As my phone rang, I glanced at the screen IT WAS 10 AM ?
10 ? SERIOUSLY
I saw Tia's name flashing. With a sinking feeling, I answered the call.

"Ma'am, where are you? It's 10 am, and we have a meeting at 11. Please come soon; we are waiting for you,"
Tia's voice sounded urgent, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Yes, Tia, I'm coming,"
I replied quickly, my mind racing as I realized I had completely forgotten about the meeting. How could I have let it slip my mind?

Fashion week was approaching, and there was so much to do to ensure our designs were ready for the runway.

With a sense of panic, I hurriedly gathered my belongings and clothes from my closet before rushing into the bathroom.
I quickly came out of the washroom in my bathrobe and dressed up

Her outfit -

After a quick skincare routine, I grabbed my files and the keys to my luxurious car, the Aston Martin , before heading downstairs.

As I descended the staircase, I heard mumma's voice calling out to me from the dining table.

"Mishti bacha, come, let's have breakfast," she said, her tone filled with concern.

I shook my head , realising this will upset her but i could not forget a sense of urgency propelling me forward.

"Nahi mumma, I'm getting late. I have a meeting. I'll have breakfast at the office,"
I replied hastily before rushing out of the house and settling into my car.

__________________________________

As soon as I stepped into the office, I was greeted by our receptionist, Maya , who wished me a good morning. I gave her a quick nod in return before making my way to the private lift that would take me up to the 50th floor, where my office was located.

Exiting the lift, I spotted Tia emerging from the meeting room. She approached me with a sense of urgency, asking if the meeting room was ready to start in 15 minutes.
I nodded in agreement, my mind already racing with thoughts of the impending fashion week preparations.

Before she hurried off, I requested a cold coffee, realizing I hadn't had anything to eat or drink before rushing to the office.

Settling into my cabin, I began reviewing the designs prepared by the department. However, my concentration was interrupted by a sudden knock on the door. I quickly said - " come in " , and it was Ahaan, AHAAN RAJVANSH ,the head of the design department, he stepped inside.

Although I've known ahaan since childhood , even saved him from scoldings , late homework . But he's still very passionate and professional in his work . He wouldn't mix up his professional and personal life . And his designs - my god don't even talk about it .
His designs are like masterpieces which you can never forget . I still remember the first time he handled the project by himself and launched his first design with me . It was loved by the whole world , bought by many celebrities and billionaires .

"Ma'am, I need to discuss something very important with you," he said, his tone serious.

I nodded, urging him to continue.

Ahaan proceeded to inform me that Riya, a key member of our team, our runaway model had backed out from the project.

Anger bubbled up within me at the news.

"What? What the fuck are you saying, Ahaan?"
I exclaimed, my frustration evident.

"We have fashion week in just two days, and you're telling me this now?"

Ahaan explained that he had just received the email notification.

My frustration only grew as I realized the gravity of the situation. I instructed him to contact Riya immediately, informing her that she would be charged a penalty for breaking the contract midway.

I demanded that she come to the office so we could discuss the matter face to face.

"This bitch, I tell you! She's always messing up my work!"
I muttered under my breath, feeling a surge of frustration and determination to resolve the issue at hand.

As Tia entered the cabin, her expression gave away her knowledge of the Riya situation. I accepted the coffee she offered, quickly taking a sip before rising from my seat.

With a determined stride, I made my way out of the cabin and towards the meeting room.

In the hallway, I encountered Ahaan, his expression mirroring my own concern. "Ahaan?" I called him out ,

" Ma'am, Riya will be joining us as soon as the meeting concludes," he informed me, his voice filled with concern.

I nodded in acknowledgment, realizing that addressing the Riya issue would have to wait.

"We'll deal with that later. For now, let's focus on the meeting," I replied, my tone firm.

Together with Tia and Ahaan, we entered the meeting room and took our seats. Positioned in the center corner, I prepared to lead the discussion. Ahaan and his team began defining the designs, and I instructed Tia to ensure they received their well-deserved bonuses.
"All members of Ahaan's team will be granted a bonus for their exceptional work," I announced, my voice projecting authority.

Turning my attention to the production department, I instructed them to expedite the completion of the outfits by tomorrow. Meanwhile, I tasked the finance department with providing the necessary funds to support production.

With the meeting concluded, I rose from my seat, expressing my appreciation to all employees for their dedication and hard work.

