After the Last Goodbye (10).

February 14, 2026

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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 leave. He suddenly turned again and asked, "How did you meet her?". Manasi glanced at his face, his expressions were grave and earnest. "We met by chance outside her school. I really didn't know she was your daughter. And I don't mean anything else. My clover key, my car key was lost and she found it. She said that she likes four-leaf clover too. And we bonded on that thought. We met again outside the bakery today. She said it's her birthday soon......and then in your office she came and hugged me...I'm sorry Vipul. I didn't mean to....if I knew maybe I.....".

Before Manasi could finish, Vipul said, "I got it. But keep your promise.....atleast this time", Vipul gave her a gruff look. And he left.

"I...I....did not....", Manasi kept murmurming looking at Vipul who had already walked away.

She reached her office and went straight to the restroom. Splashing water on her face she dabbed it dry with tissues. Glancing at her reflection in the mirror she voiced her thoughts, "You deserve this Manasi. Atleast keep the promise this time".

"Are you okay dear?", Kripa enquired as Manasi plumped on the chair. Narrating the entire story to Kripa, Manasi said, "He is right Kripa. I've no right to interfere in his life now. Why would he forgive me? I guess we shouldn't approach him further. I'll meet some more vendors on the list. Let's not complicate things for us and him". Manasi started going through the list and working on her laptop.

"Manasi!", Kripa patted her shoulder. "I know you are hurt. Don't be this cruel to yourself. It's not your fault and you know that. Don't blame yourself more, please. I agree with your decision to skip his company. But don't supress your feelings. Vent them out, I'm always here". Manasi hugged Kripa.

"Hey! When I was talking to you on the phone, Kumar Sir overheard. He asked me who Vipul Kapoor was. I told him he was your classmate from college. And pulled through the situation. But he sounded very inquisitive".

"Thanks Kripa. I don't want to escalate this anymore. We'll not utter this name again, like we hadn't past few years", Manasi said.

Kumar walked in and handed over a copy of email to Manasi. "You did a good job Manasi. Have a look at this detailed business plan. It seems very lucrative for both the companies. Vipul Kapoor is ready to collaborate".

Manasi and Kripa looked at each other. There was a pin drop silence in the room.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is a fictional story. Resemblance of any sort in real life is purely coincidental.

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