Author's P.O.V .....

The golden rays of dawn gently caress the cozy Raheja home. The garden blooms with mogra and champa, their fragrances blending with the crisp breeze. Birds chirp lazily as the world stretches into a new day.

Ananya is already awake , dressed in a soft sky - blue anarkali that flows around her like a painting in motion. Silver blue jhumkas sawy gentle as she moves. She adjusts her duppata and smile faintly at her reflection - a mix of nerves and hope sparkling in her eyes.

She walks barefoot to the small mandir, picks a few fresh flowers from thali beside her, and places them lovingly before Kanha ji.

" Kanha ji.. aaj sab kuch acha hona chahiye. Kalra Art Gala mai Soulstrock ki izzat rakh lena please." Ananya whisper softly.

She rings the bell softly, her eyes closed for a moment of silent prayer. Then she heads out into the garden. The few is still fresh on the leaves . A light breeze plays with the edge of her duppata as she waters the Tulsi Plant and folds her hands.

Ananya smiling: " Hey Tulsi maiya aashirwad de dijiye... Bus sab sahi se ho jaye." A butterfly flits around, landing on a marigold. The world feels peaceful, for a second, completely still.

MOMENTS LATER ....Her phone buzzes. Caller ID :- Neha ( from her Soulstrock team )

" Di, sab ready hai . Aap kab tak aa rahe ho?" Neha asked excitedly.

Ananya walking towards the stairs " Main bas nikal rahi hoon. Framing theek se ho gaya ? bachhe aur Ritika ready hai?"

Neha " Di, Ritika toh kal raat se studio mein hi thi. Labels bhi khud chipaaye!"

" Usko ek extra brownie pakka. Thik hai, see you in a bit!" Ananya grinning.

She disconnects and dials Prisha. " Madam Prisha Sharma, kha ho?"

" Bas, tu pauch ja, maate.... main tujhe vhi pe surprise package ki tarah milungi" Prisha answer with a dramatic flair.

Ananya narrowed her eyes, her tone warning " Bas, tu time se mil jana vha nhi toh bahut marenge."

Prisha let out a mock gasp " OHO! Kya gussa hai Raheja Madam ka! Main koi dulhe ki ghodi thodi hi jo late aaungi , tu relax kar."

Ananya rolled her eyes and cut the phone without other word , and walked over to grab her bag.

Aashi enters quickly " Ana wait! Tere liye rasgulle layi hoon. Isko kha ke Tera mood bhi acha rahega or din bhi acha jayega." Aashi said , while holding the small bowl.

Ananya with wide smile " Thank you bhabhi! Rasgulle ka timing perfect hai."

Aashi playfully " Ab tu jaa aur chhaa jaa pure event Mai."

They giggle. Just then , Meera chachi enters with a charm bracelet.

Mera " ye pehne le Ana. Pichli baar jab yeh pehn tha mane , meri bakery ka poora counter sold out ho gaya tha!"

Ananya " Thanku you, main isse smbhal kar rakhungi."

Rachit enters jangling his car keys dramatically.

" Chale baccha ? Ya painting leke main hi chala jaun? Waise bhi tumhe tayyar hone mein ek pura yug lagta hai." He glances at his watch dramatically, shifting his weight impatiently.

Ananya grinning not missing a beat " Aap leke Gaye toh painting kharidne ki jagah , aapko bheek deke chale jayenge."

" Kya bakwas hai yeh! Main toh soch rha hoon aapna autograph bhi dena shuru kar du wahan, aur tu mujhe yeh bol rahi hai?" Rachit offended, gasping as if she's just insulted a national treasure.

He shakes his head with exaggerated disappointment muttering to himself. " Kya zamana aa gya hai , handsome logo ki value samjhte hi nhi h log..."

Family gather at the door, smiling and cheering. " All the best , Ana!"

Rachit drives while Ananya reviews message. Mumbai is waking up - Vada pav stalls , yoga aunties , honking school vans, and the smell fresh idlis wafting from somewhere.

