Our meeting was going better than I could have imagined. Naina was as warm and wonderful from the inside as she was beautiful from the outside. Dipti, on the other hand, looked at me as if she feared I was expired milk – with doubt, and as though I should be discarded.
‘Considering the reach and credibility Naina’s profile can bring to your work, we’re proposing a collaboration. Two posts, three stories and a permanent highlight placement. We will also reimburse you for the raw materials,’ she said.
It wasn’t what I was expecting, but I knew this was the way of the industry. Being featured on Naina’s profile would do wonders for me. I may not be paid for this gig, but it would bring in numerous additional offers and open up new avenues for me. It’d be worth it.
I snuck a glance at Naina.
She looked slightly uncomfortable but had a small smile pasted on her face.
This opportunity was once-in-a-lifetime. It was unmissable.
If it went well, I wouldn’t need to get a job. I’d be a full-time fashion designer.
‘I’m okay with that,’ I replied.
‘We would like you to sign this before we move forward.’ Dipti slid a stack of papers across. ‘It’s a standard industry contract; I’m sure you’re aware of it.’
I glanced at it. If there was one thing I had learned, it was not to enter into deals without knowing all the asterisks. ‘I’ll need to read it before I sign it.’
The server came in and set the bill on the table.
‘Of course,’ Naina said, paying for it. ‘Let us know if there are any issues. I’m sure we will work something out.’
‘I will, thank you,’ I said, sliding the papers into my bag. We stood up.
Surprisingly, she hugged me. ‘It was really nice to meet you. I can’t wait for us to work together.’
The smile on my face was instant and real. ‘It was great meeting you too.’
Dipti offered me a tight smile and a nod before we headed out.
Halfway to the staircase, she stopped mid-stride. Frowning, I looked up.
A man tucked into the booth beside the staircase stood up, blocking our way.
Jai.
My heart leapt to my throat.
Jai’s here. In front of me.
My head spun. The universe was playing a twisted joke. But this felt too cruel. No way.
‘Jai! It’s so nice to run into you here,’ Naina said, flashing a gorgeous smile.
She had been the face of a successful HoA campaign a few years ago and had attended all of their events since. Of course, they knew each other.
‘The festive collection was fab, by the way,’ Dipti added. ‘Naina said the event was even better. She—’
‘Thank you. It was great seeing you, but I have a meeting with Ananya. And we’re running late,’ he interrupted her politely, glancing at them before looking back at me.
This wasn’t fate; it was Jai.He sought me out.How did he know I was here?
Rhea. She was the only one I’d told.
I didn’t know they talked. What did she say to him? Why was he here? Could it be that he wanted to get back—Do not even go there, Ananya. Don’t get your hopes up. Regardless, a restless tangle of emotions formed.
‘Oh, of course.’ Dipti glanced at me with a newfound respect on her face. ‘I’ll let you get to it.’ In any other scenario, it would have irritated me. I should be valued for my skills, not for the people I know. But right now, I couldn’t care less.
