A new day brings fresh opportunities and renewed hope. Ruhana is excited for her meeting with the CEO of Style Haven, a brand she has been anticipating working with. Life has been harsh on her, but it has finally granted her wish of working with her favorite people. She quickly dresses up in purple pants, matching them with a black shirt, and finalizes the look with a purple-colored blazer.

She keeps her hair open and does minimal makeup. She gives herself a final look in the mirror and is satisfied. Her lips curve into a small smile. She picks up her handbag, phone, and files, locks her house, and leaves.

*****

She hops out of the cab and, after paying the driver, turns towards the building. The multi-storied building is beautiful inside and out. The name ‘Style Haven’ is inscribed on the wall at the very top of the building. She stands in her place, taking in the outer beauty of the building. It’s something she has manifested so far. Taking a deep breath, she enters the building; the interiors are intricately designed, complementing the workflow of the place. She greets the receptionist and tells her that she has been summoned by Ms. Sumona Banerjee for a meeting. The receptionist asks her to wait in the lounge until she calls her immediate boss. Ruhana agrees and walks into the waiting lounge, taking her seat.

Her heart is fluttering; she’s excited and scared at the same time. She doesn’t know what will happen in the meeting; of course, she has given her best, but it could either make or break her. The CEO might have liked her designs, but today, she’ll be showing the raw designs she makes in her files, and she doesn’t know how Sumona will react to her designs. However, she hopes for the best, reminding herself of Prisha’s words.

“You deserve the best!”

“Maybe, ye wo opportunity hai jisse jo tum chahti ho wo kar sakti ho. The other opportunities might not be this good.”

“You’ll grab it, Ruu,”

Ruhana smiles to herself. Prisha’s words have boosted her confidence, and as she reverts to the moment, the receptionist tells her that Sumona is calling for her. Ruhana responds affirmatively, and the receptionist guides her toward Sumona’s chamber.
Ruhana thanks her and walks toward the chamber, knocking softly.

A soft voice allows her inside the chamber, and as she enters, she finds a very elegant lady sitting on the swivel chair. She smiles at Ruhana and asks her to sit. Taking her seat, Ruhana greets the lady and keeps her file on the table. With a gentle smile, Sumona initiates the conversation, trying her best to make Ruhana comfortable.

“Ms. Ruhana, I am impressed by your fashion insights. I read your recent blogs on fashion. They’re amazing,” Sumona says, a small smile lighting her features.

“I am glad to hear that, Ms. Sumona! My friend suggested that I should write; it’s a hidden talent, actually. But when she suggested it, I planned to write blogs. And here’s the outcome,” Ruhana says, her tone cheerful.

“I must say, you have good knowledge, Ms. Ruhana. You should keep writing; people will get a lot of new things to learn from your insights,” Sumona says, her tone overwhelmed with emotion.

“Thank you; getting your insights will make a difference, Sumona. I’ll be glad for the same,” Ruhana says, her tone cheerful.

“Yes, and for your designs, Ruhana, they’re beautiful. Mujhe lagta hai ki tum ek achchi team lead ban sakti ho; I want you to lead our fashion team,” Sumona says, a small smile playing on her lips.

“Are you sure, Sumona? I mean, you didn’t even ask me any questions,” Ruhana says, her tone questioning.

“I’ve seen it all. I apologize for the delay in calling you, Ruhana. I remember you had sent me the details; you followed up, but things happened in a way that I couldn’t respond. And this is why I called you yesterday,” Sumona says.

“Also, our fashion lead is getting married, so she has given us notice, and so, I wanted you to join, and I know you’ll lead the team well,” Sumona says, placing her trust in Ruhana.

“You’re giving me a lot of responsibility, Sumona. Do you think it’s right?” Ruhana asks, her tone wavering.

She doesn’t want to commit any mistakes, and so, she looks up at Sumona for affirmation. Understanding her inner plight, Sumona smiles sweetly and reaches out to hold her hands. She's an experienced lady, and she knows Ruhana needs a positive boost.

“Ruhana, you can lead our team. You have that potential. Tumhe khud pe bharosa karna chahiye. Maine jab tumhare blogs padhe, jab tumhare designs dekhe, I knew I needed someone like you. Aur isliye tum yahan ho. Aur ab main chahti hoon ki tum kal se start karo, get to work, and embrace your duties, Ruhana,” Sumona says, her tone firm, leaving no room for any argument.

Ruhana is happy and overwhelmed as she holds the offer letter in her hands. Her eyes brim with water; this is something she has always prayed for, or rather, manifested. She looks at Sumona, whose serene smile affirms her confidence. Ruhana nods, murmuring a small thanks to Sumona before leaving the office.

It's the best day of her life, and a new phase starts tomorrow!

*****
Ruhana walks out of the building and looks at it again, feeling a giddy sensation in her chest. From tomorrow, this place will be her second home.

She hails a cab and, as she settles in, calls Prisha, who answers in one ring. Prisha's first line leaves Ruhana astounded.

“Job mil gai na tujhe? Mujhe pata tha, you will nail it,” Prisha responds cheerfully, mirroring Ruhana's excitement.

“Tujhe kaise pata?” Ruhana asks, though knowing the answer.

“Tu mujhe office hours mein kabhi message ya call nahi karti, Ruu. It’s 12 right now, aur main jaanti thi, teri meeting ke baad sabse pehla call tu mujhe karegi,” Prisha says, showcasing her knowledge of her best friend.

“Oh yes, tujhe nahi toh kisey bataungi, Prishu! Anyway, office ke baad ghar aa jana, we’ll party tonight. Phir kal se mujhe bhi join karna hai, and I need you by my side,” Ruhana says softly.
“Of course, my love! I’ll be there around 7 pm. Phir hum dinner ke liye jayenge,” Prisha announces, but Ruhana interrupts, insisting she'll cook dinner.

After talking for a few more minutes, Ruhana ends the call. Meanwhile, she arrives at the supermarket to refill her groceries. She asks the cab driver to wait, and he kindly agrees. She quickly makes her purchases and heads home.

Upon reaching home, her heart still racing, Ruhana can barely believe she's landed a job – a significant achievement for her. She pulls out the offer letter and reads it again, feeling goosebumps; this is her first offer letter, solely based on her talent.

Smiling, she gazes at her reflection in the mirror, seeing a more confident and happy self, exactly as she's always envisioned.

Well, now life should be smooth, she hopes. A new phase is about to begin.

To Be Continued.