Only a day left for the wedding…
Morning sunlight painted the streets golden as Adi, earphones plugged in and music thumping in his ears, jogged back home. His breath steady, steps rhythmic—he needed this calm before the inevitable chaos.
He opened the door, stepped in, tossed his phone on the couch, and headed straight for the shower. A quick rinse, a clean outfit, and a glance at the clock.
Adi (thoughts): I've got a bit of time. Before heading to the office, I should check how the preparations are going at the wedding destination.
Soon after, he revved his bike and made his way to the venue.
He parked just outside and stepped in.
The hall was a whirl of colors—florists hanging garlands, decorators placing intricate lights across the stage, a few workers testing the sound system, while others unrolled white carpets near the entrance. The faint smell of fresh flowers mixed with the sound of tape being pulled and chairs being dragged into place.
A man walked over, surprised.
Manager: Oh sir, you came this early in the morning? What's the reason?
Adi: Yeah. Just wanted to see how the preparations were going, Manager.
Manager: Yes sir, everything's almost ready—
Adi's phone rang, cutting him off.
He checked the caller ID. His brows lifted slightly.
Adi: Excuse me.
He stepped aside and answered, Ohh, didn't expect you to call me, Sophia.
On the other side, Sophia smiled lazily, lying backward on her bed, twirling her hair with her finger.
Sophia: And I didn't expect you to answer this early in the morning.
Adi: Okay okay, what's up?
Sophia: We've only met once after college. I thought, shouldn't we meet at least one more time before the wedding? You know... for shopping. I'm heading out today... thought maybe you could come along?
Adi (thoughts): Shopping… today… I don't have a problem, but how am I supposed to take leave when I'm not even sure about getting it for the wedding itself?
Sophia: What happened, Adi? You're not coming?
Adi: Actually... I have an important meeting today, so I can't. I'm sorry.
Sophia (softly): Oh... okay. Then I guess I'll go alone…
Adi: Wait—I have an idea. What if we go tonight? After you return from the office.
Sophia: Are you sure? I mean, I don't mind going alone.
Adi: No, no—we'll go together. Tonight. It's decided.
Sophia: Alright then.
Adi: Bye.
He ended the call and took a deep breath.
Adi (thoughts): Now the real challenge... convincing Aryan to give me leave. Will he even agree?
The elevator doors slid open and Adi stepped out, adjusting his collar as he made his way toward his office. But before he could enter, a loud voice echoed from the office next door—Shin's.
Curious, Adi paused, then pushed open the door to find Shin slumped in his chair, frustration on his face, while Karin stood beside him, arms crossed. Both were locked onto the same laptop screen, mid-argument.
Karin: I'm telling you, this one is better.
Shin: No way, this one's perfect. We're going with it.
Adi: What's going on here? Why the loud debate first thing in the morning?
Both turned to him in sync.
Karin: Oh! You're here. Good morning, Adi my boy!
Adi: Good morning, Karin… but seriously, what's happening?
Shin: (grumbling )She's not listening to me.
Karin shot him a glare.
Karin: Excuse me? I'm not listening? If I don't listen to you, you should at least listen to me!
Shin: Why would I? I'm clearly right here.
Adi: sighs Okay, okay. Someone just tell me what this is about.
Both spoke at once:
Karin & Shin: We can't tell you yet!
Adi blinked, confused.
Adi: Alright then… I'll just go, I guess?
Karin: Yeah, you should.
Shin: And don't forget—you were going to talk to Aryan about your leave.
Adi: Right… I'm on it.
As Adi stepped out and gently closed the door behind him, he shook his head, thinking, What's going on with those two? "Can't tell me yet"? What kind of mystery are they cooking up now?
Back inside the office…
Shin: That was close.
Karin: Yeah… what if he figured out we were deciding on a gift for him and his soon-to-be wife?
Shin pointed at the screen.
Shin: Still, I'm telling you—this one is better.
Karin: "Nope, mine's better, she said", jabbing her finger at her choice.
Meanwhile, just outside the door, Adi paused mid-step as he overheard the entire exchange. He smirked to himself.
So that's what this is all about, huh? A gift. They really didn't have to… but I should pretend like I don't know. Yeah, that's probably better.
With a chuckle under his breath, he walked on.
Alright. Time to face Aryan.
Adi stepped out of Aryan's office door, took a breath, and knocked.
Aryan: Come in.
