Maya's heart pounded in her chest as she zipped up her suitcase, her palms slick with sweat. Her eyes darted around the room, making sure she hadn't forgotten anything. A wave of anticipation washed over her; it was her first time traveling alone, and the thrill of it was tinged with a shadow of fear.

Her roommate Priya, an eternal optimist with a laugh that echoed off the walls of their shared room, watched her with teasing eyes. "My, my, Maya. One would think you're packing for a battlefront, not a wellness convention," she quipped, lounging on her bed with a broad grin on her face.

Maya rolled her eyes, a half-smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "In some ways, it feels like it," she responded, her voice carrying a hint of weariness.

Priya sat up, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You're taking this way too seriously. Relax, it's a convention, not a life-or-death situation. Who knows, maybe you'll meet your prince charming there," she said, waggling her eyebrows suggestively.

The comment elicited a soft chuckle from Maya, but her face flushed at the thought. She turned away, hiding her blush. "I'm not looking for a prince, Priya," she retorted, her voice steady. "Princes are young, naive, and overrated. They're... well, they're like boys."

Priya's laughter filled the room. "Oh, I see! So, you want a king then? Someone older, wiser, and more mature?" she asked, her voice filled with amusement.

Maya paused, considering Priya's words. "I guess you could say that," she finally said, her voice soft. "But more than that, I want someone who's real, someone who's seen the world and knows its harsh realities. Not some fairy tale prince who’s been wrapped in cotton wool all his life."

The room fell silent as Priya considered Maya’s words. "Well, you never know, Maya. Delhi is a big city. Your king might be waiting for you there," she said, her voice softer now, the jest replaced by a hint of sincerity.

Maya sighed, a half-smile on her face as she finished packing. "I'm not going to Delhi to find a king, Priya. I'm going there to find myself," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "And nothing, not even a king, is going to distract me from that."

The train to Delhi trundled through the verdant plains, the scenic vistas of the Indian countryside providing a soothing backdrop for Maya's tumultuous thoughts. She was seated by the window, her eyes tracing the moving scenery, the lush green fields dotted with cattle, the quaint little huts, children running alongside the train tracks, their laughter and excited waves swallowed by the roaring of the train.

Priya's words still echoed in her mind, the playful suggestion of a 'prince charming' causing an unwanted flutter in her chest. "Don't be ridiculous, Maya," she scolded herself, shaking her head as if to physically rid herself of the thought. Romance and such foolishness were distractions, she decided, unnecessary detours on her carefully planned road to success.

Her train compartment was a microcosm of the diversity of India. A family of five, chattering away in a dialect Maya couldn't understand, a middle-aged woman engrossed in a worn-out paperback, a young couple stealing glances when they thought no one was looking. Maya observed them all, a silent spectator, her keen eyes drinking in the details, storing them away in the corners of her mind.

Despite the cacophony of voices, the clatter of the train, and the constant movement, Maya found a strange sense of tranquillity. Perhaps it was the knowledge that she was finally stepping out of her comfort zone, heading towards an experience that promised growth, learning, and hopefully, a sense of freedom.

As the train sped into the fading twilight, Maya leaned against the window, her eyes fixed on the play of colors in the vast sky, the sun slowly being swallowed by the horizon. And for the first time in a long while, she allowed herself a tiny sliver of hope, a hope that maybe, just maybe, her dreams weren't too far out of reach.

As the train pulled into the bustling New Delhi Railway Station, Maya took a moment to brace herself for the sensory assault that was about to ensue. The air was thick with the smell of a thousand different street foods, the sound of honking cars, rickshaw bells, and the clamor of the busy city. It was a far cry from the quiet of her college town, and Maya felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins.

She hailed a cab, her luggage in tow, and gave the driver the address of her hotel. The driver, a middle-aged man with a kind smile and twinkling eyes, nodded knowingly. "Ah, the wellness convention. You're the fourth person I'm dropping off for that event today," he said, maneuvering the taxi expertly through the chaotic Delhi traffic.

Maya felt a jolt of nervous energy at his words, her heart pounding a little faster. "That many people?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She had expected the convention to be big, but the reality was beginning to sink in.

