Siya Arya

Mumbai, India

This year's summer is particularly long, the temperature remains high. The autumn seemed far until mid-October when a sudden rain finally broke the order of the city during peak hours.

Pedestrians ran into the building to hide from the rain. Though the vision blurred the life of the city speeded up. Amid splashing rainwater, the sound of horns, and arguments of colliding passer byes I, Siya Arya am sitting in the digital contrast. It's the award ceremony of the South Asian Digital Media Awards hosted by the World Association of New Publishers. I am a nominee among the 60 finalists.

In the spotlight, the host's voice is dignified, loud, and clear, "The vigorous South Asian Media digital war is all over the world. The moment the 60 finalists list was announced this became more and more intense. Let's end this suspense, this year's Best in News South Asian Digital Media Award goes to the Youth icon who kept her focus at the bottom of the pyramid. She remained dedicated to her work... Her triumphs and failures became her guiding stones. With her passion, she brought the truth to the lives of ordinary people."

At this point, the attention of the audience was focused on the woman in the second row, at Pallavi Mathur.

"The senior reporter from Youth India, Ms. Siya Arya."

The moment my name was called, I was ready to get up from my seat to face the surrounding cameras. They all were aimed at the youngest winner in recent years, that's Me but something halted my movements.

SPLASH

I get up hurriedly and find myself drenched from head to toe with water. "Kritika... you have the worst timing ever."

"Siya you are 25, not 5. It's 08:30, get up now and get ready otherwise, your award would remain a dream always." That's my best friend cum colleague. She has a great command over her voice and is a weathercaster in Youth Today.

"You are not my Mom, how did you know what I was dreaming about?" I asked.

"I know you better than your mom," she winked and I rolled my eyes, "It was different this time. The host announced my name and I was about to receive the award. All the cameras were focused on Me... why did you wake me up? and why in the most uncivilized manner?"

"Your oats are ready, young lady. The dirty laundry is your job now. I am off for work." she waved her hand and left the room, and sighing I went to the washroom to finish my business and her left errands. I am running short of time but since every woman is god gifted with the talent of multitasking I picked up speed and managed the tasks while showering.

Today I have to reach on time and submit the final reports. Two names have been recommended by Mrs. Rao for the post of Deputy Editor. The other one is of Pallavi Mathur. For making my big dreams come true this position could be considered a baby step in my professional journey. As my hand reached for my phone and its charger, it rang, and I knew it must be my mother, "Mumma.. pls I am late for work already, I will call you later." I whined but she paid no heed to my request.

"When are you introducing your boyfriend to us, if you two are not serious, we have to look for a prospective groom for you." This is the third time this week for her periodic repetition.

"Mumma, don't worry, I won't trouble you with groom hunting and will introduce my BF very soon. By the way, when will Bhai and Bhabhi return from their honeymoon?" I asked while looking for my handbag. I have a habit of forgetting unimportant things.

"This evening."

"They didn't update their Facebook status." I rumbled and grumbled as a pile of clothes came into my vision. 'Must be Krikita's job'. It was a load of yesterday's washed clothes on the chair. I shifted the clothes to bed to look for my lost bag and luckily found it timely. Kritika must have collected them from the stand late in the night. I was checking the contents inside when my mother's rebuke reached me.

"They went on their honeymoon."

"Yup, the whole world knows that, courtesy of the FB account of your honey and his moon. Anyways you must be busy cooking to welcome them, I should hang."

"Accha sun, Will you be able to join?" my mom asked.

"Dhara Arya, Stop kidding, I won't be back before the weekend. You know na that I might be on the field today for reporting."

"Sky is about to fall, see your daughter called me by name."... After an age children became friends with their parents.'

I heard my father's voice in the background.

"Love you, Papa," I shouted loud to tease my mom.

"Haan he loves you and you love your work more than your family now."

"Stop being J Mommy." My mother's emotional blackmailing was unable to catch my attention so she mocked me, "I don't know what your boyfriend saw in you. Are you following the diet plan? Did you lose any grams?" She teased and started laughing like a maniac.

"Okay, Mom, enough talk for the day. Goodbye!!" With that, I disconnected the call and rushed out of the girls' hostel. By the time I reached Kritika was concluding weather news, "That was the weather forecast for today. Myself, Kritika Dave Signing off on behalf of Youth Today. Have a good day ahead. Stay safe." she concluded.

This is going to be a heck of a day ahead due to elections. Our schedule is more hectic than 'Modi' and 'Yogi'. If covering Azadi ka Amrit-Mahatsav was a matter of pride as India overtook the economy of Great Britain, a country that has ruled us for 200 years then G20 Summit kept us on edge. This is what we reporters love—staying on the edge. It gives us the energy to get going.

We are driven by reporting. Covering the rallies, and speeches and uncovering the scandals and unkept promises are repeated tasks but making them attractive is our job.

"Guys I have news, Senior Editor Dutt is retiring soon and Our lady boss is hosting a farewell dinner tonight." Shubham entered with a pile of documents and announced with great enthusiasm. Free food was never his forte. But if he is happy there is more to it.

"That means new nominations, two names will be shortlisted for the Post of Deputy Editor." For others, it was news but Pallavi and I received emails earlier.

"Yay" The excitement filled the office and we happily dragged our tired asses for farewell dinner. The tempting food and its aroma filled my mind. The determination to dedicatedly follow the diet plan started slipping.

"A cheat day won't harm much," Kritika whispered in my ears and fished a plate of Hyderabadi Masala dosa in my hands. My favorite. I was dying for ages to eat it.

"That's why you are my best friend," I blew her a flying kiss and gobbled my first love in seconds. The spicy and tangy flavor was still bursting in my mouth when I heard the news that made my day.

"Two names are finalized for nomination. It's Ms. Siya Arya and Ms. Pallavi Kapoor." My heart started beating fast in excitement as Mrs. Rao announced the two names. While the murmurs filled the air, I cherished the buffet to my heart's content.