Glory & Fame Awaits Aditya?

Two months had passed, and Aditya and Ahana hadn't spoken a word to each other. An accident had caused Aditya to lose his phone, and with it, Ahana's number. It seemed like all avenues to stay in touch were now closed.Aditya's life had settled into a simple routine: from home to the café and back home again. He often stayed late at the café, sometimes until 11:30 p.m. or later. It wasn't that he was unhappy—he had come to terms with being alone once more. Each night after the café closed, or whenever it was empty, Aditya would write something in his diary.One evening, as Aditya was working at the café, a group of 7-8 boys and girls from a nearby coaching centre came in. They were regulars during the lunch break, but today, they arrived ten minutes early.Aditya: (teasingly) What's up with you all? Bunking class to come here early?Karthik: Yup, but we've got a reason.Smita: We need an answer from you.Aman: Do you believe in love?Aditya: (hesitant) Uh... yes, I do. But why are you asking?Suman: So, do you think every love story has a perfect ending, or do some remain incomplete forever?Akash: What's more important, love or career?Aditya: (thoughtful) Look, every story has an ending, but it's up to us how we interpret it—what we consider a perfect ending. And as for career, it's definitely important.Suman: (persisting) But you didn't answer. What's more important, love or career?Aditya: Am I a love guru now? Don't ask me such deep questions. Go take your seats while I get your lunch ready. And don't mess up the chairs!Everyone: (disappointed) Fine...I forgot to mention something important. Six days after Ahana left, Aditya was organizing his room when he found a card behind the cupboard. If you're guessing what it is, you're right. It was the birthday card from Ahana that he had lost without reading. Ahana had said it was just a simple wish card. Let's read it and see how truthful her words were.From Ahana To Someone SpecialFirst of all, a very happy birthday, Adi. I hope you live twice as long as me and achieve everything you deserve. On this special occasion, I want to confess something, and it has taken a lot of courage for me to do this. From the first day you came into my life, you've been a really special friend. We've laughed together, cried together, and faced all of life's ups and downs side by side. You've always stood by me, no matter what. Now, whenever I see you happy and smiling, I can't help but smile too. From the beginning, I've loved spending time with you in every situation life throws at us. But recently, I've realized something that could affect our friendship, but you have the right to know. I think I really love you, Adi. Your feelings might not be the same as mine, but I've always prayed for you and will continue to do so—for your success, your happiness, your life. Whoever the lucky girl is that you choose, you deserve the best in the world.- With love, AhanaBack to the Present:The next day, Aditya was at the café late at night when a man walked in, looking to be around 29-30 years old. Aditya was shocked as he recognized the man.Aditya: (in disbelief) The great Pratyush Ahuja?Pratyush: (smiling) What's up, brother?Aditya: Sir, if I'm not mistaken, you're the CEO of P.R.K. Publishers, India and Asia's biggest publishing house, and the author of Seven Wonders of Heaven.Pratyush: Well, it seems you know me quite well.Aditya: The whole of India knows you, sir. Oh, I'm sorry—I haven't even offered you a seat. Please, have a seat.Pratyush: Thank you. We'll talk, don't worry, but the reason I'm here is because I'm hungry.Aditya: Sorry, sir. Please relax, and I'll prepare something for you.Pratyush: Sure. Do you have something to read while I wait?Aditya: (after thinking for a moment) Well, I'm a writer too, or aspiring to be one.Pratyush: What kind of book are you writing?Aditya: It's a love story, but I can't define its type.Pratyush: I don't usually read love stories, but give me your manuscript—I'll take a look.Aditya: (spotting a famous novel on the counter) Actually, why don't you read this novel instead? You might not like my story since it's non-fictional and doesn't have much spice.Pratyush: Give me both—the novel and your manuscript. I'll manage.Aditya: Fine.