Bridging Hearts

1. Bellissimo

Her

"...Yes...thank you, sir! I won't let you down."

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

Rang my alarm bringing me back to reality. Ughhh, another day to face today. I checked the time, eyes widening.

What the heck?!?

It's 8 AM already. Damn it, I will be late for the meeting...

I scrambled out of bed, throwing on clothes and rushing through my morning routine. I barely had time to glance in the mirror before bolting downstairs.

"Ma, I am leaving. I have an important client meeting today."

"Tara, have your breakfast," Ma called from the kitchen, her voice carrying a note of worry. I grabbed two apples from the fruit bowl on the dining table and stuffed them into my bag.

"I'll have it in the office, Ma..." I said, glancing at the clock with a mix of frustration and urgency.

"Uff, this girl doesn't take care of herself. And remember, we need to pick up things for tomorrow's party."

I slapped my forehead. "Oh right, the party. I'll try to come early. I have to go now. The client's waiting. Bye." I kissed her cheek, already halfway to the door.

"Okay, okay. Take care. All the best. Bye."

I grabbed my designs and the car keys, mentally rehearsing my presentation. Mr. and Mrs. Wadia were known for their discerning taste. If I didn't impress them, Mr. Bose would definitely have words for me.

As I breezed into the office, the buzz of the morning energy was palpable. "Hey, Anil! How's it going?" I called out with a wave. He greeted me back with a smile. I continued down the hallway, greeting colleagues with a cheerful "Morning! Great to see you!"

Entering the conference room, I was met by Mr. and Mrs. Wadia. Mrs. Wadia, resplendent in a classic saree, regarded me with keen interest. Mr. Wadia, dressed in a sharp suit, observed with a more reserved but discerning gaze.

I began my presentation, detailing the design concepts with enthusiasm. My hands moved gracefully over the blueprints and mood boards as I explained the vision for their home—custom furniture, ambient lighting, and a harmonious color palette designed to blend comfort with elegance.

As I spoke, Mrs. Wadia's eyes sparkled when I introduced the handcrafted coffee table. Mr. Wadia's approving nod was a positive sign, though he maintained his usual stoic demeanor."Ms. Basu, this design for the living room is quite impressive," Mr. Wadia said, his tone thoughtful.

"I'm thrilled you think so," I replied, meeting his gaze confidently. "I envisioned this space as a sanctuary where you can both unwind and entertain guests, merging comfort with sophistication."Mrs. Wadia leaned forward, her smile widening.

"I especially love the color scheme you've chosen. It's both refreshing and inviting." Her praise was a weight off my shoulders.

I continued to address their queries, adapting the presentation based on their feedback with ease. By the end of the meeting, Mr. and Mrs. Wadia's smiles and nods indicated their satisfaction. Mr. Bose, who had been quietly observing from the back, approached me with a smile. "Excellent job, Tara. You've impressed them and showcased your expertise brilliantly."

"Thank you, Mr. Bose. I'm delighted they liked the designs," I said, feeling a surge of relief and accomplishment.

"Another successful project! Yes!" I patted myself on the back, savoring the triumph. My fifth win in the last two years. I picked up an apple and started eating, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction.