Two hours later…
It had been nearly half an hour since the competition began. Media houses and influencers had also been invited so that the event could reach as many people as possible.
But that was exactly what worried Aditya!
Because Anamika was participating in the competition— which meant that now all eyes would be on her too.
He was the organizer of the event, and that very role stopped him from walking up to Anamika and standing by her side— unlike Saaniya, Aniket, and Rudra, who were already near her.
Just then, Ruhi walked up to Aditya and said, “Sir… the judges want to meet you! Please come along and greet them once.”
But Aditya’s eyes were fixed on Anamika.
While the others’ paintings had already started taking shape, Anamika hadn’t even begun yet. She sat with her eyes closed—her expression not the same as before.
There was something different now… a stillness, like calm waters.
But that very calmness was what made Aditya restless.
Ruhi noticed this, waved her hand in front of his eyes and said, “Sir, are you even listening?!”
Aditya snapped out of his trance, like waking from a dream.
“Y-Yes..! I… I heard… maybe…”
Ruhi sighed deeply.
“No, you didn’t hear a word! I said, please go and meet the judges once. They want to talk to you.”
Aditya nodded hesitantly and began walking towards them— but his eyes, no matter how much they strayed, always circled back to Anamika.
Watching this, Ruhi muttered to herself, “He’s behaving more like Lady Boss’s guardian than the organizer here! True, Lady Boss looks nervous right now, but she’s not alone. The others are with her too.”
She glanced at Anamika, then at Saaniya who stood right behind her.
Saaniya’s eyes were glued to Anamika’s canvas— her gaze carried an unshakable faith.
Faith that could never be broken.
Faith that said no one but Anamika could possibly win.
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Ruhi then turned her eyes to Aditya.
There was hesitation and worry on his face… yet, hidden in his eyes, was also the quiet confidence of victory.
But that confidence was weighed down by a hundred times more concern.
Seeing this contrast, Ruhi smiled silently to herself.
“Love and trust… they come in so many colors.”
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the fair—Ira was running about restlessly, completely lost.
She had forgotten the way to the competition venue!
She wanted to reach Anamika, to make sure she didn’t lose her courage…
but here she was, feeling as if she herself had lost the way.
And just then—she bumped into Rivan again!
This time, a man was actually chasing him. Without even pausing to apologize for bumping into Ira, Rivan ran straight past her.
Ira blinked at the scene and thought instantly, “Don’t tell me he’s a pickpocket! Yes, of course—that’s it! That’s why that man’s chasing him!”
In her eyes, Rivan had just stolen that well-dressed man’s wallet and was fleeing.
But in reality, Rivan was shouting as he ran, “Leave me alone, will you?! I just want to walk around freely! Stop chasing me—I’m not a kid, I’m your boss!”
The man behind him shouted back, “That’s exactly what I’m trying to remind you, sir! You’re my boss—so please act responsibly and come with me to the venue! Ruhi just called—she and Aditya sir are handling everything alone. But this company’s idea is yours! You’re the best person to explain it to the media!”
Rivan made a face.
“Ugh… I trust Big Bro! I chose him as my partner because I trust his ability. So don’t you dare doubt him!”
But just then, the man chasing him stumbled and fell.
Rivan instantly stopped, ran back to him, and extended his hand.
The man grabbed it, smiled, and said, “Now where will you run, sir?! And no—I wasn’t doubting Aditya sir’s abilities. I just want people to see yours too. That’s why he worked so hard in the first place.”
Rivan pouted like a sulking child.
“You’re mean! Tell me—what kind of secretary tricks his own boss like this?!”
The man laughed but quickly stifled it, then replied, “Forgive me, my lord! I won’t do it again. Just this once, spare me!”
Rivan made an innocent puppy face and said, “Fine, fine, Mister Shah! But at least get me properly ready first. I can’t just walk in looking like this!”
Mister Shah stood up, dusted himself off, and began straightening Rivan’s clothes.
Rivan wasn’t a teenager anymore— yet his innocence could rival that of a child.
MeanwhileAfter fifteen minutes of asking directions here and there, Ira found her way to the venue.
The moment she spotted Anamika, she ran to her, hugged her tightly from behind and exclaimed, “Ahhhh! Forgive me, delicate flower! I’m late… I’m really sorry!”
Anamika slowly opened her eyes— and her face lit up.
“I’ve got it! I’ve found the idea! Thank you, Ira!”
Ira stepped back, utterly confused, while Anamika rolled up her sleeves and pulled out her colors.
Seeing this, Saaniya quietly walked a little distance away— and Aniket instinctively followed her.
Ira, however, stayed glued to Anamika, watching her every move with fascination.
As for Rudra—he had already left and was surveying the other competitors’ works with sharp eyes.
While observing each detail, his gaze inevitably landed on Anamika.
She had finally begun her painting.
Her strokes were quick, fierce, alive.
Rudra murmured to himself with a smirk, “So this is the one Saaniya kept talking about. She said once Anamika gets an idea in her head, she can finish a painting in half an hour. (glancing at the clock) Let’s see if that’s true or not.”
He tilted his head with a mischievous smile. “This is going to be fun.”
MeanwhileAnd at once, he breathed a sigh of relief.
His worries melted away.
Not that he had ever doubted her talent— his fear was only that her nature might hold her back.
That she might not even begin at all…
But now that she had— Aditya felt a surging confidence that the competition was hers to win.
Ruhi, standing beside him, noticed the change in his expression. And that made her smile.
