"What!? He already fired two executive officers?!" a shocked voice asked.
"Hey Devi Maa, bas is bar bacha lo. Agle mahine nirjala vrat rakh lunga!"
(Oh Goddess, please save me this time. Next month, I'll keep a fast without water!)
"Bhagwan ji mujhe bhi bacha lena. Iss baar 100-rupee ka prashad chadaunga pakka," said another voice.
("God, please save me too this time. I swear I'll offer 101 rupees as prasad!")
"God, it's still quite astonishing—he's been here for less than 15 minutes and has already fired two executive officers! But it turns out they were caught using company funds for their personal use," added someone.
Around 15 staff members were seated around the meeting table, nervously glancing at the door.
"I can't believe this is happening," muttered one employee, rubbing their temples.
"We better make sure our own work is spotless," another whispered, trying to calm the growing tension in the room.
Suddenly, the door to the conference room swung open, and Siddarth strode in with an air of authority. He exuded confidence and determination, his sharp gaze scanning the room as he took his place at the head of the table.
"Good morning, everyone," Siddarth began, his voice steady and commanding. "I know my actions may have come as a surprise to many of you in yesterday meeting. However, I believe in maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability within this company."
The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on Siddarth as he continued. "The decision to terminate those officers was not made lightly. Their misuse of company funds was a serious breach of trust, and such behavior will not be tolerated. I expect everyone here to adhere to the same principles of honesty and dedication."
A wave of relief mixed with apprehension washed over the staff. Siddarth's presence was both reassuring and intimidating.
"Now," Siddarth said, his tone softening slightly, "I understand that change can be unsettling, but I am here to work with you, not against you. Together, we can achieve great things and take this company to new heights."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "I am open to hearing your concerns and suggestions. My door is always open. Let's build a strong, transparent, and successful future together."
As Siddarth finished speaking, the tension in the room began to ease. The employees exchanged glances, some nodding in agreement. It was clear that Siddarth's decisive actions and strong leadership were already making an impact.
"Thank you for your time," Siddarth concluded. "Let's get to work."
With that, he gave a curt nod and exited the room, leaving the staff members to process the events of the morning. The atmosphere had shifted, and a sense of cautious optimism began to take root as they prepared to move forward under Siddarth's guidance.
Skip to 1 day before Art Exhibition
Author Pov
Sanvi walked into her house after finalizing everything for art exhibition for tomorrow, her mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming art exhibition. She was nervous and conflicted, unsure if her art was good enough. As she entered the living room, her mother, Nalini, looked up from the kitchen and smiled. "Beta, how was your day?" she asked.
Sanvi shrugged, feeling a lump form in her throat. "It was okay, Mummy," she replied, trying to sound casual. But Nalini was not fooled. She could see the worry etched on Sanvi's face and knew exactly what to do.
"Come, beta," she said, beckoning Sanvi to the kitchen. "I've made your favorite snack - masala chai and pakora." Sanvi's eyes lit up as she followed her mother to the kitchen. The aroma of fried pakora and brewing chai filled the air, transporting her back to a happier time.
As they sat down to eat, Sanvi's father, Shekhar, joined them. They chatted and laughed, trying to distract Sanvi from her worries.
But it was Nalini who finally broke the ice. "Sanvi, beta, you know what they say - no matter what happens, a mother's blessings are always with you.
"And father's too," said papa.
"Sanvi, beta," he said, his voice soft but firm. "You have a gift, a spark within you that sets you and your art apart. Don't let anyone dull that spark. You just shine bright, just like the stars in the night sky, just like how you brightened this house the first time you stepped into our lives with your love and laughter."
Sanvi smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. She knew that her family was always there to support her, no matter what.
As they finished their snack and cleaned up the kitchen, Sanvi felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that she still had a lot to worry about, but with her family by her side, she felt like she could face anything.
After that Sanvi walked up to the rooftop, where she finds her Dadi already seated on a blanket, like she already knows that I am going to come here, the night air was Cool and crisp, filled with the scent of blooming flowers from the garden below.
Dadi smiled, her eyes twinkling. "Sanvi, do you remember when we used to come up here and stargaze when you were a kid?" Sanvi turned to Dadi, her eyes shining with nostalgia. "Of course, Dadi. Those were my favorite nights."
Suddenly, Sanvi spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper. "Dadi, do you remember that time we saw a shooting star up here?"
Dadi's face lit up. "Oh, yes! We made a wish, didn't we?" Sanvi nodded, a smile spreading across her face.
"I used to wish to have a loving family." Sanvi said, her voice is filled with emotions.
Dadiji's face soften, and she pulled Sanvi in her warm hug. "Ishwar ki Marzi hui, Toh sab theek Hoga beta don't worry - God's will is always done everything right beta, everything will be alright."
("If it's God's will, everything will be fine.")
Sanvi felt a sense of calm wash over her as she listened to her grandmother's words. She knew that Dadiji had a deep faith in God, and that she believed that everything happened for a reason.
"Remember, Sanvi," Dadiji continued, "you have a gift, and God has given it to you for a purpose. Trust in God, and trust in yourself. beta everything will be fine."
