Tangled with Fate | #1st Tangled Hearts Series

7: First step

We were having lunch in the bustling university cafeteria. The clatter of trays and the hum of conversations created a familiar, comforting noise. My friends and I sat around a small table, our plates filled with an assortment of food. The scent of fresh salads and grilled sandwiches wafted through the air.Cat leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, Anni, how are you feeling about the meeting with the investor at 5?"

I took a sip of my iced tea, trying to mask my nerves. "I'm excited but also a bit nervous. It's such a huge opportunity."

"Don't worry," Elnor said, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "You've worked so hard on this business plan. They're going to see that."

Natallia, who was picking at her salad, chimed in. "Just be yourself and show them your passion. Investors love that."

I nodded, trying to take in my friends' advice. I glanced at my watch, noting the time. There were only a few hours left before the meeting. I had spent weeks preparing for this moment, and now it was almost here.

After lunch, I returned to my dorm room to gather my materials and mentally prepare for the meeting. My heart pounded with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. I reviewed my notes, rehearsed my pitch, and made sure everything was in order.My dorm room was my sanctuary, a cozy space with pastel walls adorned with pictures of my family and friends. My desk was cluttered with books, papers, and my laptop, while my bed was neatly made with a soft, floral comforter. A small potted plant sat on the windowsill, adding a touch of greenery to the room.

Just as I was about to review my presentation one more time, my phone buzzed. It was a message from my younger brother, Advik. 

Advik🤪🤡: Hey sis, ready to charm those investors with your brilliant business plan? 

 Me: Haha, trying to. Feeling a bit nervous though.

Advik🤪🤡: Nervous? You? Come on, you're the bravest person I know! Remember when you stood up to complain to Mom about me hiding your books, even though you knew she'd make you babysit me for a week?

Me : How could I forget? But this is different, Advik. It's about our future.

Advik🤪🤡: Exactly. Which is why you're going to nail it. And hey, if all else fails, just give them that 'puppy eyes' look you give Mom when you want something  .

Me: Very funny, Advik. But seriously, thanks for the pep talk.

Advik🤪🤡: Anytime, Bun Bun .Good luck! You've got this! And don't forget to text me as soon as you're done.

Me : Will do. Thanks, little bro!

I smiled, feeling a wave of warmth. Advik always knew how to lift my spirits. 

I decided to wear a simple yet professional outfit: a crisp white blouse tucked into navy blue trousers, paired with black heels. I wanted to look confident and capable, even if I felt a bit nervous inside.

As I checked my appearance in the mirror, I couldn't help but think about Alex. Since the night of the party, things had been awkward between us. I wondered if he had any idea how much his presence affected me. I shook my head, trying to push those thoughts aside. This meeting was too important to let anything distract me.

Finally, the time arrived. I made my way to the designated meeting place, my steps echoing in the quiet hallway. My heart was racing, and I tried to steady my nerves as I walked. I had worked so hard for this moment, and I hoped it would go well. When I entered the room, the investor was already there, waiting for me.

 He was a tall, well-dressed man with an air of confidence."Good evening, Miss Bhatt," he greeted me with a warm smile.

"Good evening , Mr. Harrington," I replied, shaking his hand. I tried to steady my nerves as we sat down.

The investor listened intently as I presented my business plan. I spoke passionately about my vision for the community health brand, detailing how it would address important health issues and provide valuable resources. I explained how my father's passing had inspired me to create a business that could make a real difference. When I finished, there was a brief silence. I held my breath, waiting for his response.

We discussed my business plan in detail, and I was surprised by how interested he seemed. Just as I was about to wrap up my presentation, Mr. Williams' phone rang.

"Excuse me, Ms. Bhatt. I need to take this call. It's important," he said, picking up the phone. "Yes, I am on it. Yes, I will, boss."

I raised an eyebrow. Boss? So he has a boss

"I'm impressed," the investor finally said. "Your plan is well thought out and has great potential. I believe in your vision."My heart soared with relief and excitement. 

"Thank you so much."The investor reached into his briefcase and pulled out a check. 

"I want to invest in your business," he said, handing me the check. "Consider this the first step in our partnership." I stared at the check in shock. It was more than I had hoped for, a significant amount of $100,000 that would kickstart my business dreams. 

oh my god !! $100,000 its a first step for my dreams to come true!!

"I... I don't know what to say. Thank you!"

The investor smiled. "I look forward to seeing your business thrive. Let's make great things happen together."

As I left the meeting, the check clutched tightly in my hand, I felt a surge of confidence. This was the beginning of something incredible. The investor had seemed almost too eager to invest, which was a good sign, but it left me wondering how they had heard about my proposal so quickly. However, I pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the bright future ahead.

Back in my dorm room, I couldn't help but smile. The support of this investor meant that my dreams were finally within reach. I quickly messaged my friends and did a video call iwth mamma and  Advik to share the good news.  Mama was very proud of me . This was the moment I had been working towards, not just for myself, but for my family. My papa would have been so proud of my first step into the business world, something he had always encouraged me to pursue.

thought crossed my mind. The investor had shown interest so quickly—it almost felt too good to be true. Was there more to this than met the eye? Alexander had been on my mind lately, but I brushed the thought aside, unsure if he had anything to do with this.

The future looked brighter than ever, and I was ready to seize it. .The future looked brighter than ever, and I was ready to seize it.