WHISPERS OF THE HEART

CHAPTER 3

*Avikaa's Office, 2:00 PM*

Avikaa stood at the head of the conference table, surveying her design team's latest prototypes for Bellezza Beauty's new product line.

"I don't like it," Avikaa said, her voice firm but controlled. "The packaging needs to pop. Make it more luxurious."

Designer Ryan spoke up, "But, Avikaa, we've researched the market, and-"

Avikaa cut him off, her patience wearing thin. "I don't pay you to follow trends, Ryan. I pay you to create them."

The room fell silent. Ryan's face reddened.

"Let's try again," Avikaa concluded, dismissing the tension.

The meeting adjourned an hour later, with Avikaa still unsatisfied.

As she packed up her notes, her phone buzzed.

"Avikaa," her father's gruff voice answered.

"Dad," Avikaa replied, her tone cautious.

"Are you coming back to India for Ruhanika's wedding or not?" he asked directly.

"Yes, I'll be there before the engagement," Avikaa replied.

"And how long will you stay?"

"Just for the wedding, Dad. I have work commitments here."

"Where will you stay?"

"At the hotel booked by the Rajvanshis for guests."

Her father snorted. "Do as you wish."

The line went dead.

Avikaa's frustration boiled over. She grabbed her purse and left the office early, escaping the confines of her own company.

Avikaa's Home, 7:00 PM

Avikaa walked into her kitchen, dropping her keys. Aditi, her best friend and confidante, stood at the stove.

"Hey! Something smells amazing!" Avikaa exclaimed.

Aditi smiled warmly. "Vegetable biryani and saag paneer!

Avikaa's eyes widened. "Mmm, you're a lifesaver!"

As they hugged, Avikaa's tension began to dissipate.

"Rough day?" Aditi asked.

Avikaa sighed. "Meeting, then Dad...just perfect."

Aditi listened intently, stirring the biryani.

_Avikaa's Dining Table, 8:00 PM_

Avikaa and Aditi sat down to enjoy the delicious vegetable biryani and saag paneer.

"Ugh, Dad's being impossible," Avikaa said, shaking her head.

"What did he say?" Aditi asked, concern etched on her face.

"Just questioning my decision to return to India for Ruhanika's wedding," Avikaa replied.

Aditi nodded sympathetically. "Well, you know he loves you deep down."

Avikaa sighed. "I know. But it's hard to take his criticism sometimes."

Aditi smiled. "You're strong, Avi. And I'll be there with you at the wedding!"

Avikaa's eyes sparkled. "I'm so glad you're coming! Ruhanika will love having you there."

Just then, Matilda, their maid, entered the dining room.

"Good evening, madam! Good evening, miss!" Matilda greeted.

Avikaa and Aditi returned the greeting.

After dinner, they moved to Avikaa's room.

_Avikaa's Room, 9:30 PM_

Avikaa opened her laptop, while Aditi browsed through design magazines.

"Okay, so we need to finalize our outfits for the wedding," Avikaa said.

Aditi nodded. "I've been thinking about that! What's your theme?"

"Belle Époque-inspired," Avikaa replied.

As they discussed wedding dresses and flight bookings, their conversation shifted to work.

"Have you seen the latest designs for Bellezza Beauty's new product?" Avikaa asked.

Aditi's eyes lit up. "No! Show me."

Avikaa shared her designs, and Aditi oohed and aahed.

"I love the packaging!" Aditi exclaimed.

Avikaa beamed. "Thanks! And how's your design business going?"

Aditi grinned. "Getting new clients! And I've been experimenting with sustainable materials."

As the night wore on, they gossiped and laughed.

_Avikaa's Room, 10:55 PM_

"Time for bed?" Aditi asked, yawning.

Avikaa nodded. "Yeah, we have a busy day tomorrow."

They hugged goodnight.

"Goodnight, Adi," Avikaa said.

"Goodnight, Avi," Aditi replied.

Matilda had already left, leaving the kitchen and dining table spotless.

Avikaa checked her emails and news one last time before drifting off to sleep.

The room fell silent, filled with the promise of new beginnings.

_Avikaa's Room, 11:00 PM_

Avikaa drifted off to sleep, her mind still replaying the conversation with her dad and the upcoming wedding.

She dreamed of Ruhanika's joyful smile and the vibrant colors of the Indian festivities.

Tomorrow would bring new challenges and opportunities.

The Bellezza Beauty brand needed her attention, and Avikaa was ready to tackle it head-on.

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• End of Chapter 3 •

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