Lucky To Have You

Excitement

For two days, Ananya’s parents kept their distance, spending most of their time with Varun’s family. She could feel the tension, the silent acknowledgment of all that had gone unspoken for years.

Her parents’ presence was like a shadow that wouldn’t quite lift, but there was a change—a quiet understanding in the way they glanced her way, the softened expressions that suggested they had started to realize the weight of their past actions.

They had always chosen her path for her, making decisions in her name, assuming that their version of right would be right for her, too.

And now, seeing her thriving in a life she had built with her own hands, they couldn’t deny the sacrifices she’d made or the independent woman she’d become.

On the morning of the third day, Ananya was in her room, scrolling through her messages, when her phone buzzed. It was Neha. She picked it up, hearing the familiar excitement in her secretary’s voice.

“Boss!” Neha’s voice practically vibrated with energy. “The project results are in, and it’s better than we even hoped! We’re being recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry, and we’ve been nominated for an award in the business field. It’s huge!”

Ananya’s heart swelled with pride as she absorbed Neha’s words. This was everything she had worked for, all the long hours, the endless late nights, the risks she’d taken to get here.

She had poured so much of herself into her company, and now, the recognition she had never dreamed of was within her grasp.

“Neha, that’s incredible,” she replied, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. “I... I don’t know what to say.”

“You need to be there, Boss,” Neha said, her voice firm but kind. “You have to receive this award. You’re the face behind this success, even if no one else knows it yet. It’s time for the world to recognize you, to see what you’ve built.”

Ananya took a deep breath, processing everything. She had always stayed out of the spotlight, keeping her identity as the company’s founder hidden to avoid complications with her family and her life with Varun.

But now, it felt like a pivotal moment—a chance to step out and claim the life she had created, to stand tall as the woman she had become.

“When’s the ceremony?” she asked, a new determination in her voice.

“Tomorrow evening,” Neha replied. “I’ve already arranged everything, so all you have to do is show up. Shourya and I will be there for support, and we’ll handle any questions or press. Just... be yourself, Boss. This is your moment.”

Ananya hung up, her mind racing with anticipation and excitement. She glanced around her room, feeling the gravity of the decision she was about to make. This was her chance to step into the light, to finally let herself be seen for who she truly was.

With a deep breath, she decided to go downstairs and share the news with Varun. He had always been her strongest support, and she knew he would understand what this meant to her.

It was time to celebrate, to let him know just how far she had come, and to finally let herself take pride in the person she had fought so hard to become.