Sanvi nodded, feeling a sense of peace settle over her. She knew that she couldn't control everything, but she could trust in God's plan and in her own abilities.
With renewed confidence, Sanvi hugged her grandmother tightly. "Thank you, Dadiji. I'll remember." Dadiji smiled, hugging her back. "I know you will, beta. Now go, get some rest. Tomorrow is a big day."
The starry night ends with Sanvi feeling calmer and more centered, thanks to her family's love and support. A long and exciting day waits for Sanvi ahead.
SANVI POV
In morning
I stood in front of my closet, staring at the rows of clothes hanging before me. What to wear on such an important day?
I had spent months preparing for this art exhibition, and I wanted to make a good impression. I had been looking forward to this day for weeks and months, but now that it was finally here, I was nervous wreck. What if nobody liked my paintings?
Papa will buy it all, never mind.
What if I tripped and fell on my face?
Yaar!! I don't even have prince charming who can save me from tripping. And Kaira is also off the list Because Kaira is the who will be first one to laugh at me when I tripped, then she might think about helping me.
I shook my head, trying to push aside my doubt. I needed to focus on what to wear.
I thought about wearing my favorite red sari, but then I worried that it might be too bold. I considered wearing a more subdued outfit, but then I worried that it might be too boring.
Why was I being so indecisive? I knew that I had a great sense of style, but for some reason, I just couldn't seem to make up my mind.
Just as I was about to give up and wear whatever. I heard a gentle knock on my door.
"Sanvi. Saanu" my mother's voice called out softly.
"Yes, Mumma," I replied, relief washing over me. If anyone could help me make a decision, it was her.
My mother, Nalini, stepped into the room with a warm smile. She had always been my rock, especially during times of uncertainty. Her presence alone was calming, like a soothing balm for my nerves.
"Abhi tak ready nahi hui? Tera kya hoga, Saanu!" she exclaimed, exasperation in her voice. "You need to be on time, beta. Kitni baar kaha jaldi soya kar toh jaldi aakh khulengi. she continued, bustling around the room to make sure everything was in order.
("Still not ready? What will happen to you, Saanu!")
("You need to be on time, dear. How many times have I told you to sleep early so that you wake up early?")
"Yeh sab chhodo aap yeh batao ki kya pehno main aaj." i said, gesturing toward the closet.
("Forget all that, just tell me what I should wear today.")
"Jo tera man kare pehn le meri maa, Fashion show thodhi h" Mumma said in her same nagging voice
("Wear whatever you want, my dear. It's not a fashion show.")
I whine listing to her words. "Yaaaaar mummmmyyyyy, Ek kapda dhang ka nhi h mere pass naaye kapde kharidne padenge mujhe".
("Moooommmmm, I don't have a single decent outfit! I need to buy new clothes.")
."haan haan yeh das das jhodi kapde toh tere papa ke hain na " she said, shaking her head.
("Yeah, yeah, those ten pairs of clothes must be your father's, right?")
"Yaar bata do na mummy please" said in my fake crying voice.
("Please tell me, Mom, please!")
She walked over to the closet and began to sift through the clothes. "Let's see what we have here," she said thoughtfully. "How about this one?" She pulled out kurta and jeans.
"No, this is so boring mumma"
Then She pulled out a beautiful, elegant ivory frock dress with delicate embroidery.
I hesitated. "It's lovely, but is it too simple?"
My mother shook her head gently. "No, beta. Sometimes simplicity is the most elegant choice. This outfit will highlight your natural beauty and maybe koi impress ho jaye terse."
She handed me the outfit and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Remember, Sanvi, this day is about your talent and your hard work. Wear your confidence like a crown, and everything else will fall into place."
I hugged her tightly, feeling her warmth and love surround me. "I will, Mummy. Thank you for always knowing what to say."
As I got ready, my mother helped me with my hair and makeup, adding just the right touches to complete the look. The nervousness that had plagued me earlier began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of calm and determination.
"Still Sanvi, you should have prepared this outfit last night! You always leave everything to the last minute," she said, shaking her head. "And look at your hair—how many times have I told you to take better care of it? It's always so unruly!"
I couldn't help but smile at her familiar nagging. It was a comforting routine that reminded me of all the times she'd helped me get ready for important events.
I quickly got dressed and did my hair and makeup. As I looked in the mirror, I felt a sense of confidence wash over me. I was ready for this exhibition, and I was going to make it a success.
I went downstairs, where my family was waiting for me. They all smiled and wished me luck, and I felt a sense of gratitude and love.
"Beta, we're so proud of you," my mother said, handing me a sweet of parshad from the temple. "May God bless you."
I took the sweet and touched it to my forehead, feeling a sense of gratitude and love. I was a painter, and this art exhibition was a big deal for me.
"Thank you, Mummy," I said, hugging her tightly. "I'll make sure to make you all proud. My father put a hand on my shoulder. You don't have to make us proud beta. you are our daughter, daughter of this house, this family. That alone make us incredibly proud. if you have to do something then please just cherish yourself and do your best."
Dadi smiled at me. "And don't forget to pray to God for success."
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