Chapter 14: Beneath the Surface

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The next day dawned with a sense of apprehension lingering in the air as Aoom made her way to the headquarters of her management company. She had been summoned for a meeting, and the ominous nature of the request left her feeling uneasy.

Upon arriving at the sleek, modern offices, Aoom was ushered into a conference room where she found herself face to face with the CEO of her management company, Mr. Nawat, and her manager, Ice. The tension in the room was palpable as Aoom took her seat, steeling herself for whatever was to come.

"Good morning, Aoom," Mr. Nawat greeted, his tone stern as he fixed her with a serious gaze. "I trust you're aware of the recent developments surrounding this... Meenbabe ship?"

Aoom nodded solemnly, her jaw set in determination. "Yes, sir," she replied evenly, refusing to let her nerves get the best of her.

Mr. Nawat's expression darkened as he continued, his disapproval evident in his tone. "I must say, I find this entire situation highly unprofessional and detrimental to your image, Aoom," he admonished, his voice laced with thinly veiled frustration. "Associating yourself with a fan in such a public manner is not only reckless but also damaging to your career."

Aoom bristled at the implication, her resolve hardening as she met Mr. Nawat's gaze head-on. "With all due respect, sir, I have to disagree," she stated firmly, her voice unwavering. "Meenbabe may have started as a lighthearted joke, but it's grown into something meaningful—a symbol of the genuine connection I share with my fans, including Meena."

Mr. Nawat's eyebrows shot up in surprise at Aoom's bold declaration, his expression skeptical. "Meaningful connection, you say?" he echoed incredulously. "And what, pray tell, do you expect to gain from this... Meenbabe nonsense?"

Aoom took a deep breath, steeling herself for the battle ahead. "Respect, sir," she replied resolutely, her voice ringing with conviction. "Respect for the fans who support me day in and day out, and respect for the relationships I've formed along the way. Meenbabe isn't just about me and Meena—it's about celebrating the power of friendship and camaraderie within the fandom."

Ice, who had been observing the exchange with a mixture of concern and admiration, spoke up in support of Aoom. "Mr. Nawat, I believe Aoom has a point," she interjected, her voice measured. "The Meenbabe ship may be unconventional, but it's undeniably resonated with fans in a way that's brought them closer to Aoom. Isn't that ultimately what we want as a management company?"

Mr. Nawat's expression softened slightly at Ice's impassioned defense, though his skepticism remained. "Be that as it may, we cannot afford to indulge in frivolous distractions at the expense of Aoom's career," he countered, his tone firm. "I'll need some time to consider our next steps, but for now, I expect both of you to exercise caution when it comes to promoting this... Meenbabe ship."

Aoom nodded solemnly, her resolve undeterred by Mr. Nawat's admonition. "Understood, sir," she replied respectfully, though the fire in her eyes spoke volumes. "But I won't apologize for standing by my fans and the connections we've forged together. Meenbabe may be unconventional, but it's real—and I intend to fight for it."

As the discussion unfolded, Mr. Nawat's expression remained stern, his gaze piercing as he addressed Aoom and Ice. "Before we make any decisions regarding this Meenbabe ship," he began, his voice firm, "I want to meet this Meena in person."

Aoom turned her attention back to Mr. Nawat, his request echoing in her mind. "I understand your concerns, Mr. Nawat," she began, her tone measured. "But I assure you, Meena is no opportunist. She's been a dedicated fan of mine for years, long before the Meenbabe ship even existed."

Mr. Nawat regarded Aoom with a skeptical expression, his brow furrowed in thought. "And yet, her sudden emergence into the spotlight raises questions," he countered, his tone skeptical. "I'll reserve judgment until I've had the chance to meet this Meena for myself."

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