Ruhana and Vineet have extended an invitation to their international clients, and they are fully prepared to commence the meeting. These clients represent London's Glamour Hub, a prominent international fashion brand. The owner of Glamour Hub, Ms. Emily Parker, has expressed a strong desire for captivating, stylish, and culturally-inspired designs. Furthermore, they have expressed interest in co-hosting a fashion show in London and wish to form a business partnership with Vineet. He has nominated Ruhana to manage the entire meeting, as he sees this as a significant career advancement opportunity for her. Over the past four months, the bond between Ruhana and Vineet has grown stronger. Although they were once college friends, their relationship has evolved into one of deep trust and collaboration.

As the clients find their seats and get comfortable, Ruhana kicks off the presentation, leaving the clients visibly impressed. Ruhana showcased a diverse range of designs, including exquisite lehengas, sarees, and stylish designer suits. As she concludes her explanation of the designs conceptualized by Vineet, all eyes turn to Ms. Emily. Both Vineet and Ruhana exchange a nervous glance as she attentively reviews the file.

"Ms. Ruhana, your designs are truly remarkable. These sarees strike the perfect balance between trendy and ethnic, and I'm absolutely captivated," Emily expresses, bringing a radiant smile to Ruhana's face.

"Really?" Ruhana replies, her face reflecting surprise.

"Yes, Ms. Ruhana. I've been following your work recently, particularly on an Instagram page with the name VM_Fashions. That's your brand, correct?" Emily inquires.

"Yes, Ms. Emily. I have the privilege of showcasing my designs there, and these are the designs we intend to feature in our upcoming fashion show," Ruhana confidently responds.

"I'm delighted to hear that, Ruhana. I'd like you to take charge of this project with us. You can continue working from India, but I'd appreciate it if you could visit our London office," Emily says with a beaming smile, leaving Ruhana and Vineet astonished by the offer.

"Are we confirming the deal?" Ruhana asks.

"Yes! Additionally, I have some designs I'd like to share with you. I'll send them via email. I'd appreciate it if you could incorporate them," Emily smiles, deeply touching Ruhana.

"Of course, Emily. I'd be more than happy to do that," Ruhana replies, her emotions overwhelming her at the moment.

Emily signs the necessary paperwork and passes it to Vineet, who also signs, officially sealing the deal. After further discussions, Emily and her team bid their farewells, leaving an open invitation for Ruhana and Vineet to join them in London. Once the clients are seen off, Ruhana and Vineet enter Vineet's office, where they sit down. Although they are filled with happiness, they find it difficult to express their feelings. Finally, Ruhana breaks the silence that's prevailing between the two.

"I am so happy, Vineet. I didn't think the meeting to go the way it did." Ruhana exclaimed happily.

"It's all your hard work, Ruhana. I knew we would seal this deal today." Vineet beams at her.

"I know, you've been so lucky for me, and see, today again, you held my luck." Ruhana smiles at him.

"I do! Sach kahun toh tumhare aane se meri fashion team mein nayi jaan aa gayi hai. Thanks that you chose me." He says, his eyes never leaving her face.

"Thanks toh mujhe tumhe kehna chahiye, Vineet. Tumne hamesha mujhe motivate kia. Tumne help ki, aur aaj ki iss deal mein sab kuch mujhe hi karne diya. Koi itna vishwas nahi karta kisi pe." She says.

"Main toh tum par bharosa karta hoon. Aur dekho, aaj tumne na sirf mera bharosa jeeta hai, balki apni beti ke liye bhi ek example set kia hai. 4 mahine mein tumne ek international deal ki hai, Ruhana. Tumhari beti bhi bahut khush hogi. Aur main jaanta hoon, wo har cheez tumse hi seekhti hai." He says this, while she smiles.

"Han, ye jeet Ruhaani ke bharose ki bhi hai, Vineet. Wo hi kehti thi ki aap sab manage kar logi, aur main kar bhi rahi hun. Lekin tumhari help ke bina ye sab possible nahi hota." Ruhana says, mouthing a word of gratitude for him.

"Tum mujhe thank you baad mein bolna, pehle ye batao, Ms Emily ki offer ka kya karna hai. She wants you to visit London, next month." Vineet says.

"London! I don't know, Vineet. Tum hi chale jao na!" She suggests.

"Arey, fashion designer tum ho! Main kya karunga jaake? Tum jao, it's an opportunity for you." He encourages her.

"Lekin....Ruhaani! Usko chhod ke kaise jaun? Agle mahine uske exams bhi hain." She says, worried about her only daughter.

"Ruhaani mere ghar pe reh sakti hai, if you don't mind." He suggests.

"Tumhare yahan!! Nahi Vineet, I don't want to burden you." She denies.

"Tumhe pata nahi hai kya? Betiyan burden nahi hoti. Aur main hi nahi, meri Maa bhi toh hain. Wo Ruhaani ka achche se khayal rakhengi." he suggests.