As I settled back into my cabin, trying to gather my thoughts amidst the chaos of the day, the door suddenly burst open, and there stood Riya Roy , wearing her signature, smug smile. Instantly, a surge of frustration coursed through me at the sight of her.

"Don't you have manners , oh sorry maybe your parents didn't teach you . Correct ?" I demanded, my voice laced with irritation as I maintained my composure.

Riya's smile only widened, as if relishing in the discomfort she caused. "Oh, Mishti darling, didn't you miss me?" she teased, her tone dripping with insincerity.

I clenched my jaw, refusing to let her get under my skin.

"Cut the act, Riya. We have a lot to discuss," I replied sharply, my eyes narrowing in determination.

Ignoring her attempts to rile me up, I gestured for her to take a seat, steeling myself for the confrontation that was about to unfold. It was time to address the chaos she had caused and put an end to her disruptive antics once and for all.

Ahaan and tia barged into the cabin knowing that Riya was here .

" Riya, why are you backing off from the project?"
I demanded, my voice firm as I locked eyes with her.

Riya's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly regained her composure.

"Oh, you know, Mishti dear, sometimes opportunities come knocking at unexpected times,"
she replied casually, her tone infuriatingly nonchalant.

I narrowed my eyes, sensing there was more to her abrupt departure than she was letting on.

"Cut the cryptic talk, Riya. Tell me the real reason,"
I pressed, refusing to let her evade the question.

With a sigh, Riya finally relented, her facade crumbling ever so slightly.

"Fine, if you must know, I received a more enticing offer from your rival company," she admitted, her words laced with a hint of smug satisfaction.

My jaw clenched at her revelation, a surge of anger rising within me.

"And let me guess, they offered you a hefty sum of money to betray us,"
I retorted, unable to hide the bitterness in my voice.

Riya shrugged nonchalantly, as if the betrayal meant nothing to her.

"Business is business, Mishti. It's nothing personal,"
she replied dismissively, her words like a slap in the face.

Suppressing the urge to lash out, I took a deep breath, steeling myself against the betrayal before me .
As anger surged within me, fueled by Riya's betrayal, I sprang to my feet and marched towards her, my fists clenched with rage.

With swift movements, I leaned in close, gripping her jaw tightly in my grasp, my eyes blazing with fury.

"You know what, Riya?" I seethed, my voice dripping with disdain.

"You go ahead and take their offer. Act like a leech, sucking the life out of them. But mark my words, this runaway will be your last international show."

I tightened my grip on her jaw, my words cutting through the air like a blade.

"I'll make sure that no company in the world will ever take you for their work again!"

With a forceful shove, I released her jaw, watching as she recoiled from the intensity of my words. Tia and Ahaan approached me, concerned etched on their faces, as they witnessed the confrontation unfold.

"Let's get back to work," I said, my tone firm but composed, as I turned away from Riya, refusing to give her another moment of my time.

As I gazed out at the bustling cityscape of Mumbai, my mind churned with thoughts of the challenges ahead. Tia's question pulled me back to the present, and I turned to face her, my expression determined.

"We'll find a solution, Tia," I replied firmly, refusing to let the setback dampen our spirits. "I'll reach out to Tara, my best friend. I know she'll be able to step up and slay the runway."

I paused, recalling the initial hesitation I had felt in asking Tara to take on the project. At the time, I had wanted to spare her the stress of the fashion world. But now, faced with Riya's betrayal, I knew there was no other choice.

"Tara may have wanted a break, but now circumstances have changed," I continued, a steely resolve in my voice. "It's time for her to take her rightful place on the ramp."

With a sense of determination burning within me, I made a mental note to reach out to Tara immediately.

As the clock struck five in the evening, I knew that while the rest of the office would soon be winding down for the day, my work was far from over. As their boss, it was my responsibility to find a solution to the mess that Riya had created.

With a sense of urgency gnawing at me, I quickly opened our group chat, summoning Abhimaan and
Tara to meet me at the restaurant by seven.

"Guys , we need to meet restaurant quickly .please come by 6;30 . Pretty please *teary eyes* "

And instantly it showed Tara typing while abhimaan saw the message and ishaan i don't where is he but abhimaan I know that bitch will take hours to reply you know "male bestfriends"

"Mishteee , you don't like seeing me resting , right ??!!! " Said by Tara I know she is cursing me but do I care no .

Abhimaan's typing...

"Meeting today at 6;30 final okay meet you there tee and mishteee"

Oh so someone decided to reply *clowning* i quickly replied with an okay *thumbs up*
_________________________________

As soon as I stepped into our favorite restaurant, I spotted them sitting in our usual spot, engaged in conversation. I could practically feel the tension emanating from their hushed tones, knowing full well they were likely complaining about my tardiness.

Tara and Abhimaan rose from their seats as I approached, their eyes scanning me from head to toe. Tara's playful smirk was evident as she spoke,
"Well, well, well, look at you, sexy girl." She nudged my shoulder lightly, her words laced with a hint of teasing

"Kiske liye tyaar hui h itni "? She said
While abhimaan gave me an eye , hinting that maybe there's something we both didn't tell him .
I quickly hushed him and told him it was nothing .

"Ek gadhi ke liye tyaar hui thi Milne ke liye , abhi finally dikh gyi mko" i said while she scoffed and abhimaan and I just laughed at her .
Together I know they both are my home . My very own people . I know in front of them I don't need to portray myself as someone I don't even know .

"Acha, now tell me, what happened, Mishteaaa?"
Abhimaan's playful tone filled the air as he addressed me, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Tara chimed in, her sarcasm evident as she added, "Yes, bitch, tell me now. And I'm telling you, if you called us here for some nonsense, I'll give you a good beating. I sacrificed my precious sleep for you." Her words were accompanied by a quick side-eye from me, knowing full well she was exaggerating.

As I narrated the incident to them, detailing Riya's betrayal, Abhimaan shook his head knowingly.

"Mujhe pata tha ye kuch na kuch karegi," he remarked, and I nodded in agreement.

Turning to Tara , I pleaded, "Please Tara, tu meri dost hai na, please help me in this. Open my show, pleaseeee pretty girllll."

Tara rolled her eyes but couldn't resist my request. With a sigh, she agreed, knowing she couldn't refuse me. A spontaneous hug ensued between us, and as we pulled away, we noticed Abhimaan looking past us.

I nudged him playfully. "Kisko dekh rahe ho, bey? Bhool gaya kya, married hai tu?" I teased.

He chuckled and corrected me, "Bhai nahi, tu peeche dekh."

Turning to look, I spotted Abir, Riya, and their friends chatting away. Irritation bubbled within me at the sight of Abir sitting with her or I can say she's literally clinging to his arm while he seemingly relaxed while I was fraught with tension.

"This bitch, I tell you. If I had one murder off from my life, I would have done hers by now," I muttered under my breath.

At this , abhimaan and Tara laughed by saying - " haa , phir ham dono Teri help krte uski body hide krne me".

With a sense of camaraderie, we brushed off the tension and focused on enjoying the moment, ordering food to ease our worries.
After completing our food i told Tara to come to the office tomorrow to discuss everything to which she said okaiee I shake my head at her silliness.

We all parted our ways promising to have a complete day off after the fashion week and abhimaan's business trip . ( Not after abhimaan promising us that he will be joining us in the fashion ramp along with ishaan )

________________________________

Mishti parked her car in the garage of the Maheshwari mansion, moving quietly through the halls to avoid disturbing anyone. Dropping her belongings on the living room couch, she was overcome with a rush of emotions. Despite being surrounded by familiar surroundings, she felt a profound sense of loneliness, as if she were a guest in her own home. The weight of her responsibilities bore down on her, and though she longed to cry, no tears would come.

Sinking onto the couch, Mishti rested her head in her hands, her eyes closed in exhaustion. Suddenly, she felt the comforting presence of her parents beside her. Her mother's gentle voice broke the silence, expressing concern for her well-being.
"Thak gayi meri gudiya," she murmured, to which Mishti replied with a tired acknowledgment.

Looking up, Mishti met her father's proud gaze, finding solace in his reassuring smile. Her mother's tone shifted, hinting at a weightier conversation to come. Mishti's curiosity piqued as her parents broached the subject of finding a match for her. Shocked, she listened as they explained their intentions, assuring her that her happiness and consent were paramount.

Feeling a sense of obligation and resignation, Mishti agreed to meet the prospective suitor, knowing that her parents' wishes outweighed her own feelings. With a heavy heart, she accepted their decision, promising to meet the man they had chosen.

As she ascended the stairs to her room, Mishti declined her mother's offer of dinner, craving only sleep. Changing into her nightclothes, she lay in bed, her mind swirling with thoughts of the unknown man who had captured her parents' admiration. With a whispered reassurance to herself, Mishti surrendered to sleep, knowing that tomorrow would bring a new chapter in her life, whether she was ready for it or not.

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2727 words ; *tired*

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Author T ,