The sunlight slipped quietly into my room, as if it knew it was not invited but came anyway. It traced the walls slowly, covering them in a warm golden glow, almost like it was claiming them as its own. The curtains swayed gently, trying their best to block the light, like a silent protector standing between the walls and the sun.

For a moment, it felt like a strange little battle—

the sun demanding its presence,

and the curtains refusing to give in.

And in the middle of all that… there was me.

Late. As always.

Our university starts at 9:00 a.m.

The time now? 10:30.

Do I care?

Not really.

Not about the university.

More like… I stopped caring about a lot of things a long time ago.

I come from a big family—big in wealth, big in reputation, big in expectations. But when it comes to love? It feels… empty. Everyone is always busy building something—money, status, power. No one really notices what’s missing.

Sometimes I wonder… if I’m missing too.

I’m the youngest in the family, the so-called “pampered one.” Funny how titles don’t always match reality. Being an only child to my parents never felt special, because they were never really there to make it feel that way. They are always busy, always somewhere else, always chasing something.

Money, I guess.

For whom… I don’t know.

If there’s one good thing in my life, it’s my cousins. They are the only warmth I have, the only people who make this big house feel a little less empty.

I stood in front of the mirror and looked at myself for a moment before breaking into a small grin.

“Still cute,” I murmured, placing a quick kiss on my reflection.

Some habits never change.

Grabbing my college bag—which, honestly, carried more attitude than books—I hurried out of my room. And just like every other day…

I slipped.

Hard.

“Ouch!” I hissed, landing straight on the floor.

For a second, I just stayed there, staring at the ceiling, before quickly getting up. If my brothers saw me like this again, I’d never hear the end of it.

Honestly, at this point, I think the floor just loves me. It keeps pulling me back every single day.

As I reached downstairs, my mood shifted without warning.

The house felt the same as always—silent, still, lifeless. Only the maids moved around, doing their work quietly. They greeted me politely, and I gave them a small nod with a faint smile, the same routine we followed every day.

No one else was there.

No one ever is.

No one to ask if I slept well.

No one to wait for me at breakfast.

Just… space.

Adarsh bhai is busy managing the company. Vivian bhai is always working alongside him. Ashriti di is chasing her dreams in music. Everyone has somewhere to be, something to do.

And me?

I just… exist in between.

After a quick breakfast, I grabbed my car keys—Adarsh bhai’s gift for my 20th birthday—and drove out. On the way, I stopped at a café and picked up some hamburgers and cold drinks.

But before entering the university, I stopped at my usual spot.

I honked the horn once.

Within seconds, a group of little kids came running toward me, their laughter echoing in the air. They hugged me tightly, their small arms wrapping around me like I was the most important person in their world.

And maybe… just for them, I am.

I crouched down, smiling warmly, but my eyes quickly softened when I saw Arya standing there with teary eyes.

“Adaya dii… you said you’ll come at 9… but it’s already 11…” she said, her voice trembling slightly.

My heart clenched instantly.

I pulled her into my arms and hugged her gently. “I’m sorry, baccha… I slept late because of work. But tell me something—if I woke up early, I’d have dark circles and look like a panda. Do you want that?”

Her eyes widened in shock. “No! You’re beautiful like this!”

I laughed softly. “Then forgive me?”

She nodded quickly, clinging to me again.

Moments like these… they feel real.

These children never asked anything from me, yet they gave me something I didn’t even realize I needed—love. Pure, simple, unconditional love.

After giving them the food, I watched them run back toward the orphanage, waving goodbye to me. I stayed there for a moment longer, smiling to myself before finally driving to the university.

By the time I reached class, I was already prepared for what was coming.

“MS. ADAYA!”

Right on cue.

I sighed internally as my professor glared at me. “How many times do I have to tell you not to come late?”

“Sorry, ma’am,” I said quietly, not bothering to argue.

After a long lecture, she finally let me in. As I took my seat, I met Kranthi’s amused smirk.

My best friend.

My partner in crime.

I couldn’t help but smile back sheepishly .

After what felt like the longest class ever, I sat quietly until—

“YAYA!”

I flinched as Kranthi yelled right into my ear.

“Are you trying to kill me?” I snapped, glaring at her.

She just smiled innocently, like she hadn’t just destroyed my hearing.

“What?” I sighed. “What is it?”

Her eyes sparkled with excitement. “I’ve got some spicy news.”

Of course she does.

“Let me guess,” I said, leaning back, “the principal’s pants tore during a meeting?”

We both burst out laughing.

“I wish!” she said. “But no. This is bigger.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Then?”

“It’s about Rathore Enterprises.”

I rolled my eyes. “Obviously I know them. The biggest company in the world.”

She smirked. “And yours is second.”

My expression instantly hardened. “It’s not my company.”

My tone came out sharper than I intended. She flinched, and guilt hit me immediately.

I hugged her. “I’m sorry… you know I don’t like talking about it.”

She nodded softly.

Pulling away, I tried to lighten the mood. “Now tell me.”

Her excitement returned instantly. “The CEO… the one who never shows his face… he’s getting married!”

For a moment, I just blinked.

“Oh… okay?” I said casually.

Her jaw dropped. “That’s it?!”

I shrugged. “He’s 32. It’s normal.”

“But don’t you wanna know who he’s marrying?”

I smirked slightly. “They haven’t even shown his face yet. You think they’ll show hers?”

She deflated instantly, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“But maybe at the wedding,” I added.

Her face lit up again.

Unbelievable.

Soon, an announcement came—classes were cancelled.

Best news of the day.

We said our goodbyes and left.

As I drove back home, everything felt… normal.

Quiet.

Routine.

Peaceful.

But I didn’t know…

That something was already waiting for me.

Something that was about to change everything.

To be continued:

This is my first book so please support me lovelies 😘