Ruhana finds herself in a contemplative state. While recognizing that this is a fantastic opportunity for her, she grapples with the prospect of leaving her daughter, Ruhaani, on her own. Additionally, she is hesitant to shoulder Vineet's responsibilities. He has been a great source of support, having already assisted her considerably and continuing to do so. The bond between these two individuals has grown immensely, and Ruhana is confident that Vineet would take excellent care of Ruhaani. However, being a mother, her heart resists the idea of leaving her daughter without her presence. Vineet, attuned to her unease, interrupts her reverie.

"Abhi hamare paas bahut time hai, Ruhana. Tum ache se soch lo. Ruhaani se bhi discuss karlo. It's a perk to have an understanding daughter, jo tumhari beti kahe, tum wahi karna." He smiles and she is touched.

"Thanks, Vineet. Sabse pehle main ye baat usey bataungi. Jaane ka baad mein sochenge. Usse pehle mujhe Emily se kuch discussions karne honge, regarding her designs." She says reminding him of the client's words.

"Okay! Lekin tumhe party deni chahiye. Ruhaani and I deserve one. Tumne waise bhi kabhi mujhe apni beti se nahi milvaya, aaj hi milva do." He suggests, and it brings a smile on her lips.

"Sure, Vineet. Aaj toh hume enjoy karna chahiye. It's a day worth of treats. Aaj raat ko dinner sath mein karte hain. You decide the place." She says.

He concurs, and subsequently, Ruhana departs. She has some tasks that require her supervision, and Vineet himself has a meeting to attend to. As he observes her departure, he lets out a profound sigh. The past four months have left a significant mark on him, and he's found himself growing fond of this remarkable woman. Ruhana's thoughtful and caring nature is evident, especially in the way she often brings him delectable lunches. Yet, he remains uncertain about her feelings, and he fears the possibility of driving her away. He acknowledges that the path ahead may be challenging, but he's determined to eventually convey his emotions to her.

******
The day flies by in a whirlwind of activity. Ruhana completes her tasks and bids farewell, ensuring that Vineet remembers their meeting arrangement at The Savory Palette, as per his suggestion. Vineet readily agrees, filled with anticipation about meeting her daughter, whom he imagines to be a spitting image of Ruhana.

*****
Ruhana reaches home and finds Ruhaani waiting for her. She jumps over her mom and hugs her happily, leaving her startled. She smears her head and parts her from the hug.

"Kya baat hai? Badi khush lag rahi hai meri bachchi? Kuch hua hai school mein?" Ruhana asks.

"Mumma! Aaj na inter-school debate competition tha school mein. And guess what! I got the first prize." Ruhaani shows her a small trophy.

"Wow! That's a great thing, bacha! Lekin tune mujhe toh nahi bataya? " Ruhaan enquires.

"Mumma, koi notice nahi aaya tha. Wo maine aapko projects ke baare mein bataya tha na, toh usi silsiley mein kuch schools ke bachche aaye they, ek session tha and then debate karvaya teachers ne. I wasn't expecting, lekin ye mila mujhe." She holds up the trophy.

Ruhana's heart swells with pride. She cups her face and kisses her head softly.

"I am so proud of you. You deserve a treat!" She says tweaking her nose.

"Treat? Aap kuch leke aayi ho?" Ruhaani asks excitedly.

"Nahi, lekin aaj main aur tu bahar jaayenge dinner karne. Kyunki aaj mumma ke baad bhi ek achchi khabar hai." Ruhana smiles at her daughter.

"Kya? Batao naa! Arey haan! Aaj aapki meeting thi na? Kaisi rahi? Aap keh rahi thi na ki Vineet uncle ne aapko saari responsibility di hain?" The young girl asks excitedly.

"Haan, aur un clients ko hamare designs pasand aaye. Toh wo deal ho gayi hain. Isliye aaj main bahut khush hoon aur is liye aaj hum dono bahar jaayenge. Aur aaj Vineet bhi aayenge. Wo tujhse milna chahte hain." Ruhana smiles.

"Yaya! I knew you will do it. Aap yunhi pareshan ho rahi thi, mumma." Ruhaani chides her.

"Darr toh lagega hi na, bache! Lekin ab sab thik hain." Ruhana says.

"Yay! I am proud of you too, Mumma! Achcha, aap change karlo, I will make tea for you." Ruhaani chuckles.

Ruhana complies, making her way to the bedroom to freshen up, while Ruhaani prepares a cup of tea just the way her mother likes it. The mother and daughter engage in a heart-to-heart conversation over tea, and then they prepare to head out.

Ruhaani is bubbling with excitement at the prospect of meeting Vineet for the first time. She has developed a fondness for him and eagerly looks forward to the meeting. The mother and daughter decide to coordinate their outfits for dinner and soon arrive at the designated restaurant.

Vineet, already waiting for them, is deeply impressed as he sets eyes on the two of them. His words resonate with Ruhana's heart, and Ruhaani can't help but chuckle, instantly warming up to him.

To Be Continued.

What did Vineet say?

Stay tuned.