𝐑𝐚𝐚𝐛𝐭𝐚

2 | irritation and flushes

Sheena

II

I stepped outside Halo Media Group, taking a deep breath of the cool evening air. My mind was still tangled in thoughts of Dishant and Ms. Singh's unexpected decision. I needed to call Aaravi and break the news. As I dialed her number, a mix of anxiety and anticipation coursed through me.

"Oi Sheenaaa" Aaravi's cheerful voice rang through the line, instantly lifting my spirits.

"Aaravi, can we talk for a minute?" I asked, keeping my tone light despite the gravity of what I had to say.

"Ofcourse! Is it something serious?"

I hesitated, biting my lip. "Yeah, sort of. Can I come over?"

"You dont have to ask me, you know"

I pulled up to Aaravi's apartment a few minutes later, and as I entered, the familiar scent of her lavender candles enveloped me. The warm glow of fairy lights decorated the cozy living room. Aaravi was seated on the couch, and Karan was leaning against the wall, casually scrolling through his phone.

"Oiii!!" Aaravi said, jumping up to give me a quick hug. "I missed you. What's bothering you?"

I took a seat across from them, trying to project calmness despite my racing heart. "So, I have something to tell you, and I want you to hear it directly from me."

Aaravi's expression shifted to concern, and Karan looked up, intrigued. "What happened? You're making me nervous."

I took a deep breath. "So, I was talking to Ms. Avantika today, and she mentioned that Dishant wants me to be his publicist."

Aaravi blinked in surprise. "Dishant? But you're already working with me. What did you say?"

"I told her I couldn't, but she made it clear that I don't really have a choice. I'm going to have to step away from your project."

Aaravi's eyes widened, and for a moment, she looked taken aback. "Sheena, I... I didn't know. But if that's what you need to do for your career, I get it. It's okay."

My heart sank at how easily she accepted it. "Are you sure? I don't want to leave you hanging."

"Honestly, I've been thinking it might be time for me to branch out a little, too. Maybe it's a sign." She flashed a reassuring smile. "I trust you to make the right decision, and I'll always support you."

"Thanks, Aaravi. It really means a lot," I said, feeling a mix of relief and guilt wash over me. "I just... I wish the circumstances were different."

Just then, the door creaked open, and Dishant stepped in casually, as if he had just arrived. "Oh hello ladies" he grinned, his eyes dancing between Aaravi and me.

I shot him a glare, irritation bubbling to the surface. "Actually, we were just discussing how you barged in uninvited," I replied, my tone clipped.

Dishant raised an eyebrow, leaning against the doorframe, exuding an effortless charm. "What can I say? I have impeccable timing."

Aaravi spoke "Dishant! We were just talking about you. Sheena is going to be your publicist now."

I felt the air get thick as I shot him another pointed look. "That's not exactly how I would phrase it," I corrected, my voice sharp.

"Just to be clear, I'm not here to cater to your whims," I interjected, feeling a surge of defiance.

Dishant smirked. "Sheena, who said anything about catering to whims? I just thought I'd give you the opportunity to be my dazzling publicist and help elevate my already brilliant career." He shot me a smile.