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After the Last Goodbye (13).

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 Link to the previous part - Previous Part. ******************************************************** The crowd cheered as the brand Ambassador, a popular Bollywood star, cut the ribbon with a flourish. Amidst the clicking of cameras and showers of confetti, the scene was electric. Vibrant colours and buzz of excitement, with the dash of glamour made the ambience lively. The stores interiors were a stunning blend of modern and Indian flair. Intricate patterns and traditional motifs, the fusion was outstanding.  With the upbeat music and hum of conversation, the atmosphere seemed dynamic. Brand's signature products were displayed elegantly. Among the 'oohs and aahs', fashion enthusiasts, influencers and media people mingled, checking out the latest collection. Manasi was glad to be here. Kumar and her, greeted the owners and other dignitories.  "This is Vipul Kapoor", one of them introdced Vipul to Kumar. Vipul shook hands with him. "Kumar here! Glad to meet y...
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After the Last Goodbye (12).

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  Link to the previous part - Previous Part. ********************************************** Manasi was feeling low, as she always felt this day, every year. It was evident from her face. She wanted to finish her work without any hinderance though. "Kripa, I'd texted Vipul..Sir..regarding the delivery of goods. He hasn't replied yet. I'll give a call and check". Kripa nodded and made a gesture with her hands for Manasi to smile. Manasi shut her eyes and breathed. "Hello! Vipul Sir....I'm Manasi......", Manasi called Vipul to confirm the date. "My dad is busy. It's my 5th birthday today", Manavi picked up the phone. Manasi remembered her promise and hung up, hearing Manavi's voice. "I shouldn't talk to her. But it's her birthday, I should've atleast wished her", Manasi thought. And suddenly she blurted, "Kripa it's her 5th birthday". Kripa looked at Manasi, she was confused, "Whose birthday?...
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After the Last Goodbye (11).

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 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 ...
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After the Last Goodbye (10).

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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...
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After the Last Goodbye (9).

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  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......
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After the Last Goodbye (8).

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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...
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After the Last Goodbye (7).

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  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 ...
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