Not Giving UP

Chapter:1

"We all want love; let me rephrase it, we all deserve love. The kind of love that makes us feel alive, happy, respected, wanted, and most importantly valued". She finishes her book reading session and walks down the podium only to be stopped by a girl beaming with happiness

Ma'am, I am a big fan of yours, can you please sign on my copy of your latest book? She shyly asks.
It warms Anaita's heart nowadays not many of them ask for autograph people mostly wants a selfie with her.

I am still someone who likes old-school things she thinks.

Yes, sure! Give me your book. She smiles at the young girl. Um... Your name?

Veronica ma'am she happily replies.

When your profession gives you satisfaction you pour your heart, hard work, and everything into it. It is quite the case for Anaita.

What should my next book be about, her creative mind wonders while chopping up veggies for her dinner.

In spite of being a bestselling author, she loves to do all her chores on her own. She lives alone in her apartment. Apart from being an author, she is also a great chef, successfully running a YouTube channel herself. Recipe Box is her life and playing with words is her passion.

After a hearty dinner, she settles down on her bed with an old torn journal for company. The journal is priceless to her it belonged to her late grandmother. She holds it close to her heart and lets out a sign before opening it.

Have you even started writing anything new, Anaita? Silvia inquires with a frown on her face.

Yes! I am about to get done with the initial draft.

And when will that day arrive? You know, it is your profession and you are stalling with something that puts food on your table.

Silvia looks up, expecting an answer from the other end, only to find Anaita staring out of the window.

Ana! I am really getting worried now. Is everything okay?

I need a break Silvi Anaita turned to face her editor.

Oh okay! Are you planning to quit writing?

No, just a small break.

What do you want to do? Travel or focus on your YouTube channel. Wait! Are you currently seeing someone and you want to settle down?

Jesus Silvi! Hold your horses for once. To be honest, I really don't have a plan. Do you have any new authors you are working with right now?

No! But, I am about to finish a project. I will be done by this week. What's brewing, lady?

Hmm... okay! Nothing. You focus on finishing your work I'll take your leave. Bye!!

Grocery shopping is something Anaita thoroughly enjoys. She finds it extremely therapeutic and calming. I will only get what I need. Nothing extra will find a home in my pantry, she reminds herself. The checkout said otherwise!

After a quick lunch, she was about to sit down to finish off her initial draft so that Silvia would stop bothering her when the doorbell disrupted her plans. Think of the devil and she appears!

Ana! Pack your bags. Silvia walks past Anaita without sparing a glance at her or waiting for her reply.

What? What is going on, Silvi? What do you mean by pack your bags?

I said, pack your bags. My instructions were pretty clear, Ana!

No! It wasn't! I need details.

Jeez! You are so annoying!! Silvia whines, only to find Anaita glaring at her.

I am travelling for work. Silvia finally gives in, and you are coming with me.

Where?

That is not for you to know. Okay, bye. I have to rush.

But... before Anaita could finish her sentence, Silvi had already left.

Annoyed with Silvi, Anaita sits down to finish her work so that she can peacefully film for her YouTube channel during the weekend. Almost done! she sighs after 5 hours of focus and strong determination. She walks to the kitchen to grab a snack when she realises it's almost dinner time. She grabs the leftovers from her lunch and settles down on her couch. Her mind wanders to the conversation she had with Silvi in the afternoon. She picks up her phone and shoots a quick message to the former.

Silvi, where are we going and when?

Her message was seen and ignored. Frustrated with her friend, she opens Instagram only to see an article on her that has gone viral. The headline reads " Anaita on break! Is it the end of the bestselling author?"

She desperately tries to call Silvi to find out what's going on, but all she gets is silence. She slumps down on the floor, trying to recollect what she had said in the interview.

I had told no one other than Silvi that I wanted to take a break. She grabs her phone and walks out of the door.