"Tell me, what do you want in exchange for this?" a little girl, clutching the paintbook and paints Jay had thrust into her hands, asked Muskan and Jay with a suspicious glare.

"Muskan... I mean, we just want to ensure your talent doesn't go to waste. You draw nice. So take this and go in the contest." said 16-year-old Jay, his eyes avoiding hers.

"And what's in it for you? You don’t need pictures while giving me this? " she demanded skeptically, her gaze fixed on Jay as if ready to devour him.

The two locked eyes, the intensity of their stares suggesting a fierce battle brewing between their stubborn personalities. Muskan sensed she had to intervene to prevent an impending clash.

"Oho Vishi! When elders give you something, you say thank you, not question them. And Jay, is that any way to talk to a child? Now, both of you, shake hands!" Muskan's intervention marked the beginning of Jay and Vishi's unlikely friendship. It was a bond forged through her efforts, stronger than any blood tie. Yet, ironically, the very relationship built because of Muskan also led to them being apart for ten years.

In the present, Jay and Ted share a bond reminiscent of that old friendship. Ted has filled the void that Jay had carried within himself since he was forced to leave everyone behind ten years ago.

"Come on! Can't I get just one Sunday off?" Jay whined, his voice muffled by the pillow as Ted dragged him out of bed.

"No, you can't. Because of the ruckus you caused yesterday. Time to do penance," Ted grunted as he pulled Jay away from his blanket.

"I don't wanna go, Ted!"

"But you have to go!" Ted insisted, their tug-of-war escalating both verbally and physically as they struggled to make each other understand.

"You love art, right? It'll be fun. It's a competition. You'll enjoy it. Stop being a baby and get out of bed." Ted tried every possible argument to persuade Jay to attend the art competition being held at his mother's gallery.

“First, say 'I love you.’” Jay demanded, peeking out from under his blanket with a mischievous grin.

“Okay, I’ll tell the PR team that you’re not serious about maintaining a public image. Then they’ll inform Mr. Roy, and he’ll take this project away from you. You just keep sleeping.” Ted retorted, his wit as sharp as ever.

“Woah! You’re so evil.” Jay muttered, eyes wide with mock horror.

At the gallery, amidst the flurry of preparations, Vishi seemed visibly stressed. Muskan noticed and began rummaging through her bag.

“Here!” Muskan exclaimed, holding something up in front of Vishi’s eyes.

“Di!” Vishi's excitement was palpable as her stress melted away.

It was a box of colored pencils. This ritual had begun the day Jay gave Vishi a similar box for her first competition, a day that ended with Vishi winning first prize. Since then, before every competition, Muskan took on the responsibility of giving her the colored pencils, a gesture that never failed to calm Vishi’s anxiety and boost her confidence.

Soon, the beginning of the competition was announced, and the judges were introduced. One of the judges was Sheela Roy, the Managing Director of Roy Industries, among 3 other esteemed and well known artists.

All the artists took their respective seats in front of their canvases. After a few words from the judges, the competition began. The theme for the art was "success." Without any further ado, the participants began weaving their magic, each brushstroke bringing their unique visions of success to life.

“Ugh! Mom and her obsession with success. Let’s see who’ll please her eyes today.” Jay muttered, watching the excitement of the competition from the sidelines.