Anvi's Complaint

Through the heavy rain, Ragini and Anvi somehow managed to reach the hostel.

Their clothes were completely soaked, and Ragini’s face was flushed with irritation. She threw her umbrella into the corner as soon as they entered the room.

"Anvi! Are you crazy? How many times have I told you not to get drenched in the rain, but you never listen!" Ragini scolded, drying her dripping hair with a towel.

Still in her playful mood, Anvi laughed, "Oh, come on, Ragini! You don’t catch a cold from a little rain. Besides, it’s a romantic season. What’s wrong with enjoying it a little?"

Ragini shot her a glare. "Romantic? Thanks to you, my mood is completely ruined. And look at my shoes and bag — they’re drenched!"

With a mischievous smile, Anvi pointed towards the kettle. "Fine, to fix your mood, I’ll make some tea for both of us. Let’s have a cup and relax."

Ragini took a deep breath and muttered, "You’ll never change, Anvi."

"And you’ll never stop worrying!" Anvi laughed.

The tension dissolved as both girls burst into laughter. Despite her annoyance, Ragini knew that Anvi’s carefree spirit always managed to pull her out of her worries. Both of them went to their respective rooms to change.

A Little While Later

When Anvi stepped out of the shower, fresh and glowing, she was surprised to see another girl sitting on the bed, chatting with Ragini.

"Anu!" Anvi exclaimed in delight, her eyes lighting up.

The girl turned around, and a wide smile spread across her face. Anu — Anvi’s best friend and the one she adored like a sister. Anu was about the same height as Anvi, with a dusky complexion, sharp features, and deep, expressive eyes. Her curly shoulder-length hair framed her cheerful face, and her smile was warm and inviting.

Without a second thought, Anvi ran to her and threw her arms around her. The two embraced tightly, giggling like long-lost friends. It was as if two lovers separated by years had finally reunited.

Ragini, witnessing the dramatic reunion, rolled her eyes. "Okay, okay! Now that the lost lovers have reunited, can I have a moment too?"

The three girls laughed, and soon they were all sitting together on the bed.

"Anu, please explain to your darling friend here," Ragini began, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "She just got back from dancing in the rain, flooded the entire hostel corridor, and thanks to her, I got scolded by Rosie Ma’am!"

Anvi gasped dramatically. "Oh, so now you’re a snitch? Anu just arrived, at least let her breathe before you start my complaints!"

Ragini grinned, gently tugging Anvi’s cheek. "What else can I do? You run off with your innocent face, and I’m the one stuck listening to Ma’am's lectures!"

Anu chuckled. "Some things never change! So, what did she do this time?"

Ragini groaned. "She made the entire hostel floor slippery! Anyone could’ve slipped. And then she had the nerve to ask Rosie Ma’am to ‘teach her how to dry clothes properly!’"

Anvi and Anu burst out laughing.

"Can you believe it?" Ragini went on, though she couldn’t help but smile now. "Ma’am told me — 'Fun has its place, Ragini, but there are rules to follow. If everyone behaved like this, what would happen?' And then she told me to make sure Anvi becomes a bit more responsible."

The laughter echoed through the room, and for a moment, all the annoyance melted away.

Still giggling, Anu teased, "Anvi, you really were in a full adventure mode today!"

Anvi shrugged, smiling sheepishly. "Well, the rain was irresistible. I thought I'd have some fun, but maybe I went a little overboard."

"A little?" Anu mocked. "Rosie Ma’am was storming through the hostel calling out your name!"

Anvi laughed. "Come on! I didn’t mean to create chaos. The water just… followed me!"

Ragini crossed her arms. "And the worst part? My shoes are still wet!"

"Alright, alright! I’ll make it up to you. Tea’s on me," Anvi declared, dramatically holding her head high.

But before Ragini could respond, Anvi pulled her ear teasingly and called her a "snitch" before dashing out to the kitchen.

Watching her disappear, Ragini shook her head and turned to Anu. "See what I deal with? This girl is impossible! Always up to some mischief. But… I must admit, her laughter keeps us all smiling."

Anu smiled knowingly. "That’s true. But hey, remember the last time? The stunt she pulled with those kids — puncturing the tires of an expensive car in the rain? And we never even found out who the poor car owner was!"

Ragini burst into laughter. "Only Anvi could do something like that. And guess what? You’re the only one who can control her!"

Anu grinned. "Don’t worry. I’ve got my little troublemaker under control."

The room was filled with laughter once more, as the warmth of friendship pushed away all the rain-soaked worries.

Meanwhile...

In one of Mumbai’s grand office buildings, the rain lashed against the massive glass windows. The sharp flashes of lightning illuminated the dark sky, while the city below pulsed with restless energy.

Inside the dimly lit CEO’s cabin, the patter of raindrops echoed, yet the man seated at the large oak desk remained unmoved. His piercing eyes stared through the rain-streaked glass, a storm of memories flashing behind them.

The rain wasn’t just rain for him — it was a reminder. A bitter memory that refused to fade. His jaw clenched as the painful recollection lingered.

Just then, a knock on the door snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Come in," he said, his voice low yet commanding.

A young man, about his age, stepped inside. He adjusted his coat nervously and addressed the figure at the desk.

"Sir, it’s time for your podcast appearance. Raghav Sir has already reached the studio for the final checks."

The CEO stood up, his tall frame exuding authority. Without a word, he grabbed his suit jacket and gave a brief nod.

"Get the car," he ordered.

The young man followed, his steps echoing in the silence. As the rain continued its relentless downpour, the CEO walked through the halls, his face unreadable.

Who was this man?

Why did the rain awaken such anguish in him?

And what past did he carry within that hardened heart?

To know more, read my story — "First Rain of Love."

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***