When Disaster Meets Perfection

Ch- 11 A Night of Revelations

Ishana's eyes sparkled with determination as she gazed at Shivay, her shoulders squared. "I'll reveal everything, but be warned, you might be shocked. Let's find a quiet spot to talk."

She gestured for them to follow her, leading them to a front-row table. As they sat down, Shivay was taken aback by her confidence, while Om was impressed and Rudra was surprised.

Ishana began, "Let's start with introductions. I'm Ishana Singhania, an interior designer and CEO of Anish Interior company."

Before Shivay could respond, she added, "No need to introduce yourself, Mr. Oberoi. I'm well aware of your reputation as the number one business tycoon, Shivay Singh Oberoi."

Shivay's eyes narrowed, his voice laced with annoyance. "If you knew who I was, then how dare you deceive me on our blind date?"

Ishana's thoughts echoed Annika's words, "He's indeed the embodiment of arrogance." Yet, her expression remained serene, her voice steady and composed, betraying no hint of her inner musings as she continued to address Shivay with a calm demeanor.

"Patience, Mr. Oberoi. I'll reveal the truth, but first, let's hear from your friends." She turned to Om and Rudra, her gaze encouraging. "Please, introduce yourselves."

Om and Rudra exchanged a glance, then Om spoke up, "I'm Om an artist, Shivay's cousin."

Rudra added, "And I'm Rudra, a college student, Shivay's other cousin."

Ishana's gaze remained fixed on Om's as she asked, "Oh, an artist? How fascinating! I'd love to see your work. May I have your number? I'm redecorating a client's home and need the perfect painting. Perhaps you can help me find it."

Om's eyes widened in surprise, and he hesitated before responding, "Umm, okay..."

Just as Om was about to share his number, Shivay discreetly nudged him and whispered a warning in his ear. "Be cautious, Om. Remember how she deceived me? Let's hear her explanation about last week's events before you share your number."

Om nodded in understanding and replied, "Actually, before I give you my number, could you please clarify what happened last week? We're all curious to know."

Ishana's expression turned apologetic as she acknowledged, "I'm so sorry, I sometimes get sidetracked. Let me focus on the matter at hand."

Ishana began to explain, "The girl you met was my best friend, Annika Trivedi. I was out of town, so I sent her in my place."

Shivay's annoyance grew, "If you couldn't make it, you should have messaged me. Why send someone else and waste my time?"

Ishana countered, "It's not my fault you wasted your time. I sent a message saying I couldn't attend and that my friend would come instead. If you didn't read it, that's not my mistake."

Shivay's anger intensified, "If you sent a message, why didn't I receive it?"

Ishana shrugged, "How would I know? It's your phone, you should know why you didn't get the message."

Rudra chimed in, "Bhaiya, Ishana is right. You often miss my messages, so how can you expect to see hers?"

Ishana pulled out her phone and showed Shivay the sent message and his phone number, "See, I sent it to this number, which is yours."

Shivay's eyes widened as he realized his mistake. Ishana continued, "Mr. Oberoi, my father sent you my photo. Didn't you see it?"

Shivay admitted, "I didn't see it."

Ishana concluded, "Exactly! If you had seen my photo, you would have known Annika wasn't me. This was your mistake, Mr. Oberoi."

Shivay then inquired, "Why did Annika agree to go on the date in your place?"

Ishana explained, "I practically forced her to go. You see, when Annika gets into her creative zone, she becomes like a zombie - she doesn't eat, sleep, or do anything else until she achieves her desired results. I have to push her to take care of herself. This time, I wasn't around, so I thought that if she went to the 5-star hotel, the change of scenery would help her relax and refresh. But clearly, that didn't happen. She seemed upset on the date, but she didn't give me any details. I just returned two days ago, and she wasn't home. She said she'd meet me here."

Shivay's expression softened slightly, intrigued by Ishana's explanation. "I see. So, you were trying to help Annika break out of her creative trance. And about what happens in date. You can asked directly from her."

Ishana nodded. "Exactly! Annika's talent is incredible, but she often forgets to take care of herself. I've been trying to help her find a balance."

Om and Rudra exchanged a glance, impressed by Ishana's concern for her friend.

Rudra, eager to meet the girl who had kept his brother on his toes, asked excitedly, "Where's your best friend? I want to meet her."

Shivay, still unsure about Annika's background, said,  "You said her name was Annika Trivedi, but I don't know any businessmen named Trivedi, nor any VVIPs."

Ishana clarified, "She's not a billionaire like us, Mr. Oberoi. She's just a normal person. Her family lives in Shimla, and she's pursuing her dreams and supporting her family."

Shivay questioned, "So she's not of our status. Then how did you become friends? Maybe she's after your money."

Ishana responded angrily, "Mr. Oberoi, how dare you say such things about Annika? Not all people make friends based on their status. She's my college best friend, and I'm happy to have her in my life."

Shivay apologized for his offensive remark, but he remained skeptical. "This is a VIP and VVIP event, and only top shots are invited. If she's not from a VIP family, how did she get here?"

Ishana retorted, "Annika was right. You're such a jerk. Not everyone has to be a VVIP to attend this event. And for your information, Mr. Oberoi, if you weren't here, the event would still go on. But if Annika wasn't here, the event would be paused."

Rudra, impressed by Annika's importance, said, "Wow, she's that important? I can't wait to meet her. What does she do?"

Ishana explained, "She's a fashion designer. All the clothes you will be seeing here are designed by Annika and her team. It's the result of a week of hard work, which they spent nights at the company. We'll meet her after the fashion show is over."

Om said, "That's impressive, you both are designers. May I say something?"

Ishana replied, "If it's not as rude as what your brother said, go ahead," giving Shivay a sideways glance.

Om chuckled and said, "Don't compare me to my brother; he speaks without thinking. But I noticed your company name, Anish, is a combination of Annika and Ishana."

Ishana was impressed, "Wow, Om, you're a genius! Yes, that's correct. I'm grateful for Annika's friendship and support. She's the reason I am where I am today. And I'm happy to have her as a friend, not just someone from a similar background," she said, subtly mocking Shivay.

Before Shivay could respond, the lights dimmed, signaling the start of the fashion show.

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