The buzz of celebration filled the air as Mahak stepped onto the podium, the cameras flashing wildly around her. The grand ballroom, resplendent with gold and white décor, was packed with influential figures from the business world. The announcement of her acquisition of Crescent Bay Resort had been the highlight of the evening, and the room was abuzz with whispers of admiration for her brilliance.

Standing tall in an ivory gown that shimmered with every step, Mahak radiated confidence. This was her moment-a culmination of years of hard work and unwavering determination.

"Thank you for believing in my vision for Crescent Bay," she began, her voice steady but laced with pride. "This project is more than a deal to me-it's a legacy. A commitment to preserving tradition while embracing innovation."

The applause that followed was thunderous. From the back of the room, Faris watched her with a quiet smile, his hands tucked into his pockets. She was a force of nature, and he couldn't be prouder.

Later that night, as the guests mingled and celebrated, Mahak finally stepped away from the crowd to find a moment of quiet. She leaned against the balcony railing, gazing out at the city lights. The cool breeze tugged at her hair, but her thoughts were far from the present.

"You did it," came a familiar voice from behind her.

Mahak turned to see Faris approaching, a faint smirk on his lips. He had shed his suit jacket, his shirt sleeves rolled up, and his tie slightly loosened.

She smiled, the weight of the evening lifting slightly. "Haan, maine kiya," she replied softly. "Lekin mujhe lagta hai ke yeh sab ek dream jaisa lagta hai." (Yes, I did. But it still feels like a dream.)

Faris came to stand beside her, leaning against the railing. "Tumhari hard work ke bina yeh dream nahi hota," he said. "Tumne jo socha, woh achieve kiya. Sabko inspire kiya." (This dream wouldn't exist without your hard work. You achieved what you envisioned. You inspired everyone.)

Her lips curved into a small smile. "Aur tum?" she asked. "Tum impressed ho?" (And you? Are you impressed?)

"Main hamesha se impressed tha," he admitted, his tone quieter now.

As the night deepened, Faris led Mahak to a quieter corner of the venue. "Mujhe tumhe kuch dena hai," he said, his hand slipping into his pocket. (I have something to give you.)

Mahak raised an eyebrow, curious. "Ab yeh kya drama hai?" (What drama is this now?)

Without answering, Faris pulled out a small velvet box and held it out to her.

Her eyes widened slightly as she opened it. Inside was the emerald choker-the one she had lost at the auction months ago. The intricate design gleamed in the light, just as beautiful as she remembered.

Mahak looked up at him, her voice caught in her throat. "Faris... tumne yeh..." (Faris... you...)

"Main hi tha jo tumhare against bid kar raha tha," he admitted with a sheepish grin. "Tab mujhe laga tha ke yeh tumhare liye perfect hoga. Aur mujhe pata tha tum iske bina incomplete feel karogi." (I was the one bidding against you. I thought it would be perfect for you. And I knew you'd feel incomplete without it.)

Mahak blinked back tears, her heart swelling with emotion. She reached out, cupping his face gently. "Tum kabhi normal kyun nahi ho sakte, Faris?" she asked, her voice trembling but full of affection. (Why can't you ever be normal, Faris?)

"Normal hona boring hota," he teased, leaning into her touch. (Being normal is boring.)

Mahak shook her head, laughing softly. "Tum impossible ho," she said. "Lekin mujhe lagta hai mujhe tumhari impossible nature se pyar hone laga hai." (You're impossible. But I think I'm starting to fall in love with your impossible nature.)

Faris's smirk faded into something softer, more vulnerable. "Mahak," he began, his voice uncharacteristically hesitant. "Main tumhare saath har moment perfect banana chahta hoon. Chahe woh business ka ho, ya tumhare chhote chhote quirks ka." (I want to make every moment with you perfect. Whether it's about business or your little quirks.)

She smiled, stepping closer. "Toh perfect banate raho," she whispered. (Then keep making it perfect.)

And for the first time, their hesitation melted completely as they closed the distance between them, their world narrowing to just each other.