2. || Anticipation And Excitement ||

                                    

                                          
Thursday, 10:32 PM, at Ananya's House
Ananya sighed dreamily, "Oh, this love, please try to understand my feelings a little."
Rhea threw her hands up irritably. "Oh, God, please give her some sense!"
Ray Raichand.
Cunning.
Devilish.
A competitor of Dev Joshi.
He tried his best to compete with Dev Joshi in business but failed miserably. Because Dev Joshi excels in everything.
Ray smashed the glass he had been sipping liquor from onto the floor after reading the details from an email that popped up on his Android screen.
He had lost a deal worth 1 crore.
Because of Dev Joshi.
He slammed his hand on the window pane. "I'll take over everything you have, Dev Joshi. I'll destroy you. You are taking away everything I love. My power. I'll snatch your peace, Dev Joshi, and everything that brings you joy. Because Ray won't leave you, whether you cry or pray."
"Tomorrow, the Best Businessman award must be mine."
Devki Sharma.
A businesswoman.
And
A single mother.
She stays with her daughter and Ray Raichand.
Son of her beloved late friend. She loves him like her own son, unaware of his misdeeds.
---
Ananya closed her eyes as her mother continued to scold her. "Ananya, how many times have I told you not to get drenched in the rain? You always get a fever."
"Don't worry, Mumma, nothing will happen to me. My immune system is strong, you kn-" Before she could complete her sentence, a sneeze interrupted her.
Devki lightly tapped her head. "That's why I told you, but you never listen. Now have dinner, take your medicine, and bring dinner to Ray's room. He seems very troubled."
After dressing in warm clothes, she took his dinner and headed towards his room.
He opened the door as she knocked. She entered, smiling, but he did not return the smile, as always.
He sighed, "I'm really not in the mood to entertain you right now."
"Did you need something?" Her smile faltered.
Ananya forced a smile. "No, I just wanted to tell you that I'm coming with you to the award function tomorrow."
Ray got annoyed. "What will you do there, Ananya? All the nominees will come with their partners, and those without partners will go alone."
Ananya's eyes shone. "But I'm here, your partner... I mean, your friend. So take me with you."
Ray clenched his fist. "Damn, Ananya, you're not a kid anymore. You can't always get your way."
"If she wants to go and is so eager, then take her with you, Ray," Devki said as she entered the room. Ray nodded, unable to deny Devki.
Ray slammed the door after Devki left with Ananya. "I have no interest in this at all, and yet-"
---
Friday, 6:12 PM, at Joshi Mansion
Dev lay in his mother's lap as she caressed his hair. "Mom, are you coming with me to the award function?"
She ruffled his hair. "Who takes their mom to an award function? Just find Ananya soon so that next time you can go with your partner."
"Now stop blushing and go get ready," she teased, making him blush more.
---
Ananya covered her face, looking at herself in the mirror, all decked out for the award function night. "Rhea, I'm finally going with Ray."
Rhea rolled her eyes. "You're so happy to go and get insulted because your good-for-nothing crush isn't going to win."
Ananya glared at her. "Oh, please shut up, Rhea. Winning isn't everything."
Rhea shrugged. "But losing always matters. Just imagine if you had someone smart, dashing, intelligent, and world-famous like Dev Joshi. He's amazing, and on the other hand, your good-for-nothing Ray has good looks but is otherwise trash."
Ananya placed her hand on her chin. "But I like him, Rhea, and besides, love doesn't happen because of looks, money, or property. It just happens."
Rhea rolled her eyes. "Yeah, and stupidity just happens too."
Before Ananya could argue more, Ray barged in without knocking, showing off his lack of manners. He asked if she was ready to leave with him.
They headed out as Ananya nodded yes.
---
They both reached the venue, greeting other business partners when a black, shimmery Rolls Royce parked, stealing everyone's attention.
Ananya stood on her toes, trying to peek at the person who stepped out from the black beauty, instantly surrounded by numerous cameramen and news reporters.
Ananya nudged Ray. "Who is that, Ray, that so many people have gathered?"
Ray clenched his fist. "The reason behind all my problems," he muttered.
"Whoever it is, why should you care? Just enjoy the party," Ray replied curtly.
"Why can't he ever speak nicely?" she muttered to herself.
---
Ananya was observing her surroundings when Ray came to her with two drinks in his hands, offering one to her. "Thanks for the drink, Ray, but I'll exchange it for a soft one."
"Ananya, try to maintain your class at least. Can't handle one drink?" Ray rolled his eyes.
Ananya went towards the bartender, ignoring his taunt and rolling her eyes.
She was heading towards the juice counter, cursing Ray in her mind and lost in her own thoughts, when she bumped into a man.
DEV JOSHI.
Her drink spilled all over his suit, along with his, as she bumped into his arm.
Ananya placed her empty glass aside, trying to wipe off his suit with a tissue. "I'm genuinely sorry. I didn't do it on purpose."
Dev sucked in a breath as he remembered her voice.
ANANYA.
---