Anshika's POV

As I pulled into the driveway of our mansion, I could hardly contain the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in my mind. The preparations for the upcoming business event loomed large, and the pressure to make our presentation outstanding weighed heavily on my shoulders. It wasn't just another event; it was an opportunity that could elevate our family business to greater heights. The car came to a stop, and before I could even open the door, Arjun came sprinting towards me, a huge grin plastered across his face.

"Anshika! You won't believe it!" he exclaimed, practically bouncing on his heels.

"What is it?" I asked, curiosity piqued. I stepped out of the car, brushing off the remnants of the chaotic day.

"They just announced it! The event—the Business Leaders Consortium! I am invited!" he shouted, unable to contain his excitement.

My heart raced, both with surprise and a flicker of joy. "Wait, really? You got an invitation?"

He nodded vigorously. "Yeah! I heard Dad talking about it! It's going to be epic!"

I took a moment to let the news sink in. An event that promised unparalleled networking opportunities and the chance to showcase our hard work. But then the realization hit me—Aman would be there too. My rival. My heartbeat quickened, and I could already feel the competitive spark igniting within me.

"That's great, Arjun. This is a huge opportunity for us," I said, trying to keep my tone even.

As we entered the house, I was met by the familiar scent of dinner wafting through the air. The aroma of spices and fresh bread filled the space, instantly making me feel at home. Mom was in the kitchen, her hands busy preparing the final touches on the meal, and I could see Dad reviewing some documents at the dining table.

"Did you hear, Mom? We're invited to the event!" Arjun announced, his enthusiasm infectious.

Mom turned, her expression shifting from curiosity to delight. "That's wonderful news! You two will get to meet so many influential people. I remember when your father and I attended our first big event together." She smiled, her eyes shimmering with nostalgia.

Dad looked up, a proud smile on his face. "This is a great chance for you both. You've been working hard, and it's time to shine."

"Yeah, especially with the new collection," I chimed in, feeling a wave of determination wash over me. "We'll make sure to impress everyone."

As dinner unfolded, we talked animatedly about the upcoming event, the excitement palpable in the air. Yet, beneath my excitement was a simmering tension—facing Aman again was inevitable, and I needed to be ready for whatever tricks he had up his sleeve.

I pushed my food around my plate, deep in thought. Aman had always been a formidable competitor, sharp, unpredictable, and relentless. Every time we crossed paths, it turned into an unspoken battle of wits, skill, and sheer determination. This time, it would be no different. Except, this time, I was determined to win.

Aman's POV

I arrived at the mansion, my mind still racing from the day's meetings. Just as I stepped through the door, I was met with a flurry of activity. Riya rushed towards me, her face alight with excitement, her phone clutched tightly in her hands.

"Aman ! You won't believe this!" she squealed, nearly bouncing off the walls.

"What's going on?" I asked, intrigued and a bit wary.

"I am invited to the Business Leaders Consortium event! It's going to be huge!" she exclaimed, barely able to contain her joy.

My eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Really? That's fantastic news!"

She nodded enthusiastically. "I overheard Mom and Dad talking about this. This is a chance for us to meet some of the best in the business!"

I couldn't help but smile. The opportunity to network and showcase our work was priceless. But then it hit me—Anshika would be there too. My mind flicked back to our recent encounters, the competition crackling between us like electricity.

"What a coincidence," I muttered, my heart quickening at the thought.

As we entered the living room, Dad looked up from his paperwork, a proud smile on his face. "I just heard the news! You're both going to have a wonderful time," he said.

Riya nodded, her excitement unabated. "We have to plan what we're going to wear! I want to make a statement!"

I chuckled, enjoying her enthusiasm. "I think we'll both need to make an impression. Let's just hope Anshika doesn't pull any tricks."

Riya looked at me, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Maybe you should outshine her this time!"

"Count on it," I replied, feeling a surge of competitive fire. The game was on, and I wasn't about to back down.

As dinner progressed, I shared my thoughts on the event, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. But I couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that this event could change everything.

Because this wasn't just about business.

It was about proving a point.

Winning wasn't an option—it was the only way forward.