A Week Later…
Far away from the city, a grand and dazzling fair was set up on a huge plot of land! But this wasn’t just any ordinary fair — it was a special one. Artists from every region, community, and tribe had gathered here, showcasing their art forms fused with modern creativity. Each stall, decorated with unique art, looked breathtaking.
At the VIP gate of the fair, Ruhi stood waiting. She looked like she was expecting someone, when suddenly Aditya walked up behind her and said, “So… hasn’t he arrived yet?”
Ruhi replied, “He said on call that he’s on his way! Until then, you should be with Lady Boss. This is the very first time she’s taking part in such a competition!”
Aditya nodded, “Yeah… it’s the first time she’s ever participated in something like this, and she’s really scared about it. Anyway… she has everyone else with her right now, so I guess I can stay here for a while.”
After a pause, Aditya spoke again, hesitantly, “But… do you really trust this plan of yours? Anamika is so nervous and afraid… will she really be able to win? I mean, her skills are no doubt amazing, but… what if something goes wrong? What if she backs out at the last moment because of her fear? Then what will I do? How will I give her that ring?!”
Ruhi sighed, giving him a sharp look. “You always think too much, sir. And half the time, your thoughts are dark and negative. Trust me for once, alright? I know ledy boss.She’ll pull through. Everything will happen exactly as planned.”
Aditya’s lips curved in a faint smile. “Then… maybe I should start trusting your faith instead of my doubts.” He slipped his hands into his pockets, trying to hide his nervousness.
Just then, a beautiful car stopped nearby. Seeing it, Aditya smiled.
Out stepped a young man — about 20 or 21 years old. As soon as he got out, the car drove away.
The moment he spotted Aditya, the boy ran toward him like an excited child and hugged him.
“How are you, big bro? It’s been so long!” he said cheerfully.
Aditya smiled, pulling back slightly, “We literally met yesterday, Rivan! We came here together to check on the preparations, remember? Already forgot?”
But Rivan’s eyes sparkled like a child looking at fireworks. “Adi bhai, yesterday was yesterday, and today is today! Every meeting is new for me, even if it’s just one day apart. Besides—” he winked, “—I already did the final website check, talked to the big artists, and made sure everything’s ready for launch. Now all we need is success… and with my genius big brother handling the marketing and finance, success is guaranteed.”
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Grinning, Rivan pulled off his suit jacket, tied it around his waist, and loosened his tie until it looked like nothing more than an ID card dangling on his chest. “Anyway, I’m off to explore the stalls! If my brilliant but secretly stressed big bro needs me, just call your adorable but highly capable partner!”
Watching him walk away, both Ruhi and Aditya burst into laughter. They couldn’t help but feel proud of their young partner.
Just a few months ago, this determined kid had decided to turn his dreams into reality — and Aditya had chosen to become his partner. Today, it felt like the right decision.
Jokingly, Ruhi said, “Even if he becomes as sharp in business as you, it still won’t be enough… because he’s way too childish!”
Aditya replied calmly, “Don’t worry. He has talent… and that’s what matters most. Besides, I don’t think one needs to kill their innocence to become a successful businessman. If he stays the way he is, he’ll grow into a wonderful leader someday.”
With that, Aditya and Ruhi headed toward the competition venue.
Every participant was given a tent so they could rest and prepare until the contest began.
Aditya entered Anamika’s tent. She was curled up in a corner, while Saaniya stood beside her. Aniket and Rudra were standing a little farther away, looking completely clueless as if their faces said, “What are we supposed to do?!”
Aditya looked at Saaniya with questioning eyes. Without showing any expression, she answered, “She’s nervous. Trying to concentrate. So stay quiet.”
Before Aditya could speak further, Ruhi asked, “Are you sure?”
Expressionless, Saaniya looked at her and replied, “Yes, I’m sure. She’s just counting numbers and controlling her breath to calm herself down.”
Aditya asked softly, “So… does she want to be alone right now? Should we wait outside?”
But before he could finish, Anamika, without lifting her head, whispered, “No… please, stay. All of you… stay here.”
Hearing this, Saaniya gave Aditya a look, then turned her eyes away, as if to say, “Do exactly what she asked.”
So Aditya quietly went to stand beside Aniket and Rudra, while Ruhi moved next to Saaniya.
Aditya glanced around and suddenly realized something, “Wait — where’s Ira?!” he asked loudly.
Aniket scoffed, “Controlling your wildcat is not just difficult… it’s impossible! She ran off to see the fair.”
Aditya groaned, “Let’s hope she’s just watching the fair. My walking hurricane better not crash into someone and cause trouble.” He pulled out his phone to call her.
Meanwhile
“Exactly! How can anyone focus on work in such a fun fair?”
Startled by the voice behind her, Ira spun around — and froze.
It was Rivan.
A cute smile played on his lips, his professional outfit already ruined: his tie hanging loose as if it were just an ID card, his suit jacket tied around his waist, and his shirt sleeves rolled up. He looked less like a businessman and more like a mischievous student sneaking out of school to attend a fair.
Ira stood rooted to her spot, stunned. Rivan leaned down slightly, brushed his hand across her forehead playfully, and grinned. “Enjoy the fair to the fullest!”
Then, without giving her a chance to react, he dashed off like a guilty kid running from the police.
Ira stared after him, dazed. A small smile crept onto her face… but then she shook her head hard.
“Snap out of it, Ira! You’re not your brother! You don’t believe in love at first sight. Not you.”
She clenched her fist and whispered with determination, “Smart people don’t fall at first glance.”
She trusted herself — convinced she was too sensible to fall like her brother once had.
But who knows… after all, Ira is Aditya’s sister.
