After pressing the doorbell, I waited for what felt like an eternity. Finally, the door opened, and standing before me was Anasuya's mother, Mahalakshmi, the esteemed CEO and owner of ANASOL. She exuded an air of grace and authority, a blend of professionalism and warmth. Behind her stood Anasuya, looking a bit anxious.
Mahalakshmi greeted me with a smile that managed to be both welcoming and businesslike. "Welcome, Mr. Krishna. It's a pleasure to meet you. Please, come in."
"The pleasure is mine, Miss Mahalakshmi," I replied with a respectful nod. Then, turning to Anasuya, I offered her a warm smile. "Hi, Anasuya."
"Hi, Krishna," she responded nervously. "Please, come in."
As I stepped inside, I noticed the subtle exchange of looks between mother and daughter. Mahalakshmi's eyes conveyed reassurance, a silent encouragement to Anasuya. They began to walk inside, with Mahalakshmi leading the way and Anasuya following closely behind her. The sight made me think of a duckling trailing its mother, and I couldn't help but smile at the endearing image.
The interior of the house was just as impressive as the exterior. It was a harmonious blend of modern design and cozy touches that made it feel like a home. The expansive windows I had admired from outside provided a stunning view of the well-kept garden, while allowing natural light to bathe the room in a warm glow.
As we stepped into the spacious living room, I noticed Anasuya's father seated on the sofa, deep in thought and engaged in conversation with a man I recognized—Gopal, Mahalakshmi's secretary. The room, with its modern decor and soft lighting, exuded a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Anasuya's father looked up as we entered and immediately got up, a welcoming smile spreading across his face. He approached me with an outstretched hand. "It's good to see you, Mr. Krishna," he said warmly.
I shook his hand firmly, matching his smile. "It's good to see you too, sir. But please, just call me Krishna."
His eyes crinkled with amusement. "Then you must call me Uncle, Krishna."
"Alright, Uncle," I agreed with a nod, feeling a sense of ease in his presence.
Next, I turned to Gopal, extending my hand. "Nice to see you Gopal."
He shook my hand with a polite nod. "Likewise, Mr.Krishna. Welcome."
As Anasuya's father was about to say something, Anasuya's mother interjected, "Mr. Krishna, it's such a pleasure to have you here."
I smiled and replied, "Please, don't be formal. Just call me Krishna."
She nodded with a warm smile. "Then, Krishna, why don't you and Anasuya go to her room to work on your project? I'll send some tea up for you." She then turned to Anasuya's personal assistant, Mangamma. I remembered meeting Mangamma the first time I met Anasuya. She had been by her side, attentive and efficient. "Mangamma, please make some tea for Krishna."
Mangamma nodded and headed towards the kitchen. I felt a bit puzzled. Why did we need to go to Anasuya's room? We could easily work here in the living room. It didn't seem appropriate, but who was I to argue? Still, something felt off, and I noticed Anasuya giving me a nervous look.
"Anasuya, take Krishna to your room," her mother said gently but firmly.
Anasuya nodded, clearly a bit flustered. "Krishna, let's go," she said, her voice tinged with nervousness. As I stood up to follow her, I saw a blush bloom on her cheeks. It was endearing, and I couldn't help but smile back at her.
We walked through the elegant hallway, the sound of our footsteps softly echoing in the quiet space. Anasuya's room was at the end of the corridor. As she opened the door and stepped inside, I followed, taking in the surroundings. Her room was spacious and beautifully decorated, a reflection of her personality. Bookshelves lined one wall, filled with novels and academic texts, while a large desk sat by the window, overlooking the garden.
Anasuya gestured towards a chair by the desk. "Please, make yourself comfortable," she said, still a bit shy.
I sat down, trying to put her at ease. "Your room is lovely, Anasuya. It really suits you."
"Thank you," she replied, her blush deepening. "I spend a lot of time here."
Looking into Anasuya's eyes, I said with a smile, "So, what's the real reason you called me here?"
Anasuya's nervousness was palpable as she stammered, "Wh... what are you thinking, Krishna? I called you because of the novel cover."
I rolled my eyes playfully and said, "Oh, come on, tell me the real reason. I can tell something's not right."
Her nervousness deepened, and I softened my tone. "Anasuya, you don't have to worry. I'm not forcing you to say anything. Just relax."
My words seemed to have a calming effect on her. She took a deep breath, looking slightly more at ease. "I'll tell you what happened." I nodded and waited patiently, giving her the time she needed.
---------------
"3RD PERSON POV "
"BEFORE ANASUYA CALLS KRISHNA"
Inside the spacious living room of Anasuya's house, an uneasy tension hung in the air. Anasuya stood behind her father, her slender frame partially obscured by his reassuring presence. She clung to him as though he were her lifeline, her eyes wide with distress. Her voice, soft and pleading, broke the silence.
"Papa, I don't want to marry," she said, her words almost a whisper.
Her father, a kind and gentle man, nodded sympathetically and turned to face his wife, Mahalakshmi. His voice was firm but gentle. "Let's forget about it if she doesn't want to marry. We shouldn't force her," he said.
Mahalakshmi frowned deeply. Her anger was palpable as she responded, "If you don't understand, don't take her side." She then directed her gaze at Anasuya, her tone stern. "And Anasuya, stop making me out to be some kind of Hitler who forces you to do things. This is for your own good. Shekhar is a good choice for you. He is rich and educated. If you marry him, you won't have to worry about anything."
Anasuya's heart raced as she nervously replied, "But I don't want to marry this soon."
Mahalakshmi's voice cut through the room with a note of finality. "What do you mean this soon? You're already 25, and you're going to marry Shekhar. This is my decision."
Anasuya's hand reached out to tug at her father's shirt, a gesture filled with both desperation and affection. "Papa," she said softly, her voice trembling slightly.
Anasuya's father turned his attention to her, his expression softening. "But if she doesn't want to marry, then let's forget it. She is still a child to us."
Mahalakshmi's frustration flared. "This all happened because of you. Because of your overindulgence, she's become this childish, this clumsy."
Her husband's gaze hardened. "What do you expect? Am I to stop loving my child?"
Anasuya stood in the middle of the room, her heart aching as she watched her parents argue. The walls seemed to close in around her, and the tension was almost tangible. Her mother's stern face and her father's hurt expression created a storm of emotions that she could barely process.
Mahalakshmi's eyes were filled with a mixture of anger and hurt. "It's not about love. It's about responsibility and maturity. She needs to understand that."
Mahalakshmi's voice was laced with frustration as she spoke, "And child, which angel do you think she is? Look at her—who could marry a childish girl like her? She doesn't even know how to present herself properly. She lacks the grace of a woman. I've tried teaching her everything I can, but she hasn't learned a thing."
Anasuya's father, trying to mediate, said, "It's okay if she didn't learn those things. At least she has the potential to be a good mother."
Mahalakshmi's eyes flashed with irritation. "What do you mean by that? She can't just be good at being a mother. She needs to be well-rounded, to contribute to society in more meaningful ways."
Anasuya, sensing the rising tension and feeling the weight of her parents' expectations, quickly interjected. "But—but I've found something I'm good at!"
Mahalakshmi's anger flared. "Yes, you've found your calling as an editor. But have you even secured any projects or work?"
Anasuya hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes, Mumma, I have. I've already started working on a few projects. I'm making progress."
Mahalakshmi and Anasuya's father were taken aback by the revelation. Mahalakshmi's eyes widened in surprise as she exclaimed, "Really? What project did you get?"
Anasuya, trying to steady her voice, responded, "I've been assigned as the editor for my first novel. It's called Guide, written by Krishna Prasad."
The name seemed to strike a chord with Mahalakshmi. Her surprise turned into something more contemplative. "Krishna Prasad? The CEO of Nirvana?"
Anasuya nodded, her expression a mix of pride and apprehension. "Yes, that's him."
