The meeting with Manav Malhotra proved beneficial as Ruhana returned with a winning smirk on her face. Business is also a game, if you take a close look. You have to define your goals and present your points effectively, and if the other person likes it, you get the deal. Yeah, it looks simple, but it's not that simple. You still need to work hard and convince the other party that it will bring profit to their organization. Ruhana is an expert at doing that. Well, she's not doing anything wrong, just the paths she takes are wrong. She'll argue to prove her points right and make the other person believe she's the best, or she might take things the other way around. She's always on the ground to grab what's coming her way.

Ruhana finds Vineet in her cabin, busy on some calls. He notices her and passes a smile, which she acknowledges. She takes her seat, drinks some water, and opens her laptop. She has to answer some emails and she gets busy with the same task. Twenty minutes later, she comes out of her stance with Vineet's voice. She glances at him and finds him smiling at her.

"How was the meeting?"

"It was good. I have bagged the deal. Manav said that we can start the work next month. I am so excited."

"That's great. I expected the same from you. I knew you would get it," he exclaims, making her giggle.

"Of course, Vineet, you know I'm an expert at that. I make sure that I get what I want," she responds.

"Yeah, I know. Anyway, I have another piece of news for you, Ruu." He says, gazing at him while she glares at him for calling her by her nickname.

"Oh! Sorry! I am so sorry! I will call you Ruhana." He holds his ears.

"You better call me by my full name. I don't like anyone calling me by that nickname. Only Aanya can use that," she replies firmly.

"Yeah, and I will abide by your rules, your highness." He bows before her and she can't help but smile at his gesture.

"Okay, spill the beans, Vineet. What are you up to?" She raises her eyebrows at her friend.

"I was going through some emails on my laptop. I am planning to start a small educational initiative for students. There are some people who are eager to invest in businesses like these. And I need your help," he suggests.

"Sounds good, but this would be non-profit, right?" She asks.

"Yeah, initially, Ruhana. I want to help students develop their skills. And it would be the start of something big. As we set our legs in this educational stream, we will increase our business; we might create an application for the same and make business," he suggests, his tone convincing.

"Sounds good, but how will you find the teachers?" She asks, as they will need some mentors to help the students.

"Yeah, I am still working on it, Ruhana. But I need your assistance in this. I know we won't earn anything initially, but this will be good for our society. I hope you will join your hands with me," he gazes at her, hopefully.

Ruhana tends to think for a few minutes. Okay, she's grown up to be money-minded, but this won't harm her. In fact, if they train people under their care, that will be beneficial for their company only, and they'll only rise to fame.

She finally agrees, and he smiles, and things will get better.

*****

Ruhana arrives home after a long day, and Aanya warmly welcomes her. She hugs her sister tightly, taking her by surprise.

"What happened, Aanya? Did something happen?"

"Di – Di, I have something to tell you."

"And what is that?" Ruhana gazes at her sister.

"Di, I cleared my first year with distinction. And you know what? I got an internship for three months at Fashion Finesse studio, here in Mumbai only." Aanya chuckles at her place.

"What? Are you serious? I am so glad, Anu, you're doing so well. And what about your classes?" Ruhana asks.

"Classes will start after the internship because it's a little practical in the second year," Aanya informs her.

"That's great, Aanya. You've made me so happy." Ruhana kisses her head.

"Yay, then I deserve a treat." She chuckles.

"Yeah, I will make pasta for you. It will be extra-cheesy." Ruhana exclaims while Aanya chuckles.

Aanya hugs Ruhana tightly and asks her to change while she brews some coffee for the two of them. Ruhana walks into her room to freshen up. She decides to take a quick shower and asks Aanya to bring the coffee into her room.

As she stands below the shower, the cold water calms her nerves, and her mind again begins to wander around Vineet. He had expressed his concerns very directly, and she couldn't stop thinking about him.

"You didn't listen to me earlier, so I decided, I won't interfere in your business matters."

"My eyes are always on you, Ruhana. I would appreciate it if you walked on the right path."

"I know people change with time, but I feel that you never leave your basic traits. You're kind, and I see that in your actions. You still share certain things with me, but not everything. I won't force you to tell me everything, but I do expect something in return for what I give to you."

"You're hiding something, I know. I will wait until you feel safe in my presence and spill everything to me."

"Waiting for you is a sense of freedom."

Ruhana finishes her shower, but his words echo in her mind. She's still contemplating her thoughts, and meanwhile, Aanya calls for her. Ruhana walks out of the dressing room and finds Aanya sitting on the bed. She takes a seat beside her, and they enjoy the coffee.

Aanya notices that her sister is lost. Though she knows the reason, she chooses to ask the question.

"What happened, Di? Did you have a talk with Budz?" She asks about Vineet.

"Yeah, we met today. We had a meeting," Ruhana responds.

"And I assume, he said something, did he?" Aanya asks.

"Not really, but I am thinking of something," Ruhana responds thoughtfully.

"Didu, if you're thinking of telling him the truth, I am on your team. I want you to tell him everything, I am sure he will help you. He's such a kind soul. And I can see the concern he holds for you," Aanya says, excitedly.

Aanya has started to like Vineet, though she has only met him twice, but they share a great bond. She also feels that Vineet can be a great partner for Ruhana, only if she wants the same. Meanwhile, Aanya's phone rings, and she goes out of the room to talk while Ruhana is left in deep thought, with Vineet at the center.

*****

Vineet stands in the balcony of his room, savoring the cool breeze of the night. Well, the weather in Mumbai is not very cool, yet it's breezy at night. He seems to be lost in deep thought, his gaze fixed on a picture. It's his childhood picture with Ruhana, where she's clinging to him with a smile on his face. He trails down memory lane, remembering the story behind the picture.

*Flashback Begins*

It was a fine day, Ruhana and Vineet were playing in the garden of Ruhana's house. Since the girl liked swings, her father got a large swing installed in the garden. It's their safe place. They had other friends too, but these two enjoyed each other's company the most. They've been playing hide and seek, and suddenly Ruhana stops, out of breath.

"Vinu, I can't run anymore. I am tired."

"Okay, we will take a break. Have some water." He passes her a water bottle.

"Let's sit on the swing. Race?" She asks, gazing at him.

They often run towards the swing, and whoever reaches first would be the winner. This is one silly game they often play. Ruhana is the first one to jump and sit on the swing, giggling as this time, she won the race. She begins to drink water from her bottle, while Vineet climbs onto the swing.

Meanwhile, Ruhana's father comes out and asks them to pose. Ruhana keeps her head on his shoulder and smiles brightly. Her dad clicks many pictures, and throughout, either Ruhana clings to him or holds his hands. Upon asking, her innocent reply made him smile.

"Vinu, we are best friends. We will always be together. You said, right? Promise me that we'll stay together and you will not leave me alone." She asks instantly.

"I won't leave you alone, and in case I go anywhere, I will come back to you." He promised.

Ruhana giggled and hugged him tightly.

*Flashback Ends*

"You didn't keep your promise, Ruhana, But I did. I came back, but you're the one who left me. I am still waiting for you and will wait, even if it's until eternity."

Vineet thinks as a teardrop escapes his eyes while he hugs the picture close. There's a lot to know about her past, and he will surely find out the reality.