The driver glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his eyes softening as he caught sight of her apprehensive expression. "Don't worry, madam. Delhi can be a little overwhelming at first, but you'll get the hang of it. And I'm sure you'll do great at the convention."

Maya offered him a tentative smile, his words doing little to quell the butterflies in her stomach. "Thank you," she murmured, turning her attention back to the window.

As they weaved their way through the city, Maya watched the world outside with wide-eyed curiosity. Delhi was a city of contrasts, where the old coexisted with the new in a chaotic, yet harmonious blend. Ancient monuments stood tall amidst modern high-rises, street vendors hawked their wares next to glitzy shopping malls, the rich tapestry of its culture displayed at every turn. It was a city that was teeming with life, and Maya couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation. This was where her journey was beginning, and she was ready for whatever lay ahead.

The taxi pulled up in front of her hotel, a modest establishment nestled among a row of similar buildings. Maya paid the fare and thanked the driver for his words of encouragement, her heart still fluttering with a mix of apprehension and excitement. She was here, in Delhi, ready to embark on an adventure of self-discovery and growth. And she couldn't wait to see what the city had in store for her.

Maya walked into the hotel lobby, the cool blast of the air conditioning a welcome relief from the sweltering Delhi heat. The receptionist, a young woman with a friendly smile, checked her in and handed her a keycard. "You're here for the wellness convention, right? We're hosting a dinner for all the attendees this evening. It's a great opportunity to mingle and meet other people from your field," she said, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiled.

Maya nodded, clutching the keycard tightly in her hand. "I'll keep that in mind, thank you," she replied, her voice shaky with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. The thought of being surrounded by so many strangers was daunting, but she reminded herself that this was a chance to learn and grow.

The receptionist led her to the elevator, and soon Maya was stepping into her room. It was modest, but clean and comfortable, with a large window that overlooked the bustling city below. It was a far cry from her cramped hostel room, and Maya felt a sense of freedom wash over her as she dropped her bag and flopped onto the plush bed. She could do whatever she wanted here, with no one to judge or criticize her.

For a moment, she considered taking a nap, her body still weary from the long train ride. But the thrill of being in a new city and the anticipation of the convention kept her awake. Instead, she decided to unpack and plan her outfit for the dinner.

Maya's heart pounded with a mix of excitement and anxiety as she moved toward her suitcase. She unzipped it and started pulling out various outfits she had packed for the convention.

First, she tried a modest salwar kameez, its fabric soft and comfortable against her skin. She admired herself in the mirror, but the reflection staring back at her was too familiar, too reminiscent of her daily life back in Lucknow.

Next, she tried on a formal western dress, its pencil skirt hugging her hips, its blouse neat and buttoned. She looked professional, ready for a business meeting, not a social gathering. It didn’t spark the excitement she was looking for.

Then, she pulled out a casual outfit – a pair of jeans and a simple top. It was comfortable, and practical but lacked the flair she wanted for this event.

Finally, her hands drifted towards a dress she had bought on a whim but had never found the occasion to wear. It was a little black dress, its fabric clinging seductively to her body, the neckline plunging just enough to be daring, the hem flirting with the middle of her thigh. As she slipped it on, she felt a shift in her demeanor.

She looked at herself in the mirror, and for a moment, she saw a different version of herself. She was no longer Maya, the diligent student, the disciplined young woman who followed routines and schedules. She was Maya, the alluring woman who was unafraid to embrace her femininity and sensuality. She looked sexy, and she felt sexy. A rush of adrenaline coursed through her as she admired her reflection.

However, as intoxicating as this feeling was, she felt a twinge of apprehension. Was she ready to step out of her comfort zone and embrace this side of herself? Tonight, in a city far from home, among strangers, was she ready to reveal this Maya to the world?

With a sigh, she took off the dress and hung it back in the closet, promising herself that one day, she'd find the courage to wear it. For now, she chose a sophisticated midi dress in a soft shade of blue. Its cut was flattering, highlighting her slender figure without being overtly revealing, and its color complimented her complexion.

Caught in the midst of her wardrobe dilemma, Maya almost jumped at the unexpected knock on her room door. Startled, she walked over and pulled the door open to find a woman standing there. She was tall, her skin a rich shade of caramel that seemed to glow under the warm lights. Her hair, a cascade of dark curls, fell over her shoulders, framing a face that could only be described as captivating.

