The Silence Between Us

The unexpected collaboration

"I know you're all curious to know who these two are, so let me reveal their names," the client says, pausing for effect. "They are Ayaan Malhotra and Ayesha Singhania."

"What!!" We both exclaim simultaneously, shock evident in our voices.

"Is it that impossible?" the client questions, raising an eyebrow.

"Obviously, it can never, ever happen... at least in this life," she retorts, her eyes flashing as she shoots me a fierce look.

"Neither am I interested in collaborating with her," I say firmly, meeting her gaze with equal intensity.

"Well, I want you both to collaborate because the idea I have for this project can only come to fruition when you both come together," the client says with a determined tone. "You both possess something that the other lacks, something you may not have discovered yet. What I found missing in Ms. Ayesha's vision was crystal clear in Mr. Ayaan's, and vice-versa."

"Then tell me what's missing, and I will make sure to take that into account," I state resolutely.

"I can also fulfill all your requirements; just tell me exactly what you need," she says with a confident tone.

"It's not something you can achieve overnight," the client continues. "The determination to bring others' dreams to life and transform their imagined house into reality is evident in Ms. Ayesha's presentation. On the other hand, the passion to be number one and deliver the best possible outcome is clear in Mr. Ayaan's presentation. I've met many people and know who's best for my work. So, only if you collaborate will you have the chance to lead this project; otherwise, I'll need to find someone else."

"But sir, just think about it... everyone knows we are rivals. How can you expect us to cooperate and work together? It's something that can never happen," I say with a note of exasperation.

"And this is the first and last time I agree with him. It can never happen," she says with firm finality.

"It's fine. You both still have two days to decide. Let me know after two days if your decision remains the same," the client says with a calm but insistent tone.

We both nod, realizing there is nothing more to say, given the client's unwavering insistence on having us lead the project. The client leaves the room, leaving us both baffled and frustrated. We know the importance of this project, and the thought of losing it is a heavy blow.

"Was this also one of your cheap tricks to get me down? Did you already plan to make a deal with him and have him announce that I'll only get the project if I collaborate with you? You know very well I will never do that," she says with a scowl.

"If you think this is a trick, maybe it's time to face the reality that you're the one standing in your own way. I'm not here to play games; I'm here to get results. If you can't see that, that's your problem," I say with steely determination.

"Oh really? Then what was all that you did in the past few days? Was it a prank? Tricking me into believing you were behind my clients and suppliers?" she says with a sharp edge in her voice.

"Don't be naive. If you're so easily rattled, maybe you should reconsider how you handle business. It's called strategy, not pranks," I say with a cold, unyielding gaze.

"Strategy? If you can't handle a bit of pressure, maybe you're not cut out for this level of competition," she says with a defiant glare.

"What do you even mean?" I inquire, locking my gaze firmly with hers.

"You did all this so that you wouldn't have to face defeat like last time, right?" she says with a challenging edge in her voice.

"Defeat? I'm more concerned with making sure you don't underestimate the competition. If you think this is about avoiding defeat, you're already out of your depth," I say with fierce intensity.