Anvi's First Love

That same evening,

in another corner of bustling Mumbai, a vibrant scene unfolds.

At NID College (National Institute of Design), known for its excellence in Architecture and Interior Designing, a group of girls eagerly gathers around the common room TV.

The reason?

The charismatic Ayansh Kapoor, the CEO of AX Design, is giving an exclusive interview. His deep, authoritative voice, magnetic presence, and sharp intellect have the girls swooning.

"Wow! He's not just a CEO, he's a whole package!" one girl exclaims, her eyes glued to the screen.

"Exactly! That confidence, those looks! How can someone be this perfect?" another adds with a dreamy smile.

The room soon turns into a buzzing fan club. Some girls are already scrolling through his social media, while others binge-watch his past interviews. The admiration for Ayansh Kapoor is unanimous.

But amidst all the giggling and admiration, one girl isn’t paying attention. Instead, she peeks outside her room, scanning both sides of the corridor.

Seeing no one, she swiftly rushes toward the staircase. Her hurried footsteps echo through the hostel.

This is Mahi Verma — a lively 23Year-old with porcelain skin, expressive black eyes, and the energy of a whirlwind. Though petite in stature, her presence is impossible to miss.

"Anvi! Anvi!" Mahi's voice bounces through the empty hallway as she dashes up the stairs.

(Anvi, or Anvisha Nanda, is a final-year student at NID. She shares a room with her best friend, Anisha, lovingly called Anu. Anvi's love for rain is legendary within the hostel — and Mahi knows exactly where to find her.)

Reaching the rooftop, Mahi pauses. Her gaze travels to the far end of the terrace, and just as she expected — there Anvi is.

Lost in the monsoon drizzle, Anvi twirls and dances, her arms wide open as if embracing the sky. Her long black hair clings to her skin, rain droplets cascading down her glowing face. She looks like a carefree child, giggling as she spins.

Mahi sighs dramatically, placing a hand on her forehead. "This girl is impossible!" she mumbles.

"Anvi! What are you doing?" Mahi yells, clutching an umbrella. "Get down from there! The rain is getting heavier. You're going to catch a cold!"

Hearing her friend's voice, Anvi turns, her face lighting up with a radiant smile. The sparkle in her eyes rivals the raindrops glistening around her.

"Mahi! Mahi!" Anvi laughs, running towards her friend and grabbing her hand. She spins Mahi around in excitement.

"Isn't it beautiful? The rain, the wind! It's like the whole sky is celebrating!" Anvi exclaims, her joy contagious.

Mahi shakes her head in exasperation. "Yes, yes, I know you’re madly in love with the rain! But can we go downstairs now before you fall sick?"

Anvi, unfazed, lets the cool rain kiss her face once again. "Come on, Mahi! Just feel it! The rain washes away everything — worries, sadness, even bad memories. Isn’t it magical?"

Mahi glares at her playfully. "Magical, my foot! You're a rain-crazy girl!"

Both girls burst into laughter, but before Mahi can drag Anvi back downstairs, a mischievous glint flashes across Anvi’s eyes. She splashes water at Mahi, drenching her instantly.

"Anvi! What did you just do?" Mahi shrieks.

"Oops! Now that you're wet, might as well enjoy it!" Anvi teases, giggling as she runs away.

"You're so dead!" Mahi yells, chasing her friend around the terrace.

Amidst their laughter, the rain keeps pouring, soaking them to the bone. For Anvi, this is pure bliss — the rain is her first love, after all.

But suddenly, Mahi freezes. A look of panic flashes across her face.

"Oh no!" she gasps.

Anvi stops mid-spin, confused. "What happened now? Did you see a ghost?"

"Ghost? No! Something worse!" Mahi blurts.

Before Anvi can respond, footsteps echo from below.

"Oh, we’re doomed! The warden’s coming!" Mahi exclaims dramatically.

"What?" Anvi’s eyes widen.

They tiptoe to the rooftop door, peeking down the staircase. Just as they anticipate facing their doom, someone suddenly jumps in front of them, yelling:

"Boo!"

Both Anvi and Mahi shriek, clutching each other in fright. But their horror turns to annoyance when they realize who it is — Anu.

"Anisha! You scared us to death!" Mahi exclaims, catching her breath.

Anu bursts into laughter. "You should've seen your faces! Classic!"

Still giggling, she says, "Relax! I convinced the warden to return to her office. You two owe me!"

Anvi and Mahi exchange relieved glances before mockingly folding their hands.

"Thank you, your highness!" they chorus.

With laughter still lingering, the three friends sprawl on the rooftop, gazing at the fading rainclouds.

"Anvi, do you think you'll ever find someone who loves the rain as much as you do?" Anu teases.

Anvi smiles softly, raindrops still clinging to her skin. "Maybe someday. Someone who understands the beauty of rain — and the stories it tells."

But will fate bring Anvi her own rain-loving soulmate?

To be continued...