"Hey, you must be Maya!" The woman extended a hand with a wide grin, her voice smooth and filled with warmth. "I'm Aisha. We are room neighbors, and I couldn't help but notice that you arrived today."

Maya found herself captivated by Aisha's confidence, her easy charm. "Yes, that's me," she replied, shaking Aisha's hand, suddenly feeling a bit self-conscious about her own appearance.

Aisha's gaze drifted over Maya's shoulder to the outfits spread out on the bed. "Prepping for the convention dinner tonight?" she asked, her gaze landing on the little black dress at the end.

Maya blinked, then glanced back at the dress, her cheeks heating. "Um, yeah. I'm not sure what to wear, though."

Aisha stepped into the room, her eyes still on the black dress. "Well," she said, picking it up and holding it against Maya. "I think you'd look stunning in this. But," she added, winking at Maya, "I also think you'd look stunning in anything."

Maya felt a strange flutter in her stomach. Aisha's boldness was disconcerting, yet incredibly refreshing. She wasn't used to this kind of attention, especially from someone who seemed so... self-assured. It was magnetic, and for the first time, Maya found herself not just drawn to it, but eager to bask in it.

Maya didn't quite know how to respond to Aisha's candidness. She looked down at the black dress in Aisha's hands, then back at Aisha, her eyes wide. "Do you really think so?" she asked, the question sounding more like a whisper.

Aisha's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Absolutely. You have a great body, Maya. Don't be afraid to show it off a bit." She hung the dress back on the wardrobe door, her gaze holding Maya's. "And besides, this is Delhi. It's time to let loose, have a little fun."

At that, Maya couldn't help but laugh. It was a soft, tinkling sound that filled the small room. Aisha was right. She was in Delhi, away from the confines of her college, her restrictive hostel life. This was her time to explore, to experience new things. And if that meant stepping out of her comfort zone, then so be it.

The hours leading up to the dinner were a whirlwind. Maya found herself caught up in Aisha's energy, her vibrancy. They spoke about everything, from their shared interest in wellness to their hometowns. Aisha, it turned out, was from Mumbai, a city Maya had always dreamed of visiting.

As they got ready for the dinner, Maya found herself gravitating towards the black dress. It was daring, far more revealing than anything she'd ever worn. But there was something about it, something about the way Aisha had looked at her when she'd held it against her, that made Maya want to take the risk.

With Aisha's help, Maya styled her hair and did her makeup. When she finally stepped into the black dress, she couldn't help the gasp that escaped her lips. The fabric clung to her in all the right places, accentuating her curves, making her feel more confident, more beautiful than she'd ever felt before. She looked at herself in the mirror, her heart pounding in her chest. This was a new Maya, a Maya she wanted to get to know better.

As they made their way to the dinner, Aisha looped her arm through Maya's. "Remember, Maya," she said, her voice low and encouraging. "This is your time. Embrace it."

And as they walked into the bustling dining hall, the sounds of chatter and laughter filling her ears, Maya felt a strange sense of belonging. This was where she was meant to be. This was her time. And she was ready to embrace it.

The dining hall was a buzz with conversation and laughter, the air infused with the tantalizing scent of an array of dishes that had been laid out for dinner. Maya took a deep breath, taking in the sights and sounds, her heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. As she looked around, she could see people from various walks of life, all sharing a common interest - wellness.

She spotted a couple of familiar faces from her college, but she felt oddly distant from them. Her gaze skimmed over them and instead fell on the unfamiliar faces. This was a new chapter in her life, and she wanted to fill it with new experiences and relationships.

Aisha, still holding onto Maya's arm, leaned in and whispered, "You okay?" Her voice was soft, concerned.

Maya looked at her and nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Yes, just taking it all in."

Aisha chuckled, the sound of her laughter blending with the soft hum of conversations around them. "Don't worry, you'll do great. Just be yourself," she said, giving Maya's arm a gentle squeeze.

With that, they moved towards the buffet tables, the variety of dishes making Maya's mouth water. As she piled her plate with food, she couldn't help but marvel at the spread. It was a mix of cuisines from across India, reflecting the diversity of the nation in a delicious array of colors and flavors.