Ananya hops off the car . Her student are gathered, holding paintings and chatting excitedly. Naina , a young teacher, walks towards Ananya.

Naina : " Ma'am, sab ready hai.Chale ?"

Ananya half listening her eyes scanning the room. " Ritika kaha hai?" She takes few steps toward the centre , peeking behind the doors like Ritika might magically appear. Her brows furrow slightly, concern and curiosity mixing on her face. .

Ritika, one of Ananya's most promising foundation students, wasn't just any budding artist. She had arrived in Ananay's life a year ago, quiet and withdrawn, expressing herself only through her paintings. Her art once lived in shades of grey- hauntingly beautiful, yet stripped of color. Ritika was colour blind, emotionally more than physically. But ever since joining the foundation and finding mentorship under Ananya, her paintings has started to breathe again - slowly filling with warmth stories, and rich , expressive hues . Her latest piece was the centerpiece of today's gala.

Ananya's voice softened as she looked around again " Uski painting ke bina toh yeh event adhoora lagega."

Just as Ananya scanned the area once more, a soft voice called out from behind the mini-bus parked at the gate.

" Didi! Main yahaan hoon!" Ritika peeking through the bus window, waving excitedly.

Ananya started for a second , then spotting Ritika's eager little face framed by the window, her expression melts into a surprised chuckle " Arey ! Tum toh sabse pehle jaake baith bhi gayi?" She walks towards the bus, laughing softly , amused and touched by the girl's excitement." bahut excited lag rahi ho, haan?"

" Haan Didi! Meri painting kalra event ki gallery mein lagegi.. mujhe abhi tak sapna lag raha hai."

Ananya's heart swelled with pride. She reached out and dressed touched Ritika's cheek through the open window." Sapna nahi, sach hai."

Behind her small group of young students - all dressed neatly , small canvas in hand- began gathering near the bus. Their chatter filled the air with youthful energy

Ananya turning to them with a bright smile " chalo sab log! Time ho gaya hai."

Naina helped the younger ones get settled while Ananya climbed abroad last, glancing back once at the kalra Mansion as the gates opened.

The mini-bus roared softly to life, filled with colors, dreams , and the quiet thrill of something big just beginning.

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Abhimanyu, crisp and composed, is already seated at the long dinning table. Dressed in a tailored navy-blue three- piece suit with subtle charcoal pinstripe , a white picket square, and a steel grey tie - his CEO energy is unmistakable yet effortlessly elegant. His watch , classic and understated , peels through as he lifts his mug.

He takes a slow sip of his signature black coffee- single origin, no sugar , just bold and strong..

Standing beside him is Rhea , his secretary. A vision of professional elegance, she wears a beige co-ord set with a cinched blazer and flared trousers . Her dark brown hair is tied back in a sleek ponytail, and her black eyes are sharp, but her tone-always warm.

Abhimanyu without looking up " Rhea , is everything on schedule? Venue , security, media?"

Rhea checkout her tablet " Yes, sir final lighting check is happening now. Media slots confirmed. The Soulstrock team also will arrive with the artists by 10:30."

" Good. I don't want any last minute chaos." Abhimanyu nodding slightly.

Rhea with a small smile " With you involved, sir, chaos doesn't stand a chance."

Just then, the grand double doors open and Mahesh Kalra walks in, Fresh from his morning walk, wearing a cream nehru jacket over a white kurta -payjma , walking stick in hand.

Mahesh " Beta, Subha ki coffee ki khushboo toh sabse pehle yahin aati hai."

" Good morning Dadu.Walk the full round?" Abhimanyu rising slightly in respect.

" Of course. These old legs still have fuel." Smiling.

Right then, Shanta walks in from the small mandir inside the house, holding a Pooja thali, Clad in an elegant silk saree in shades of blush pink and gold.

