He said, making her eyes widen. He took a lazy sip of his drink before saying.

“My younger sister is getting married in 4 months. I think you’d be perfect for that. Because she’s going to need dresses. Maybe I can recommend your name if she asks.”

That would be a huge opportunity for her. Her eyes sparkled at the excuse of seeing him more in this pretext.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Rajvansh. I’d love to provide my services to her however I could.”

“Great! May I have your card please.”

She nodded and skimmed through her purse. Thank God she always carried her business cards everywhere. 

“Are all of these office numbers?”

He asked. She shook her head and told him which was hers. It had her name on top of it. He smiled at finally getting her contact number. He could have found it online but he needed an excuse to get it from her.

“Perfect! I’ll get in touch with you soon.”

He said as he pocketed the card inside his suit jacket. Swaraa smiled and nodded.

“I’ll look forward to it, Mr. Rajvansh.”

The rest of the dinner went well. Swaraa kept daydreaming about the dinner and giggling to herself. 

Shaurya was at home, having his breakfast when her sister came out of her room, whining.

“Mummy! Sirf chaar mahine bache hai shaadi mai and I don’t have even ONE single dress. Kisi bhi function ki dress final nhi hai.”

(Only four months are left for the wedding and I don’t have even ONE single dress. None of the functions’ dress is final.)

Shaurya shook his head and waited for the right time.

“Toh chalo na! Dekh kr aate hai dresses.”

(Let’s go! And see the dresses.)

“Nhi! Mujhe unn stores se nhi leni. Wo mai already ek baar friends ke saath visit kr chuki hu. Unka bridal collection bhut hi meh hai.”

(No! I don’t want them from those stores. I have already visited them once with friends. Their bridal collection is very meh!)

She said, making a face and hand gesture. Shaurya wiped his hands and mouth before speaking.

“I know someone. She’s a fashion designer. You can check her boutique too.”

Pankti, his sister, looked at her with her eyes sparkling. 

“Haan! Wahi chalte hai. I want to see something new. Kya pata waha kuch samajh aa jaaye.”

(Yes! Let’s go there….Who knows I might find something there.)

Shaurya nodded and said.

“I’ll confirm with her and let you know.”

Pankti bobbed her head with excitement. Shaurya didn’t waste any second to call her number, which he had already saved in his phone.

Swaraa’s phone rang with an unknown number and she frowned.

“Hello?”

“Am I speaking to Ms. Swaraa Aggarwal?”

“Yes. How may I help you?”

“Hi Swaraa. Shaurya Rajvansh speaking.”

Swaraa gasped and got up from her seat as if he was in front of her.

“Mr. Rajvansh. I’m sorry I couldn’t recognise.”

He chuckled and said.

“It’s ok. How are you?”

“I’m fine. How are you, Mr. Rajvansh?”

“I’m great too.”

Swaraa waited for him to state his reason for his call or just say something so that she could keep hearing his voice.

“How may I help you, Mr. Rajvansh?”

“Yeah right! My sister wanted to visit your boutique. Will you be available today?”

“Yes! Absolutely! She can visit anytime. I’ll be here.”

“Great! We’ll see you in some time then.”

“Sure. See you, Mr. Rajvansh.”

The call was disconnected and Swaraa immediately ran out to check if everything was in order. She then rushed back to her office and made sure everything was presentable.

She then took a deep breath and took her seat. Shaurya entered the boutique. It was very luxurious and tastefully maintained. In the middle of the store was a big sitting place. 

His eyes moved around and took in the various dresses, some on the racks and others on mannequins. 

“Good morning, Mr. Rajvansh.”

He heard the voice for which he’d come here. He turned to see Swaraa walking towards them with a smile. Sharuya greeted her back and shook her hand.

“Hello mam. Hello mam.”

She greeted his mother and sister.

“Hi. Please don’t call me mam. You can call me Pankti.”

The girl said with a grin. She could see so many great designs. How had she missed this store?

Swaraa smiled and nodded.

“Sure, Pankti.”

“You remind me so much of someone.”

His mother said, looking at her with a calculative look. Swaraa frowned but maintained a smile.

“I once had a classmate. Naina Garg. You look so much like her.”

Swaraa looked at her surprised and said.

She’s my mother.”

“You’re Naina’s daughter. Wow! Such a small world. Phir toh mujhe mam nhi aunty bolo. She was a good friend.”

(Then you call me aunty not mam.)

Swaraa nodded and Shaurya smiled. Pankti started looking at the dresses. She would seek her mother’s opinion about any dress she liked.

Sharuya followed with a bored expression because Swaraa was busy with the two, like any boutique owner would do.

“Shaurya! Tujhe kaam hai toh jaa. Don’t roam around with that scowl on your face.”

(You go if you have work.)

His mother said. He looked at Swaraa who smiled at him. He could see the mirth dancing in her eyes. Why did his mother have to do that in front of her?

“Fine. Call me when you want to go back. I’ll come to pick you up if I’m free otherwise driver ko bhej dunga.”

(I’ll come to pick you up if I’m free otherwise I’ll send the driver.)

His mother nodded and shooed him away. He shook his head and turned to Swaraa.

“Do minute.”

(Two minutes.)

She nodded and moved aside with him.

“It’s her wedding. She’s really excited. Please make sure that everything is according to her liking.”

Swaraa smiled and said.

“Rest assured, Mr. Rajvansh. Her satisfaction will be our priority.”

Shaurya smiled and took his leave, not keeping her for long, even though he wanted to.

“These are all designed by you?”

His mother asked.

“Yes mam. We’re a team of 5 designers. Every dress you see here is a fresh idea. We don’t make repeat dresses. Every dress will be new.”

His mother nodded and said.

“I don’t see any traditional dresses here. Shaadi ke hisaab se.”

(For wedding purpose.)

“Wo dusre section mai hai aunty. Shall we?”

(They are in the other section aunty.)

She looked at Pankti who shrugged and they started moving towards the section where traditional dresses were kept when Pankti’s gaze fell on a particular dress.

A white satin dress with a straight neckline, pearl-trimmed straps, and a full pleated skirt. Classic and elegant.