| 𝑪𝒉 𝟏 | 𝑴𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒀𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒗𝒊 𝑱𝒂𝒎𝒘𝒂𝒍

“Kis-mis yaara, laayi maskara,Ankhiyan lagayi rakhna, meri jaan—meri haan…”

My voice grew louder as I hummed along with the lyrics, swaying my body under the cold shower.

“Kis-mis yaara, laayi mas—”

“GUDDU! GUDDU!”

A loud voice cut through the sound of the shower and my song.

Even though it was faint, there was no mistaking it.

Mumma.

“Guddu, aur kitna time lagega tujhe nahane mein?” she shouted again.

“Bas do minute, Mumma!” I shouted back.

But well…

We both knew the reality of my two minutes.

I quickly finished my shower and stepped out of the bathroom wearing my bathrobe.

The moment I entered my bedroom, I removed my bathrobe and then the shower cap, letting my hair fall freely down my bare waist.

After getting dressed, I stood in front of the mirror and gave myself a quick once-over.

A simple black kurti paired with wide-leg jeans, a printed scarf loosely draped around my neck, and comfortable flats.

Simple. Comfortable. Me.

The scarf wasn't just a fashion choice anymore. Somewhere along the years, it had quietly become a habit—a small attempt to hide the little extra weight I was insecure about.

I tied my hair into a simple half-up hairstyle before reaching for the makeup I usually wore.

A little kajal. Mascara. Blush. Lip balm.

Perfect.

I smiled at my reflection.

“Oh God, Yashvi…” I murmured dramatically. “You're beautiful… especially your eyes. That's probably why God decided to protect them from the evil eye by making you wear spectacles.”

I chuckled at my own lame joke before picking up my glasses from the dressing table and sliding them onto my face.

“There.”

I smiled at my reflection again.

“Now you actually look like yourself.”

Grabbing my handbag, phone and car keys, I hurried downstairs before Mumma decided to come upstairs and drag me herself.

The moment I reached the dining table, she looked up from serving breakfast and folded her arms.

“You know what time it is? You're supposed to be at the interview right now.”

I smiled sheepishly.

“I know…”

“You know, Yashvi, you should try being a little responsible now. You're twenty-seven. When I was your age, Yash was already born, and look at you. You can't even—”

“Mumma,” I interrupted with an innocent smile. “Lecture baad mein. Mujhe waise hi late ho raha hai.”

Before she could continue, the doorbell rang.

Saved.

I quickly walked towards the door and opened it.

Standing outside was my best friend, Sandhya, her arms folded and an expression that clearly said she'd been waiting long enough.

“Madam,” she narrowed her eyes. “Interview mein hi late hone ka iraada hai kya aapka?”

I took the final bite of my sandwich, choosing to ignore her.

I couldn't even argue with Sandhya.

Not when she was right.

“Sandhya beta, come have breakfast,” Mumma called from behind me, rolling her eyes at me.

“Nahi, Aunty.” Sandhya smiled politely. “Agar breakfast karne baith gaye na, toh interview direct kal denge.”

I nodded while chewing.

“Umm… bilkul sahi keh rahi hai.”

Picking up my car keys, I turned towards Mumma.

“Chalte hain. Wish me luck.”

She walked over and gently placed her hand on my head.

“All the best.”

“Aur tension mat lena.”

“Jo hoga, achha hi hoga.”

I smiled.

“Thank you.”

Delhi traffic had already begun testing everyone's patience. Cars crawled bumper to bumper while impatient drivers leaned on their horns as if that alone could clear the roads.

The familiar chaos of the city had already taken over the morning.

After what felt like forever, we finally reached Joshi Enterprises.

The towering glass building reflected the morning sunlight while employees hurried through the revolving doors, coffee cups and laptops in hand.

“Impressive,” Sandhya murmured.

“It really is,” I admitted.

After completing the entry formalities, we were escorted to the waiting lounge outside the interview cabins.

Nearly twenty candidates were already waiting.

Some were revising their resumes. Others nervously scrolled through their phones, while a few simply stared at the floor, lost in their own thoughts.

The interviews had already begun.

And unlike the usual hiring process, the CEO himself was conducting them today.

One by one, candidates disappeared behind the cabin door before quietly walking back out a few minutes later.

My turn came much sooner than I'd expected.

“Ms. Yashvi Jamwal?”

I looked up.

The receptionist smiled politely.

“Ma'am, it's your turn.”

I took a slow breath, tightened my grip around the file in my hands and walked towards the cabin.

Stopping outside the door, I knocked twice.

“Come in.”

The voice that answered was deep and dripping with effortless authority.

And for some reason…

my heart dropped straight into my stomach.

Chapter ends