" Pehle kanha ji ka aashirwad, fir coffee. Tum sab bhool gaye ho Sanskaar" Shanta said.

She sits beside Mahesh as the staff begins placing breakfast. So the rest of family joins.

Dada-Dadi sip on masala chai with aloo parathas. Saket, Rajeev ,Nisha and Ritu join them, having the same.

Trisha walks in next , in a stylish black jumpsuit with minimal jewellery, carrying her detox juice and a plate of grilled sandwich.

Trisha." Please tell me someone is bringing gossip to the gala. I'm not built for boring speeches."

Avni enters , effortlessly elegant in an ivory Indo-Westren fusion saree with mirror work, holding her chai and a half eaten paratha. " Gossip toh Aarav aur Manik bhaiya ke sath free combo offer hota.. bas aayein toh sahi!"

" Par voh dono hai kaha? Kisi ko koi idea hai?" Abhimanyu glances at his watch , slightly frowning.

Avni shrugs, sipping her chai." Manik bhaiya toh Subha - Subha sabse phele nikal gaye event ke liye.. Aarav bhaiya ka pata nhi."

Abhimanyu pulls out his phone and dials Aarav . It rings. And rings. Finally, Aarav picks up. " Zinda ho?" Abhimanyu said dryly.

" Arey ready ho raha tha yaar..." Aarav half yawning, half defensive.

Abhimanyu raising an eyebrow " hua nahi abhi tak? Matlab itni der se kar kya raha tha?"

Aarav lowering his voice " Woh . thoda pet kharab tha .. loo 🚽 mein tha."

Abhimanyu " Loo mein kya kar rha tha raha tha ?"

" Nahi yaar, cake bana raha tha. Khana hai? Deliver karvau ? Mast chocolate flavour hai, maja aa jayega!"

Abhimanyu with disgust " Chi! Koi sawal ka jawab seedha nahi de sakta tu?"

" Tu kab seedha sawaal puchta hai ? Aisa puch rha hai jaise main loo ke royal commode pe nahi, KBC ki hot seat pe baitha tha. Aur baachan sir samne bol rahe the- " computerji , yeh 7 crore ke sawal lock Kiya jaye, are?" Aarav grinning .

Abhimanyu half exasperated , half laughing " Acha theek hai , sorry. Jaldi aa. Gala shuru hone wala hai.

Aarav " ha theek hai tu pahuch main milta hoon vhi tujhe."

Everyone finishes breakfast. Drivers bring in the respective cars. The mansion gates open one after the other as each member of the Kalra family heads out, all set for the gala.

Abhimanyu gets into his car , Rhea sitting beside him, reviewing final notes. Other follow in their cars.

The kalras were headed not just to an event - but to an exhibition that would define their legacy in a new world.

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Gala Art Event

The kalra Gala Art Exhibition is the Crown jewel of Mumbai's Elite social calendar. Held at the prestigious Vardaana Art Gallery in South Bombay, the venue tonight is unrecognizable - bathed in soft golden lights, chandeliers dripping from high ceilings, and floral installations framing every corner in hues of white and blush. Classical fusion music hums softly in the background while servers in black-ties circulate with traya of hors d'oeuvres and wine.

The who's who of the city are present - business tycoons, art collector, fashion icons, influencers , and media personalities - all mingling under one roof. Large art pieces curated from Indian and international artists are tastefully spread across themes sections - from abstract and surrealism to modern Indian interpretations.

The kalras ,know for their elegance and influence, are hosting the night with flair.

Manik dressed in a sharp black suit, is already on the floor checking final arrangements. A camera in hand never without it - he's toggling between giving instructions and filming content for his vlog , phone pressed between shoulder and ear.

He's charismatic but clearly in " event execution mode"- focused, fast talking and a little chaotic.

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Prisha , meanwhile, arrives on the other side of the gallery. She's dressed in a chic emerald green saree with a contemporary drape, paired with a statement belt and and heels ( because style are her vibe ) . As Ananya's best friend and a well known fashion stylist, she walks in confidently, scanning the venue with a stylist's eye - already critiquing a few of the elite guest's questionable fashion choices under her breath.

