Song of the chapter: Zara si dosti

Singer: Arijit Singh

In movie: Happy Bhag Jayegi

Adrita's Pov

Sweets, cake, dresses, and wishes.

Hi! I am Adrita and today is my very special birthday. Well, every birthday of mine is special. Cause why not? I am special. But how would you know? You are just on the first paragraph.

So let me tell you a little something about me; I am infuriating. Always were and always will. Cause I just don't know what other significance I can hold if not being immensely frustrating. I am one of those who always keep on smiling. Oh, the horror! I know guys. I know. But I can't help it! I love smiling. I love dancing, and I adore being the ray of sunshine.

Sometimes it drives people nuts. I am not aware if that's my intention. I never think before smiling, it just happens.

The world around me is shiny, full of glitters, full of pleasures. Just like the hall that has been decorated in honour of my birthday. Black and golden balloons scattered on the floor, soft music clouding the chit chats of the guests. Synthetic smiles, flamboyant smiles, genuine smiles, but all smiles nonetheless. Smiles of all types could be found in this single hall emanating; power, money, and fame.

And I have it all. Simply because I am born into this.

So yess, your girl has got everything. Money, fame, family. What else could I want? Well, there was one more thing. Attention. And no, not from just anyone. From him...from Anirudh.

Sweet, hardworking, curious. Everything about him enticed me. We both have been working as interns in my father's company but due to us being from different departments, coincidental meetings were not quite realistic.

Crushes are truly weird. Especially when they exceed 2 months. It is thrilling but perilous. It is like a trial period. Gives an insight into love but fortunately, you are safe from the dangerous consequences. It is your world, you mould it however you wish.

But that's for ordinary people, right? He can't help but notice me, right? If not for me he will notice me as his employer's daughter. Why won't he?

"Princess!" I turned towards the source of the eager voice, and there he stood. My dear Dad. The sweetest and the cutest man in my life. He waves and beckons me towards him.

Grinning, I walk up to him and greet him with a small hug "Hello, Dad."

"Happy Birthday, Princess." He blesses me while caressing my hair.

"Thank you, Dad."

Smiling, he throws his right arm around my shoulders and makes me face the crowd, "So, did I match your expectations? Does my princess want anything else?"

I remove his arm from my shoulders and wrap it around my arm. "You have outdone yourself, Dad. But yes, there is something else I want."

Dad's eyebrow creases, lips twisting upside down. Shaking my head, I smile at his cute frowny face. "Dad, believe me, this is perfect. But after the party, you, me, and mom are going to have ice cream with all the sunshine kids and Maithili? Fair deal?"

Dad's facial expressions turn back to their usual relaxed mode as he nods his head and grins. "Deal!"

*****

Anirudh's pov

Hard work, Curiosity, Ambition.

Is there anything more unfair than life? I don't think so. Studied in a government school, worked my way up to a good college, secured my seat in one of the pioneer MBA schools, and here I am; at a birthday party. Known as nothing but a ridiculous marketing intern. And there she stood; the Princess. Another ridiculous intern, although known by her name, known as a princess.

Why? Simply because she is born into this. Into this world of power-hungry, money-minded, fame greedy 'classy' people.

I sigh to myself. Why was I even here? Since when are interns called to such lavish parties?

A scoff leaves my lips as I realise; the party in itself is thrown for an intern.

I peer in her direction and notice how everyone else was dressed in a black or red gown but she was dressed in a pink gown educating her so-called bubbliness. But it isn't her dress, or her hair, or her jewellery that catches my attention. But her smile. Her elegant radiant smile.

Throughout the party, her smile doesn't curtail. I have never personally met her. But I do know one simple fact about her; her smiling nature never ceases. Some say she is sweet, some say her energy drains theirs, and some say she is nothing but a spoiled brat.

Something about her exuberant nature intrigues me. I don't know if it makes sense or not but it can't be real, right? There must be a story either she is just a fake doll or there is something deep. Curiosity and nosiness go hand in hand and right now I don't care which one of the two titles suits me.

Wait, Is she...Is she coming towards me? No, why would she?

Two minutes later the chair beside mine is occupied and an overdramatic smiley face speaks, "Would you care to share a dance with me?"

I stare at her trying to decipher if she is fooling around. Why else would she want to dance with me? But there is no hint of amusement in her eyes. Tilting her head, she blinks and waves in front of my eyes bringing me back from my momentarily dazed state. Embarrassed, I avert my eyes.

"Have you decided?"

I expected a look of dejection to cross her. I expected her smile to falter. I expected her ego to hurt. After all, just rejected 'the princess' but contrary to my expectations, her smile stays intact and if my observations are not wrong, her smile seemed to have grown more radiant.

And that made me more intrigued.

"What if we go out for lunch tomorrow?" I propose.

Adrita's POV

Did he just ask me out? Oh my! Should I ask him if it's a date? No! no..no..that will make it awkward. I should play it cool.

Trying my best to hide my nervousness, I reply, "Yeah, sure?"

Why answer as if it is a question? Stupid Adrita!

He nods and averts his face, now looking at the dance floor.

I sigh satisfactorily and do a happy dance in my head, not letting his lack of happiness affect mine.

*****

Author's note: 

So what are your first impressions of our main characters?