Chapter-20 “The Ceremony That Almost Turned Into a Confession”

The Week Before the Ceremony

After their last conversation, Nirvay began behaving strictly like a friend with Arohi. He was careful, making sure not to cross any boundaries, afraid that he might upset her again. The office work had also become heavier with the upcoming CEO announcement and the launch of a new product.

For the CEO ceremony, the chairman sent out a dress code: formals for men and traditional attire for women.

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Office Break Conversation – Arohi, Shruti, Pooja, and Dhruv

Arohi (complaining):

"Why do boys get to wear formals while we have to come in traditional? Boys can wear traditional too."

Dhruv (grinning):

"Yeah, we can… but imagine all of us walking in with kurtas and pajamas—it would look less like a CEO ceremony and more like a Diwali party!"

(everyone bursts out laughing)

Dhruv (teasing):

"Anyway, you girls look beautiful in every outfit, so don't stress about it."

Shruti (teasing):

"Dhruv is 100% a feminist."

Pooja (laughing):

"Yeah, when you spend too much time around women, you eventually become one of us!"

Dhruv (smiling proudly):

"Exactly! I'm a full feminist. In fact, women aren't just equal—they're ahead of us."

Pooja:

"So Arohi, what are you planning to wear tomorrow? Saree?"

Arohi:

"I don't know yet."

They continued chatting and teasing each other as the day passed.

Ceremony Morning – Arohi's Apartment

Sukhi had come over to help Arohi get ready.

Sukhi (excited):

"Look, Arohi, today let me do your makeup. You have to look gorgeous and hot today!"

Arohi:

"I'm just an employee. No one's even going to notice me."

Sukhi (grinning):

"Trust me, in that entire ceremony, everyone's eyes will be on Nirvay—but Nirvay's eyes will only be on you. You should've worn a saree, would've been easier for him to unwrap."

(starts laughing)

Arohi (smiling lightly):

"Just do the makeup. I need to reach on time. When are you and Ayush coming?"

Sukhi:

"We'll reach before the ceremony starts."

Arohi:

"Okay."

Sukhi (teasing again):

"Today I'm going to put blood-red lipstick on you so that when Nirvay sees your lips, he won't be able to resist biting them."

(bursts out laughing again)

Arohi (firmly):

"Sukhi, keep your wild fantasies in your head and please filter your mouth. Put a nude shade instead."

Sukhi (pretending to think):

"Nude? But Nir—"

Arohi:

"Stop it, Sukhi!"

Sukhi (laughing, controlling herself):

"Okay, okay… I'll put pink."

Arohi got ready in a stunning black long Anarkali dress, looking absolutely beautiful. Sukhi made sure she wore traditional jhumkas to complete the look.

Office – Ceremony Day

As soon as Arohi entered the office, everyone complimented her.

Dhruv (smiling):

"You're looking really beautiful today."

Arohi:

"Thank you."

Dhruv (grinning):

"You always look pretty, but today… you're glowing."

Pooja:

"Okay, okay, Dhruv, don't keep all the compliments for Arohi. We want some too!"

Dhruv:

"You guys are shining like always."

Just then, Neha ma'am came over.

Neha ma'am:

"There's some pending work for the new product. I need it completed urgently."

Meanwhile, at the ceremony hall, everything was starting. Nirvay looked dashing in a black suit, but his eyes were busy searching for Arohi.

Nirvay (messaging Arohi):

Where are you?

After a while, Arohi replied:

Busy with work.

Nirvay:

Come to the ceremony hall.

Arohi:

My boss is Neha ma'am, so I'll follow her instructions.

Just then, Dhruv teased:

Dhruv:

"Arohi, finish your work first. You can reply to your boyfriend later."

From that point on, Arohi stopped replying to Nirvay's messages.

Ceremony Hall

The event began. Nirvay's parents were present. Shreya's parents were also there, as they were 30% partners in the company. Jai had also come.

Soon, Sukhi and Ayush arrived.

Sukhi (looking around, whispering to Nirvay on stage):

"Where's Arohi?"

She called Arohi, but Arohi didn't pick up—her phone was on silent as she hurried to finish her work.

The ceremony started with a beautiful visual presentation of the company's journey—how Raj Pvt. Ltd. was founded, its growth, the financial crisis it faced, and how Nirvay revived it to become even more successful.

Speeches followed—first from the Founder and Chairman (Nirvay's father), then from the Co-founder (Nirvay's mother), and finally from the Business Partners.

Together, the Chairman and Co-founder announced the new CEO: Nirvay.

Nirvay stepped forward confidently, but his eyes were still scanning the hall for Arohi.

Just then, Arohi walked in.

Nirvay's gaze locked onto her, completely captivated.

It was time for him to give his speech and present the demo of the new product, but throughout his speech, his eyes kept drifting back to Arohi.

Meanwhile, Sukhi found Arohi.

Sukhi:

"Where were you?"

Arohi:

"Neha ma'am gave me some urgent work."

Nirvay's speech ended. The guests were invited to relax and enjoy the party. People started mingling and chatting.

Pooja:

"Arohi, come here!"

Arohi walked over to Pooja while Nirvay kept his eyes fixed on her.

Sukhi and Ayush noticed it. Others did too.

After a while, Pooja walked away, leaving Arohi standing alone—right in front of Nirvay.

Nirvay stepped off the stage and began walking straight toward her. His eyes didn't blink, his focus didn't waver—it looked like he might kiss her right there, no matter how many people were watching.

Arohi's heart raced. She felt nervous as he got closer.

Just as Nirvay was about to reach her, Ayush suddenly stepped in.

Ayush:

"Congratulations, Nirvay! Amazing speech."

Sukhi:

"Yeah, congrats, boss!"

Arohi took a deep breath of relief.

Ayush:

"Come on, let's go somewhere and talk."