Ananya-Akash OS: A New Beginning

"Oh Crap..." Ananya murmured when she saw her schedule for the week. She was scheduled for 3 consecutive flights with Capt Akash Saluja. Even the thought of nearly spending the whole week flying with her foe made her sick. He scrutinize her every move, his sarcasm provokes her and makes her jittery but she was grateful that her experience in life made it easier for her to maintain the straight look else he would her prey on her till she breaks. Despite all the sarcasm and attitude he had, he was exceptionally helpful when she turned to him for the cocaine fiasco and she still can't understand why he took back his complaint. She wasn't sure whether he accepted his defeat or was he planning for a bigger revenge. Her heart choose to believe the latter, reminding her to be on her toes whenever she was with Capt Saluja or anyone who was closely associated with him - which narrows down to almost everyone.

"Good Morning First Officer Ranawat" she heard a familiar voice breaking her from her thoughts. "Good morning Capt "she replied solemnly as she turned around to see Capt Saluja checking his schedule. "Ahhh, this explains the enthusiasm in your voice Officer. The feeling is mutual Officer Ranawat" Akash replied without bothering to look up to her. Ananya silently prayed for courage to endure the week, she has landed herself in enough mess for the time being. She is definitely not in the good book of the association for overruling their order to fly despite the strike. Capt Rathore has sworn to make her life a living hell for disobeying him. She nearly jeopardized her job that she couldn't afford to loss just to saving an innocent life, her humanity overruled her professionalism. Her phone beeped, her lips slowly craved into a smile and her eyes were glazed when she read the message. Her heart felt so contented, it gave her a new surge of hope. "Did they cancel your flights with me?" Akash mocked her when he noticed the sudden change of mood in Ananya. She would have given him a dose of his own medicine but the news took away all the bitterness in her. She looked up, meeting his eyes and she replied with contentment "The boy is progressing well. He should be out of hospital in a week's time. Will see you in the flight soon Capt." she replied him and walked out of the office with renewed confidence.

"Ajeeb ladki" Akash smiled to himself. Ananya was indeed a new experience for him. He was so used to having his co-staffs being at his service for being the most eligible pilot on Inde Airs, something that made his male colleagues brew in jealousy. His first encounter with Ananya bruised his ego when she refused to let him take charge. He vowed to make her repent for her mistakes until he spoke to Capt Verma. Capt Verma was more of a mentor for Akash rather than his senior whom he fondly addresses as Chief. Capt Verma changed his perception towards Ananya, Akash begun to notice the truth behind his words when he noticed the young docile, caring, emotional and enthusiastic young lady who is carrying the dreams and responsibility of her family on her shoulder at a very young age. She tries to portray a straight, stern & professional outlook but her emotion tends to overrule her at times just like how tears glazed her eyes when she read the message. His admiration for her grew every time he flew with her, which he successfully concealed with his sarcasm. He was definitely more experience and matured in handling his emotions. "It's going to be an interesting week Akash" as he smiled to himself, grabbed his stuffs and headed off to join Ananya.

Ananya first flight was not as bad as she dreaded with Natasha-Akash combination. Somehow Akash manage to keep Natasha glued to him, minimizing her acidic taunts towards her which she was grateful for. The Delhi-Mumbai-Delhi went smoothly except for Akash's occasional sarcasm which reminded her that she was indeed flying with the devil.

As Ananya was getting ready to wrap up her day, Natasha cornered her. "Could I have a word with you First Officer Ranawat, I won't take much of your time" Natasha intentionally emphasized her salutation which always irks Ananya. "Sure Natasha" Ananya replied and walked behind Natasha. Natasha chose a secluded table at the corner of the cafe and impatiently waited for the waiter to serve their coffee as she didn't want interruption. "Look Ananya, oops I meant First Officer Ananya Ranawat! I don't know what you have rolled up on your sleeves but I just want you to stay away from Akash." Natasha's words made Ananya choke on her coffee. "What do you mean Natasha? I don't have control over who I fly with!" Ananya defended herself being completely annoyed with Natasha's baseless accusation. "Oh really! Too bad, I'm smarter that you think of me. You think I will never be able to pry on your plans? First you played your cards well to make Akash withdraw his case against you, now you made him go against his friends by agreeing to fly with you first officer Ananya Ranawat! Everyone despises you because of your attitude and ego but I wonder what spell you cast over Akash. Akash never jeopardize his career for anyone but today he not only staked his career but also his friendship with his best buddies at work. Why do you think Akash is flying with you for 3 consecutive flights with you this week? It was not schedule arrangement but it was because NOBODY wants to fly with you!" Natasha's words stabbed Ananya. Ananya froze and she was lost for words. "Just remember one thing, Akash is mine. If you tried to play your dirty tricks around him, I would make your life a living hell. I mean every word I utter, so stay off him. Btw don't ever think of confiding this matter with Akash to lure for his sympathy. "she warned Ananya and walked away leaving Ananya shattered.

Tears were welling up in her eyes, Ananya rushed to the washroom before she broke down. She knew she had hurdles to face professionally to prove her credibility as a pilot but she never anticipated that her character would be tainted. Ananya didn't try to stop her tears, she let it flow hoping it will to wash away her pain. The golden spark from the pin that she proudly holds by her heart caught her eyes. It reminded her that she is a warrior. Her Nanu's words played in her mind; a true warrior is strong physically and emotionally. Look at every hurdle as a step closer to your goal and turn every taunt to be your mantra to success. Ananya took a deep breath, she gathered herself again. She splashed the cold water on her face, washing away her tears and the clutter that clouded her mind temporarily. She would stand by her principles in life; she would walk the path of success with dignity not by taking shortcuts which compromised her beliefs. She will face what it takes to prove her credibility to everyone who doubted her. As for Akash, she didn't know the reason behind his sudden change of heart towards her but nothing will make her change her perception on him. He is nothing but a co-worker for her; she will make sure it stays that way. Ananya tolerated Natasha's nonsense once but that doesn't mean she will tolerate her all the time. Natasha will just need to find another way to deal with her insecurities with Akash, not by trying to intimidate her. With that determination, Ananya walked out of the airport ready to face the challenge life has in store for her.

Akash knew something was amiss when he saw Natasha approaching Ananya so he decided to hang around to make sure things were under controlled. He was accustomed to her attics of intimidating anyone whom she regarded as her competitor. Natasha has openly confessed her love for him but it is something that Akash refuse to acknowledge till today, she was nothing more than a friend for him. He noticed Natasha's insecurity the very first day Ananya joined duty. Akash never interfered because she helped him to keep unwanted attention at bay for him but somehow anger engulfed him when he saw Ananya's expression when she ran to the washroom. The sight of her walking out fully composed gave him a surprising surge of relief that he couldn't comprehend. He was happy that she wasn't affected by Natasha. She was indeed a tough nut to crack and that was what he liked about her. Capt Akash Saluja loved the challenge she posed to him and indirectly he enjoyed her company. Akash was equally determined to win her friendship that she refused to offer him.