In the conference room of Bronson corps, the managerial professionals were sitting around the U-shaped meeting table. The people had anxiously held their breath, anticipating the conclusion that would be obtained from the meeting. They weren't given any death sentence but one look at the COO and the people around couldn't help but get nervous.
Mohini was sitting in the centre of table with her posture composed but with a stern and stoic gaze that could burn someone. The air she held around herself was itself so overwhelming that it could easily make people go on their feet. They had tried their best to be on par with her expectations but somehow they felt that their work still wasn't up to the mark.
As the meeting got to its end, the room became ghostly silent where everyone could hear anxious heartbeats of one another. The silence was cut short by the ringing of Mohini's phone. She was expecting the call so without even glancing at screen she slide the green icon and pressed the phone on her ear. "Are you done? " asked the person from other end. Upon hearing the voice, she couldn't help but be a little more relaxed. Slowly but surely a certain somebody was becoming a important part of her life. Unbeknownst to her, he was getting successful in his plan of making a way to her heart, he wasn't able make a permanent place yet but still there was some progress.
"Yeah, just give me ten minutes. I will be downstairs soon." Everyone else in the room were a bit taken aback when they saw that her stern gaze that could have given anyone a heart attack, had softened considerably. 'Who was the person to bring such a change in the demeanor of their cold and aloof COO just with a call?' as the question revolving in everyone's head except Nina, Mohini's secretary.
"The presentation was acceptable, good job but I expect better next time. I won't be here for next two days. Once I am back, I would like to see the reports about Boman project. And mind you, no mistakes would be tolerated. We already have problems going on with their team so be aware. Thank you and have a great day ahead. " With that Mohini left the conference hall with Nina on her tail. Everyone released a sigh of relief and felt relieved. It was probably the first time the COO found the presentation acceptable in a single go. But again with the appreciation came another sinister task.
"If you don't mind, I want to ask something as a friend. Why do you act so cold and aloof in front of the world ?" asked Nina, once they both reached Mohini's office. Sometimes she wondered if the latter had split personality. Like seriously, those who didn't know her personally called her the cold devil but the ones who had witnessed her bubbly side called her a sweetheart who could make anyone's day with a single smile.
"Sometimes it is necessary to be strict to get the work done on time with perfection." She took the saree that was kept on her table and went to the washroom that was inside the office itself. She took off the olive green business suit in an instant and wore a blouse and underskirt. She draped the six metres cloth around herself perfectly. On seeing her, Nina was dumbfounded- not because she was looking like a goddess but with the fact that she came out of the washroom in the total of four minutes, when it generally takes women hours to drape the saree perfectly.
Mohini looked stunning, wearing a sleeveless, scoop neck blouse with a Indigo coloured Saree that had orange and pink flowers and vines were embroidered around the border. Running her hands through her hairs that were in classic boy cut, she said "This is why I love my hair. No need to waste time styling them, just run your hand through them and you are all set to go."
"You are looking beautiful! " mused Nina.
" I look always look beautiful. Tell me something that I don't know. " giggled Mohini.
" You changed into saree. Was it on someone's demand? Aryaman asked you to wear it or did someone else..." Nina trailed off. The moment Mohini came out of the bathroom the question had been buzzing inside her brain. She voiced out her inner thoughts when they both were making their way to the first floor.
" My mother will kill me if I meet my in-laws for the first time in business suit. And I don't have a death wish. By the way I wonder if my mother-in-law will turn out like Kokila. If yes, then I will be doomed. " Kokila Modi was the character from Indian daily soap that was famous throughout every Indian household. The heartless, control freak mother-in-law was feared by all. And no one wanted their mother-in-law to turn out like her.
" Oh no, not at all. Laila said that Mrs. Nanda is the sweetest and most caring lady you will ever meet. She is righteous though. But that only adds to her charms. Well... seems like someone is eager to see you. I bet you're going to take away his breath with this look of yours." said Nina smugly, indicating towards the Greek-god like figure, when she spotted Aryaman seating on the salsa red sofa in the lobby.
True to Nina's words, the air was knocked out of Aryaman the moment his eyes landed on Mohini. There she was, the love of his life, standing in front him with a smile adoring her lips that could pierce through anyone's heart. The indigo blue colour of her saree was highlighting every feature of her. Her tousled hair looked messy but gave out the carefree vibes while the way her saree was draped gave out sophisticated vibes.
" I am sorry for making you wait. " said Mohini.
"It's totally fine. You are looking beautiful- no, I mean you always look beautiful...but today you're looking...um " Aryaman blurted out. He wanted to compliment her but was unsure what to say.
To ease of his nerves she said "more beautiful." Seeing the always composed man not sure of what to say, her smile widen. It was interesting to see that.
"Yeah, more beautiful. I think we should get or else we will be late. Mother, father and Aarini already reached the airport." Unlike the most first-meeting of the bride to be with her in-laws at either of the family's house, she was going to meet her in laws at airport. Weird, wasn't it! Anyways, it was an official meeting thingy. Mohini's parents wanted the engagement ceremony to be held at their house since only both of their families were going to be there and no other relative. They both were leaving the same day for her hometown so aryaman proposed the idea of going together. Hence the seeing his family at airport.