Ruhana is in the conference room when Manav Malhotra, the CEO of Bytewave Technologies, enters. After exchanging formal greetings, they get straight to the point. Manav looks at Ruhana, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

“Ms Ruhana, I have heard a lot about your company, TechCouture. It’s a blessing that we could collaborate with you,” he says, his tone laced with empathy and wonder.

“Yep, Mr Manav. It’s a delight to work with you. Who said doing good should be priceless? We can earn it as well,” she smiles.

If the deal goes through, both Bytewave and TechCouture will join hands to sponsor the education of underprivileged children. It’s not just a noble cause—they’ll also earn goodwill and some money too. Not a bad idea!

“Also, Ms Ruhana, I want to collaborate on an application development, if you’d like,” Manav voices his concern.

She pauses to think and then turns to him with a smile. “Sure, we can do that. Maybe, we can have a separate meeting for this,” she offers, and he agrees.

As they sign the deal for the non-profit organization, Manav suggests they meet on Friday to discuss the other proposal, and Ruhana agrees. Soon after, Manav leaves the office, and Ruhana returns to her cabin with a winning smirk on her face. Business is also a game, if you take a close look. You have to define your goals and present your points effectively—and if the other person is convinced, you get the deal. Yeah, it looks simple, but it’s not that simple. You still need to work hard and convince the other party that it will bring profit to their organization. Ruhana is an expert at that. Well, she’s not doing anything wrong; it’s just that sometimes, the paths she chooses are questionable. She’ll argue her point until the other person is convinced she’s right, or she might take an alternate approach. She’s always on the ground, ready to grab what comes her way.

Ruhana finds Vineet in her cabin, busy on some calls. He notices her and passes a smile, which she acknowledges. She takes her seat, drinks some water, and opens her laptop. She has to answer a few emails and gets busy with the task. Twenty minutes later, she’s snapped out of her focus by Vineet’s voice. She glances at him and finds him smiling at her.

“How was the meeting?” he asks.
Ruhana looks at him, her smile widening. “It was good. I have bagged the deal. Manav said that we can start the work next month. I am so excited.”

“That’s great. I expected the same from you. I knew you would get it,” he exclaims, making her giggle.

“Of course, Vineet, you know I’m an expert at that. I make sure that I get what I want,” she responds, her lips twitching into a smirk.

“Yeah, I know. Anyway, I have another piece of news for you, Ruu,” he says, gazing at her while she glares at him for using her nickname.

“Oh! Sorry! I am so sorry! I will call you Ruhana,” he says, holding his ears apologetically.

“You better call me by my full name. I don’t like anyone calling me by that nickname. Only Aanya can use that,” she replies firmly, her gaze fixed on his face.

“Yeah, and I will abide by your rules, your highness,” he bows before her, and she can’t help but smile at his gesture.

“Okay, spill the beans, Vineet. What are you up to?” she raises her eyebrows at her friend.

“I was going through some emails on my laptop. I am planning to start a small educational initiative for students. There are some people who are eager to invest in businesses like these. And I need your help,” he says, his tone gentle, his gaze hopeful.

“Sounds good, but this would be non-profit, right?” she asks.

“Yeah, initially, Ruhana. I want to help students develop their skills. And it would be the start of something big. As we set our feet in this educational stream, we will expand our business; we might even create an application and monetize it,” he suggests, his tone convincing.

“Sounds good, but how will you find the teachers?” she asks, knowing they will need mentors to help the students.

“Yeah, I am still working on it, Ruhana. But I need your assistance in this. I know we won’t earn anything initially, but this will be good for society. I hope you’ll join hands with me,” he gazes at her hopefully.

Ruhana thinks for a few minutes. Sure, she’s grown up to be money-minded, but this won’t harm her. In fact, if they train people under their care, it will benefit their company too—and they’ll gain recognition.

She finally agrees, and he smiles, hopeful that things will move forward.

*****

Ruhana arrives home after a long day, and Aanya warmly welcomes her. She hugs her sister tightly, taking her by surprise.

“What happened, Aanya? Did something happen?”

“Di – Di, I have something to tell you,” Aanya says excitedly.

“And what is that?” Ruhana gazes at her sister.

“Di, I cleared my first year with distinction. And you know what? I got an internship for three months at Fashion Finesse Studio, here in Mumbai only,” Aanya chuckles.

