Author - Jui Purohit.

 Link to the previous part  - Previous Part. ********************************* "Vipul Kapoor! Isn't he your college mate?", Kumar asked Manasi. He was gauging her expressions.  "Yes....yes sir he was. I had a meeting with him and it's great that he wants to collaborate", Manasi said as she went through the email. She tried to smile looking at Kumar. "Fabulous. It's settled then, I hope things go as you both wished to", Kumar said glancing at both Manasi and Kripa. And he left. Kripa stared at Manasi blankly. "Do you think this is okay?", her voice sounded concerned.  "I don't think it is okay, I don't know what has God planned. But Kumar sir has put trust in us and we'll have to prove it to him.  We'll have to keep personal and professional things separate Kripa. Don't worry about me, let's work towards finishing the assignment asap", Manasi tapped Kripa's hand. A few days later...... Manasi was ...

Link to the previous part - Previous Part. ***********************************************  There was pin drop silence inside the car. But inside Manasi's mind, there was only noise. "Maybe this noise will cease", she thought as she saw Vipul at the window. Manasi got down from the car and wiped her tears. "I knew you would come", her mind screamed.  Vipul saw her face, it was a total mess. He tightened his fist and said, "Manasi I don't want you to meet my daughter again".  Manasi's world shattered, she had just hoped for some pragmatic way through this. "So she is his daughter. And he doesn't want me to have any personal connections. He is drawing a line. And what was I expecting! The clover leaf, the name Manavi, in reality, didn't mean anything", Manasi thought.  "Yes Vipul...Sir", she replied. "It's just business we should talk. I promise". Manasi faked a smile. Vipul nodded and looked away, to le...

  Link to previous part - Previous Part. ********************************************** Manasi looked at Vipul, tears were rolling down her eyes.  "Are you alright dear?", Vipul asked and Manasi stared at him. But Vipul was talking to Manavi. She was still hugging Manasi's leg with her hand, while the other hand was held by the lady. She lightly nodded at Vipul.  "Why did you let her out?", Vipul said to the lady in a stern voice. The lady grasped Manavi's both hands and lifted her up. "Sorry Sir, she bolted out of the room suddenly. So..so I couldn't...", her voice was quavering.  "Okay, now please take her to the playing room", Vipul ordered. As the lady was taking her away, Manavi kept turning back and smiling at Manasi. Manasi stood there looking at the happenings. She couldn't fathom the situation. Wiping her tears, she sighed. "How do you know her?", Vipul asked Manasi, in a rather aggressive tone.  "Can we......

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...