Vineet is in the office working on a certain project when an email notification breaks his trance. He opens the notification and reads it carefully. It’s from a company called ByteWave Technologies, and the email is signed by Manav Malhotra, the CEO of ByteWave. The email is about a business deal they’re extending to them, and it’s surely a profitable one for both companies. Vineet has some plans on his mind; he knows that Ruhana would readily agree to sign the deal. Once he works according to her, she might open her heart to him.

He’s just contemplating his thoughts, thinking about his next step, when the door to his chamber opens and Aanya enters, beaming at him. He's quite surprised to find her in his chamber but asks her to sit. Aanya reads his facial expressions and smiles, knowing that he’s concerned about her arrival.

“I went to meet a friend. She dropped me here. Di told me that you’re in the office, so I could stay here until she comes back,” Aanya informs him, clearing his doubt.

“Okay, you’re most welcome. You can even take the couch and give me five minutes; I am sending an email,” he excuses himself, the smile never leaving his face.

“Sure, take your time,” Aanya agrees.

Aanya sits on the couch and looks around the chamber. It’s elegantly decorated, and she instantly knows that her sister has designed the space according to his interests. There’s a bookshelf near the couch, and she begins to check out the books. She’s so engrossed in the moment that she doesn’t realise when he comes and stands by her side.

“You must read that book; it will help you in developing your personality. We all must read such books,” he says, talking about the book on personality development that she’s holding.

Aanya smiles, “Oh, I didn’t realise you were here, Budz. Are you done with your work?” she asks as she places the book back on the bookshelf.

“Yes, Aanya. I am all done. When is Ruhana coming?” he asks, glancing at her.

“Di is on her way. I asked her to get me some stationery items, so she’ll get them for me. She’s a sweetheart, you know. And you know what? She always knows what I need,” Aanya smiles, talking about her sister.

“She has changed a lot,” he comments.

“Yeah, you guys have met after twenty years. It is a long span, Budz. How can you expect her to be the same she was twenty years back?” she asks, and he knows that it’s a valid question.

“Yeah, but you cannot change your instinct, Aanya. At least, I believe it,” he keeps his point.

“You’re right, Vineet. I haven’t changed my instincts. I am still the same girl; it’s just that I have started prioritising things. For me, Aanya is important, and so is money. I have worked hard to instill my company, and I will do anything and everything to make profits.” It’s Ruhana who enters the chamber and responds to Vineet.

“I know, Ruu. You have not fully changed, but you must also change your ways of doing business. Anyway, there’s a mail waiting for you in your inbox. It’s profitable as per you, and I will support you on it,” he tells her, and she immediately checks the inbox, a big smile making its way onto her face.

She gazes at him, her smile reaching her eyes, “We’re doing it, Vineet. Let’s call a meeting with Mr. Manav Malhotra tomorrow,” Ruhana declares.

“Huh, always talking business. I am hungry, Didu. Budz promised a treat. Shall we go to the nearby café, Beans Cove Café?” Aanya asks innocently, causing Vineet and Ruhana to laugh, and they head to the café for some coffee and breakfast.

*****

Vineet, Ruhana, and Aanya enjoy their coffee, after which Vineet drops them home, as they don’t have much work. Ruhana asks him to stay, but he declines, stating that he has promised to have dinner with Abhay. She agrees and watches him disappear from her sight. She steps inside the house and finds Aanya relaxing on the couch, her eyes fixed on her sister.

“What happened to you?” she asks.
“Di, why do you hurt him?” Aanya asks straightly.

“What do you mean, Aanya?” she asks, pretending to be unaware.

“You know it, Di. Budz is so sweet.
He is always trying to help you. He’s unaware of so many aspects of your life, Di. Why don’t you tell him everything?” Aanya asks the question she’s been meaning to ask for a long time.

“Aanya, you better not involve yourself in all of this. I will tell him everything when the time is right. For now, I don’t want him to know anything. I know I can trust him, but I don’t want to.”

“I trusted Prisha in the past, and all she did was cheat me when I needed her the most. She took over our company, and I had to start from scratch. And this is why I am unable to believe Vineet,” Ruhana finishes her statement.

“He’s a kind soul, Di. And he’s your childhood friend. I don’t think he will judge you or do something bad to you. He looks so concerned when things revolve around you,” Aanya tries to explain her point.

“And Di, you need to start trusting people. Budz was right; you can’t snatch things from people. Your bad deeds will come around. I won’t be able to see you in pain, Di,” the girl tries to keep her point while Ruhana just stares at her.

“I know destiny has been harsh on you, Didu, but you need to take the first step. And Budz is the best. You must tell him everything, and he will help you. Please Di, take the straight road ahead,” Aanya says.

Ruhana says nothing but pulls her sister into her embrace. She is well aware that both her sister and best friend are right in their own places. She shouldn’t be greedy enough to run after money, but that’s what she has seen in her life since childhood. She sighs deeply before breaking the hug and asks Aanya to freshen up while she makes some calls.

They move to their respective rooms and freshen up. Ruhana settles on the bed to make some calls, and by the time she finishes, Aanya enters the room with two bowls of Maggi, made just the way her sister likes it.

“I can’t do anything to help you, Di, this is the least I can do for you. Pamper your taste buds. And I am sorry if I hurt you,” she apologises, referring to their earlier conversation.

Ruhana smiles at her sister, and the two indulge in the scrumptious meal, while Ruhana trails down memory lane, remembering the days when she didn’t have her sister by her side.

To Be Continued..