The Innocent Angel Vs The Ruthless Devil

CHAPTER - 8

Riya's POV

Saturday morning sunlight streamed through my window, yet I lay wide awake, consumed by thoughts of the interview I had attended. For the past three days, I had obsessively checked my email, clinging to hope for news from the company. Each time, my heart sank a little lower when I found nothing. Feeling dejected, I started looking for other jobs that matched my skills and knowledge, but so far, I had come up empty-handed.

A notification from my phone broke my train of thought. I assumed it was just another random alert or perhaps another company offering an interview. Lazily, I reached for my phone and glanced at the screen, my eyes widening like saucers. It was an acceptance email from Up View Company! They wanted me to join next Monday, giving me time to visit my university and submit the necessary documents for the onboarding process.

Happy tears streamed down my face as I read the email, and I screamed enthusiastically, "I GOT IN! YES, I GOT SELECTED!" My family came running into my room, their faces filled with concern, only to find me jumping on my bed with tears of joy. Aryan and Meenu, my siblings, stood holding broomsticks, clearly thinking some ghost possessed me.

I stopped jumping, got down from my bed, and ran to Paa, engulfing him in a tight, jumping hug. "Paa, I got it! I got selected! I'm one step closer to achieving my dream!" I exclaimed. Paa's face lit up with happiness, and he hugged me tightly, saying, "Main hamesha se jaanata hoon ki meree Riya ka janam jeetane ke lie hee hua hai." (I always knew that my Riya was born to win).

After a while, we broke our hug, and I bent down to touch Paa's feet. He caressed my head, saying, "Congratulations, Beta. I am so proud of you. I wish you all happiness and success in everything you do." I rose, thanking him, and saw his face radiating with pride.

Turning to my siblings, I was met with a sudden hug from Meenu and Aryan, who screamed, "So happy for you, Didi!" I hugged them back, smiling at their cuteness and our bond. Just then, I heard Bhai whining, "Why is it always me who gets ignored? Come on, yaar, I am also your brother!" We couldn't help but laugh at his words. I got up from the bed and hugged Bhai, who hugged me back, saying, "Congrats, I always knew you would excel in everything you do, Riya."

Our moment was interrupted by Maa's voice from the kitchen, "Neil, Meenu, Aryan, breakfast is ready!" We all looked at the time; it was already 10 in the morning, well past breakfast time. We ran to the dining area, took our seats, and started serving each other. Meenu and Aryan, in unison, asked when my joining date was. I told them it was the Monday of next week. Bhai asked, "Why next Monday and not tomorrow?" I replied, "They want me to go to my university and pick up the necessary documents required for the onboarding process."

Paa broke into our conversation, saying, "I want everyone to be ready by 4 o'clock this evening." Meenu, like a curious cat, asked, "What happened, Paa? Are we going somewhere?" To this, Paa replied, "Yes, sweetie, we all are going shopping." That was when all four of us siblings said in unison, "We all have enough clothes and necessary things, Paa. We don't need anything new now." Paa was stunned and happy at the same time, clearly pleased by our response, but he immediately changed his expression, glaring at us, which indicated, "Shut up and be ready by 4 in the evening."

As we all enjoyed our breakfast and each other's company, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and joy. This was the beginning of a new chapter in my life, and I couldn't wait to see where it would lead.

The evening she had settled in as we all assembled in the living room, freshly dressed per Paa's instructions. Everyone was present except for Maa. I looked around, wondering where she might be. Aryan noticed my confusion and said, "Di, if you're looking for Maa, she had to leave for the hospital due to an emergency."