Two days later, the office was buzzing with the strategy review meeting. In the middle of the discussion, a senior board member, Mr. Sinha, closed his file and asked, “With all due respect… do you both really have the experience to handle such a huge defense project?”
The room fell silent. An indirect doubt hung in the air. Vedant stayed calm, saying nothing.
Mahi opened her file. “Mr. Sinha, in the last 24 hours, we’ve completed a full risk audit of the North Zone project. Please see page seventeen.”
Hearing this, Sinha awkwardly flipped the page.
Mahi continued, “The supply delay issue that’s been pending for six months… we’ve shortlisted an alternate vendor. The clearance file is already in process.”
Whispers began circulating across the room. Then Vedant spoke up, his voice steady, without a hint of anger, “Experience isn’t measured in time, Mr. Sinha—it’s proven through decisions.”
Sinha fell silent.
After the meeting, in the corridor, Mahi looked at Vedant. “Thank you for letting me speak.”
Vedant met her gaze. “You’re the MD. We didn’t need to interfere.”
Mahi smiled softly.
Vedant calmly added, “Next time someone questions you… give an even stronger answer.”
“Okay,” Mahi said.
Vedant shrugged lightly. “And you don’t have to say thanks every time.”
Mahi simply nodded, and together they walked away.
Time moved forward in its usual pace. Then, one day, the phone rang. Aryan glanced at the screen and picked up without thinking.
“Yes, motu,” he said, smiling.
On the other side, Vani’s voice came through—slightly annoyed, slightly playful. “Do you even have time for us, or is work all that matters? Sometimes, you could take a little time out for me too.”
Aryan chuckled. “Motu, no need to complain. Just tell me what you want.”
“Oh really?” Vani said. “Then take me shopping today.”
“My motu’s command is law,” Aryan replied immediately. “Get ready. I’m coming to pick you up.”
“Okay,” Vani said, hanging up, already rushing to get ready.
A little later, Aryan stood with his car outside Vani’s house. As soon as she stepped out, his eyes locked on her.
“Am I late?” she asked.
“Not at all,” Aryan said. “Waiting for you is the best part anyway.”
Vani rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile.
Aryan and Vani wandered through the mall, taking their time. Sometimes Vani would be busy looking at clothes, and other times Aryan would stand in front of the mirrors, giving his verdict.
“This color will suit you better,” Aryan said.
“Why do you always comment on my choices?” Vani asked, a hint of exasperation in her voice.
“Because it’s my right,” Aryan said with a smile.
Vani fell silent.
After finishing their shopping, as they stepped out of the mall, a voice called from behind—
“Aryan!”
Aryan turned. In the next moment, a girl rushed forward and hugged him tightly.
“It’s been so long since we last met!” she said cheerfully.
Vani froze, standing there, stunned.
Aryan felt a twinge of awkwardness and quickly stepped back, gently pushing the girl away.
It was Rashmi, Aryan’s college friend.
“Rashmi?” Aryan said, surprised. “You’re here?”
“Yes,” Rashmi laughed. “You haven’t forgotten me, have you?”
Vani’s expression changed instantly.
“Who is she?” she asked Aryan, voice tight.
“She’s my college friend—Rashmi,” Aryan replied calmly.
But for Vani, that explanation was not enough. She didn’t say a word. She just turned and walked away.
“Vani!” Aryan called after her.
But she didn’t stop.
Rashmi looked at him, puzzled. “What happened?”
Aryan took a deep breath. “Nothing. Go home. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Aryan—” Rashmi tried to speak.
“Please,” Aryan said firmly. Rashmi fell silent.
Aryan immediately called Vani.
One ring. Two rings. Then the call connected.
“Vani, please listen—”
“I don’t want to hear anything,” Vani cut him off. “Go be with her. There’s no need to come to me.”
“Vani, it’s nothing like that,” Aryan said, a slight panic creeping into his voice. “She’s just my college friend.”
“Yes, then go to her,” Vani said sharply, and the call ended.
Aryan held the phone, closing his eyes for a moment. For the first time, he realized something important—sometimes, before a mistake is even made, a misunderstanding can ruin everything.
He stood there for a few seconds. People were moving in and out of the mall, but all of it felt like background noise. He called Vani again. This time, no answer. He sent a message: “Please stop.” No reply.
Meanwhile… Vani sat in a cab, city lights blurring past the window. She looked at her phone; Aryan’s name flashed on the screen. She turned the phone away.
Anger and hurt battled inside her. “College friend…” she repeated silently. Did he really need to hug her? That question gnawed at her, leaving a deeper sting than the initial shock.
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