“Cheers to new beginnings!” I echo, aligning my fist with theirs. So this is what success feels like after pouring your heart and soul into something. I can’t wait to see what life has in store for me next.
*****
I freeze the moment I see the two men, my teammates, walking into the venue, their attention drawn straight to me. My gaze lands on Karan first.
He steps in clad in a sharply tailored, double-breasted black suit, with clean lines, structured shoulders, and an unmistakable edge. His slicked-back hair is styled with deliberate precision, amplifying the quiet authority he carries. There’s something unapologetically dangerous about his presence, controlled, confident, almost mafia-like, commanding attention without ever asking for it. Then my eyes shift to Reyansh, and my breath stalls.
The black blazer paired with a deep red shirt suits him far too well, like confidence stitched into fabric. He walks with composed ease, carrying a presence that doesn’t demand attention yet claims it effortlessly.
For a moment, the noise around me fades.
I tell myself I’m only admiring the look, the professionalism, the way he belongs so naturally to this world. But my gaze lingers, warmth spreads through my chest, and I know better that it is something else. There’s this thing about him, a quite magnetic charm, that pulls me to him every single time I look at him. I look away before the feeling settles too deep. Some things are safer admired in silence.
What truly unsettles me is that both their gazes are fixed on me. One looks at me with unmistakable admiration, while the other doesn’t blink as though he’s witnessing something extraordinary. Involuntarily, my eyes check my attire as if to find what made these two young men stare at me like that.
As for my outfit on this big day, I’m dressed in a full-sleeved red bodycon dress that skims my form and falls just at my knees, paired with sheer leggings flowing seamlessly to my feet. My hair is tied back into my signature ponytail, bold red lipstick completing the look. I know I look good today; I can already feel the confidence of a businesswoman settling firmly within me.
When they finally reach my side, Karan breaks into a gentle smile, openly admiring me. Reyansh, however, continues to stare, his gaze holding an intensity I am unable to define.
“You both already look like you own the place,” I compliment them together, though in truth, I’m barely holding myself together over Reyansh’s appearance.
“Thank you, and you’re a showstopper today,” Karan says warmly, his smile widening. Reyansh remains silent.Am I not looking good enough for him?
Why can’t he say something instead of wearing that painfully unreadable expression?
“Ma’am and sirs, the event will begin shortly. Please proceed to the dais,” a voice announces behind us. We nod and move forward.
The audience gradually fills the venue as I wait for my family to arrive. That’s when I spot Reyansh's parents and my parents walking with Aditi, while our fathers make their way toward thestage. Soon after, Sanchi enters with her father, settling into the front row beside my parents.
Our company has been promoting the product launch extensively, inviting several company heads, which explains Sanchi and her father’s presence. I wave at them, and Sanchi returns it with a bright smile. I quietly inform Reyansh of their arrival, and he acknowledges them with a polite smile.
Soon, the stage fills with officials and guests. The event begins with the host welcoming everyone and introducing the purpose of the gathering.
Our fathers and a few guests address the audience. When the host invites one of us to say a few words, anxiety clouds my thoughts. I immediately decline the mic, glancing between the two men, silently urging them to go instead.
They remain seated.
“Karan… Rey,” I whisper urgently as the crowd waits. Karan shrugs, clearly uninterested. I turn to Reyansh, who studies me for a brief moment before standing up. Thank God. Reyansh saves us from public embarrassment.
“Good evening, everyone. On behalf of Amyra, Karan, and me, I thank you all for being here and gracing this launch with your presence.
We are deeply grateful to the B&T Corp management for trusting us with this vision. A special thanks to our Chairperson and CEO; your guidance, belief, and constant support formed the backbone of this journey. This product reflects teamwork, passion, and a shared purpose, and we’re proud to present it to you today. Thank you for being part of this milestone.” Heconcludes smoothly, a faint smirk playing on his lips as he returns to his seat.
The charm. The aura. The calm confidence with which he steals the spotlight is unreal. I watch in quiet awe as the venue erupts into applause, impressed by his choice of words and effortless presence.
The event continues with the unveiling of the B-Live Aura package, followed by a photoshoot with the guests on stage. The host approaches us, whispering instructions for a group photo. We move forward awkwardly, trying to find a comfortable posture. Instinctively, I wrap my arms around their waists as they place theirs over my shoulders. The media goes wild, flashes lighting up the space as the crowd cheers, our smiles widening naturally.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the night doesn’t end here,” the host announces. “Please stay back to enjoy dinner, drinks, and DJ music as we celebrate together. Let the party begin!” The audience moves toward the dining area as we descend the stage via the stairs.
Reyansh holds my hand, guiding me toward our parents waiting at the corner, but I halt when my other hand is tugged back by Karan.
“My father is here too. Can you spare a minute so I can introduce you to him?” Unable to refuse, I glance at Reyansh and nod, gently pulling my hand away from his. I don’t miss the flicker of disappointment crossing his face.
“Dad, this is Amyra—”
“Oh, I’ve heard so much about you,” Karan’s father says warmly.
“Good evening, Uncle,” I say, bending to touch his feet. He blesses me, lifting me gently.
