Azure Knot

:: 5 ::

Lathika stood outside Raahini's office door, her hands resting briefly on the wooden frame as she gathered herself. The earlier turmoil from the event—the betrayal, the hurt, and the disbelief—was carefully packed away. She had spent long enough in the car solitude to regain her composure, and now it was time to step into a room that often felt more like family than business.

She knocked lightly on the door, and upon hearing a familiar voice, pushed it open. The warm scent of sandalwood and jasmine greeted her, as it always did when she visited Raahini's office. Raahini and Jaimathi sat comfortably by the window, deep in conversation, the late afternoon sunlight casting a soft glow over them.

"Ah, finally! You decided to visit us mere mortals," Raahini teased, her eyes twinkling with humour. "What kept you so long, Lathika?"

Lathika laughed softly, stepping inside. "I've been running around downstairs, making sure everything was wrapped up."

"You can't ignore us forever," Jaimathi added with a mock-serious tone. "We haven't seen you in over a year! It's like you've vanished from Madurai altogether."

Lathika smiled as she took a seat opposite them, the lightness of the moment allowing her to push aside the earlier storm in her heart. "I know, I've been terrible. Work just never stops. But I'm here now. I've missed you both."

Raahini leaned in, a knowing look crossing her face. "You've been far too busy. A whole year, Lathi. You know we've missed having you around."

"I've missed you too, Patti. I'll do better, I promise," Lathika said, her tone softening. It was true—this part of her life, her connection to these two incredible women, had been neglected in the rush of her career.

Raahini raised an eyebrow. "We'll hold you to that."

They laughed together, and for a moment, Lathika felt the weight on her chest lighten. But then Raahini's tone shifted, growing slightly more serious.

"Now that you're here, we have a little something we want to discuss with you," she said, her gaze flicking to Jaimathi, who nodded in agreement.

"Oh? What's that?" Lathika asked, intrigued.

"Deepavali is coming up, and we've been thinking—it's time to host a grand celebration," Jaimathi said, her voice taking on a business-like tone. "Not just any celebration, but a proper event. Both JM Spices and Puthu Vannam Threads need to showcase their best, and we want to bring together investors, clients, and partners. Something big. Something memorable."

Lathika's interest piqued immediately. "A joint event? That sounds exciting."

"We thought you might like it," Raahini said with a smile. "We know how brilliant you are with events. So, we want you to handle everything."

Lathika blinked, caught off guard by the enormity of the request. "You want me to organize the entire Deepavali party?"

"Not just organize," Jaimathi clarified. "We want you to represent JM Spices, while someone from Puthu Vannam Threads will represent Raahini's company."

Lathika nodded slowly, letting the idea sink in. Organizing a major joint event for two powerhouse companies wasn't just a regular project—it was the kind of event that could elevate both businesses and solidify partnerships. It would also give her a chance to throw herself back into work, which felt like the perfect distraction.

"I'd be honoured," Lathika finally said, her smile returning. "I'll start drafting a proposal and ideas for the event."

"Excellent," Raahini said, clearly pleased. "But there's one more thing."