Azure Knot

:: 11 ::

Jaimathi and Raahini's companies collaborate Deepavali event had finally arrived, and the atmosphere was nothing short of enchanting. The soft glow of pastel-coloured drapes with lights illuminating behind it cast a soothing light over the venue. Delicate fairy lights twinkled from the trees, while oil lamps flickered in meticulously arranged spots, casting a warm and inviting light that felt almost magical. It was a perfect blend of modern elegance and festive tradition, the fusion music performed by local artists setting the perfect tone for the evening. The gentle rhythm of tabla beats and guitar strings filled the air, adding a unique, contemporary vibe to the night.

The displays of JM Spices and Puthu Vannam Threads were stunning, designed to catch the eye of every guest. Products from both companies had been arranged artfully, showcasing each in a way that was both elegant and understated. Guests murmured their approval as they moved from table to table, admiring the creativity and seamless blending of two industries.

"Everything is so well done."

"The pastel colours are such a refreshing change, don't you think?"

The murmurs of praise flowed through the crowd, and for a brief moment, Lathika allowed herself to breathe. After a week of tension, long nights, and constant battles over every little detail, the event had come together beautifully. She had to admit, despite the rocky start with Prashanth, they had managed to pull off something special.

But as she wandered through the event, checking in on guests and making sure everything was running smoothly, a familiar voice sliced through the air, halting her in her tracks.

"Well, well, look who's here."

Lathika's heart sank. Her body went rigid as she turned, already knowing who she would see. Tara stood before her, dressed to perfection and smiling with the kind of guiltless confidence that made Lathika's stomach churn. She's not supposed to be here, Lathika thought, the realization quickly followed by a wave of anger.

Tara was not on the guest list. She had not been invited. Did someone from my team told her about the event? Or is she keeping a track on my work? The thought of betrayal stung, but now wasn't the time to deal with it. Right now, she had to handle Tara.

Lathika forced herself to remain calm, but the tightness in her chest betrayed her. "Tara. What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice low but steady.

Tara's smile widened, as if she enjoyed the discomfort she was causing. "Oh, I just couldn't resist," she said, her voice dripping with mock innocence. "I heard you got yourself a project and I had to see for myself how you're doing, Lathika. You know, after everything."

The words hit like a slap. Lathika's hands tightened into fists at her sides, her breath catching in her throat. "Everything? You mean, after you stole my projects?"

Tara laughed softly, the sound cold and unbothered. "Oh, come on. You can't be that naive, Lathika. It's not personal—it's business. And clearly, you couldn't keep up. You were falling behind, and someone had to pick up the slack."

Each word dug deeper into Lathika's heart, the wound still fresh from losing her biggest clients to the very person she had trusted. She had nurtured Tara, given her opportunities, and now she stood there, taunting her as if it were all a game.

"I wasn't falling behind," Lathika said, her voice shaking with barely contained anger. "You undermined me, Tara. You went behind my back."

Tara tilted her head, her smile still firmly in place. "I simply saw an opportunity. You were too slow to adapt, Lathika. That's the reality. Clients want fresh ideas, and you were stuck in your old ways."