A new day is synonymous with new hopes and chances to get closer to your goal. Ruhana believes the same. She wakes up from her slumber to some sounds. She hops off the bed and slides open the curtains, only to find that it’s drizzling outside. Her lips curve into a small smile at the change in weather. As she watches the drizzle with her bare eyes, she stretches her hand out to feel the coolness of the raindrops on her skin. A soft giggle escapes her lips.

Of course, she has changed her ways of working—she has become stone-hearted to the world—but her soul remains the same. She’s the same old girl who craves care, concern, and love. Right now, she seems like a little girl dancing in the rain. Well, she hopes to do the same, but the reasonable adult in her stops her. She just can’t dance around in the rain—she has other things to handle.

Just as she thinks of diverting her attention, she’s hugged by Aanya. She immediately turns to her sister and touches her forehead, trying to gauge her temperature. The fever’s gone, and she smiles at her sister. Aanya insists that they play in the rain, but Ruhana strictly denies it. Aanya pleads, but then she knows she can’t appease her sister when it’s related to her health. Ruhana cups Aanya’s face and kisses her forehead softly.

“Aanya, you’re fine today, it’s good. But, I don’t want you to catch a cold again. Also, it’s the season’s first rain—you shouldn’t bathe under this. Let’s wait for next time, and we both will play in the rain,” she explains.

“Are you sure, Di?” Aanya looks at her sister, surprised at her choice of words.

“Of course, my love. I know what makes you happy. Rains make me happy too, but there are some limitations. I don’t want to keep my guard down, but I want you to enjoy every bit of the life we have,” she explains, her heart full of love for her little sister.

Aanya gazes at her sister, her heart reaching out to her. She knows that Ruhana has endured many things in her past, and she is trying her best to give Aanya a comfortable and luxurious life. However, Aanya wants her sister to enjoy her life too. She shouldn’t run behind everything. At the same time, she knows she can’t convince Ruhana of the same.

Aanya says nothing but leans in and hugs Ruhana—a comforting hug that both of them needed, though they never realized the need for it. Ruhana smiles and kisses the top of her head, giving her an assurance that no matter what, she’ll always be there for her. Meanwhile, Aanya’s way of holding her sister holds an assurance that she might not do anything specific for her, but she’ll always stay by her side in every decision she takes.

*****
After spending some time together, they decide to freshen up and get ready for the day. Ruhana asks Aanya to rest, but Aanya has office to attend. The latter makes a face, giving an excuse to go to the office with her, but the former denies it.

“Aanya, you don’t have a fever, but going to the office will exhaust you. You should stay at home and rest, okay? You have to rest for two more days, baby,” Ruhana instructs.

“Didu, I’ll get bored at home. Take me with you,” she requests, her tone soft.

“I’ll take you tomorrow, but you need to rest today. You can call your friend Pankti and enjoy at home. I’ve also got pasta—I’ll ask Radha to make it for you,” Ruhana suggests.

Aanya nods, knowing that Ruhana won’t budge. Also, she’s feeling a little weak at the moment. It’s better to stay home. She agrees and hugs her sister. The act carries a lingering emotion, as if she doesn’t want to let go.
Sensing her sister’s emotions, Ruhana says, “I’ll be back soon, I promise. You should take care,” assuring her little one.

Aanya nods, and after having breakfast together, Ruhana walks out of the house. She instructs Aanya to take care, and then leaves for her office.

*****

Once she reaches the office, Ruhana immediately calls Aanya to ensure that her sister is fine. The latter informs her that her friend has come over and that she’s doing well. Now assured that her sister is safe, Ruhana disconnects the call. Just then, Barkha enters the cabin and hugs her — and is stunned when Ruhana returns the hug.

“What happened? Did it go as per your thoughts?” she asks, immediately understanding that it has something to do with Zenith Ventures.

“Yes, they have agreed to meet. I’m planning the meeting for tomorrow, Barkha. And until then, we will work on the proposal — we have to make sure they fall into the trap,” Ruhana says, a smirk dancing on her lips.

Barkha smiles, knowing that when her friend takes something into her hands, she’s bound to complete it. She looks at Ruhana, “Okay, so have you planned how to do it?” she asks.

Ruhana sits on the chair behind her desk and then looks at Barkha. “Yes, I have planned everything. We have a meeting with Sumona today, right?” she asks, and Barkha interrupts in between.

“Yeah, we have a lunch meeting with her. I’ve made the corrections on the presentation too. If you want, we can view it on the projector,” she suggests, and Ruhana seems to like the idea.

“Sure. Ask Raj to set up the projector in the conference room. And Barkha, after this meeting, we’ll work on the proposal for Zenith Ventures. It’s going to be a roller-coaster ride, you know,” Ruhana chuckles.

“You’ll do everything that you can, right?” Barkha asks, sending a warm smile her way, knowing the hidden agenda Ruhana has.

Ruhana says nothing but nods in agreement. She leans into the chair, assured that now things will go the way she wants — and that no one else but she will take charge of her destiny. Elated by the mere thought, she gets busy with her work.

To Be Continued.