She's walking towards the central installation just as Manik turns a corner - on call, not looking - and BAM. They collide.

" Aankhein decoration ke liye lagayi hain ya kaam bhi karti hai?" Prisha annoyed, stepping back.

Manik smirking. " Itne style main walk karogi toh traffic signal bhi confuse ho jaaye .. main toh fir bhi insaan hu."

Prisha. " Aankhon ka illaz karva lo ... Next time display dummy dekh bhi takra jaoge."

" Ager har display dummy tumhare jaisa ho toh main roz takra na chahunga " Manik trying flirt.

" Tum jaise line marne wale roz takrate hai... Main har kisi ko lift nhi deti." Prisha gives him a quick up-down look , scoff lightly, and walks off with a flick of hairs.

" Pheli baar kisi se takra ke laga ... Collision insurance lena chaiye tha." Manik smirking to himself as she walks away.

____________

The Royal Crest Gallery gleans in fully glory- from floral installations and golden chandeliers to walls lined with curated masterpieces by India's most celebrated artists. The soft glow of lights dances on crystal panels, and the air hums with the chatter of elites , fashionistas , media and art critics.

Ananya enters with her young art students- all looking around in wide - eyes wonder .

She spots Prisha by the entrance, adjusting her saree and looking slightly irritated - still recovering from her earlier accidental run-in with Manik.

Ananya " Aree , finally! Kahan thi tu ? Aur itni irritate kyu lag rahi hai?"

" Bas yaar, ek " over friendly with zero warning" specimen se takkar ho gayi . Banda flirt kar raha tha Bina invitation ke.. lag hi raha tha ki gala event mein nhi kisi dating app ke live trial pe aayi hoon!"

They both burst into laughter, hugging tight. " Tumhari timing bhi na ... Full comedy show!" Ananya said while laughing.

They begin walking further inside, taking in the stunning venue: massive canvases lit under focused lights, interactive walls displaying artist timelines, and a central aisle leading to the grand gallery with media buzzing all around.

Student 1 with wide eyes. " Ma'am ...yeh jagah toh ekdum magical hai .. Bilkul museum jaisa, par zyada fancy!"

" Sahi pakde .. main khud thoda overwhelmed hoon. " Ananya said softly.

Prisha " This is beyond just an event - kalras be pura art universe yahin set kar diya hai. No wonder they're the number one business and richest family in country. Event mein koi kami nahi chhodi hai. "

" Painting, sculptures ,lighting ...sab kuch utna thoughtfully placed hai... Har corner Instragram worthy!" Ananya said.

Prisha with arms fold " sab kuch top - notch hai .. bas ek Banda asa laga jaisa aapni flirting ka soft launch karne aaya ho .. and mujhe randomly chief guest bana diya."

" Soft launch tha ya teaser trailer " Ananya giggling.

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The crowd buzzes with anticipation. Fladhbullbs burst, murmurs rise. Security shifts slightly, and the red carpet gets cleared as the kalra family arrives.

A black Rolls-Royce Phantom glides to a stop. Out steps abhimanyu kalra - tall , composed. His expression is calm , his walk unhurried. His eyes scan the venue with queit precision - the way a man used to being watched does.

The media instantly erupts.

Photographers " Sir, this way please! Abhimanyu sir, one solo! One with family, please!"

Reporters " India's youngest billionaire CEO - how does it feel hosting the year's most anticipated art gala ? How does it feel knowing you're redefining luxury and culture together?"

" At kalra Empire, we believe real legacy isn't just built through business... it's built through culture, community, and conversation. This gala is our way of celebrating creativity - the king that speak beyond market and margins." Abhimanyu said smoothly with a practiced smile. Polite, Perfect.