(25 minutes later)As Aditya was plating the dish, he noticed that Pratyush was engrossed in reading his manuscript, not the novel.Aditya: Sir, your dinner is ready.Pratyush: (no response)Aditya: Sir!Pratyush: (gesturing to wait) Just give me five more minutes.Aditya: Sir, the food will get cold and dry.Pratyush: Let it be.(Pratyush continued reading the manuscript, ignoring the food.)Finally, Aditya brought the dish to the table, and Pratyush started his meal.Pratyush: (while eating) Where is she?Aditya: Who?Pratyush: Your story's female lead.Aditya: Maybe somewhere in New York… I'm not sure.Pratyush: What time do you close the café tomorrow?Aditya: Around 11:00 or 11:30 p.m.Pratyush: Okay. Thanks for the dinner.Aditya: How much of the manuscript did you read?Pratyush: Thirteen, fourteen pages. Okay, bye. See you soon, good night.Aditya: Good night, sir.Aditya said goodbye, feeling both thrilled and uncertain. He was excited to have met someone like Pratyush Ahuja but was also convinced that Pratyush might not have liked his manuscript. He picked up the copy and closed the café.The next day, at 11:15 p.m., it was raining heavily. Aditya was washing utensils in the café, which was empty. Suddenly, he heard someone calling him. He stepped out from the kitchen to the counter and was surprised to see Pratyush, drenched from the rain.Aditya: Sir! What are you doing here?Pratyush: Give me a towel first.Aditya: Oh, yes, of course.(Pratyush dried himself with the towel. Aditya prepared coffee for both of them, noticing that Pratyush was searching for something near the counter.)Aditya: What are you looking for?Pratyush: Your manuscript.Aditya: (while offering coffee) Forget about that—enjoy my special coffee.Pratyush: Tell me, where is it?Aditya: I left it at home. Were you here to read that? I thought you came for dinner again.Pratyush: Of course not! I came to continue reading. Do you think I'd get soaked in this rain just for dinner or coffee? I came for your manuscript.Aditya: I'm sorry, sir, but I forgot it at home.Pratyush: Come on, don't joke around.Aditya: I'm not kidding, sir. I forgot it.Pratyush: No problem. Let's go. Hurry up.Aditya: Where?Pratyush: To your home.Aditya: Sir, it's already 11:40 p.m., and it's raining heavily.Pratyush: Come on, brother, please. I want to read it. I have my car. We'll go get the manuscript and come back. Fine?Aditya: Okay, if you insist.Pratyush: That's the spirit.(30 minutes later)Aditya and Pratyush returned to the café with the manuscript. They got seated.Aditya: Sir, coffee?Pratyush: Sure.It was now 1:30 a.m. Aditya was busy with some calculations and budget planning while Pratyush was engrossed in reading the manuscript.Aditya: Sir, you should rest now. It's already 1:30 a.m. You won't be able to work tomorrow.Pratyush: I'm fine. Besides, I have the day off tomorrow. Why don't we just spend the night here in the café? It's still raining, and I want to keep reading.Aditya: (hesitating) Uh... okay, no problem.The next morning, Pratyush left the café and didn't return for two days. Aditya assumed he had lost interest in the manuscript.One usual day, Aditya was at the café. It was 3:30 p.m., and his mobile rang.Aditya: Hello, who's speaking?The person on the phone: Hold for Mr Pratyush Ahuja, please.Pratyush: Hello, Aditya?Aditya: Sir?Pratyush: I've finished reading your manuscript, and I have some exciting news for you.Aditya: (nervous) Sir?Pratyush: I'm offering you a publishing contract. I want to publish your story. What do you think?Aditya: (shocked) Sir? This isn't a joke, right?Pratyush: Of course not. Come to my office tomorrow, and we'll discuss the details.Aditya: Thank you so much, sir. I'm really grateful.Pratyush: Don't thank me yet. Come by tomorrow, and let's make this happen.Aditya: Yes, sir. I'll be there. Thank you again.(Pratyush hangs up. Aditya is left speechless, overwhelmed with joy.