After winning the match, things around me started changing drastically. It was too noticeable that Joshua was even more popular, which was the default scenario. Everyone was praising him, which he deserved. Our coach was very happy; winning the game meant a lot to him, and he had become one of Joshua's biggest fans.
'My friends' over the period had become 'Joshua's friends,' now they are 'our friends,' and they had started giving more preference to Joshua. Once again, because he was the star of our college, no decision was made without the consent of Joshua. At least there must be one round of discussion; for sure, he had everyone at his fingertips. Approaches were more, his fan base was bigger, and his admirers were too many, from juniors to seniors.
Joshua was intelligent, and that was the highlight when he joined our college in the middle of the semester by clearing two entrance exams. Now he had become the professor's favorite when semester results came out; he was at the top of our class, and I was pushed to second place. Oh, sorry, it was due to my performance.
There were too many distractions that took place, and the distraction's name was Joshua. Regardless of these developments, Joshua was treating me the same way, always giving preference to me and not giving a damn to anyone. It looks like I found my 'Prince Charming. Whatever changes were happening, I didn't take it as a big deal, and most importantly, every bit of change was deserved by Joshua.
My personal life was the same: my parents most of the time would be on business trips if they were at home; my dad would find time to ask about my studies and other extra classes that I have enrolled in. My mom would be busy throwing a party or attending one, or she liked spending money—shopping was her favorite thing, and she would find some occasion to spend money—and my sister was busy in her own world, not giving a damn to any of us. These things happening around me make me think of Joshua even more: his concern and his warm words. Before knowing anything about me, he had approached me, which only made my feelings stronger toward him. I need Joshua in my life; I need his presence, which gives me hope to lead my life no matter what. I need someone to depend on, and that could be only Joshua; no one else can take his place. I have known him for a few months, but his existence started giving meaning to my life, which is strange.
It was a family dinner weekend. I didn't think twice before inviting Joshua; it was a perfect time. After getting my dad's permission, I invited him. I was anxious; I was going to introduce him as a friend. Still, I was nervous, not because it was a big deal, but with my dad, everything was. If he sensed something was going on between us, he would kick Joshua out within a second. I don't want that to happen, in any case. Why the hell am I distressed? It was Joshua; he would handle everything; he had that power.
I was waiting in the hall for Joshua. Everyone was at the dining table, and Joshua was on time. Somehow, I was relieved after seeing his smiling face, and I was bloody excited. "Hey, am I late?" "No, on time. Come; everyone is waiting. I have informed my dad." "That's good. C'mon, let's go." With that, I guided him towards the dining table. Both of my parents were discussing something, and my sister was scrolling on her phone.
"Hey everyone, this is Joshua Winfield, a close friend of mine from college." I turned toward Joshua and started introducing one by one. "Hey Josh, meet my dad, Benjamin Russell; my mom, Evelyn; and my sister, Maria."
Joshua politely nodded at everyone, and with a soft smile, he spoke. "Hi, it was a pleasure meeting you all, Mr. Russell. You are my idol. I am a big fan of yours and a follower." My dad was excited for some reason. "You are the son of 'William Winfield,' the mysterious billionaire who owns a stake in many reputed companies and runs a chain of hotel businesses. I tried to contact him so many times. It seems he was so busy. I met him at a few parties but couldn't have any conversation with him. I am really glad you joined us for dinner." "Thank you for your invite; yes, my dad is a very busy person as a famous business magnate, as you know better, but I am your follower; I like your business tactics and strategies." My dad started beaming with smile and was proud.
"Thank you, I am really glad to hear this from young guys like you; if possible, I would like to meet your dad someday." "Sure, I will discuss it with him for you." "Thank you, that would be great, so you both have taken the same combination, I guess." "Yes." "That's good; my son requires positive influencers like you young people around him. So, what is your plan, young man, to follow in your dad's footsteps and take over his business?" "No, not really. For now, I am thinking of graduating soon, like a year or two years before. My GPA is good, and I have prepared a business project worth millions of dollars that has been approved by the company where I was doing an internship and also by our college. So, for now, after graduating I will be working for the biggest company, that's it. Later, I am thinking of taking over my dad's business." I was dumfounded on the spot and shock is the least thing I am feeling right now including my whole family.
"What? You are 17, right?" "Yes, I am. I had always had this business mindset, I guess, because of my father, so for graduating soon, I was preparing this project for 2 to 3 years; thank God it was approved." My dad was very proud, and I didn't know how to take this whole thing. "Preparing a business project worth millions together requires a hell of an experience. You got passion, my boy; I am really impressed. If only my son were optimistic and enthusiastic like you, we should keep meeting, and join us whenever possible, Joshua." "Thank you, and of course, I will." "Good, please have your dinner."
After Joshua shared everything, my mom and sister were also curious about him. I was dumbfounded; he was going to graduate before us and had planned everything about his future. Here, I didn't know whether I wanted to run a company like my father or not. My dad chose courses and told me to study. I am doing that. Whether I will be successful or a failure, God knows, and to conclude, I don't know what I want to become. I am turning 18 and am not able to find out what I really like or what I am good at. I can't choose any other path other than my father's. I still have not made up my mind to run his company, and I am going to be a big failure if this is the case.
How much do I know about Joshua? We don't discuss anything about studies, like no circumstances have arisen till now, but I couldn't help but accept that Joshua was more brilliant than me; I was in fact nothing, and my dad was pouring money on me for nothing. There was no competition between us, but if there was one, we knew who the winner would be. This 'inferiority complex' started enveloping me. At our first meeting, my dad was impressed and started to take a liking to Joshua, and my mom was pretty much the same. What was eating me more was my sister and her sudden interest in Joshua. Many friends of mine have visited my home, and most have a crush on her, but she didn't give a damn to anyone, not even a friendly gesture. In one meeting, she was questioning Joshua so much with interest that it was too much to digest for the day.
Dinner went bloody well; my dad was impressed by Joshua, and yes, Joshua kept his word.
After finishing dinner, we were outside. I couldn't hold it any longer, so I spoke. "You are graduating soon; I didn't have a clue." "We don't discuss these things, right? You are always busy. When we get time, we will be busy with other things, so yeah, I am graduating sooner." "I didn't know you were followers of my dad." "Trust me, I am his huge fan; he is my idol. Because of him, I gained so much interest in the business; don't think I approached you because of him; I don't know anything about your dad's personal life." "No, I am not thinking that way; I was shocked to hear," "Hmmm, dinner went well, and I kept my word; you better make up your mind soon; I am not going to take 'no' as an answer." I chuckled at that. "Yeah, I know it's getting late; you should go; we will meet tomorrow." "Yeah, right, I will get going; good night." "Good night, drive safe." "I will."
After bidding goodbye to Joshua, I made my way towards my room. Still in a daze, I was more impressed than my dad. If I tried to find something negative about Joshua, I would find nothing. How can a person be so perfect? And most important, how the hell did I get so lucky?