Rekindled Hearts: The Journey Of Transformation[ONC2024]

|#11. Beneath the Business Facade|

Vineet is a little hurt by Ruhana's response, but he expects it. He is aware of the changes that she has adapted to, and he knows that she's a tough nut to crack. Her words still echo in his ears, even after fifteen days of the confession.

Initially, there was awkwardness between the two, but they brushed it off amidst the professional work they had to deal with. Now, it's been fifteen days, and her words often trouble him.

"You are caging yourself, Vineet."

"If you hold feelings for me, throw them out. I don't want you to cage yourself, knowing that I won't be able to love you the way you love me."

"Have some sense of freedom, Vineet. You cannot make me love you if I don't hold any feelings for you."

She is quite clear with her concepts. The girl who used to share every little thing with him has started to hide things. Surely, they discuss business deals and have a conversation, but she doesn't open up to him like before. He's well aware that she's hiding her feelings; she doesn't want to show the tender side of her demeanour anymore. She wants to remain the cold, rude, and business-minded person that she has become.

Often, Vineet feels guilty about opening his heart to her because she does not understand his plight. But then, he also knows some part of the story that she has been through, but he knows there's more to it. He wants to know about it, and for that, he needs to talk to either Ruhana or Aanya.

Meanwhile, there's a knock on the door of his chamber, and he allows the person in. He's surprised to find Ruhana emerging through the door. She smiles at him and takes her seat opposite him. She passes a file to him, and he begins to see it.

"This is a copy of the deal that we are going to give to ChicCouture Fashion House. Please let me know if there is any change required," She is talking about business.

"You're leading this deal?" He asks while glancing at her.

"Yes, Vineet. I'll look into it. I just want to make sure this deal is profitable for us," Ruhana explains.

"But you have a friendly relationship with ChicCouture. What about it? Why is it always about profit?" He asks the question he's been keeping to himself until now.

"Profit is important, Vineet. I have already told you about it. Relationships are secondary for now. And you know why? So, we will not discuss it now, Just approve it, so that, I can go ahead. I know, you won't accompany me in this," she replies taking him by surprise.

"Ruhana, why don't you tell me the reality? What is it that you're hiding?" He asks, he knows there's more to her story.

"You should concentrate on your life, Vineet. You do not need to know it. Do not poke your nose in my matters. I'll be leaving now." She glances at him once and leaves the cabin, taking the file. 

Vineet is in a trance. The girl hasn't changed one bit. She doesn't want to change for good. She has her business ways, and she doesn't want to leave her ethics. He doesn't judge her ways; she just prefers the way that is beneficial to her and her business.

He watches her walk out of the chamber, and he's left thinking. He is determined to find out the true story, and he has promised himself to bring her on the right track.

*****

Ruhana arrives at the meeting venue, the Hotel Mumbai Mirage. She asks the receptionist about the meeting and is directed to the conference hall. She thanks the receptionist and then heads into the hall. She settles into a chair and looks around; the place is neatly and elegantly decorated. Her wait ends after a few minutes when a young lady enters the hall and greets her. She responds with a smile, and the two ladies indulge in a discussion about their deal.

"Ms. Geeta, I am sure that the quotation I have brought for you will be beneficial for both of us and our companies as well."

"Oh, that's great, Ms. Ruhana. Tell me what it is all about?" Geeta demands an explanation.

"You know, I organize an annual fashion show under my business name, so, I want your help with that. We work on the same culture, so I want the fashion show this year to be an amalgamation of your and my thoughts."

"However, this won't affect our deal with the objective you hold. We will be working for Vogue Ventures and designing some exquisite designs, I promise. This will be beneficial for both of us. What do you say?" Ruhana stops and glances at her counterpart.

"Sounds interesting, Ruhana. And what about the profits of the fashion show? I mean, will it be combined, or will we get it individually?" Geeta asks, after thinking for a while.

"We will divide the profits, Geeta. After all, we are doing all of this for money and to pursue our passion, of course," Ruhana says, with a determined look in her eyes.

"Sounds interesting, Ruhana. Vogue Ventures is an ideal company; we can work together, and the consequences will be beautiful," Geeta smiles.

"Ah! I expected the same, Geeta. I am delighted to work with you for another time. Last time, our ethnic designs were a big hit. I am planning to do the same this time," Ruhana suggests.

"It should be an ethnic and traditional mix, Ruhana. Maybe, we can design wedding gowns with an impression of the lehengas. What do you think?" Geeta makes another suggestion, and she's thrilled.

"Woah! This is the best aspect of working with you, Geeta. You always bring nice challenges, and it's therapeutic to work on them," Ruhana smiles.

"Glad to know it, Ruhana. Then, let's sign the deal?" Geeta asks.

The ladies sign the deal, and then Ruhana takes her leave. Her lips quirk into a smile, and she heads back to the office.

*****
Vineet is in his office chamber, working on his laptop. While working on the laptop, a mail catches his attention, and his lips quirked into a smile. Maybe, he knows his next step. A plan is brewing in his head, and he knows it's a step ahead towards Ruhana's crumbled heart.

To Be Continued.

A/N: Word count: 1064 words.

Total word count : 12,412 words.