Prologue

Samaira

******

My father is a renowned businessman. He and Rishabh Uncle started their organization when they were not even married. He recently retired from the post of CEO and bequeathed it to Ishu Bhai. Ishaan Kashyap(my Ishu Bhai) has become a popular name now, he has worked day and night to earn that post and everyone's trust for himself. My family wanted me to work in Dad's company but I denied.

I understand how protective they are but when it came to my career, I took my stand and told them that I will make my own identity.

Convincing them was one hell of a task but Bhai helped me. And that's how I ended up in M.N.K Industries. It's not a big firm like my father's but I love working here. No one here knows my real identity. I am appreciated for my work and that's what I always wanted.

"Hey, what are you thinking? Go, get ready. We need to leave soon. Your clothes are in the closet." Adya told me and I came out of my incessant thoughts. I and Aditi usually stay at Adya's place as her parents live in Mumbai which pretty much defines the reason for us to already keep some of our clothes at her place to avoid carrying them every time we stay with her.

I took a shower and came out wearing the bathrobe. I changed into a formal dress for the meeting. I wore a full-sleeved, white V-neck top with a black high waist pencil skirt and complemented the outfit with black pump heels.

I came to the dining table where she was busy eating fruits and reading the presentation on her laptop.

I could sense Adya's nervousness regarding the sudden change in plans of the meeting. The delegates were coming from Korea. It's not that big of a deal for big firms but for ours, which was a middle-sized company it was a golden opportunity. This was the first project which was to be supervised by me and Adya without Neeraj Sir's guidance.

"I didn't prepare the breakfast, let's have these fruits and we will eat in the office, Okay?"Adya asked.

"I don't think I can have anything before this meeting," I replied.

"No, Sammy you have to eat these fruits otherwise I am gonna tell Ishu." she tried to threaten me.

"I will eat something at the office, please don't force me Bhabhi(sister-in-law).....Pleaseeeee!!!!" I said making a pout. I know she always blushes and gives in whenever I call her Bhabhi and tease her.

"Stop teasing Sammy," she said while blushing.

"Only if you will not force me to eat these fruits. I will eat something at the office after the meeting I promise."

"Fine, but you are eating immediately after the meeting, okay?" and I nodded.

Apprehension and food do not go hand in hand in my case. Since I'm already highly strung, I don't want to bother Adya. She already has enough on her plate and can't add more to it.

We went to the office, entered the elevator, and pressed the button for the fourth floor. We directly went to the meeting room, arranged everything, and even practiced as Neeraj Sir will only be a spectator. He won't be able to help us.

"I think we can do this," Adya said and smiled. Although she looked affirmative now that we practiced the presentation but I was not okay. I don't know why but this time I was afraid.

Something did not feel right. This sudden feeling was draining me of my confidence.

Then suddenly Neeraj Sir entered the meeting room with a tensed look on his face.

"Sir, you okay? Why do you look tense? You don't have to worry about the meeting. We have prepared everything." Adya told him.

But after what Neeraj Sir said made both me and Adya speechless.

"Girls, there is one more little change in the meeting."Neeraj Sir said.

"What's that sir? I asked.

"The delegates want Samaira to give the presentation without us," he added.

"What????" I and Adya yelled together.

"But Sir, how can I do this? I am a junior. Had they asked for Adya, it still could have made sense as she is a senior but."I said panicking.

Yes, Adya started working earlier than me as I was not in the right state of mind back then. The dreadful incident happened to me when I was in my final year. So I took a break for a year.

"Sir why do they want this? First, they preponed the meeting, and now this demand?" Adya asked.

"I know but can you guys give it a thought, please. If not for me then for this organization, it's a request. It's a very important deal and losing it might cost us a fortune. But if you guys still think that it's not right then I won't force you."Neeraj Sir said. There was hope in his eyes. He was my guide, a father figure to me. How can I say no when this organization gave me my identity.

"You guys have 10 minutes to decide. I will come after that, decide till then." After saying this he left the meeting room.

I sat on the chair as my legs started shaking due to nervousness. Giving a presentation was not a big deal for old Samaira Kashyap but that Samaira died 3 years ago and I am a different person now. I don't know what should I do. My head started aching and tears started rolling down my eyes as I was terrified.

"Sammy" Adya called me. She sat on the chair in front of me and hugged me.

"I...I don't know....know what to do" I stammered while sobbing.

"Sammy, I know what you are thinking, but I want you to give this presentation. Not for me, not for Sir, and also not for this organization, but yourself. I want my old best friend back, for whom things like these used to be a piece of cake. I want you to do it for your old self, for the girl who was carefree and cheerful." Adya said while hugging and rubbing my back.

Giving me a glass of water she asked,

"So will you do it?" I gulped the water down my throat and nodded a yes as a response to her question.

She smiled and said, " let me call Sir now.".She left the room and I was there all alone with no confidence at all. I wished it all to be a nightmare. I wished someone to wake me up and tell me everything that happened was nothing but just a nightmare.

I was trying to control my tears when I got a text. It was from an unknown number.

Just when the caterpillar thought the world was ending, it turned into a butterfly.

Someone might have sent it to me by mistake but that single line gave me a little confidence. I wiped my tears and then Sir and Adya entered.

"So are you ready?" Sir asked one last time and I nodded. He gave me a smile to which I replied with the same.

