After chatting for a while with Jean, Shruti excused herself and began to mingle with other guests, her eyes scanning the room for Claire Duvall, the CEO of Belle Èclat. "I still can't find Claire Duvall, the CEO of Belle Èclat. I must impress her if I want to secure a deal," she murmured to herself, her mind focused on the task at hand.
Just then, she spotted Claire across the room, her distinctive silver hair and poised demeanor making her stand out in the crowd. "There she is," Shruti thought, her heart rate quickening slightly as she made her way towards Claire.
As she approached, Shruti put the warmest smile on her face, her eyes locked onto Claire's. "Madame Duvall? It’s an honor to finally meet you. I'm Shruti Singh, CEO of Aurora Cosmetics," she introduced herself, her voice confident and charming.
Claire turned, her expression initially cool and reserved, but it softened slightly as she took in Shruti's warm smile. "Ah yes, Aurora. I've heard whispers. The Indian brand that is making waves. Welcome, Ms. Singh," Claire said, her voice measured but polite.
Shruti's smile never wavered. "Thank you. Your gala is magnificent, Madame Duvall. Truly a reflection of Belle Éclat's brilliance," she said, her words sincere and flattering. A hint of a smile played on Claire's face, almost imperceptible, but Shruti caught it and knew she was on the right track.
"Flattery will get you everywhere, Ms. Singh. Though, I do appreciate sincerity," Claire said, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied Shruti's face. Shruti chuckled, a soft, melodious sound. "I assure you, the sentiment is genuine. But beyond the beautiful setting, I'm truly impressed by Belle Éclat's consistent commitment to innovation and sustainability. Aurora shares that vision," she said, her words filled with conviction and passion.
"Sustainability is a buzzword these days. Everyone claims to be 'green.' What makes Aurora different?" Claire asked, her voice laced with skepticism, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied Shruti's face.
Shruti's response was immediate and confident. "We're deeply rooted in organic, using ethically sourced, plant-based ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. We believe in beauty that's good for the skin and the planet. We've also partnered with local farmers in India to provide fair wages and empower communities, promoting ethical sourcing and sustainability," she said, her words filled with conviction.
Claire raised an eyebrow, her expression intrigued. "Organic? Interesting. Belle Éclat has been exploring incorporating traditional practices into our product line, but authenticity is key. Tell me, how do you guarantee the integrity of your ingredients?" she asked, her voice probing, seeking specifics.
Shruti's reply was detailed and thorough. "We have strict quality control measures every step of the process, from sourcing to manufacturing. Our team works directly with the farmers, ensuring sustainable practices and fair trade. We also use advanced testing methods to verify the purity and potency of our ingredients. I’d be happy to share our detailed supply chain transparency reports with you," she said, her eyes locked onto Claire's, conveying a sense of transparency and openness.
Claire nodded slowly, considering Shruti's words. "I appreciate the transparency. Belle Éclat is on the cusp of launching a major new project – a collection focused on natural, global beauty rituals. We are looking for strategic partners who bring both innovation and a genuine commitment to ethical practices," she said, her voice filled with a sense of possibility.
Shruti's eyes lit up with excitement. "That sounds incredibly exciting, Madame Duvall. Aurora would be honored to be considered. We have several unique formulas perfectly aligned with your vision, and our team is always open to collaboration and innovative ideas like using plant-based alternatives for the cosmetic processes," she said, her words tumbling out in enthusiasm.
Claire studied Shruti for a while, her expression unreadable. Then, she spoke, her voice measured. "I am impressed, Ms. Singh. You've certainly made a compelling case. Tell me, how does Aurora plan to bring that spark to the industry?" she asked, her eyes probing, seeking a glimpse of Shruti's vision.
Shruti's response was thoughtful. "Right now, we are trying to establish a strong foundation with the use of bioengineering for the processes. This helps in minimizing the harm to the environment," she replied, her words filled with a sense of purpose and direction.
Finally, a genuine smile spread across Claire's face, transforming her features from guarded to warm. "Very well, Ms. Singh. I am intrigued. Next week, we are hosting a conference here regarding this very project. CEOs from various companies will be giving presentations and offers. I would like to invite you, Ms. Singh, to present Aurora's vision and potential partnership proposal," she said, her voice filled with a sense of possibility and promise.