He hated this part - the cameras, the chaos , the curated charm. But when you're the face of billion- dollor empire, you don't walk...you perform.

A few reporters exchange impressed glances. The man didn't just walk the talk - he made it sound like art.

Behind him , his family step out " Ugh, red carpet is too long . Can we teleport to the snacks section?" Trisha said with a fake smiling face.

" Cantrol kar, Paparazzi ko pata chal gaya toh tu meme ban jayegi kal subha tak."

They all pose for a few seconds . Photos are clicked. The kalra walks forward - a portrait of power, elegance and legacy.

Whisper follow them " That's Abhimanyu kalra - even better looking in person. Did you see the detailing on that invite , only they can pull off the an art gala like this "

Suddenly - from behind Manik appears. " Bhai! Waqt pe aa gaye? Main toh soch rha tha CEO sahab red carpet pe chopper se landing karenge!" Manik hugging Abhimanyu lightly.

" Hum toh aa gaye hai but tu bata tujhe kya hua hai .. thoda irritate lg rha or amuse bhi?" Abhimanyu said while adjusting himself.

" kya batau Bhai.... Ek tikhi mirchi se takra gaya tha ... Ladki nhi thi pura pura chalta firta disaster thi..." Manik ran a hand through his already messy hair, exhaling dramatically.

There was a pause-ond loaded with disbelief.. " wait what ?" Trisha blinked." Kisi ladki ne Manik Kalra ko irritate kar diya? Like actually?"

" Manik aur irritate? Aur woh bhi kisi ladki se?" Avni raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained. " Yeh toh headline banegi." Kalra youngest Prince loses chill over mystery girl."

" Admit it, tu impress ho gaya," Trisha teased , nudging his arm.

" Impress? Main? Bilkul nahi," Manik scoffed then paused . " Okey maybe thoda."

" Toh bas, mil gayi teri match ,chaos meets chaos." Abhimanyu added smoothly.

" Guy's seriously? main yaha aapna dukh bata raha hoon... Aur tum log meri kundali mila rahe ho." Manik groaned.

They all laugh and move ahead. The media catches the family together - flashes pop. Poses are struck.

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Abhimanyu stood near the centre, surrounded by a cluster of industry veterans and business moguls. His expression remained calm, collected.hd was nodding at something, perhaps a strategic suggestion or veiled challenge, but his mind had begun to drift- his eyes occasionally scanning the crowd, almost as if looking for something he couldn't name.

On the other side of the gallery, Ananya moved with purpose. She was helping the team settle Soulstrock's centerpiece painting into its designated place. A soft creases formed on her brow as she instructed an assistant about lighting angle. Then , her gaze wondered - drawn towards a sculpture across the hall.

She began to walk, slowly, almost unknowingly pulled by something invisible and then - not a collision, not even eye contact , just presence

Abhimanyu turned slightly to excuse himself from a conversation, stepping back at the very moment Ananya passed just behind him.A breath apart. Maybe less.

He stilled . Every sound in the room muffled for a second, like someone had turned down the volume of the world. His breath hitched, a strange warmth flooding in his chest. The kind that had no logic, only echo. The air around him felt charged, tinged with familiarity.

Ananya paused too. One step. Two then she stopped. Her hand went unconsciously to her wrist, as though steadying her own heartbeat. The air felt different- thicker , alive , as though someone had stepped into her orbit without sound but with soul. A curious chill ran down her spine , only to be replaced by a slow , blooming warmth in her chest.

Just then, a small group of guests crossed between them - laughing, drinks in hand, unintentionally creating a curtain of movement. The subtle swirl of fabric, perfume and chatter returned to the foreground.

Neither saw the other , Not even a glimpse. The moment stayed veiled - intimate yet incomplete. But something had shifted. Within unseen, unspoken, undeniable.

They moved on, The crowd ebbed a

nd flowed again. And yet ... That one fleeting feeling lingered in the air - like the echo of a name never said, yet deeply known.

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