After filling their plates, Aisha guided her toward a table where a few other attendees were already seated. Maya took a deep breath, steeling herself for the introductions. One by one, Aisha introduced her to the group - a naturopath from Chennai, a yoga instructor from Goa, a nutritionist from Bengaluru, and a wellness blogger from Mumbai.

Maya felt a flutter of nervousness in her stomach as she exchanged pleasantries and shared a bit about herself. But as the conversation flowed, she found herself relaxing. They were all passionate about wellness, their eyes lighting up as they shared their experiences and perspectives. It was exhilarating, the energy at the table palpable and infectious.

As the evening progressed, Maya found herself enjoying the conversation and the company. The apprehension she had initially felt had faded away, replaced by a feeling of warmth and camaraderie. She listened intently as they spoke, their stories and experiences opening her eyes to the diversity and depth of the wellness field.

At some point during the conversation, the topic shifted to personal wellness journeys. As each person shared their story, Maya felt a sense of admiration for them. They had all faced challenges, made sacrifices, and pushed their boundaries to pursue their passion for wellness. It was inspiring, and Maya felt a strange sense of belonging. Like she was part of a community that understood and appreciated her own journey.

When it was her turn to share, Maya took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. She shared her story - her passion for wellness, her decision to pursue it against the wishes of her family, her struggles in college, and her decision to attend this convention.

The table fell silent as she spoke, everyone listening to her with rapt attention. As she finished, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had never shared her story in such detail before, and it felt liberating.

The first to break the silence was the naturopath from Chennai. He clapped his hands together, a broad smile on his face. "That's quite a story, Maya," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "It's not easy to go against the grain, to pursue what truly makes you happy. I commend you for your courage."

The dining hall was a buzz with conversation and laughter, the air infused with the tantalizing scent of an array of dishes that had been laid out for dinner. Maya took a deep breath, taking in the sights and sounds, her heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. As she looked around, she could see people from various walks of life, all sharing a common interest - wellness.

She spotted a couple of familiar faces from her college, but she felt oddly distant from them. Her gaze skimmed over them and instead fell on the unfamiliar faces. This was a new chapter in her life, and she wanted to fill it with new experiences and relationships.

Aisha, still holding onto Maya's arm, leaned in and whispered, "You okay?" Her voice was soft, concerned.

Maya looked at her and nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Yes, just taking it all in."

Aisha chuckled, the sound of her laughter blending with the soft hum of conversations around them. "Don't worry, you'll do great. Just be yourself," she said, giving Maya's arm a gentle squeeze.

With that, they moved towards the buffet tables, the variety of dishes making Maya's mouth water. As she piled her plate with food, she couldn't help but marvel at the spread. It was a mix of cuisines from across India, reflecting the diversity of the nation in a delicious array of colors and flavors.

After filling their plates, Aisha guided her toward a table where a few other attendees were already seated. Maya took a deep breath, steeling herself for the introductions. One by one, Aisha introduced her to the group - a naturopath from Chennai, a yoga instructor from Goa, a nutritionist from Bengaluru, and a wellness blogger from Mumbai.

Maya felt a flutter of nervousness in her stomach as she exchanged pleasantries and shared a bit about herself. But as the conversation flowed, she found herself relaxing. They were all passionate about wellness, their eyes lighting up as they shared their experiences and perspectives. It was exhilarating, the energy at the table palpable and infectious.

As the evening progressed, Maya found herself enjoying the conversation and the company. The apprehension she had initially felt had faded away, replaced by a feeling of warmth and camaraderie. She listened intently as they spoke, their stories and experiences opening her eyes to the diversity and depth of the wellness field.

At some point during the conversation, the topic shifted to personal wellness journeys. As each person shared their story, Maya felt a sense of admiration for them. They had all faced challenges, made sacrifices, and pushed their boundaries to pursue their passion for wellness. It was inspiring, and Maya felt a strange sense of belonging. Like she was part of a community that understood and appreciated her own journey.

When it was her turn to share, Maya took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. She shared her story - her passion for wellness, her decision to pursue it against the wishes of her family, her struggles in college, and her decision to attend this convention.

