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Author's Pov:
----Award Ceremony---
It has been two years since Miss Diya Agarwal, a formidable businesswoman, has maintained a low profile, fully immersed in her professional pursuits. Today, however, she makes a rare public appearance as the guest of honor at a prestigious award ceremony.
Reporter 1: "Miss Diya, you’ve been away from media for two years. Why the sudden appearance now? Is there a specific reason behind this?"
Reporter 2: "Rumors suggest you’re getting engaged to Rishab Nehar’s eldest son—is it true?"
Reporter 3: "Please, ma’am, the audience deserves some answers!"
Diya: [Ignores the questions, walking gracefully past the media frenzy]
[CEREMONY BEGINS]
Host:104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFRvHZMivS
“Let us welcome Miss Diya Agarwal to the stage to present the ‘Brilliance of Young Talents’ award to the young achiever—Dhruv—who has scored an astounding 299 out of 300!”
The crowd applauds as Diya steps onto the stage, calm and elegant. She hands the award to Dhruv, who beams with pride.
Dhruv (on mic):104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRH6X9Ahcae
“I am honored to receive this award from Miss Diya. She has been my inspiration for the last seven years. Receiving this from her hands… it’s the greatest moment of my life.”
Host: “Miss Diya, would you like to say a few words?”
Diya:104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvj1bUK7Te2
“Good evening, everyone. I’ve stayed away from the media spotlight because I value my privacy. I hope you’ll all respect that. Tonight, let’s focus on celebrating the true champion—Dhruv—not a guest like me.”
[After the Ceremony]
Diya approaches Dhruv personally.
Diya:104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLDLIdsGE3
“Congratulations, Dhruv. I’m so proud of you. What are your plans next?”
Dhruv:104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUn14nwmIm
“I want to pursue my post-graduation at Stanford University.”
Diya (smiling):104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2TsWhiiFW
“Then I’ll help you with the arrangements. You deserve the best.”
They exchange a heartfelt smile.
[Flashback/Backstory]
Diya and Dhruv have known each other for nearly 7–8 years. Though she’s wealthy, Diya has always been humble and grounded. During one of the darkest phases of her life, it was Dhruv who stood by her—encouraging her, comforting her, pulling her out of despair. Since then, she’s supported him financially and emotionally—covering his tuition, living expenses, and more. To Diya, he’s like a cherished younger brother.
But to Dhruv… she’s everything. His feelings run deep, though he’s never confessed them. He’s determined to win her heart—within the next two months.
Diya:104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAtuZBHRvl
“To celebrate, let me treat you to dinner tonight.”
Dhruv:104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaH803Dav3
“I’d love that.”
[Later That Evening – Dinner Date]
Wearing casuals, Dhruv and Diya dine at an upscale restaurant. Dhruv orders all of Diya’s favorite dishes—he knows her tastes like the back of his hand. Afterward, they head to a nearby mall.
Diya:104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWSupxwSvV
“Let’s get you a few sets of clothes as a gift.”
While shopping, Dhruv notices two shady individuals trailing them and secretly snapping photos. He steps away without alarming Diya, intercepts the stalkers, and with swift precision—knocks both of them down with a punch each. Taking their phones, he sees the photos have been sent to someone.
He immediately dials Jaag using his second phone.
Dhruv:104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnOiyaqRgS
“Two of them. Clean it up fast.”
Then, returning to Diya:
Diya:104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJS1djAIFwE
“Where did you go? Try this on—I like both sets.”
Dhruv:104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseXqXcNnGG
“Then let’s take both. I like everything you like.”
Diya (laughs softly):104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6e0nf9WiIX
“You’re impossible. When do you leave for Stanford?”
Dhruv:104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicT4LNw4M9
“Tomorrow.”
Diya:104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bFVKdvuLi
“So soon? Alright, I’ll come visit next week. Bye!”
[Back Alley – Confronting the Stalkers]
Jaag and Dhruv stand over the restrained stalkers.
Dhruv:104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVUJoJJB9j
“Who sent you? No answer? Then maybe you’d prefer a coffin?”
[Punch]
[Another punch]
Stalker:104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLuW5qjsV3
“It’s… K. We work for K.”
Dhruv (darkly):104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdToCw0X9P
“K again, huh? This time, they crossed a line. How dare they go after my Diya.”
Danny (to Jaag):104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgzifLsubv
“You better keep an eye on her. Don’t let even a scratch touch her.”
Jaag (sighing):104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzPcvnAIAv
“Why don’t you just tell her the truth? That you’re ‘A.D.’—the anonymous founder of the world’s biggest enterprise? That her scholarship came from you?”
Dhruv (softly):104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2jtmvJsNK
“If I tell her… I won’t have an excuse to keep showing up in her life. And if I don’t have that—I might lose my chance to win her heart.”
Jaag (chuckling):104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxFFAApqwy
“I can’t believe the ruthless A.D. is just a lovesick fool at heart.”
Dhruv (quietly):104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKSrrBscNk
“I built everything—for her. If not for Diya… I wouldn’t care about any of this.”
Next Day:
I finally reached campus. Rented a room nearby—it’s decent. But honestly, it’s all just a cover. I’m not here for PG. I only came because Diya wanted me to. She’ll definitely ask about friends and college, so I figured I should make a few just to keep up appearances.
