Chahat was sipping her coffee when her phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID and smiled—it was Tia. She answered the call, already expecting some exaggerated complaints from her friend.
Tia didn't disappoint.
"You must be enjoying some melodious music with a warm cup of coffee, aren't you?" she huffed. "Meanwhile, I'm stuck here, smiling so much that my lips hurt. Seriously, these parties are unbearable!"
Chahat chuckled. "Oh, come on, Tia. You'll get used to it. There's a first time for everything."
Tia groaned. "That's what you think! My mom is busy gossiping with the aunties, Dad is deep in conversation with the uncles, and my dear sister—oh, she has conveniently forgotten that she even has a younger sibling! I feel so abandoned."
"Drama queen," Chahat teased.
Tia sighed dramatically. "Fine, I'll survive. But this is exactly why I hate these parties. Anyway, I should go back before someone notices I've escaped. Bye!"
"Take care," Chahat said before ending the call.
The night passed quickly, and the next morning, Mehendi received the call she had been waiting for.
"The contract is ready," the voice on the other end informed her. "You can come in and sign it today."
Mehendi arrived at the office promptly. A representative handed her the documents, explaining the terms.
"There are two options," he said. "You can sign as a contract singer for the company, which will provide you with certain privileges and long-term opportunities. Or, you can opt for a freelance contract—complete the project, get paid, and move on."
Without hesitation, Mehendi picked up the pen and signed the standard freelance contract. A guaranteed payment of one lakh upon completion of the project was more than enough for her.
Karan, who had accompanied her, shook his head in disbelief. "If I were in your place, I would have taken the first option," he remarked.
Mehendi glanced at him and smirked. "That's because you're not me."
Later that evening, as Mehendi prepared to leave, she received an unexpected invitation.
"Miss Mehendi," Vansh, one of the company's key executives, addressed her. "There's an exclusive party at the Singhania Mansion. You're invited, and you may bring one guest along. The invitation allows entry for two people."
Mehendi accepted the invitation gracefully. "Thank you, sir," she said before leaving.
Meanwhile, back at the office, Vansh's colleagues observed her decision with interest.
Sahir leaned back in his chair and mused, "So, it seems not every girl is willing to chase after money."
Karan, still doubtful, scoffed. "I wouldn't be so sure just yet."
Vansh, watching Mehendi's retreating figure, smirked. "Her journey has only just begun. We'll be the best witnesses to see where it leads."
Karan nodded. "That's true."
And with that, an unspoken anticipation settled among them, waiting to see what path Mehendi would carve for herself in the world she had just stepped into.