Iqraar

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

"I think this shade of gold could bring out the richness of the fabric," Khushi said, tilting the piece to catch the light. "It needs something bold but not too heavy. It would achieve the elegance we are aiming for."

Khushi, seated beside Sanya was busy threading delicate golden beads onto the hem of a deep red silk dupatta. Her fingers worked swiftly, nimble and sure, as she explained her idea to Sanya, her voice bright and animated.

Sanya nodded, an approving smile spreading across her face. "Absolutely! You have an eye for these things, Khushi. The colors look balanced, elegant and yet not overpowering—it's perfect for a wedding trousseau."

Across the table, another artisan chimed in, a touch of friendly mischief in her voice. "Khushi bitiya, are you maybe secretly planning your own trousseau?"

The table burst into laughter. Just then, Meher entered the workspace, glancing over the various pieces with her characteristic calm authority. She moved between the tables, pausing occasionally to admire the intricate work being done by each one, nodding approvingly or offering a few quiet suggestions.

When she reached Khushi's table, she looked down at the dupatta with a discerning eye. "This is beautiful, Khushi," Meher said, her voice carrying a warmth that was rare. "The gold accents give it a royal feel. It's just the right touch."

"Thank you, Meher ji," Khushi replied, a quiet pride glowing in her eyes.

Meher placed a hand on the fabric, her fingers brushing over the golden beads as she visualized the final collection. "When we bring all these pieces together—the silks, the embroidery, the block prints—it'll be a stunning ensemble. We're not just creating individual items; we're crafting a story," She said, looking around the room. "What we're creating here is more than just a collection—it's something that connects us to our traditions and transforms them for the modern bride."

Meher then straightened and announced to the room that ASR was going to be here today and that he wanted a meeting after lunch with all of them present.

Khushi moved briskly down the long hallway of Sheesh Mahal, balancing a steaming cup of tea in her hand. The morning was already busy, and she was hurrying to finalize some last-minute adjustments on her work before the team meeting. This project had her completely engrossed, and, for the moment, she forgot her usual worries and tensions.

Lost in her thoughts, she almost didn't hear the footsteps echoing down the hallway. But a faint, familiar scent—clean, fresh, with an undertone of something intense—was enough to make her pause.

Looking up, she found herself staring straight into Arnav's piercing gaze as he came around the corner. He was dressed immaculately as always, his eyes dark and focused, exuding an effortless confidence that only intensified the effect he seemed to have on her. A rush of nerves hit her instantly. She could feel her heart skip a beat, the small bubble of calm she'd carried all morning suddenly bursting.

Arnav noticed her as well, his brow lifting slightly in acknowledgment. "Good morning, Ms. Gupta," he said, his voice warm yet reserved, sending a subtle but unmistakable shiver down her spine.

"M-Morning, sir," she stammered, stepping aside to let him pass. But as she did so, her foot caught slightly on the edge of the rug, causing her to stumble. Her grip on the tea cup loosened, and before she could even realize it, the cup tilted and spilled its contents right onto the pristine rug.

"Hey Devi Mayya!" she gasped, watching in horror as the tea pooled around her feet, a dark stain spreading across the otherwise immaculate rug. Embarrassment flared up in her cheeks, and she crouched down instantly, fumbling to clean it with the handkerchief she usually carried. Her fingers shook as she dabbed at the spill, her mind racing with self-directed reprimands.