At the far end of the party, amidst the clinking glasses and merry chatter, Ted found himself drawn to the drinks section, eager to quench his thirst. Just as his fingers grazed the rim of a refreshing beverage, Riya appeared by his side, her expression wrought with tension and concern. In a spontaneous gesture, he reached out and clasped her hand gently, halting her departure and silently signaling his presence. Wasting no time, he inquired, "Is everything alright, Ms. Riya?"

“Oh Hi! Didn’t see you there. How’re you?” Flustered, Riya spotted Ted standing nearby.

“We just met for the preparations. Are you really fine?” He asked once again

“Yeah! All good. Actually, the thing his…” With a brief pause and a hint of hesitation, Riya confided in Ted, as he showed willingness to listen. She shared how Muskan had been bothered by Jr. Sherma and how she felt like he was eyeing her like prey.

“I’m not sure what to do. But I’ve warned Muskan Ma’am. Hope nothing goes awry.” Fingers crossed she hoped for Muskan’s well-being.

She shared how Muskan had been bothered by Jr. Sherma and how she felt like he was eyeing her like prey.

“Look, the competent son arrives!” One of the old gentlemen who surrounded Jay’s father, announced, as Jay entered the scene to greet his guest.

"Well done with the party. And all the best wishes for your project, Jay. We were just talking about you and what a filial son you are, and how lucky Mr. Roy is." another gentleman praised Jay, to which he responded with his trademark smile.

"Thank you, Uncle. I hope my father also shares the same view as you," Jay responded, gesturing towards his father, who stood with a glass in his hand, in his attitude, avoiding eye contact with him.

"Now, gentlemen, how about you all enjoy the party while I have a word with my 'filial' son? Please excuse us" Mr. Roy said, his tone a blend of request and command, prompting the men to leave and give them some privacy.

"So, Father, do you also think that your 'filial' son is as these gentlemen praised me, Father?" Jay inquired, a mix of hope and competition evident in his tone.

“NO.” Mr. Roy gave a stern reply.

“For someone of Roy lineage, you’ve made many mistakes. Should I count them for you?”

Just as Jay expected. His parents never praised him once for his efforts until he brought some achievement along.

“ No need to stress, dear father. Allow me to count what you perceive as my mistakes.”

“No.1 I chose to collaborate with a local brand when there were many international brands eager to partner with us.

No.2 I entrusted the responsibility of this event to MJ Events instead of our own Roy celebrations.

No. 3 I made decisions for the company without consulting you even once.

No. 4—" Jay listed off the perceived mistakes he believed his father held against him. But before he could continue, his father interrupted him.

“Glad to know, you’re aware of your mistakes, yet chose not to rectify them. You never lived up to our expectations as a kid Jay. At Least now, Grow up.”

“Dear father, your expectations have always been shackles for me. I believe I made myself clear ten years ago that I have no intention of living my precious life your way.” Jay countered, the tension between them escalating as their conversation deepened.

“Shut Up!” Mr. Roy controlled his tone as he almost shouted at him in the middle of the party.

"Enough with your 'my life' nonsense. I don't know what that girl has filled your head with. Snap out of it, Jay," Mr. Roy said firmly, glaring into Jay's eyes, intent on making him see reason.

“Father -” Jay was interrupted by Ted just as he was about to lose his patience.

Ted whispered something in his ears and without any word Jay rushed towards the corridor of the hall.