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AUTHORS POV:
The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over Zayan’s family home as he entered the kitchen, where his mother and younger sister, Zara, were gathered around the table, engaged in animated conversation. The room was filled with the aroma of a hearty meal, a welcome contrast to the cutthroat environment Zayan had been navigating all day.
“Zayan, you’re just in time for dinner,” his mother called out, her voice filled with genuine warmth. “We’ve made your favorite dish.”
Zayan managed a faint smile, appreciating the comfort of home. “Thanks, Mom. It smells great.”
As he sat down, Zara looked up from her plate, curiosity evident in her eyes. “How’s work been? You’ve seemed really focused lately.”
Zayan tried to keep the conversation light, though his mind was preoccupied. “It’s been intense. We’re in the middle of a critical project, and it’s demanding all of our attention.”
His mother, always perceptive, noticed the strain in his voice. “Is everything alright, dear? You seem a bit distracted.”
Zayan nodded, though his thoughts were clearly elsewhere. “Just some challenges to overcome. I’ll handle it.”
The conversation shifted to Zara’s recent accomplishments, but Zayan’s thoughts were far from their cheerful exchange. Once dinner was over, he excused himself, needing a moment of solitude.
He retreated to his study, where the quiet was a welcome relief from the familial chatter. He sat at his desk, surrounded by files and paperwork, but his mind kept wandering back to Davian.
The name “Davian” stirred a familiar sense of irritation. Their rivalry had always been intense, marked by a constant game of one-upmanship. Each time Zayan thought he had outmaneuvered Davian, his rival would find a way to counteract, often by hijacking Zayan’s projects or implementing similar strategies just before him.
Zayan’s frustration grew as he thought about their last encounter. The competition had escalated to the point where their personal vendettas had started affecting their business decisions. Every successful project Davian stole or every strategic advantage Davian gained seemed to reinforce Zayan’s sense of failure and anger.
He glanced at a framed photograph on his desk—an image of Davian from one of their earlier business events. The photo was a reminder of the man who had become his greatest rival, the person whose success seemed to shadow his own.
Zayan’s hands tightened into fists as he thought about the relentless battles they’d fought. Their rivalry had not just been about business; it had become a personal crusade. The constant back-and-forth had left him exhausted and frustrated.
He took a deep breath, trying to refocus. Tonight was supposed to be a chance to decompress, but the echoes of their rivalry were difficult to ignore. The rivalry had left deep scars, but Zayan knew he needed to manage his emotions and find a way to move forward.
With a determined exhale, Zayan pushed the thoughts of Davian to the back of his mind. He needed to channel his energy into his work, focusing on the tasks at hand rather than dwelling on past conflicts. As he worked late into the evening, he resolved to stay focused and strategic, knowing that the rivalry was a challenge he had to navigate if he wanted to achieve his goals.
The shadows of resentment and rivalry would always be a part of him, but Zayan was determined to confront them head-on. As he reviewed his plans and strategized for the future, he hoped that with time, he could find a way to turn his frustrations into a source of strength and resolve.
