After the Last Goodbye (8).

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Previous Part.

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 "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 her guise.

"Was this so easy? I had thought about this encounter over and over again. I had imagined several scenarios. But this....this seemed very undemanding, peaceful. Is it over? Just like this? Ah! Am I relieved?", Manasi thought and breathed a sigh of relief. 

She was about to leave the cabin when her gaze fell on the crayon set and an open drawing book kept on the stand-table at a side. The book had a picture and seemed to be made by a some kid. It was vibrant with vivid colours and hence had caught Manasi's eyes. There was a little girl and her family - her mom and her dad, there was a house and a dog. 

Manasi couldn't bring herself to ask any further questions to Vipul. She just walked out of the cabin. Vipul stood there looking at Manasi's exiting frame.

Manasi reached the receptionist's desk and someone called, "Manavi don't run. Stop! Stop!". She turned around, "Manavi or Manasi", she was surprised to hear the name. But to her surprise the same little girl with two pony tails was running towards her. And the lady was chasing her, saying, "Manavi dont run. You'll slip dear. Stop!".

The girl rushed towards Manasi and hugged her feet. She looked up at Manasi, her smile was endearing. Manasi felt the same knot in her stomach like before. She rubbed her belly feeling uneasy. And at the next instance she was unknowingly caressing the girl's cheeks. "Your name is Manavi?", she asked in a tender tone. 

"Yes, I'm Manavi", the girl replied with a broader smile. She touched Manasi's hand that was caressing her cheeks. And tears welled up in Manasi's eyes. The lady chasing Manavi held Manavi's hand lightly, staring at Manasi. 

Upon hearing the ruckus, Vipul stepped out of his cabin and rushed to the reception area. "Is Manavi alright?", he asked in a concerned pitch. He saw the scene -Manavi and Manasi together and Manasi's eyes brimmed with tears. 

"Did I really underestimate her?", Vipul thought.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is a fictional story. Resemblance of any sort in real life is purely coincidental. If you like the story, comment and share, keep following for more!