The table fell silent as she spoke, everyone listening to her with rapt attention. As she finished, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had never shared her story in such detail before, and it felt liberating.

The first to break the silence was the naturopath from Chennai. He clapped his hands together, a broad smile on his face. "That's quite a story, Maya," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "It's not easy to go against the grain, to pursue what truly makes you happy. I commend you for your courage."

The naturopath's compliment set a positive tone for the rest of the dinner. One by one, the others began to open up, sharing their own stories and experiences. A professor of physics from Delhi talked about his journey from a small village to becoming one of India's most respected academics. A social entrepreneur from Mumbai shared her trials and tribulations of setting up a non-profit to help the city's underprivileged.

As the stories flowed, Maya felt a kinship with her dinner companions. Each person at the table had faced their own struggles, their own battles, and they had persevered. They had chosen their own paths, refusing to succumb to societal pressures. They were different, just like her. She was amongst peers, amongst people who understood her.

After dinner, the group migrated to a comfortable sitting area where they continued their conversations late into the night. For the first time in a long time, Maya didn't feel out of place. She didn't feel the need to justify her choices or her existence. The ice that had formed around her heart began to melt, replaced by a warm, comforting feeling of belonging.

As the group dispersed, each to their conversations, Maya found herself seated next to Aisha. Her presence was effortlessly charismatic, and her flirtatious charm was as disarming as it was intriguing.

"Do you always disarm people with your wit, or am I just a special case?" Maya asked with a teasing smile, a response to the subtle banter that Aisha had skillfully woven into their conversation.

Aisha's laugh was soft and melodic. "Only those who can keep up," she retorted, her gaze meeting Maya's with a playful glint.

As Aisha and Maya sat secluded from the rest of the group, their conversation flowed naturally. After a moment of silence, Aisha turned to Maya, an impish sparkle in her eyes.

"You know, Maya, you've shared a lot about your work, but we've barely scratched the surface when it comes to you. What about your love life?"

Maya blinked, taken aback by the candid question. "My love life? That's a bit of an abrupt transition, isn't it?"

Aisha shrugged, her smile unapologetic. "Life's too short for small talk. I find it's best to dive right in."

"Well," Maya hesitated, running a hand through her hair, "there's not much to share really."

Aisha leaned in, her interest clearly piqued. "Oh? So, you're single then?"

"Yes," Maya confirmed.

"And how long has it been since your last relationship?"

Maya took a moment before answering. "Quite a while, I guess."

"Interesting," Aisha mused, her gaze never leaving Maya's. "And, if you don't mind me asking, why is that?"

"I... I don't know," Maya admitted, surprised by the introspection the conversation stirred in her. "I suppose I've been focused on other things."

"Like your research?"

"Yes," Maya answered, grateful for the shift in conversation. But Aisha was far from done.

"Relationships can be complicated," Aisha acknowledged, her tone softer now. "Have you ever been with a woman?"

The question caught Maya off guard. She blinked, processing the question before shaking her head. "No, I haven't."

Aisha's eyebrows rose a fraction, but she nodded in understanding. "And, is that because you're not interested in women, or simply because the opportunity has never presented itself?"

The boldness of Aisha's questions made Maya slightly uncomfortable, but there was no judgment in her tone, only curiosity. "I… I guess I've never thought about it much. I've been so engrossed in my work, personal relationships have taken a backseat."

"Ah," Aisha murmured, seemingly satisfied with Maya's answer. "And what if the opportunity were to present itself?"

"Like right now?" Maya blurted, the implications of Aisha's question hitting her.

Aisha's answering laugh was lighthearted, but her gaze was serious. "Maybe. Or tomorrow. Or a year from now."

The intensity of the conversation had taken Maya by surprise, but she found herself responding truthfully. "I don't know, Aisha. I guess I'd have to see when the time comes."

Continuing the conversation, Aisha pressed on, her curiosity undimmed.

"That's an honest answer. Life and relationships are all about timing, aren't they?" Aisha commented thoughtfully, swirling her drink in its glass.

Maya watched her, contemplating the mystery that was Aisha. The woman was a puzzle, a combination of candid, almost intrusive questions and an underlying kindness that made it impossible for Maya to take offense.

