Agreement

The Day of the Dinner

Ridhima arrived home earlier than usual, stepping out of her car with a confident stride. The evening dinner arrangements were set in her mind, but she carried her usual composed demeanor.

As she walked inside, her mother, Kusum Rajawat, greeted her warmly.

Kusum: "You're early today."

Ridhima: "Had to be. You know, finalize everything for this dinner."

Kusum smiled knowingly.

Kusum: "Good. The Aroras will be here in two hours. Go get ready. I've picked out a saree for you—it's in your room."

Ridhima sighed, brushing off the suggestion.

Ridhima: "Mom, it's not that important. It's just a new page in a contract. I don't believe in dressing up to impress anyone."

Kusum chuckled softly, placing a gentle hand on Ridhima's shoulder.

Kusum: "Ah, beta, you don't know. It's a beautiful feeling when your man compliments you."

Ridhima interrupted, her tone firm.

Ridhima: "No, Mom. He's not my man yet."

Kusum laughed at her daughter's straightforwardness, shaking her head.

Kusum: "Okay, okay. But for me, please? Go and get ready."

Ridhima gave a small nod, relenting with a faint smile.

Kusum (playfully): "And don't forget, the collaboration is ready too. Your father made sure of that. You know, right?"

Ridhima: "Yes, Mom, I know."

As she headed toward her room, her mother's words lingered in her mind. Not my man yet. Ridhima shook off the thought, reminding herself this was purely about business—nothing more.

Meanwhile at the Arora Residence

Veer adjusted the crisp cuffs of his tailored black suit, his mind unusually restless. Thoughts of Ridhima Rajawat circled like an unresolved puzzle.

How will she get ready for tonight? he wondered briefly.

No, that's strange... Does she like me? He immediately dismissed the thought.

No, not possible. The way she looked at me during that meeting — cold and calculated. Not happening.

He shook off the idea with a faint scoff, refocusing himself as he heard his father calling from downstairs.

Mahendra: "Veer, come down. We're leaving soon."

Veer descended the stairs, sharp and composed as ever, and noticed a thick folder in Mahendra's hand.

Veer: "What's that?"

Mahendra: "The project papers. It's a four-month collaboration with the Rajawats."

Mahendra handed Veer the folder briefly before speaking again.

Mahendra: "This alliance will strengthen our presence in the industrial sector. The Rajawat relations are invaluable."

Veer nodded thoughtfully, though his expression remained neutral.

Veer: "Makes sense."

Without further discussion, Mahendra gestured toward the door.

Mahendra: "Let's head out."

Veer joined his parents as they stepped into their sleek SUV. The atmosphere inside the car was quiet yet purposeful. Veer stared out the window, a faint smirk appearing as one lingering thought crept back. Whatever this dinner brings, Ridhima Rajawat is certainly not someone I can ignore.

At the Rajawat Mansion

Ridhima paced across her room, scrolling through her phone, completely absorbed in an important call. Her younger sister, Aarini, a tech genius and budding fashion designer, walked in holding a set of hairpins and a brush.

Aarini: "Di, please sit down. I need to fix your hair properly. Your saree is gorgeous, but your messy hair will ruin it."

Ridhima: "Aarini, it's not that important. I have a critical call—"

Before Ridhima could finish, Aarini snatched the phone from her hand with a mischievous grin.

Aarini: "No calls. Just sit down and get ready."

Ridhima: "Aarini!" (slightly annoyed but amused)

Aarini: "Aroras are already on their way, and you're still acting like it's a board meeting instead of a dinner proposal."

Ridhima rolled her eyes but relented, settling into the chair as Aarini began working on her hair.

Ridhima: "I don't see why everyone's making such a fuss about this dinner. It's just business, Aarini."

Aarini: "Oh, really? So you're saying if some tall, handsome businessman sits across from you, you won't feel a single spark?"

Ridhima gave her a sharp look.

Ridhima: "No spark. No nonsense. Just contracts."

Aarini: "You're so boring, Di."

They both laughed as Aarini playfully tugged at Ridhima's hair.

Aarini: "But seriously, Di, maybe tonight will surprise you."

Ridhima smiled faintly, letting Aarini finish her work.

Ridhima: "You always see things with so much hope. Maybe that's your superpower."

Aarini: "And yours is being an unstoppable boss lady. Now let's show the Aroras exactly who they're dealing with."

Ridhima stood up, her elegance amplified by the saree and Aarini's perfect styling.

Ridhima: "Thanks, Aarini."

Aarini: "Anytime, Di. Now go conquer the dinner table."

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