First day, I avoided every girl like the plague and headed straight to the last bench. That’s where I met Samuel—cool guy, goes by Sammy. He seemed chill enough.
He asked, “Why’d you decide to do PG?”
I replied, “For my girlfriend.”
He looked surprised. “So you have a girlfriend?”
“Not yet,” I smirked. “But soon.”
He laughed. “Respect. If you ever need anything—got your back.”
“Thanks, bro.”
Then I felt someone watching me. Turns out she’s the so-called “Campus Beauty”—Naziya. Apparently, every guy here’s been trying to get her attention.
She walked straight up to me and asked for my number.
I said, “Not interested.”
She grabbed my hand. “Do you even know who you’re rejecting?”
I pulled my hand away. “You’re not my type. And don’t touch me.”
Later, Sammy came over. “Bro, that was kinda harsh.”
I shrugged. “Why can’t she understand ‘no’ means no?”
I overheard her telling her friends, “There’s no one who can resist Naziya’s gaze. I’ll make him my boyfriend in a week.”
In her dreams.
Next day:104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2fEhWeVDf
Naziya sat beside me. I quietly picked up my bag and moved to the next bench.
Later, the lecturer caught me dozing and asked for notes. I didn’t have any, and before I could say a word, Naziya shoved her notebook in front of me.
I pushed it aside. “I don’t have one,” I said coldly and walked out.
Next 3 days: I skipped class.
Finally, the day Diya was coming.
Had to show up today, at least. After the second period, someone knocked and brought Diya into my class.
“She said she’s related to you, so I brought her here,” the guy said.
“Thanks,” I smiled.
Sammy’s jaw practically dropped. “No wonder you rejected Naziya! You’ve got someone even more gorgeous visiting you.”
I couldn’t help but feel proud.
I introduced them. We all went to the garden and chilled for a bit. Sammy started spilling everything about Naziya and the mess with the dare.
Diya listened, concerned. “You can’t be that harsh, Dhruv. I haven’t seen any girl around you all these years. Why don’t you try dating?”
I snapped, “Shut up. I just don’t like her.”
“Oh—okay, sorry,” she said, taken aback. “Let’s go eat.”
At the cafeteria, I ordered Coke and bread—her favorite. Naziya watched us the whole time. I casually held Diya’s hand and led her outside.
She said she had something urgent and had to leave early.
“She just got here and she’s already leaving?” I pouted. “Why don’t you stay the night?”
“I’ll come next week,” she smiled. “Okay? Bye.”
Now I had to wait seven more days… Great.
Next Day:
Sammy dragged me into one of those group hangouts. I didn’t want to, but fine. There she was again—Naziya, with her clique. They were playing some lame Truth or Dare game.
They insisted I join. The bottle landed on Naziya. She picked Dare.
“Kiss someone of the opposite gender for two minutes,” someone challenged.
She smirked and started walking toward me.
I stopped her cold. “Don’t even think about it.”
Everyone got dramatic. “Rules are rules! You broke it—now you have to take the punishment.”
Fine.
I grabbed the bottle of wine and downed the whole thing in one go. The room spun a bit as I stood up to leave.
Naziya followed, whispering, “Is kissing me really that awful?”
“Yes,” I answered bluntly.
She tried to kiss me.
I shoved her. Hard.
Everyone rushed in. “Don’t go too far, man!”
“Then ask her to stay away from me,” I snapped.
Naziya stormed off.
That night, I had a major virtual meeting for the “AD” enterprise. Took a flight and was gone for five days.
Today, finally, Diya was coming back.
Back to Campus:
Got ready early, waited at the gate. There she was. Damn, she looked incredible in that dress. All I wanted to do was pull her close and kiss her.
But I held it together.
She smiled like sunshine.
We met up with Sammy again. Sat in the garden. The truth-or-dare story came up.
“I told her I’m not interested. She kept following me. She even tried to kiss me that day.”
Diya’s eyes widened. “She kissed you?”
“No. She tried. I pushed her away.”
“But you didn’t…?”
“I don’t like her, Diya. How could I kiss her?”
Diya stood up. “Get up.”
“Huh? Where?”
“To talk to her.”
She dragged me to Naziya.
“Stop bothering Dhruv,” she said firmly.
“I’m not bothering him. I just like him.”
Dhruv: “But I don’t—”
Diya cut me off. “Because he’s my boyfriend.”
She grabbed my hand.
Wait… boyfriend? She said boyfriend!?
Naziya scoffed. “Like I’d believe that. This is such BS.”
Diya didn’t even flinch. She leaned in, kissed my cheek softly, and said, “Do you believe it now?”
Naziya looked crushed.
Dhruv: “Can’t you understand what my girlfriend just said?”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBB6A5GOnHx
(I could barely hide my grin. At this point, I might actually thank Naziya for this.)
Later, walking away:
“Sorry,” Diya said. “I didn’t know how else to stop her from bothering you…”
I shook my head, smiling. “It’s okay.”
She nodded. “Fine.”
Then she left early again. Something about business partner issues.
I asked, “What kind of problem?”
“It’s nothing. I can manage.”
Still, it didn’t sit right with me.
I pulled out my phone and called Jaag.
“Investigate Diya’s business and her partners. I need to know everything.”104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaw1IhLFpr
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