Shruti's eyes widened in delight, and she felt a surge of excitement. "Thank you, Madame Duvall. I would be delighted and honored to accept. I assure you, Aurora will not disappoint. This is an incredible opportunity," she said, her words tumbling out in enthusiasm.
Claire extended her hand, her smile still warm. "I look forward to seeing what you bring to the table, Ms. Singh. Now, if you’ll excuse me… " she gestured to the group waiting patiently nearby, their eyes fixed on her with expectation.
Shruti took Claire's hand and shook it firmly, her handshake confident and professional. "Of course, Madame Duvall. Thank you for your time, and this incredible opportunity," she said, her voice sincere and appreciative.
As Claire turned to rejoin the group, Shruti watched her go, a triumphant smile playing on her lips. She felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that she had made a strong impression and secured a valuable opportunity for Aurora. The smile lingered on her face as she turned to make her way back to Vihan, her heart filled with excitement and anticipation for the conference and the potential partnership that lay ahead.
She returned to Vihan with a big smile plastered on her face, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Vihan spotted her and made his way towards her, his own smile growing as he took in her expression. "Someone is looking very happy," he said, his voice light and teasing.
Shruti's smile grew even wider as she reached him. "Vihan, you won't believe what just happened!" she exclaimed, her voice barely contained. She quickly filled him in on her conversation with Claire and the invitation to the conference, her words tumbling out in a rush.
Vihan's face lit up with congratulations. "Congratulations! You finally made it," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "I'm very happy today," Shruti said, her smile still radiant.
Vihan's expression turned thoughtful. "Though I knew you would impress her," he said, his voice low and confident. Shruti suddenly looked exhausted and sat down in a nearby chair, her energy spent.
Vihan's expression turned concerned. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked, his voice soft with worry. Shruti nodded, her eyes drooping slightly. "Yeah, it's just... I was so nervous about this," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Vihan nodded understandingly. "You sit here. I'll be back with something to drink for you," he said, and turned to head off. Shruti watched him go, her thoughts turning to her own needs. "Maybe I should freshen up a bit," she thought, standing up and smoothing out her dress.
As she walked towards the restroom, she turned around a pillar and suddenly bumped into someone. "Oh! I'm sorry! I wasn't looking..." Her words caught in her throat as she saw the person standing in front of her. A shiver ran down her spine as she met his gaze, and her eyes widened in shock. "S... Siddharth...?" she stammered, her voice barely audible.
She couldn't believe her eyes. Siddharth was standing in front of her, his presence like a jolt of electricity. Suddenly, the memories of their time together flooded back, and the feelings she thought she had overcome returned, threatening to overwhelm her. She started trembling, trying to hold back tears as she watched him.
Siddharth's expression was cold as ice, not a single emotion in his eyes. His gaze was empty, devoid of the love he once had for her. Shruti was lost, her eyes fixed on him as if frozen in time. She felt a tap on her shoulder, and she turned to see Vihan, his face etched with concern.
"Why are you trembling?! Should we go seek medical care?!" Vihan asked, his voice laced with worry. He held Shruti's shoulder with both hands, trying to steady her. Siddharth's jaw clenched as he watched Vihan's hands on her shoulder, a flicker of tension in his otherwise impassive demeanor.
Vihan turned towards Siddharth, his eyes questioning. "Is he someone you know?" he asked Shruti. But Shruti was too shaken to respond, her gaze fixed on the floor in disbelief.
"We are old friends," Siddharth said, his voice cold and detached. Vihan's eyes narrowed slightly, but he extended his hand nonetheless. "Nice to meet you. I'm Vihan Suryavanshi."
Siddharth shook his hand, his grip a little too tight. Vihan understood the subtle warning but kept his calm. "I'm Siddharth Rai," Siddharth said, his voice firm.
Vihan's eyes widened as he heard the name, and his gaze snapped to Shruti. He finally realized why Shruti was in such a state. He was Siddharth Rai, the one with whom Shruti was about to marry, but their wedding was called off at the last moment.
"I'm afraid I can't entertain you more, Mr. Suryavanshi," Siddharth said, his face stern, and turned to leave. As he walked away, Shruti's eyes followed him, her heart heavy with unresolved emotions. Vihan watched her, his expression softening with concern. "Let's get you out of here," he said gently, guiding Shruti away from the memories that seemed to haunt her.
