I park my car in front of the bank and say a silent prayer, hoping my loan application gets approved. Expanding my coffee shop with a new franchise is the next big step, and while my current café is doing well, the finances are stretched thin. Between rising expenses, advertising costs, staff salaries, and day-to-day operations, it’s been a challenge to keep everything balanced. I know this move comes with risks, and I’m not entirely sure if it’s the smartest financial decision right now. But deep down, I don’t want to back out now. This isn’t just about growth; it’s about fulfilling my dad’s dream. And for that, I’m willing to fight for it.
Taking a deep breath, I push all my doubts aside, forcing myself to focus only on the positives. I grab my bag and the folder from the passenger seat, then step out of the car and shut the door with a click. My palms suddenly feel clammy, and I wipe them down the front of my jeans before walking towards the bank.
As I climb the steps to the entrance, the security guard gives me a nod and pulls the door open. The moment I enter inside, a cool blast of air-conditioning greets me, momentarily easingthe tension in my shoulders. I scan the room and notice it’s relatively empty, with only a few customers scattered around.
I continue to take my time studying the place. The polished floors gleam under the bright lights, reflecting the sleek, modern interior of the bank. The counters, made of dark wood with glass partitions, are neatly lined, with employees behind them, tapping away on their computers. A row of neatly arranged chairs lines the waiting area, where a few customers are flipping through their documents or scrolling through their phones.
A few seconds later, I make my way to the counter where a middle-aged woman in a navy-blue saree sits, her eyes fixed on her computer. She looks up with a polite smile, and I clear my throat.
“Good morning. I’m Sana Arora, and I have an appointment with your bank manager, Mr. Jai Dixit.”
She nods and checks something on her screen before gesturing toward a door at the far end of the room. “You can go right ahead. That’s his office.”
Murmuring a quick thank-you, I clutch my folder a little tighter and make my way toward the cabin.
Standing outside the door she directed me to, I glance down at my outfit—black formal pants and a neatly pressed white shirt. Yes, it’s perfectly professional and businesslike. I smooth my palms down my sides, making sure every crease is in place. Taking a steadying breath, I raise my hand and knock on the door. When I hear a voice say, “Come in,” I step inside and immediately gulp.
Seated behind the large wooden desk isn’t some middle-aged manager I’d imagined, but a handsome man who looks to be around my age. Dressed in a sharp three-piece suit, his chocolate-brown eyes and the light stubble on his chiselled jaw only add to his undeniable charm.
For a split second, I find myself caught off-guard, but thankfully, there’s none of that unwelcome flutter in my stomach. Nothing like the one that arrogant jerk from the coffee shop stirred within me.
Wait.Why did that jerk pop into my mind?And God, why the hell am I thinking about him now?
Shaking my head, I push him out of my thoughts. Focus, Sana. You’re here for your business.
Forcing a polite smile, I walk up to his desk. “Hi, I’m Sana Arora.”
“Hello, Miss Sana. I’m Jai Dixit,” he says, extending his hand toward me. I nod and shake his hand as his deep brown eyes, framed by thick, long lashes, take a measured look at me. “Please, have a seat.”
“Thanks,” I say, taking a seat, wondering why he’s looking at me like that.
“So, how can I help you?” he asks.
Wordlessly, I push the folder across the desk toward him. “I’m here for a business loan,” I say, keeping my voice steady. “Everything you need to know is in there.”
His eyes crinkle at the corners, and a slow grin spreads across his face. I don’t know why but I feel a flicker of unease. He takes the folder but doesn’t open it. Instead, his gaze remains fixed on me. Just as I’m about to ask what’s so amusing, he finally speaks.
“Before we begin, would you like something to drink?”
“No, I’m good,” I mutter, offering a small, polite smile.
“You sure?” he asks, tilting his head slightly.
“Yes,” I repeat, firmly this time.
Satisfied with my reply, he finally opens the folder and starts flipping through the pages, his eyes scanning each page with interest. I watch in silence, waiting for his reaction.
“Your proposal is well-structured. Expanding a coffee shop is a bold move. What made you decide on this particular location?” he asks, resting his elbows on the desk.
I straighten slightly. “The area has a lot of foot traffic and a growing demand for speciality coffee shops. There aren’t many competitors offering the kind of ambience and quality we provide, so I see an opportunity to capture a strong customer base.”
“Smart thinking. I have to say, you seem very passionate about this.” I see a smile on his face.
“Of course, I’m. It’s a business my dad built, and now it’s my turn to carry it forward. I’ve put in a lot of hard work to keep it at the top, and expansion is the next logical step.”
“Your dad must be proud of you,” he says, a hint of admiration in his eyes.
I offer a small smile, my chest tightening. “I hope so.”