"Yes, timing is crucial," Maya said after a moment, "but so is compatibility, shared interests, mutual respect... It's not as simple as just 'opportunity.'"

Aisha tilted her head, considering Maya's words. "So, what if you had all those things - compatibility, shared interests, respect - but with a woman? Would you consider it then?"

Maya took a deep breath, feeling the weight of Aisha's question. She was opening doors Maya had never considered before. She looked at Aisha, saw the sincere interest in her eyes, and decided to answer truthfully. "I think... if I met someone who fulfilled all those criteria, their gender wouldn't matter."

Aisha's eyes softened, a smile gracing her lips. "That's a beautiful way of looking at it, Maya."

Before Maya could respond, Aisha changed the topic. "Speaking of shared interests," she said, her tone lighter, "have you ever heard about Genotech?"

Maya shook her head. "I can't say I have. What's that?"

"Genotech is a biotechnology company," Aisha explained. "They're hosting an event tomorrow. I thought it might interest you, given your line of work."

Maya's eyebrows raised in surprise. "You're inviting me to a biotech event?"

"Why not?" Aisha shrugged. "I'm sure there will be a lot of interesting discussions that you would find intriguing."

Maya considered it for a moment. She was in Delhi for a conference, but she had not made any plans for the following day. Besides, it would be an opportunity to spend more time with Aisha, a prospect that had become increasingly appealing throughout their conversation.

"I'd love to," Maya answered, her voice barely louder than a whisper.

With a touch of excitement in her eyes, Aisha continued, "Great! You see, there's a rumor floating around that Richard Devereaux might be attending the event."

"Richard Devereaux?" Maya echoed, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Right, I forget you're not from around here. Richard Devereaux is the CEO of Devereaux Enterprises. He's an industry titan known for his strategic investments in biotech startups," Aisha explained with evident admiration.

Maya's curiosity was piqued. "And what does this have to do with you, Aisha?"

Aisha leaned back, putting her drink aside. "Well, I'm actually trying to secure funding for my own startup, and the buzz is that Richard is considering investing in Genotech. If that's the case, it's a golden opportunity for me to pitch my ideas."

Maya, intrigued by Aisha's determination, nodded slowly. "That sounds promising. I wish you the best, Aisha."

The appreciation in Aisha's smile was clear as she turned to Maya. "Thank you, Maya. It means a lot. And, who knows, you might just meet some interesting people at the event."

With that, their intense conversation shifted gears. The palpable tension eased as they discussed the possibilities the following day's event might hold. Still, the resonance of their prior exchange hung in the air, leaving Maya with much to ponder upon as the evening wore on.

As they returned to the group, the rest of the evening passed in a relaxed fashion. Laughter and conversation flowed freely, an atmosphere of camaraderie permeating the room. Maya's conversation with Aisha, however, lingered in her mind, the probing questions and her own responses echoing in her thoughts.

Gradually, the night wore on and one by one, the guests retired to their rooms. Maya found herself alone in the sitting area, the remnants of the evening's conversations hanging in the air. She sat quietly, her gaze lost in the burning embers of the fireplace, reflecting on her day - the interactions, the revelations, the possibilities.

Aisha's words still rang in her ears, and Maya couldn't help but admit to herself that the bold entrepreneur had sparked something within her. A curiosity, perhaps. Or maybe, just the hint of a possibility she hadn't allowed herself to consider before.

When she finally rose from her seat, it was with a newfound sense of clarity. The path ahead was still uncertain, but she was ready to face whatever was coming. She had the support of her newfound friends, her commitment to her work, and most importantly, her own growing self-awareness.

As she returned to her room, Maya found a strange comfort in the silence that enveloped her. The weight of the day's revelations had settled within her, a quiet understanding replacing the initial shock. For the first time in a long time, Maya felt a sense of belonging, of being understood.

As she drifted off to sleep, her thoughts strayed to the upcoming Genotech event. It was an exciting prospect, not just for the potential professional opportunities it presented, but for the personal ones as well. Tomorrow would be a new day, full of new possibilities and challenges. And as she closed her eyes, Maya found herself looking forward to it with anticipation.