Author - Jui Purohit.

Link to previous part - Previous Part. ***************************************************  "I did underestimate her. She is a thorough professional", Vipul thought as he stared at Manasi who was explaining him every detail of their Proto.  Manasi looked into Vipul's eyes and he nodded. Now, Manasi seemed more composed and undoubtedly competent for her job. Vipul extended his hand to shake hands with her. Manasi, hesitant for a split of second, later, shook hands with him, showing more of her professional image. "There's still the same warmth", a thought crossed her mind. But she managed to conceal her emotions.  "Okay Sir! Let's fix a date....and a...a time to meet again", Manasi controlled her feelings some more. "We'll have to discuss the costs and quantity Sir", she guised her expressions and smiled.  Vipul looked at her smile and exhaled. "Sure. Let's talk over", he replied with a similar smile, going along with...

  Link to the previous part - Previous Part. ********************************************* Manasi crossed the road and entered the office building. She wondered what the little girl was doing in there. "Maybe her mother works here. Or maybe her father. Was it her mother accompanying her? Such a sweet girl she is....", she shook her head. "Snap out of it Manasi. We've to crack this vendor deal today. You can do it", Manasi's inner thoughts. "Hello Ma'am! Sir is waiting for you in his cabin", the receptionist told Manasi and escorted her to the cabin. 'Managing Director' read the name plate on the door. The receptionist knocked, she let Manasi in and left. As she entered, Manasi was staggered. She stood still, clutching the file tightly with one hand and raking her hair with other. "Vipul!", she blurted. A tall wheatish man, athletic build, well groomed hair, wearing a tailored suit was standing at the desk. "Please take a ...

  Link to the previous part - Previous Part. *************************************************** Manasi stood under a huge Gulmohar tree, sipping water from the bottle. She had visited three vendors already, since morning. But as promised to Kripa she didn't want the trip to be unproductive. So even after not getting desirable outcome from the prior rendezvous, she decided to move on to the fourth vendor. The office of 'Clover Fabrics' was right opposite the Gulmohar tree. Manasi kept the bottle back in the car and carrying file and her bag she crossed the road. Manasi reached the building and looked up. There were large glass panels with partially visible rolls of fabrics and neatly stacked bundles. At the entrance was a small canopy for shade. She went in. There were potted plants, palms, bamboo and snake plants, on either side of the pathway. She climbed the floor and found a clean, professional yet quietly stylish ambience. The interiors were not flashy, but seemed conf...

  Link to the previous part - Previous Part. **************************************************** Kripa veered her laptop towards the other side, "Manasi, I've found some leads related to bamboo fabric. Come and have a look". Manasi pulled the chair and sat down across the desk with her notebook and pen to sort and jot down the important leads. "Ahaan Enterprises, Babulnath Coorp, Eminent Threads, Italian Works, Maharathi Coorp, Prithvi and Sons, Vigilant Textiles. Superb! I'm at it now. I'll visit them myself", Manasi enthusiastically said as she high fived Kripa. Kripa was about to say something when Manasi interrupted her, "No unproductive trips this time. I'll stick to the deadline Ma'am. Don't fret". Manasi did a 'zip the mouth' gesture. She went to the design board and glancing at the outfit murmured, "I hope you find your soulmate!". Kripa had zipped her mouth but instantly wanted to give a cue that their b...

Link to the previous part - Previous Part.   ************************************************************** "Bamboo! Yes, let's try bamboo fabric this time", Manasi stood up and exclaimed in a loud voice. She was having her 'Eureka' moment.  "That's a great suggestion", Kripa looked stunned. "Only thing, the boss should agree", keeping down the coffee mug in her hand, Kripa started sketching again. "Why not? That's a perfect marriage, this outfit and bamboo fabric", Manasi shifted her gaze to Kripa and suddenly, sat down. "Marriage! I wish I had possessed this insight sooner", Manasi's voice sounded low now. Kripa put the pencil down and looked at the design board, then walked towards Manasi. "Marriage...hmm! Some things are better forgotten dear", she patted Manasi's back lightly. "Roll up your sleeves. We'll have to search and contact the vendor, if the boss gives a green signal. I'll...

  Link to previous part - Previous part. ***************************************************** Manasi glanced on the hoarding at the corner of the street that read, "A girl is not a burden...She is a beginning". She got seated in the car. The face of the that little girl was still fresh in front of her eyes. She touched the clover of the keychain. Turning on the radio, she drove off.  "Zindagi...kaisi yeh paheli haye......kabhi yeh hasaye, kabhi yeh rulaye......". "What better a song than this right now!", she thought. Her phone buzzed and she stopped the car at the roadside. "Where are you dear? Did you see what time it is? Did you get the fabric? When are you reaching?", a barrage of questions came her way, in a blaring tone. Manasi held the phone far from her ears, "Kripa, dear, give me a breather, will you? I'm on my way to the office. Will reach asap". Manasi hung up. She parked the car in the designated parking in the basement...