“What? Are you serious? I am so glad, Anu, you’re doing so well. And what about your classes?” Ruhana asks.

“Classes will start after the internship because it’s a little practical in the second year,” Aanya informs her.

“That’s great, Aanya. You’ve made me so happy,” Ruhana kisses her head.

“Yay, then I deserve a treat,” she chuckles.

“Yeah, I will make pasta for you. It will be extra cheesy,” Ruhana exclaims while Aanya chuckles.

Aanya hugs Ruhana tightly and asks her to change while she brews some coffee for them. Ruhana walks into her room to freshen up. She decides to take a quick shower and asks Aanya to bring the coffee to her room.

As she stands under the shower, the cold water calms her nerves, and her mind begins to wander again—to Vineet. He had expressed his concerns so directly, and she couldn’t stop thinking about him.

“You didn’t listen to me earlier, so I decided I won’t interfere in your business matters.”

“My eyes are always on you, Ruhana. I would appreciate it if you walked on the right path.”

“I know people change with time, but I feel that you never leave your basic traits. You’re kind, and I see that in your actions. You still share certain things with me, but not everything. I won’t force you to tell me everything, but I do expect something in return for what I give to you.”

“You’re hiding something, I know. I will wait until you feel safe in my presence and spill everything to me.”

“Waiting for you is a sense of freedom.”

Ruhana finishes her shower, but his words echo in her mind. She’s still contemplating her thoughts when Aanya calls for her. Ruhana walks out of the dressing room and finds Aanya sitting on the bed. She takes a seat beside her, and they enjoy their coffee.

Aanya notices that her sister is lost. Though she knows the reason, she chooses to ask.

“What happened, Di? Did you have a talk with Budz?” she asks about Vineet.

“Yeah, we met today. We had a meeting,” Ruhana responds.

“And I assume he said something, did he?” Aanya asks.

“Not really, but I am thinking of something,” Ruhana responds thoughtfully.

“Didu, if you’re thinking of telling him the truth, I am on your team. I want you to tell him everything. I am sure he will help you. He’s such a kind soul. And I can see the concern he holds for you,” Aanya says, excitedly.

Aanya has started to like Vineet. Though she’s only met him twice, they share a great bond. She also feels that Vineet can be a great partner for Ruhana—if only Ruhana feels the same. Meanwhile, Aanya’s phone rings, and she goes out to take the call, leaving Ruhana deep in thought, with Vineet at the center.

*****

Vineet stands on the balcony of his room, savoring the cool breeze of the night. Well, Mumbai’s weather isn’t very cool, but it’s breezy at night. He seems lost in thought, his gaze fixed on a picture. It’s a childhood photo of him with Ruhana, where she’s clinging to him, smiling. He drifts into memory, remembering the story behind the picture.

It was a pleasant day. Ruhana and Vineet were playing in the garden of Ruhana’s house. Since she loved swings, her father had a large a large swing installed in the garden. It was their safe space. They had other friends, but the two of them enjoyed each other’s company the most. They had been playing hide and seek when Ruhana suddenly stopped, out of breath.

“Vinu, I can’t run anymore. I am tired.”

“Okay, we will take a break. Have some water,” he said, passing her a bottle.

“Let’s sit on the swing. Race?” she asked, gazing at him.

They often raced to the swing, and the winner got to sit first. Ruhana jumped onto the swing first this time, giggling in victory. She began drinking from her bottle while Vineet climbed up beside her.

Meanwhile, Ruhana’s father came out and asked them to pose. Ruhana rested her head on Vineet’s shoulder and smiled brightly. Her dad clicked several pictures, during which she either clung to Vineet or held his hand. When asked why, her innocent reply made him smile.

“Vinu, we are best friends. We’ll always be together. You said so, right? Promise me you’ll never leave me alone.”

“I won’t leave you alone. And if I ever go anywhere, I’ll come back to you,” he promised.

Ruhana giggled and hugged him tightly.

“You didn’t keep your promise, Ruhana. But I did. I came back, but you’re the one who left me. I’m still waiting for you—and I’ll wait, even if it’s until eternity.”

Vineet thinks, as a teardrop escapes his eye. He hugs the picture close to his chest. There’s still so much he doesn’t know about her past—but he will find the truth.

To Be Continued.