He led her to the large balcony, where the cool night air enveloped her, calming her frazzled nerves slightly. The sound of distant music and laughter drifted up from the party below, but the balcony offered a peaceful respite. Vihan handed her a glass of water, and she gulped it down, feeling the cool liquid soothe her parched throat.
"Are you okay?" Vihan asked, his voice soft with concern. She nodded, still looking a bit shaken. "I never thought I would run into him like this," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Vihan's expression was gentle. "Did he say something?" he asked, his eyes scanning her face for any signs of distress. Shruti waved her hand in a negative gesture, her eyes welling up with unshed tears. "Just calm yourself," Vihan said, his voice soothing.
After sitting there for a while in comfortable silence, Shruti finally spoke up. "We have a lot of memories together. The time I spent with him... has a special place in my heart," she said, her gaze drifting into the distance, lost in thought.
Vihan watched her as she spoke, feeling a pang of something in his heart. It was a weird feeling that he couldn't exactly place – perhaps a mix of concern for her well-being and a hint of something more personal. "Do you... still have feelings for him?" he asked, his voice low and cautious.
Shruti sighed, her expression contemplative. "I don't know. I was sure that I had moved on till now. But seeing him again has shook my feelings again. Though I don't know if I still love him," she said, her voice filled with uncertainty. She took a pause, her eyes searching for answers. "But does it even matter now?" she added, her voice tinged with a sense of resignation.
Vihan turned to her, his eyes locked onto hers with a deep sincerity. "Shruti, I don't know what happened back then. And why your wedding was called off," he said, his voice filled with a genuine curiosity and concern.
He sighed, his chest rising and falling with a deep breath, before continuing, "I've been wanting to tell you something. And I feel that if I don't tell you right now, it'll be too late." Shruti looked puzzled, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
Vihan's gaze never wavered, his eyes burning with an inner intensity. "I don't know how you'll react, but I really need to tell you this," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. Shruti's curiosity was piqued, and she leaned in slightly, her voice soft. "What is it, Vihan?"
Vihan took a deep breath, his words tumbling out in a rush. "Shruti, I... I think I'm in love with you," he said, his voice filled with emotion. He paused for a moment, his eyes searching hers for a reaction. "No, actually, I know I'm in love with you," he continued, his voice growing stronger.
"I tried my best to hold this feeling back. I thought maybe it's just the admiration I have for you," he said, his words spilling out in a heartfelt confession. "But Shruti..." He looked into her eyes again, his gaze burning with intensity. "It's really love."
Shruti was taken aback, her eyes wide with surprise. "Vihan, you..." she stammered, at a loss for words. Vihan's face was etched with concern, his voice laced with a hint of desperation. "Look, I know I shouldn't have told you this right now. But believe me, I tried my best to hold back. But I can't anymore," he said, his words tumbling out in a rush.
He was afraid that if he waited for a day more, he would lose Shruti forever. The air was thick with tension, the moment hanging precariously in the balance.
"Take your time. Don't feel any kind of pressure," Vihan said, his voice soft and gentle. "I'm not pressuring you. I just wanted to tell you this," he added, his eyes locked onto hers with a deep sincerity.
Shruti looked at him, her expression thoughtful. She could see the genuine emotion in his eyes, and it touched her heart. Shruti sighed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I'll think about it," she said, her words measured.
Vihan's face relaxed into a relieved smile. "Thank you," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. He was thankful that she didn't react with anger or frustration, and that she was willing to consider his confession.
The tension in the air dissipated slightly, replaced by a sense of calm. Vihan's words hung in the air, and Shruti's response was a promise to process her thoughts and emotions. The silence between them was comfortable, and Vihan didn't push for more. He simply nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "I'll give you all the time you need," he said, his voice filled with understanding.
They returned to their hotel, the evening's events still swirling in their minds. Shruti dropped onto the bed, exhausted, both physically and emotionally. "It was a hell of a day," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
As she lay there, her mind began to replay the events of the day - the encounter with Claire, the unexpected meeting with Siddharth, and Vihan's heartfelt confession. The thoughts swirled in her head, making her feel drained and overwhelmed.
