When Disaster Meets Perfection

Ch-7 Fainting into Chaos

Annika had been eagerly anticipating the weekend, a much-needed break from her hectic workweek. However, this particular weekend brought a different challenge. She was overwhelmed with a pressing project: finalizing designs for Mrs. Kapoor and preparing 25 designs for an upcoming charity event scheduled for the following weekend.

Annika initially believed she had two weeks to complete the task, but a miscommunication with Malhotra's company revealed that she only had one week. The theme for the charity event, "eco-chic," added to the complexity. The show required sustainable fashion, featuring outfits made from recycled materials, organic fabrics, or repurposed textiles. Given the short deadline and the specific requirements, many fashion companies were hesitant to take on the project. However, Tanya, Annika's team leader, accepted the proposal with the intention of setting Annika up for failure.

Annika's team of two members were already occupied with other projects, and Sneha and Virat could only assist her once she finalized the designs and materials. Tanya, who had appointed Annika as the project leader, was deliberately avoiding providing any support. Her goal was to see Annika fail.

For the past two days, Annika had been working tirelessly, barely sleeping. She struggled to come up with ideas for the eco-chic designs. Numerous sketches were discarded, and many concepts were abandoned. Under immense pressure, Annika knew she had to create 25 designs and list the corresponding materials by Sunday. This would allow her team to start working on the designs from Monday onwards.

Annika and Ishana Apartment

Annika was engrossed in sketching a design when her phone rang. She answered the call without checking the caller ID and responded in a hoarse voice, "Hello."

Ishana, on the other end, noticed the change in Annika's voice and asked, "What happened to your voice?"

Annika replied, "Don't know." Her monotonous tone indicated that she was in her usual overworked state, where she neglected her basic needs like eating, drinking, hygiene, and sleep until she completed her tasks. This had happened to her before, but Ishana was usually there to remind her or force her to take care of herself. However, due to work commitments, Ishana was currently out of Mumbai.

Ishana asked Annika, "Hey, did you have breakfast?" Annika responded with a simple "hmm".

Ishana sensed that Annika was still in a daze and decided to intervene. "Annika, I need a favor. I have a blind date scheduled today, but I won't be able to make it. Can you please go in my place and tell the guy that I'll meet him another time?"

Annika initially refused, saying, "I can't. You can just message the guy yourself."

But Ishana persisted, "I don't have his number, and besides, you've done this for me before. If the guy tells my father that I stood him up, he'll lock me up at home, and you know that's not good for either of us."

Unbeknownst to Annika, Ishana actually had the guy's number but wanted Annika to attend the blind date to get her out of the house and get some fresh air.

Annika reluctantly agreed, saying, "Fine."

Ishana responded, "Great! I'll text you the address and time. Make sure to dress properly."

Annika merely replied with an "hmm" before ending the call.

After few seconds Annika's phone buzzed with a message containing the time and location of the blind date: 5 PM at a high-end restaurant. She checked her watch and realized she had four hours to prepare. Despite her exhaustion, she decided to focus on her designs.

A few hours later, her phone pinged again, reminding her that she had only half an hour to reach the restaurant. With no energy or motivation to change clothes, she grabbed her phone and sketches and left her apartment. She hailed a cab, provided the driver with the hotel name, and continued working on her designs.

Half an hour later, the cab arrived at the hotel. The driver looked at the hotel and then back at Annika, questioning if she was sure about the location. Annika checked her phone and confirmed the hotel name before paying the driver and exiting the cab. As she walked towards the hotel, people stared at her as if she were an alien, but she ignored them.

Hotel Ambience

At the reception, Annika informed the receptionist about the reserved table. After scrutinizing her from head to toe, the receptionist asked for her name. Annika replied, "Ishana Singhania." The receptionist checked her computer and instructed a waiter to guide Annika to table number 26.

As Annika approached the table, she saw a man already seated there. She approached him, bowed her head, and apologized for being late. Just then, the man looked up, and the drink he was holding spilled out of his mouth. He exclaimed, "Oh my god!"

Annika looked up to see the face she dreaded most: the arrogant guy. The unexpected encounter shocked her, causing her head to spin and her vision to blur. She lost consciousness, vaguely aware of someone holding her and speaking to her.

Annika awoke to the sound of an unfamiliar voice. She looked around and realized she was in a hospital room, surrounded by machines and a needle in her hand. She recalled fainting while on her way to meet Ishana's blind date. "What happened? Why am I here?" she asked, her voice filled with confusion.

The doctor and the arrogant man turned to face her. "Ma'am, you fainted due to exhaustion," the doctor explained. "You hadn't eaten properly or slept in days, so your body decided to shut down."

Annika felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. She had been so busy with work that she had neglected her own well-being. "Thank you, doctor," she replied, feeling grateful for his care.

The doctor then addressed the man, saying, "Mr., please take care of your girlfriend and ensure she doesn't leave the hospital until the IV is finished." Before the man could correct the doctor's misunderstanding, the doctor left the room.

An awkward silence filled the room as both Annika and the arrogant man found themselves in an uncomfortable situation, unsure of how to proceed.

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