Two Yearning Hearts

24

Inside the corridor of Agarwal Industries, Parvati ran into Kamal, whose face lit up with a warm, welcoming smile. However, Gaurav's reaction was starkly different; his brow furrowed in dislike, and without a word, he walked away.

Ignoring Gaurav's cold demeanor, Parvati turned her attention to Kamal, who greeted her with respectful and affectionate words, "I'm glad to see you here, bhabhi."

With a gentle nod, Parvati said, "I’m just keeping my promise, Kamal. I won't leave until Mr. Mehra's project is completed."

Kamal, feeling guilty about the situation, said, "I'm sorry, Bhabhi. I hope you're not upset with me and Pallavi..."

Before he could continue, Parvati interrupted him with a tender tone, recognizing the guilt he carried for not standing by her side. "Kamal, I'm not angry with anyone. I've chosen to prioritize myself and my baby. It's time for you to go back to your work."

As she gracefully made her way to her cabin, leaving a thoughtful Kamal behind, he let out a wistful sigh, harboring a silent wish that someday Parvati might return to the Agarwal household.

Parvati was summoned to Gaurav's office later that day. 

Parvati sat on the chair, her spine straight, and her gaze steady. The room felt charged with tension as Gaurav, seated behind his imposing desk, looked at her, keeping his expression serious. "You should change our cement supplier," he declared.

Parvati's eyebrows shot up in surprise. She hadn't expected this demand. "Our current supplier?" She asked, keeping her tone calm and measured.

Gaurav went on,"our current supplier has been causing delays in our project due to late deliveries. You know how costly delays can be…”

"But, they've been with us for years. Yes, there have been delays lately, but their quality and reliability outweigh their occasional delays,” Parvati interrupted him.

Gaurav's jaw tightened. "Delays cost money," he retorted. "I've already spoken to Stone House cement supplier, and they are willing to take over. Not only that, but their prices are significantly lower than what we're paying now..."

"This project," she said, emphasizing each word, "is a partnership with Mr. Mehra. Decisions can't be made unilaterally. As the project lead, I have a responsibility to consider the pros and cons. Our current suppliers are like old friends—reliable."

Gaurav's eyes bore into hers, frustration simmering. "But the delays," he insisted. "We can't afford them."

She maintained a confident posture and explained, "delays are common in any project. It's just how things work. Switching suppliers won't necessarily solve everything. And trust me, Gaurav bhaiyya, newbies come with their own set of surprises."

He clenched his fists. "You're too cautious," he snapped. "We need efficiency."

Parvati stood, her chair scraping against the floor. "Efficiency, yes, but not at the cost of quality and reliability," she said, her voice low yet confident. “If you're adamant, let’s arrange a meeting with Mr.Mehra,” she suggested. “You can share your opinion with him, and we’ll decide together.”

As she walked out of Gaurav's cabin, she felt his glare burning into her back.

Damn her attitude, Gaurav thought. 

But Parvati walked away with her head held high, confident in her convictions and the strength of her choices.

As the sun began to set, Parvati was in her room, sorting through her clothes in the wardrobe. It was the second day in her maternal home and she wasn't able to arrange her clothes. She had left behind the home she had thought she would spend all her life. The adjustments to this new chapter in her life were still weighing heavily on her, making it difficult to focus on the simple task at hand. However, a warm smile graced her face as she reached for the handmade baby sweater she had lovingly knitted long ago. She felt grateful that she had remembered to pack it, and holding it close, she realized that she needed to buy wool to knit new sweaters for her baby.