Chapter 3: Chapter 1: Morning Glories

Ananya

The alarm rings. Time to wake up. I opened my eyes to greet the day—a fresh morning, new hopes, and challenges waiting around the corner.

I hurried downstairs, my voice ringing out in the familiar cheerfulness I’m known for.

“Mamma! Good morning!”

“Morning, sunshine,” she replied, her smile matching mine.

I love my family. They’re my anchor, my chaos, and my joy.

But before I dive deeper into them, let me introduce myself.

I’ve always believed the world looks better when framed by a smile. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to be the person who lights up every room. The one everyone leans on. If you asked anyone about me, they’d say I’m the life of the party, the ray of sunshine who never falters. They’d tell you how my laugh echoes the loudest, how I turn even the dullest moments into something worth cherishing.

They wouldn’t be wrong. Not exactly. But that’s the thing about appearances—they’re just the surface. Masks we wear to protect what lies beneath.

My name is Ananya Kapoor, the eldest daughter of the Kapoor family. The dependable one. The glue holding everyone together. Mom always says I was born smiling, destined to brighten the lives of others. Maybe that’s why they assume nothing fazes me—not the remarks, the comparisons, or the invisible weight of being “perfect.” Or at least, trying to be.

Every morning starts the same way for me: a deep breath, a stretch, and a quick glance in the mirror. Not too long, though. If I look too closely, I might see through the cracks. Instead, I focus on the grin I’ve perfected—the one that says, I’m fine, I’ve got this.

Today was no different.

“Rise and shine, sleepyheads!” I called out in my best sing-song voice as I swept into the kitchen. My sister groaned in protest, but I caught the faintest flicker of smiles on her faces. That’s my job—to make sure she smiles, even when she don’t feel like it.

Dad greeted me from behind his newspaper with a warm but distracted “Morning, Annu beta,” while Mom bustled about the kitchen, pouring coffee and flipping eggs.

The morning buzzed with familiar chaos, loud and alive—the kind of noise I thrive in. I excel at keeping others’ worlds spinning. It’s easier than facing my own.

At work, I’m the go-to person for laughs and pep talks. At parties, I’m the first to spin on the dance floor, a whirl of energy and laughter. And at home, I’m the solid rock everyone can lean on.

But rocks crumble too.

When the world quiets down, when the laughter fades and I’m alone in the stillness of the night, the cracks start to show. Words I laughed off earlier resurface, sharper in the silence.

“Too loud. Too much. Never enough.”

Funny, isn’t it? How words can cut deeper than blades. They tear through my mask, leaving scars no one else sees.

But I can’t let them see. That’s not who I’m supposed to be.

I cry silently, letting tears fall in the privacy of my room. Even then, I muffle the sobs—someone might hear. Someone might ask. And Ananya, the eternal optimist, doesn’t cry.

So, I wipe the tears, piece myself back together, and prepare for another day. Another performance. Another chance to spread light, even if it comes from the dim flicker of my own dwindling flame.

As I head out the door, I catch my reflection in the hallway mirror. The same practiced smile stares back at me, flawless as ever. But the eyes… they’re empty.

No one notices.

And that’s exactly how I like it.

Too much talking have been done... OMG ! I need to go for my interview.....

The Interview

I stood in front of my wardrobe, staring at the rows of neatly hung kurtas, blouses, and trousers. Today wasn’t just any day—it was the day. My interview at Aurum Dynamics. The company I’d been dreaming of ever since I first learned about their groundbreaking projects.

My heart pounded as I reached for a crisp white shirt and paired it with tailored black trousers. Simple, elegant, professional. Exactly what I needed to make the right impression.

“Mamma, does this look okay?” I called out, holding the shirt against myself and giving a little twirl.

Mamma peeked into the room, her face lighting up. “Perfect, beta. You look like you’re already the boss there.”

I laughed, though I felt the nervous knot tighten in my stomach. I slipped into the outfit, smoothing out every invisible crease as though perfection alone could calm me. My fingers fumbled slightly as I fastened the silver watch around my wrist.

Taking a steadying breath, I turned to the mirror. You’ve got this, Ananya. Just be yourself.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee hit me as I stepped into the kitchen. Papa looked up from behind his newspaper and smiled warmly. “All set for the big day, my little achiever?”

I nodded, forcing a confident smile. “Nervous, but ready.”

“Don’t forget to dazzle them with that Ananya charm!” Isha piped up from the table, her cheeky grin making me chuckle despite my nerves.

“Charm won’t get me the job, Isha,” I shot back, rolling my eyes but feeling a flicker of gratitude for her easy humor.

Before stepping out, I double-checked my documents, neatly tucked into a sleek leather folder, and slipped them into my tote bag. A quick glance in the hallway mirror confirmed I looked the part—natural makeup, hair in place, and my best attempt at a calm, composed smile.

“OMG, it’s getting late!” I blurted, grabbing my bag and rushing toward the door.

The cab waited outside. As I settled into the seat, I took a deep breath. “Here goes nothing,” I murmured under my breath.

Unaware of the plan that destiny have made for her.

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