Episode 1.1
The dawn sky that Khushi gazed at, when she woke up that morning had the crimson beginnings of a new destiny about it.
She was truly hoping the day would turn out as beautiful as the gorgeous morning blooming in front of her eyes.
Khushi Kumari Gupta was in her early twenties. Her slim and radiant figure shined with beauty even in her pyjama top and pants, creased from a night of restless sleep. This was after all the day when she was going to find out if she had been accepted as an account officer at Shreya Media Corporation, her employer, and one of the biggest advertising firms in India.
Tonight, during their companies annual day celebrations, a host of announcements was to be made about various promotions, company acquisitions and successful projects. She had been interning with the company for the last year and a half. And there was talk of her being promoted. Khushi was hoping that the excellent work she did on several creative projects including major ad campaigns cosmetics and textile companies would be seen in a favourable light by the board.
Khushi breathed in the beautiful morning air, praying and hoping for the best.
Everyone had been given the day off from their projects top decorate their office for the celebrations. Therefore, a 10 am start was not unusual. In fact, Khushi was one of the first people to reach the office.
She was glad to see her best friend and confidant at work Roshni Rastogi was in. Dressed in a casual 'I am Wonder Woman' t-shirt and a pair of ill-fitting jeans, Roshni jumped on Khushi like an excited puppy as soon she laid her eyes on her. Her short curly hair bounced around and her silver earrings and nose ring jingled like it had a life of its own.
"Today is the day," Roshni said with a big smile. "It's going to happen."
"Finger's crossed," Khushi responded.
"What is all this negativity I am seeing in you? Did your mother not feed you this morning?" Roshni pretended to be peeved.
"Leave my mother out of this. Let's talk about your mother,' Khushi said poking her tongue.
"As villainous as ever madam. She told me this morning that I am about a kilo fatter than I was last week."
"Charming. Why don't I come home and teach your mum a lesson for saying such nasty things.
Roshni hugged Khushi. "You are my sweetest sweetheart and this is why I think you will get promoted tonight."
"Let go of me Wonder Woman," Khushi said playfully.
The two friends proceeded to extricate a box of decorations from the printer room and started beautifying the place. Other colleagues chipped in and the time flew before someone suggested Pav for lunch and they all streamed out to the local street food store.
"Oh by the way, I forgot to tell you. We have a special guest tonight," Roshni said through a mouthful.
"Who?"
"The man who owns every major media company in India."
"Who?"
"Budhoos. The boss of our boss' boss."
"Arnav Singh Raizada? No way!'
"Yes way."
"Great. So I will be humiliated in front of the most eligible Batchelor in India."
"He is not your type."
"What? Good looking? Whatever gave you that idea?"
"No. he is a bad boy. You like to Santh Saadhu types."
"How are you even my friend?"
"Just saying. I have known you for years."
Suddenly Khushi did not want to touch her food. She had butterflies in her tummy. Nervous spasms racked her forehead.
Oh boy, why did this have to happen to me? She thought. She was anxious already about the results, but now the stage was set for a more prominent evening and she didn't want to vomit in front of everyone when her names was announced as one of the new promotions.
Maybe I won't get it, she thought. And no one would notice her in the crowd. Especially not Arnav.
She had seen him in the newspaper and on TV. He wouldn't have time for a nobody like her.
Evening crept up on her and she could feel the air cracking with anticipation.
