Voice

“Haha, it was a real funny scene, Vihaan. You have to agree with me here. That childish voice of yours makes me laugh even today,” laughed Ananya.

Vihaan looked embarrassed. He wittily looked at her.

“It wasn't that funny, dude. You have to stop talking about it.”

“No, I won't. If there's something about you that will make me laugh, it's this thing. I won't stop joking about it,” teased Ananya.

“Fine. I'll find something funnier about you and make a joke out of it. Just wait and watch, baby,” said Vihaan with a devilish grin.

“Okay. All jokes apart. How is your Dad now?”

“Yeah, he's getting better, I hope. You can't really predict what will happen, you know?”

“I can understand. But we can always hope. Hope for a better future. Hope for a better life. Hope for everything,” smiled Ananya.

Vihaan looked at Ananya and smiled.

“Yes, we can definitely hope,” said Vihaan.

Vihaan really enjoyed being with Ananya. She was the one who made him forget his sorrows. She made him feel alive. She made him believe in the world, and in himself, when everyone else was skeptical of his decision.

Being the branch manager of one of the most reputed banks of India, Vihaan didn't have to submit an application letter whenever he wanted a day off. He would take the advantage of his position and get away from the monotonous work for a few hours and utilise that time in being with Ananya.

Vihaan had been with Ananya for two years now. He helped her with everything. Her family was really fond of how Vihaan and Ananya seemed to connect on their first date itself. They had a real connection, with absolutely no flaws whatsoever.

While Vihaan was twenty four years old, Ananya was just one year younger than him.

“I still don't get it. How is it possible for you to become a branch manager at such a young age?” asked Ananya with curiosity.

“Can't I become one at such a young age?”

“That's really difficult. That's why I'm asking, how is it possible?”

“Talent, boss. Talent,” said Vihaan proudly.

“Stop it, now. I am seriously getting tired of all your stupid jokes.”

“Okay, fine. I won't brag,” saying this, Vihaan stayed quiet for a while, until Ananya spoke.

“See? If I tell you to stop bragging, you don't have anything else left to say.”

“Oh, come on. I was just busy thinking something else.”

“Shut up, and tell me the real reason,” said Ananya.

“It's simple, re. With the help of a few inside connections. My mom's friend was the previous manager, and she recommended my name for the post while I was working there. I had to maintain myself properly, without any bad past experiences. And then, I got the job.”

“Isn't it unfair to those who actually deserve the position?”

“Umm, yeah. It is. But this was the only way I could earn a higher amount of money so that I can cover my dad's expenses. I didn't want to resort to any illegal means of earning money, so…”

“Yeah, yeah, I get that. It's fine. I was just teasing you, haha.”

“ANANYA!” Vihaan playfully shouted.

Ananya laughed. Seeing her laugh with that amount of innocence showing up on her face, Vihaan couldn't help but smile.

“Don't you need to revise or something?” asked Vihaan.

“Nope. I have heard everything properly. I'm sure I'll be able to recollect everything. I don't want to confuse myself at the last moment.”

“Okay, cool. Let's go now? It's already 10:45. The ring will go off in five minutes. Let's get you prepared.”

“Thank you, Vihaan. You really are a gem. It's so hard to find someone like you these days.”

“Come on, Ananya. It's not a big deal. Infact, helping you really makes me happy. I feel proud of myself, and that is rare, very rare.”

“I really appreciate you taking a day off and helping me with my papers.”

“Compliments later, let's first get into the classroom,” saying this, Vihaan held her hand, and guided her to her classroom, where he sat beside her. She was the voice. He was the sword.