Mahalakshmi fell silent, her gaze distant as she mulled over the information. She seemed lost in thought, her mind racing through possibilities and implications. The silence stretched, and Anasuya, sensing the tension, leaned closer to her father.
"Papa," she whispered, "what do you think Mumma is thinking?"
Anasuya's father, observing his wife's contemplative state, replied softly, "I'm not sure, but it's clear she's considering the implications of this connection."
Anasuya nodded, her anxiety mingling with curiosity. She glanced at her mother, who was still absorbed in thought, her brows furrowed as if she was weighing a significant decision. The room felt charged with unspoken thoughts and potential outcomes.
Mahalakshmi's eyes glinted with a mix of determination and strategy as she spoke. "Anasuya, if you're set against marrying Shekhar, then you have another option. You would need to marry Krishna."
The room fell silent, the air thick with surprise. Anasuya's father raised an eyebrow, his lawyer's instinct telling him that Mahalakshmi wasn't one to back down easily. "Mahalakshmi, what exactly are you planning?"
Mahalakshmi turned her gaze back to Anasuya, her tone firm yet filled with an underlying promise. "If you don't want to marry Shekhar, then make Krishna fall in love with you. Invite him here, and I'll help you with this."
Anasuya's father stared at his wife, his face a mixture of confusion and frustration. "Mahalakshmi, are you sure about this? What are you saying?"
Mahalakshmi's eyes were firm, her resolve unshaken. "I'm saying that Krishna is a successful and wealthy individual. If Anasuya marries him, she won't have to worry about anything. It's a secure future for her."
"But—" her husband began, but Mahalakshmi cut him off.
"No 'buts.' This is my final decision. It's either Shekhar or Krishna."
Realizing that his wife was resolute, Anasuya's father sighed deeply, his sense of helplessness palpable. With no other choice, Anasuya quickly dialed Krishna's number, inviting him to her house. The call ended with a simple confirmation that Krishna would come over.
Mahalakshmi's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she turned to Anasuya. "Is he coming?"
Anasuya nodded, her own nerves beginning to surface. "Yes, he's coming."
"Good," Mahalakshmi said briskly. "Now go to your room. Freshen up and apply some makeup. When Krishna arrives, don't greet him with that glum expression. Be stylish and Hot. Show him a different side of you."
Anasuya swallowed hard, her mother's demands adding to her anxiety. She gave a small nod and hurried towards her room, determined to meet her mother's expectations. As she ascended the stairs, she glanced back at her father, who was watching with a resigned expression.
Mahalakshmi, meanwhile, made her way to the kitchen, leaving her husband behind. As she walked, her mind was already occupied with plans and strategies, completely ignoring the silent, disheartened figure of her husband. Anasuya's father muttered under his breath, "I seem to have no say in this house anymore."
-----------------
"BACK TO PRESENT"
"KRISHNA POV"
As Anasuya recounted the situation, I couldn't help but laugh out loud. The absurdity of the predicament, coupled with the seriousness of Anasuya's expression, struck me as both unexpected and amusing. "Hahaha," I chuckled, my laughter filling the room.
I noticed Anasuya's reaction immediately—her face fell, and a blush of embarrassment spread across her cheeks. Her eyes dropped to the floor, and I could see the sadness in her demeanor. My laughter quickly subsided as I saw her distress. I reached out and gently patted her head, my touch meant to reassure and comfort.
"Don't be sad," I said softly, my voice tender. "I'll help you with this. Just tell your mom that you succeeded in making me fall in love with you."
Anasuya's eyes widened, and her face turned a deep shade of pink. She looked up at me, her voice trembling. "Wh… what do you mean?"
I offered her a gentle smile, hoping to ease her anxiety. "It's simple. Just let your mom know that you've managed to achieve what she wanted. I'll take care of the rest. Trust me."
Seeing the relief and tentative hope flicker across her face was heartening. Anasuya managed a shy smile, her blush now mixed with a touch of warmth. She was so endearing in that moment that I felt a strong desire to hug her.
