looking man of about 25, with a suitcase in one hand and a white coat in the other, was at the door. To see him was a shock to everyone.

The young man smiled and walked in and said to Dhruv, "Dhruv, you are completely mistaken to say Vikrant is old. Even at the age of 33, he still appears as though he is 22. And turning to Vikrant, he smiled.

Not saying a word, Vikrant inquired in a cold voice, Ishaan, what the hell are you doing here?

Ishaan pouted. "Really, Vikrant? It is the first thing you say after so many years of my coming to see you. I'm hurt, man. I didn't expect this from you."

Kishori Ji smiled and said, Ishaan beta, so long to get here? Did you forget all about your grandmother?

Why not go away now? Vikrant inquired in a cold voice. Don't you have work to do?"