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Vedang's expression was calm, but the small, knowing smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth made her want to smack him.
Eventually, Karan and Vedang's conversation shifted toward work. Vedang was soon engrossed in a discussion about strategies with Karan and Sidharth, who had rejoined after his call.
"Right now, we need to focus on maximizing the online presence for our outlets," Karan said, leaning back in his seat, his arms crossed as he considered the next move.
"With the current market trends, we need to target younger consumers more effectively."
Vedang nodded, scrolling through some figures on his phone.
"I've been thinking the same. We've already tapped into influencers, but I think we need to find more ways to connect."
Before they could continue, Iraa, who had been half-listening, suddenly perked up, the others went to the next coach.
"You know," she began, leaning forward, "why don't you tie up with niche creators instead of going after the big ones?"
All three men turned toward her, clearly surprised. Vedang raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on," he said, clearly in work mode now.
"You'd be hitting a more loyal, engaged audience," she explained confidently.
"And how can you be so sure?" Sidharth asked, his curiosity piqued. The other two nodded, waiting for her answer.
Iraa hesitated slightly and glanced at Karan, who gave her a reassuring nod. She took a breath before continuing.
"You want to target the younger market, right? Smaller creators resonate more with specific communities. People are more likely to buy if they feel connected to the influencer, even if the audience isn't huge."
She paused for a moment before adding, "There's data to back this up. Smaller, more focused groups often have stronger buying power than you'd expect."
She smiled slightly, gauging their reactions. Sidharth rested his chin on his hand, smiling like he was both impressed and amused by her confidence.
Vedang sat back, his arms crossed, his expression serious but contemplative.
"Interesting," Vedang muttered, exchanging a look with Sidharth.
After a brief pause, Vedang and Sidharth looked at Karan, who grinned, clearly proud. "Look at you, Miss Business School."
Iraa blushed, shrugging. "Well, I do listen in class sometimes."
"You should listen more often," Sidharth teased, giving her a playful grin. "Seems like you've got a head for this stuff."
Vedang nodded, visibly impressed. "That's a solid point."
Iraa's grin widened, her dimple appearing as she sat back, clearly pleased with herself.
Karan, brimming with pride, reached over and ruffled her hair affectionately. "I'm proud of you, you know that?"
"Thanks, bhai," she replied, trying to play it cool but clearly touched by his words.
"You should join us after you graduate," Sidharth chimed in, nudging her gently.
"I might just take you up on that offer," Iraa teased, settling more comfortably next to her brother.
"As long as you all promise not to be this intimidating."
Sidharth chuckled. "Abh ye toh thoda mushkil hai," he joked, earning a laugh from her.
"You're more than welcome dad toh will be on cloud nine," Karan said, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Plus we could use someone as smart as you."
Iraa swatted at his hand, but her smile was genuine. "Maybe I'll think about it after I graduate."
After a while, Iraa winked at Vedang when no one looking, her eyes sparkling mischievously.
Vedang's lips curved into a slight smirk. He raised his eyebrow, slightly amused but didn't react much, returning his attention to his phone.
Iraa's playful expression faltered as she frowned inwardly, a flicker of disappointment flashing in her eyes.
Seriously, that was all the reaction she got?
Just as she was about to brush it off, her phone buzzed in her lap. She glanced down to see a message from Vedang.
Vedang: Don't wink at me like that, Miss Singhania. You're gonna get us caught.
She stifled a smile, biting her lip as she quickly typed back.
Iraa: Scared?you'll get caught?
Vedang: Scared you'll make me do something reckless
Her heart did a little flip at his words. She stole a glance at him, but he was still engrossed in the conversation with Karan and Sidharth, his face perfectly composed.
How was he so good at this?
Iraa: Focus on your work, Mr. Suryavanshi.
Vedang: I am focused. But my girlfriend keeps winking at me.
Iraa giggled softly to herself, her fingers tapping quickly over the keys.
Iraa: Just keeping you on your toes.
She watched as he glanced over at her briefly, a smirk tugging at his lips.
Vedang: way too smart for her own good huhh.
She was about to reply when Karan suddenly shifted in his seat, his gaze landing on her.
"Kya chal raha hai?" he asked suspiciously, raising an eyebrow.
Iraa's eyes widened, and she quickly locked her phone, pretending nothing was out of the ordinary. "Nothing, bhai," she replied, her voice a little too casual.
As soon as Karan looked away, Iraa sneakily unlocked her phone again. Another text from Vedang awaited her, and her heart skipped a beat.
Vedang: You're not very good at hiding things, are you? Almost got us caught there.
Iraa rolled her eyes, biting back a smile as she typed back quickly.
Iraa: You're the one distracting me, Mr. "I'm totally focused on work."
Vedang's phone lit up again, and he chuckled softly, his fingers moving to reply.
Vedang: I can't help it if my girlfriend's a distraction.
Iraa: Maybe I like distracting you.
Vedang's eyes gleamed with mischief as he replied, glancing sideways to make sure no one was paying attention.
Vedang: Oh, I know you do. But careful... you might not like what happens if you keep teasing me.
Iraa's fingers hovered over the keyboard, her pulse quickening.
Iraa: Is that a threat or a promise?
He took his time replying, and she could practically feel the tension in the air as she waited.
Vedang: What do you think?
Her cheeks flushed deeper. She was about to reply when her phone buzzed again, another message from him lighting up the screen.
Vedang: And stop biting your lip. You're killing me.
She instinctively let go of her bottom lip and glanced at him, surprised.
How did he notice? He was still staring at his phone, looking perfectly composed, as if he hadn't just sent her a text that made her heart race.
Iraa: You sure you're not the one who's distracted?
Vedang: Only when it comes to you
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