Accepting Reality ✔️

Part 11 - Workplace Occurrences

Khushi was in the midst of her preparations for the London fashion show when she saw Manorama leaving Akash's cabin. She wanted to continue her work of impressing the Raizadas. The elegance of Manorama's saree caught Khushi's eye, and she decided it was the perfect opportunity to impress the Raizadas further. She approached Manorama with a friendly smile.

Khushi: "Manorama aunty, I've been meaning to talk to you. I've noticed how beautifully you dress, especially your sarees. I could really use your advice on something."

Manorama's face lit up at the compliment and she was easily flattered. It was not every day that someone like Khushi, a prominent fashion designer, praised her.

Manorama: "Oh, Khushi bitiya, thank you so much! It's an honour to hear that from you. Why don't you come over to our house this evening? We can talk more about it there."

Manorama wanted this as an excuse to invite Khushi to their home so that they can get her and Arnav together. Khushi accepted the invitation with gratitude. That evening, she arrived at the Raizada Mansion, the warmth of the family made her feel welcome. Khushi spent the evening mingling with the Raizada family. Anjali and Naani, both delighted to see Khushi, eagerly shared their thoughts on saree styles and designs. Naani, in particular, spoke about the traditional motifs and fabrics, while Anjali discussed contemporary adaptations. Khushi listened intently, taking mental notes. The insights from the Raizadas were invaluable, and she could sense the growing excitement in her about the upcoming fashion show. As the evening progressed, Khushi formulated to add a themed saree for the London fashion show with the theme "History Meets Future." It was a perfect blend of the traditional elements she had learned about and the innovative designs she had envisioned. She felt confident that this theme would resonate well with the audience and set the show apart. Also it will earn her appreciation from the Raizadas. They were thrilled with Khushi's concept, and Manorama, in particular, was proud to have contributed indirectly to such an innovative idea.

Khushi thought over Anjali's casual comment as she made her way back to her apartment. "You know, if Arnav gets married, maybe he'll be here more often. We could all use more of his company." Anjali had casually mentioned to her. She understood that the Raizadas were totally charmed by her. She decided to use her charm on Arnav next morning and leave him wanting for more.

Khushi was busy in organising urgent requirements for a crucial dress when she discovered a significant problem: essential fabric and materials had been mysteriously withheld due to budget issues. Khushi's frustration boiled over as she stormed into the finance department, where Preetika was working at her desk, surrounded by stacks of financial reports.

Khushi: "Preetika, I need to talk to you right now! Why is the fabric for the London show still unavailable? We've got a deadline and no one can find out what happened to the budget!"

Preetika, looking up from her computer with a mixture of irritation and defensiveness, shot back.

Preetika: "I'm doing my best under the circumstances. Maybe if you weren't so demanding, I wouldn't have to make difficult choices!"

Khushi: "Difficult choices? Are you saying you're deliberately sabotaging the show? Because that's what it looks like."

Preetika: "Just shut up Khushi. You've been flaunting your promotion like it's the only thing that matters around here. And don't think I haven't noticed how you've been treating everyone. You think you're so much better than the rest of us, don't you?"

Khushi's silence seemed to only inflame Preetika's anger. Before the argument could escalate further, Aman, appeared at the door. His face was set in a firm expression of disapproval. He had been alerted by the escalating argument. He came to the finance department to sort out a few illegal issues that had been reported, there was some money missing. Now it seemed like it was gone from the design team's budget purposely.