The meeting started, everything went well, when suddenly one of the delegates asked something in his native language. Neeraj Sir and Adya got startled because they didn't understand. I took a deep breath and replied to him in his language. Everyone was shocked and after a minute, I heard a big round of applause. They were quite impressed and even praised our organization a lot.

When the meeting got over Neeraj Sir went with the delegates while Adya came to me and hugged me and said "You nailed it. They were so happy with everything. I am sure we will get the deal."

"But when did you learn Korean? I know you love watching Korean shows but when did you learn their language?" She asked

"Well, I started learning it only 3 months ago as a hobby, never thought that I will be using it one day," I told Adya.

"And this hobby of yours got us the biggest deal." Neeraj Sir said coming towards us.

"Thanks, Samaira, you saved our sinking ship." Neeraj Sir said while smiling.

"No Sir, you don't have to say thank you. After all, it's my job."I said to him.

"This surely needs a celebration, but not today as I am a bit occupied. I am leaving early today since I have some other personal stuff to take care of. Also, you both remember about the party right?

It starts at 7 p.m sharp so be there. Ok?" he said and we both nodded.

"Sammy let's go to the cafeteria. You haven't eaten anything."Adya said and we started walking towards the elevator.

The cafeteria was on the ground floor and since we were to leave after eating so we already took our belongings with us. When the elevator opened we started walking towards the cafeteria.

When we were done with the food, we went directly to Adya's place as Aditi asked us to meet her there. Entering the house we saw her already waiting for us, as she had a spare key.

She asked about the interview and Adya excitedly told her what happened, but my mind was stuck on that text which I received before the meeting. Whoever that person was, I was really thankful to him/her. I wish I could thank that person. I thought of replying to that text and I took out my phone but my fingers stopped when I opened the message board. Even though that text helped me but that person was still a stranger and the text was a mistake and realizing it I didn't reply.

I came out of my trance with Aditi snapping her fingers in front of my face. I gave her a confused look to which she replied,

"Don't give me that look, lady. Where are you? What are you thinking so deeply that you didn't even realize me and Adya calling you for 5 minutes?"

"Nothing, it's just about the meeting and stuff" I lied because if I will tell them, they will surely tell my parents and my parents will inform the police about that random text. Yeah, you heard that right. That's why I sometimes feel like being caged.

"So Adya and Sammy what are you guys wearing for tonight's party?"Aditi asked us.

"You remember when I went with Ishu to Mumbai to meet my parents.?" Adya asked us and we nodded.

"He bought me a dress there and I am wearing the same, " she added further.

"And I am wearing the one which I bought from London," Aditi said.

"What are you wearing Sammy?"

"Ah! I don't know. I didn't think much about it."

"What?" Adya yelled.

"Sammy, the party is in a few hours and you are saying you didn't think about this?" Adya added.

"I already have lots of dresses and I can wear anything from my collection. It's just a normal party. It doesn't even matter guys. Chill" I said.

"Sammy, it's not just a party, it's our first business party cum charity event. Lots of industry people will be there followed by the media. Even though you haven't revealed your identity at the company about but most of the people at the party will eventually recognize you. You will not only represent M.N.K Industries there but also you are the daughter of Arvind Kashyap. You have to look best." Aditi said

"As if this party is for me," I said and rolled my eyes.

"Who knows, maybe," Aditi said.

"What do you mean?" I asked her. This girl has been behaving weirdly after coming back from London.

"I meant that I already brought a dress for you both from London. Since Adya is wearing what Ishaan gifted her and you don't have any idea what are you wearing so you, Miss Sammy are wearing what I have brought and I am not listening to anything."Aditi said

"Fine," I said and smiled at her.

"Now come on guys, let's get ready for the party." squealed Aditi in excitement.

She was so excited as if something very interesting was going to happen at the party. Ever since Aditi and Adya had some kind of discussion when I was on the call with Ishu Bhai they were acting very weird.

I just hope nothing bad happens at the party.

******

Aditi

******

"I need to tell you something Adya and you have to keep it a secret from Sammy," I told Adya when Sammy was busy talking with Ishaan over the phone.

I told Adya everything that happened in London and asked for her help.

"Are you an idiot? How can you ask such a thing? I can do anything for you and Sammy. You don't have to ask for my help when it comes to you guys. I will always be there." Adya replied when I asked for her help regarding Sammy's matter.

"Okay, I am sorry, but we need to be careful and I am sure Sammy will notice our strange behavior," I said.

"Don't worry even if she will notice she won't be able to know. You know I am so happy for her. Finally, she will receive her share of happiness. But do you think she will agree? We all know her." Adya said with a concerned look. Everyone knows how stubborn sometimes she can be.

"Don't worry Adya that's not our job, I know he will convince her," I told Adya.

She is a strong and brave girl. I don't think I could have survived if I had to face what she has already been through. She is fighting a battle every day with her past and it hurts to see that my best friend had to go through something like that because of me. I know she never blamed me but I somehow feel guilty. I wish I could change what happened back then.

But now I have got a chance to bring back the spring in her life. She always tries to hide her pain so that we don't get hurt. But she is not alone. There is a person who is more than ready to fight those battles for her, who is ready to take away all her miseries. I just hope everything goes according to the plan.

This party was just the beginning.