Adi entered. Aryan sat in his chair, eyes fixed on the computer screen, not even glancing at him.
Adi: Boss, good morning.
No response.
Adi exhaled.
Adi: Boss, I said good morning.
Aryan: Who's there? Tell me your name.
Adi's thoughts: This bastard… he knows it's me, still playing dumb.
Adi: It's me, Adi.
Aryan finally looked up.
Aryan: Oh, it's you, huh? What do you want?
Adi: Boss, I've got something important to ask.
Aryan: Don't tell me you're resigning from the company?
He smirked.
Adi: i will, boss, the moment I get a better offer and a fatter paycheck.
Aryan: Then don't wait. Go.
Adi laughed.
Adi: Just kidding. I'm sticking with this company till I die.
Aryan: You here to joke?
Adi: Not at all. You started it. I just… partnered up.
Aryan: Fine. What do you want to ask? But first—those files. Did you finish file #4090?
Adi: Completed.
Aryan: #6087?
Adi: Completed.
Aryan: #6780?
Adi: Also completed.
Adi's thoughts: I know you're trying to find something to mess with me about, Aryan, but it's not happening.
Aryan: And you'll be working your ass off this week, thanks to that leave you already took.
Adi: I know, boss. I'll handle it.
Aryan: Now, what do you want?
Adi: Actually… I want another leave. A day after tomorrow.
Aryan stared at him, clearly shocked.
Aryan: Another leave? Are you alright?
Adi: Boss, I—
Aryan: Do you even realize what you're saying? Are you in your right mind?
Adi: it's because… of my marriage.
Aryan: So? What about it? Work should always come first.
Adi: I understand—
Suddenly, the door flew open.
Aryan: Hey! Can't you see I'm busy here?
Secretary: B-Boss… Head Boss is coming.
Aryan: What? Are you sure my father is coming? Right now?
Secretary: No doubt. I saw his car. He's in the elevator.
Adi's thoughts: Oh… the Head Boss… Now Aryan's about to get a taste of his own medicine.
The elevator doors slid open.
An old man in a suit stepped out—white short hair, a hint of beard, dark sunglasses. Four bodyguards surrounded him. As he walked through the office, everyone on either side stood and bowed. He didn't even glance at them. Silence swallowed the entire floor.
The bodyguards opened Aryan's office door. The Head Boss stepped inside.
Aryan: F-Father? You're here? I-I mean, I'm so happy to see you looking well.
Aryan and Adi bowed their heads.
Head Boss: Raise your heads.
They obeyed.
Aryan motioned to the chair.
Aryan: Please, have a seat, Father.
The Head Boss sat down.
Head Boss: What are you doing here, Mr. Aditya?
Adi: Head Boss, I apologize. I came to ask something important.
Aryan: Adi, we'll talk later, okay? You can go now.
Adi: But—okay, I should go.
As Adi turned to leave—
Head Boss: Stop, Mr. Aditya. Come back.
Adi turned.
Adi: Yes, Head Boss?
Head Boss: Tell me. What do you want to ask?
Adi glanced at Aryan, who silently shook his head.
Adi: It's nothing important, Head Boss.
Head Boss: Let me be the judge of that. And don't try to lie to me.
Adi took a deep breath.
Adi: Actually, Head Boss… my wedding is in a day. I wanted to request a leave for that.
Aryan's jaw clenched, his fist tightening in frustration.
Head Boss: Just for a single day?
Adi: Yes, Head Boss.
The Head Boss looked at Aryan.
Head Boss: What's the problem, then?
Aryan: This week's packed. He already took a leave, and—
Head Boss: So? I'm telling you—he's getting the leave. Got it?
Aryan: ...He'll get it.
He forced a smile.
The Head Boss turned to Adi.
Head Boss: You've got your leave. But remember—leave without reason means resignation. Understood?
Adi: Yes, Head Boss.
He smirked at Aryan.
Adi: Head Boss, can I make one more request?
Head Boss: What is it?
Adi: My wedding… if you could attend…
Aryan: Huh? Are you out of your mind? Asking Father to attend your lowly wedding?!
Head Boss: ARYAN! Don't speak such nonsense.
He turned back to Adi.
Head Boss: It's not that, Mr. Aditya. I would've liked to, but I'm urgently flying to the U.S.
Adi: No problem, Head Boss. If you'll excuse me now.
Adi turned, looked at Aryan from the side with a sly smirk, and walked out.