Despite her efforts to stay awake, Shruti's eyelids grew heavy, and she soon dozed off, her body and mind surrendering to the exhaustion of the day. The soft hum of the air conditioner and the gentle rustle of the curtains lulled her into a deep sleep, her dreams no doubt filled with the memories and emotions of the day.
The next morning, Shruti's eyes fluttered open as she heard the knock on the door. She got up from the bed, still rubbing the sleep from her eyes, and made her way to the door. When she opened it, she found Vihan standing in the doorway, dressed in his regular clothes and carrying a suitcase.
"Vihan? What are you doing early in the morning?" she asked, her voice still laced with sleep. Vihan smiled, his eyes bright and alert. "I'm heading back to India," he said, his voice matter-of-fact.
Shruti's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "What?! But why so suddenly?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. Vihan shrugged, his expression nonchalant's expression. "Well, I don't have anything to do here now that the gala is over. And I can't leave the company for so long," he explained.
Shruti nodded understandingly. "Oh. Then let me see you off," she said, feeling a pang of disappointment that he was leaving so soon. But Vihan shook his head. "No, no. You take a rest. You must be tired," he said, his voice gentle.
Shruti smiled slightly, appreciating his concern. "Alright, I'll let you go then," she said, stepping back from the door. Vihan nodded, his eyes meeting hers for a brief moment before he turned to leave. "I'll see you soon," he said, before disappearing down the hallway.
After seeing off Vihan, Shruti closed the door and took a refreshing bath, feeling the warm water soothe her muscles. As she emerged from the bathroom, she heard her phone ringing and quickly picked up the call.
"Hello?" she said, her voice smooth and professional.
"Good morning, Ma'am," Trisha's cheerful voice chimed in. Shruti smiled slightly as she began drying her hair, putting the phone on speaker so she could multitasking.
"What is it, Trisha?" she asked, her voice light and inquiring. Trisha's voice was crisp and professional as she replied, "Ma'am, Mr. Beaumont called a while ago. He wants to discuss something with you."
Shruti's hands moved swiftly as she pulled her hair up into a bun, her mind already focusing on the meeting. "But I can't come back yet. I have a conference to attend after a week," she said, slightly distracted by her preparations.
"That won't be a problem, Ma'am. Mr. Beaumont is in Paris," Trisha replied, her tone efficient. Shruti's eyes lit up with understanding as she finished styling her hair. "Oh, that's fine then. Inform him that I'll meet him in an hour in the restaurant near my hotel," she instructed, her voice firm.
"Okay, Ma'am," Trisha said before the call ended. Shruti hung up and swiftly began getting ready for the meeting, her movements quick and purposeful.
After an hour, Shruti glanced at herself in the mirror, ensuring she looked presentable for her meeting with Mr. Beaumont. But as she checked the time, her eyes widened in alarm. "God, I'm late!" she exclaimed, realizing she had lost track of time.
She rushed towards the door, grabbing her belongings as she hurried out of the room. As she stepped into the hallway, she saw the lift doors closing, and her heart sank. "No, no, please. Don't close yet!" she cried out, dashing towards the lift with a burst of speed.
She managed to slip inside just in time, and the doors closed behind her with a soft whoosh. She breathed heavily, feeling a mix of relief and exertion. As she caught her breath, she let out a sigh, her shoulders relaxing slightly.
But her relief was short-lived. As she looked up, her eyes widened in surprise. Siddharth was standing in front of her, his tall frame imposing in the small space. Shruti's heart skipped a beat as she felt a rush of emotions.
She composed herself quickly, standing a little farther from him to create some distance. Her mind was racing with questions. "What is he doing here?" she thought, her eyes darting towards him without making direct contact. "Wait a minute! Don't tell me... he's staying in the same hotel as me?!" The realization hit her like a ton of bricks.
"God! Why? There are so many hotels in Paris. Why did he have to choose this one?" she thought, feeling a sense of frustration and anxiety. She glanced at him with side eyes, noticing that he was standing tall, his eyes fixed straight ahead.
"Did he not notice me? But there's no way he didn't. So, he is ignoring me then," she thought, her eyes falling to the floor. A pang of guilt and regret washed over her as she thought, "But what else do I expect after all I have done to him." The tension between them was palpable, and Shruti couldn't help but wonder what the elevator ride would bring.
