7 yrs later,....(Present)
Aditi age: 24 yrs.
Arjun age: 28 yrs.
Being a general, I already had extensive experience in various weapons and combat techniques, which would be beneficial for close-quarters protection.
Experience in battlefield tactics was adapted to personal security, focusing on assessing threats and planning safe routes and locations.
By combining my military experience with specialized bodyguard training, I became highly effective in personal protection roles.
Florida.
Aishwarya was in her room, rummaging through her wardrobe for a dress when a notification appeared on her feed. She quickly opened it:
"Join us for the first book signing event of your favorite historical fiction author, Aditi, who became a best-selling sensation with her debut novel 'Prince Dhrupad: Warrior of SuryaGarh.' The event will take place at Carter's Library Centre, Mumbai, India, on August 25th. Your support would mean a lot." - Singhania Publications.
Excited, she dashed to her brother, who was gazing out the window, a glass of wine in one hand and a cigar in the other.
"Bhai, Bhai, Bhai! I found it, I found it, I found it! It's finally here!"
Without turning around, Arjun asked, "Who did you find?"
"The one who made you who you are! The author of your world—Aditi. She has finally revealed herself. All your years of hard work are about to pay off, Bhai."
"I know. We're leaving for India tomorrow morning. I've already booked our tickets," Arjun replied, tossing the cigar into the bin.
"But Bhai, how can we go tomorrow—"
As Aishwarya hesitated, he turned to face her sharply.
"Not another word."
"Okay, Bhaiya," she said, lowering her head in deference to his authority.
Grabbing his coat from the desk, he walked past Aishwarya. She recognized the same intensity in her brother's eyes that she had seen when he first shared his story after rescuing her from their abusive parents. With him, she felt a sense of safety that she never experienced with her own family. She was the only one aware of his origins from a fictional realm and the only one who truly believed in him. She sensed that trouble was brewing, given her brother's fierce demeanor.
---------------------------
On the day of book signing event:
Aditi's POV:
I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness about today's event. It's the first time I'll be meeting my fans, and it truly means a lot to me.
This day is incredibly special, and my heart races as if it might burst with anticipation.
Unfortunately, my brother couldn't make it since he's still in the US. He assured me he would be back soon, and I really wished he could have joined me for this occasion. Still, I found comfort in knowing that Yash and Shikha di would be there to support me.
I chose to wear a beautiful yellow silk saree, styled with my hair in a neat bun and matching earrings that complemented my look. I prefer to keep things elegant yet simple.
called my brother one last time before heading to the venue.
"Brother, I'm feeling really scared. Will my readers like me when I'm there?"
"Of course! My sister is one in a million. How could anyone not like you?"
"Brother, it's been seven years since you went to the US. When are you coming back? I miss you so much. If you were here with me, I wouldn't be this scared."
"Oh, my dear sister, why are you worried? I'm always with you in spirit. Just a few more months, and I'll be back after finishing my research. I have a lot of responsibilities to take care of, like your wedding—"
"Brother, please don't talk about the wedding. I never want to leave you."
"No, Aditi, don't say that. Dad entrusted me with the responsibility of your wedding."
"But brother—"
"Enough! Today is a huge day for you. Don't let anything ruin it. Tell Yash to take lots of pictures. And remember to take care of your health. If you feel any pain in your heart again, call me right away."
"Yes, brother! I know all of this."
Chalo, I'll put my phone down now. Shikha and Yash are on their way here.
Atharva waves goodbye to her. She feels a boost of confidence from her brother's supportive words as Shikha walks in with Yash.
"Wow, Aditi, you look absolutely stunning!" Yash says, giving his sister a playful pat. "So, whose best friend are you, huh?" They all share a laugh at Yash's teasing.
Before long, Aditi, Yash, and Shikha head out to the venue.
Meanwhile, a resolute Arjun prepares to meet the author of his story. He prefers to keep his identity a secret, so he pulls on a black hoodie.
Author :
At the event, a group of interviewers engaged Aditi in conversation about her books, their eyes sparkling with curiosity and admiration. They peppered her with questions about her writing process, the inspiration behind her stories, and the challenges she faced along the way. Aditi, with her characteristic warmth and enthusiasm, shared anecdotes from her life, weaving a narrative that captivated not only the interviewers but also the audience that had gathered around them, eager to catch a glimpse of the woman behind the words.
As she settled into the book signing, enveloped by the buzz of eager readers and the delightful aroma of fresh ink on paper, she reflected on the journey that brought her to this moment. The room was alive with the sound of laughter and chatter, the rustle of pages being turned, and the occasional gasp of excitement as fans spotted their favorite titles. Aditi felt a swell of gratitude as she looked around, taking in the vibrant atmosphere that surrounded her.
Aditi began her writing journey at the age of 15 while in the hospital, initially as a hobby. It was a time of uncertainty and fear, but writing became her refuge, a way to escape the sterile walls and the beeping machines. What started as a pastime soon blossomed into a deep passion, as she discovered the power of storytelling to transport her to different worlds and to express her innermost thoughts and feelings. With each word she penned, her confidence grew, and what was once a simple distraction transformed into a burning desire to share her stories with the world. Eventually, this passion became her career, leading her to pursue writing full-time.
Now at 24, she has authored and published four new books, each one a testament to her growth as a writer and as a person. The stories she crafted were not just tales; they were reflections of her experiences, her dreams, and the lessons she had learned along the way. Each book held a piece of her heart, and she felt a profound connection to her readers, knowing that her words had the power to resonate with them in ways she could only imagine.
Fans eagerly formed a line to have their books signed by her, their faces alight with anticipation. This was the most exciting part of the event, allowing attendees to meet her face-to-face, share a few words, and receive personalized messages in their books. Aditi loved this interaction; it was a chance to connect with the very people who had embraced her work and made her journey possible. She listened intently as they shared their thoughts on her stories.