DAY 01

SCENE 01- THE DECISION

I come home, bushed. Hair sticking in all directions. If my husband were sober and funny like the old times, he’d joke about it. Probably make tea too. But that’s fantasy now.

“Did you water the plants?” I ask, as I sling off my bag, while talking to Ashish who is sprawled on the couch with chips bowl and beer, as he hums lazily. I look out to the balcony. I fume.

“The leaves are withering! How long have you not watered them!?”

He slams the bowl to the table. “Who cares!? We hardly have time for ourselves! And I’m busy too!”

“They were gifted by my mother as our wedding gift! And how busy are you!? You hardly get out much!”

“Our marriage is falling apart, Ananya! What use is the gift anyways!?”

I go still. Tears pool in my eyes. I can’t believe he’d give up on us so easily. 12 years since high school. And this is what we've become.  The truth sits heavy in my chest- the child we could never conceive, the stretching silence, the loud distance. 
 I’ve been working two jobs since then—to get over the bitter reality, but I just wish I had him by my side. I exhale sharply

“I’m going to start afresh tomorrow. I’ve applied to ABC Network as news anchor. It’ll keep us afloat and at least ditch the eviction notice for 3 years.”

Ashish scoffs. “Yeah. And I should just sit here. I don’t know why I haven’t drafted divorce papers yet.”


SCENE 02-THE START

I’m dressed in a neat second-hand Gucci blazer I managed to grab at a local thrift store. I’m reading my resume once, waiting my turn. A girl comes out crying. I blink, stifling in fear…
 “Great… great motivation.” I get up, straightening my coat, adjusting, as I walk in.

“Good morning, sir.” I enter. A tall, lanky man wearing a simple white shirt and denims, wearing round spectacles, looks up at me.


“Ananya Rao,” he says, scanning my resume. “Interesting profile. Strong academic background… but a gap.”

I nod. "I'm updated with industry trends, sir. And I think you should asses a candidate based on their skill than a defined degree. I promise you, you won't be disappointed." 

“This job isn’t easy,” he says. “Unpredictable hours. High pressure. Sometimes… unreasonable demands.”

I nod "A diamond is built from high pressure, sir. But I won't burn myself out in the process too. I'd learn to say no sometimes." 

He scans me, assesing. Calculating. "Most candidates say yes to everything. Id love to see you try your motto here. Can we start tomorrow? 


SCENE 03- CHALLENGES AND ETHICS

The office smells like polished floors and ambition. I take a breath in, as I enter. Today the CEO- Meera Kapoor is coming to visit. Colleagues whispering about adjusting their makeup or hair. 

She enters. Heels announcing her arrival in every click. All heads snap up straight. She doesn't introduce. No sweet smiles and polite hellos. 

"Reports. I've got news about Kim Kardashian is coming to Dubai. Who's our reporter?" 

"Lily Katherine, maam. She's on Kim's flight." 

The day goes on, buzzing. Segments, scripts, edits. And i keep waiting for my chance. 

"Sir- can I try-" 

"No- you're new. I don't want a newbie handling this" 

New. That word keeps chasing me all day. I exhale, going back to arranging files. At least give me a chance!! 


-- 
That night- I'm the last person burning the midnight oil. I stretch a little, shutting down the computer, picking up my keys. 

"It's late, sunshine. You shouldn't go alone" a sharp voice echoes. 

I turn around. There he is- Rohan Kapoor. Meera's brother. Muscular, flirt, playboy- 'swoon worthy' voice as I recall one of my female friends exaggerating on it. I roll my eyes subtly. 

"It's fine. I'll book a cab, sir." 

He walks closer. Footsteps echoing. 
"I've seen this a lot. Women burn themselves out just to shine." He leans closer, voice shuddering a breath near my ear, as he whispers.

"I'll make things easier for you. Be with me.  You'll get anything you want. Position. Power. Money." His hands hover on my waist, waiting for my response. 

I turn. "Sir I'm a woman who knows my dignity comes first. Even if my job requires me to wait, it just means the right door hasn't opened yet. That doesn't mean I'll step into the shadows of the dark thinking the grass is greener on the other side." 

He looks at me, calculating. No one has ever told him a no. That was clear

"We'll see how long you last then, little doll. " 



SCENE 04- THE GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY 

I stand tall in my formals- mike in hand, a beaming smile on my face. 

"Good evening, welcome to ABC NETWORK! I'm Ananya Ashish, reporting live from Chennai!" 

I go on- reading from the teleprompter, style of my own, furnished by preparation.  The CEO stares impressed. 

"She's the new one. Most candidates don't last phase 1 in our company. She already made it live on the big screen!" Her assistant prompts. She nods. 

"Hard work never fails you." She smiles, as I finish off the last prompting line." 

"Signing off, Your Ananya from ABC!" 



SCENE 05- RECONCILIATION - LEARNING TO FORGIVE 

I'm packing my bags, my files and reports, getting ready for work. Ashish steps forward, hesitant. 

".. Tea?" 

I look up, stunned, watching him, hair disheveled, eyes sunken, holding two tea glasses. I pick one, unsure, sipping it carefully "...Thanks" 

He nods subtly, eyes unable to meet mine. He exhales sharply, mustering courage. 

"I miss you, Ananya. I miss us. I...don't care if we don't have a child. We can adopt one. I- I just couldn't accept it-But I know that's not true. I know I'm wrong. I promise to be there for you from now on- I...just want us back...I'm so sorry-" 

Tearfully, i jump into a hug with him, laughing softly. 

For the first time- this feels like home.