With a reassuring nod, I stood up. "Now, let's get back to work," I said, my tone light but supportive.
Hearing my suggestion, Anasuya nodded and began showing me various images for the novel cover. "So, which image do you like?" she asked, her eyes filled with hope and anticipation.
I examined the options carefully but shook my head. "None of these images quite fit my vision," I said honestly.
Anasuya's face fell slightly, but she quickly recovered. "Okay, I'll have the artists create more options then," she said, turning to leave.
I stopped her with a gentle hand. "Actually, there's no need for that. Do you have a tablet or stylus?"
Anasuya's eyes lit up with understanding. "Yes, I have one. Mumma gave it to me when I was learning to draw."
"Great, could you bring it here?" I requested.
Anasuya nodded and soon returned with the tablet and stylus. As she handed them to me, Mangamma entered with our tea. Anasuya, who preferred coffee, received her cup with a grateful smile before Mangamma left us to our work.
I settled down with the tablet, my mind already visualizing the cover. Drawing was a process I found both relaxing and stimulating, and I immersed myself in it, sketching out ideas and refining them. An hour passed in concentrated silence, broken only by the occasional sip of tea and the soft hum of Anasuya's coffee machine.
Finally, I set down the stylus and turned the tablet towards Anasuya. "Here's what I've come up with," I said, my voice tinged with satisfaction.
Anasuya leaned in, her eyes scanning the image intently. The cover design was a blend of elements I had envisioned, capturing the essence of the novel with a striking and imaginative flair. I could see her expression shift from focused scrutiny to genuine appreciation.
As Anasuya examined the cover, her eyes widened in admiration. "It's beautiful! You're an artist too?" she asked, her voice a mix of awe and surprise.
I grinned, enjoying the moment. "I'm pretty good at many things, Anasuya. I've mastered the 64 arts, all taught by God Krishna himself."
Anasuya's eyes grew even wider. "What? That's—"
Before she could finish, I broke into a laugh. "Haha, I'm just kidding!" I said, trying to ease her shock.
Anasuya blushed slightly and playfully nudged my shoulder. "You, you're just impossible!"
I chuckled and raised my hands in mock surrender. "Sorry, sorry. I couldn't resist."
With the cover finalized and our work complete, a sense of accomplishment hung in the air. Anasuya's smile was radiant, and I could see the relief and happiness in her eyes. "Thank you for everything, Krishna. This is going to be perfect," she said, her voice warm and appreciative.
I nodded, feeling a genuine sense of fulfillment. As I prepared to leave, standing at the entrance of Anasuya's house with her family gathered around, I turned to them with a polite smile. "Thank you for your hospitality. I'll be heading out now."
Anasuya's mother, still the epitome of grace, nodded with a warm smile. "Please, do come again, Krishna."
I returned the smile and turned my attention to Anasuya. "Don't forget about our date, okay?"
Her parents' eyes widened slightly at the mention of a date, and Anasuya's face turned a deep shade of pink. She hesitated, then stammered, "Wh… what date?"
I chuckled softly. "Did you forget what we discussed in your room?"
As she recalled our conversation, Anasuya's cheeks flushed even more. She nodded, albeit a bit shyly. "Yes, I remember the date."
"Good," I said, feeling a mischievous glint in my eyes. "Goodbye then."
In a bold move, I leaned in and gently kissed her on the cheek. The moment was electric, and a stunned silence fell over the group. Anasuya's eyes widened, and her face was now a mix of surprise and deep crimson.
I gave her one last, knowing smile before heading toward my car. As I approached it, I glanced back one final time. Anasuya stood there, a picture of stunned amazement, her blush unmistakable in the soft evening light.
"Goodbye," I called out, my voice carrying a hint of affection.
Anasuya, still caught in the whirl of emotions, managed a small nod. I got into my car and started the engine, watching her through the rearview mirror. Her mother looked at her and started to ask questions, her questions hanging in the air.
As I drove away, the evening sky seemed to reflect the turmoil and excitement of the moment.
(Word's Count:-2955)