Maya was born in a town called Vrindavan in South India. Vrindavan was a beautiful town with lush green hills and was full of greenery and waterfalls.

Maya woke up to the ring of her alarm at 7 AM. She stopped the alarm and went back to sleep, but soon heard a shout from her father, Manju.

Manju: “Maya, wake up! Breakfast is ready. I am sure you don’t want to be late on the first day of your new school?”

Maya: “Hmm… coming down in 30 mins, Dad.”

Maya got up, made her bed, put on her round glasses, and proceeded to the bathroom to brush her teeth and take a shower.

After her shower, Maya did yoga for 10 minutes every day. She wanted to do more, but she needed to commit to getting up much earlier for that, so she resisted the idea.

Maya comes down and greets her father.

Maya: “Good morning, Papa.” (kisses him on the cheek)

Manju: “Good morning, beta. Here, I made fresh dosas with chutney today—your favorite.”

Maya: “Yummm, Papa, you are the best. Where is Mama?”

Manju: “Oh, you know your Ma. Always the busy doctor. She said there are a lot more patients nowadays at the hospital and they are overwhelmed, so she rushed to the hospital. I am going to pack her lunch; you are going to give it to her on the way to school.”

Maya: “Ok, Papa.”

Manju: “So, my dear Maya, are you ready to take over Dwarka school and win all the top awards?”

Maya: “Sure am, they won’t know what hit them. I am going to score the top marks and win all the competitions in school because you know that’s how I roll.”

Manju: “You make me and your Ma proud.”

Maya: “I know.”

Maya: “Ok Dad, Prakriti just texted to meet me at the meeting spot, I better run. Love the dosas, Papa, and love you too.”

Maya picks up her mother’s lunch from the table and rushes out of her house. Manju, who is now in the kitchen, isn’t sure if Maya finished her breakfast, so he enters the dining room once again.

Manju: “Maya, did you finish your breakfast…?”

(Sees Maya’s plate is empty.)

Manju: “God, that girl is always in a hurry. I hope she didn’t swallow it all without chewing again.”

Maya meets her best friend, Prakriti.

Maya: “Hey Prakriti, how is it going?”

Prakriti (points her finger and places a hand on her hip): “You are late, Maya.”

Maya: “What do you mean? I came as soon as I saw your text.”

Prakriti: “Did you get lost on the way here? I sent you the text 40 minutes ago.”

Maya: “Had to drop off my Ma’s lunch at the hospital.”

Prakriti (folds her arms and huffs): “You could have texted me and told me that.”

Maya: “Oh, Prakriti, what will I do with that temper of yours? Okay, okay, how about this? Let’s get ice cream after school today. My treat.”

Prakriti (calms down): “It has to be from Kwality.”

Maya: “Yes, ma’am.”

Prakriti (hugs Maya): “I missed you so much, how was your summer vacation?”

Maya: “Nothing big, visiting doting grandfather and uncles mostly. I kept up to speed on my studies and well now, I’m ready to set Dwarka ablaze with my wits and intelligence.”

Prakriti: “Gosh, you are so boring. Always thinking of being Number 1 in school. I had a great summer. You won’t believe it but I will be attending a swayamvar.”

Maya: “What, already? You are just 18. What about your university studies?”

Prakriti: “Mom said if we don’t start looking now, all the good men will be taken. We need a suitable housewife after all while I handle the family business.”

Maya: “Still, Prakriti, this is insane. When my mother hears of this she will want to do the same for me, and well, you know how I have to take over the world like Brain would say.”

Prakriti: “Yes, of course,” (rolling her eyes) “this would all be bad for you.”

Maya: “Who is the boy?”

Prakriti: “Tech, man, Maya, a tall muscular black-haired 20-year-old Indian stud. His name is Bilal.”

Maya: “Whoa! Ok, cool down with the description. What’s their weapon of choice? Please, let it not be a bow.”

Prakriti: “Yes, it’s a bow. But hear this, 50 women will be attending to court Bilal. What are the chances, I will get him, huh?”

Maya: “Well, if you want him, you better start training to break magical bows.”

Prakriti: “Where can I get magical bows from, I wonder. Haha.”

Both girls run to their school before they are late.