From the ashes the pheonix rises.A tortured soul.FF UPDATED!CH 9 Pg18 - Page 9

Chapter 8

As they prepped for their meeting she felt a little nervous as this could make or break their little company and on top of that Astha couldn't concentrate she kept thinking back to her encounter with Shlok Agnihotri, just thinking of him threw off her game! Astha mentally gave herself a shake. "Chale? (Shall we go?)Gauri asked. They reached the meeting met with the planners after given an outline they were given a contract to sign it had a few stipulations which worried Astha but Mr.Singhaniya eased her fears she was to report her progress to the son directly who was throwing the party for his parents wedding anniversary. "All approval is through his son Mr.Singhaniya stressed Ms.Khiloskar you will be his main contact and Ms.Gauri you will be reporting to Suresh his P.A. "So you won't be a part of this event?" Astha asked. Indirectly we will be, but it will be your event if this one goes smoothly we will use your event management company for future events I hope you will exceed our expectations Ms.Khiloskar. "Just one thing sir, if you take out the repayment clause then we can finalise the contract."Astha asked with masked bravado. "Let me discuss it with my partner and I'll get back to you as he dialled away, "Fine "came the short reply. We're good to go I'll remove the clause and let you discuss with your partner." said Singhaniya.

"Astha Oh my God!!! Why are you hesitating!! Aisa acha moka aur nahi milega to show our talent socho kum and sign karo' Gauri said excitedly. "You sure? Gauri they removed the clause but what if something else goes wrong??, I know this is what we wanted from day one but now it's here and I'm not sure what's wrong with me "a puzzled Astha replied. "Kuch nahin hoga aur agar kuch huwa bhi we'll figure it out together!" said Gauri. Bappa rakhsha Karna Astha thought as she signed the contract.

He was watching from the other room as they discussed their options he smirked arrogantly I now have you exactly where I wanted you Ms.Khiloskar! Thank you Adi for helping me he said to Singhaniya. "No problem anytime, I'm not sure what you're planning but tread carefully my friend she seems very smart" Adi replied. Smart! He scoffed. "Let her know when and where and all the fine little details" I'm so going to enjoy this he thought to himself.

"So ladies I'm guessing you're on board with this event? Asked Adi. "Yes!!"They replied. Alright let's get down to the finer details where you will conduct the meetings venue their tastes, your responsibilities etc." said Adi.

As they were leaving Astha thought she saw him she craned her neck to see if it was Shlok Agnihotri, why would he be here she thought that man has robbed me of my sanity! Angry at herself that he was affecting her she pushed any thought of him away.

Her parents and Ajju were so proud of her she didn't want to worry them with her fears regarding the contract. Gauri and Astha worked long hours for their presentation making sure each detail was correct caterers venue location, decorations the sweet table desserts everything down to the favors was short listed for the client, I hope everything goes well tomorrow she prayed silently.

Astha was running late she ran down the stairs nearly knocking down her Ayyi" I'm sorry Ayyi bohot late hogayi hoon Bye! "Astha ruko! I set your alarm clock an hour early because I know how you take your time, Kalindi said laughingly. "Ayyi!!!! Mujhe laga I will be fired on the first day! "Sit down have your breakfast Gauri's already at the dining table waiting for you!

As they approached the reception they were directed to either sides of the building Good Luck! They wished each other as they separated in the opposite direction.

Astha knocked on the door she could see him seated behind an impressive desk his back facing the door" Sir, may I come in? She asked hesitantly." Come in leave the file on the desk!! I'll go through it and make necessary changes. "But sir, I need to review it with you so that I can give you all the information that you need" Astha replied. "That won't be necessary I'll contact you if I have any questions" came the curt reply. You may leave now!

Token aback with the client's curt manner Astha retreated into her designated office space. Gauri came a little while later rushing as she had to go out to venue locations with Suresh the client's P.A. if you need anything or any changes message me, I'll see you later Bye! Said Gauri.

As she finished up the invitations and menu card mock ups she was buzzed to the office, as she entered she saw the client portfolio was thrown into the rubbish can."You will have to do better than that Ms.Khiloskar! It has to be Upscale elegant a symbol of perfection! He bellowed angrily. I hope I haven't made a mistake by hiring you."No I'll get right on it I have the samples of the invitation's..." Astha trailed off. "Leave them there he said dismissively. Inside Astha was fuming but she knew she had to make this work, Shlok Agnihotri smiled as she closed the door just a little too hard like the cat that got the cream.

Frustrated with all her ideas being rejected the clients rude attitude his refusal to acknowledge her suggestions Astha rubbed her temples, that's it Bappa I'm done she thought as she went with the last concept at the end of the work day she could hear the client talking loudly and laughing "The first concept was perfect my father will love it but I want to give her the run around I gave her a completely different concept and you know how my dad is Adi! tomorrow she'll have to deal with him.You should have seen her yes sir! No sir! I have her exactly where I want Ms.Khiloskar I'm going to teach her a lesson."

Astha shocked at hearing this she instantly wanted to run in and confront whoever it was! He sounded so familiar.

Astha had an idea she was going to get back at him for trying to destroy her work but she wasn't going to let him know she had heard his conversation but first she needed to know who this mystery client was! composing herself she knocked on the door

"Come in" "Sir I have one last idea she called as she quickly walked towards where he was sitting his back facing her she swiftly walked in front to face him before he could stop her, Astha stunned at the man in front of her she burst out TUM!!!