2025

The 'Vibrant Threads' challenge was set to happen in Rajkot. Various renowned designers an lothing line owners were invented to partake . It was a measure event that promised exposur nd a lucrative contract for the winning textile design company.

The competition consisted of three rounds. First one was a round where companies could sho heir vintage designs. In the second round judges expected depiction of modernism an raditionalism in their designs. The selected companies then entered the third round where the ould be asked certain questions about their designs, their mission, vision and goals. The winne ould be announced after the completion of the third round.

Kriti and Krunal were representing Patel's Paridhan. They were in high spirits as this was once i lifetime chance for them to publicly market their traditional business.

Unbeknownst to them, Aarav was also there representing Odedra and Wardrobe. He had set hi ind to win the competition by hook or by crook.

Aarav was walking towards his car in the parking lot while replying to his mom from his phon nd in the most cliched way he bumped into someone. That someone was Kriti, his confidante.

She was about to fall but Aarav's reflexes were faster and he held her waist in order to stead er.

His eyes met hers. It was the unsaid conversation of brown eyes with green ones. The eyes h oved of the person he missed. He was in a daze when some car passed by and both of the ame out of their thoughts.

Kriti straightened causing his arms to fall from her waist. He pocketed his hands to contro imself from touching her.

"Can't you see where you are walking?", she asked out of habit to question him.

"I didn't see where I was going but it led me to you", he answered. Corny as ever.

Before she could say anything he hugged her. In his arms, she hadn't felt that soothin almness in a long time as she felt at that time. He was at peace, having her in his arms.

"You broke your promises", she whispered in his chest.

"I didn't mean to and I'm immensely sorry for that", he pleaded.

She didn't say anything, just continued hugging her. Hearing voices from behind, they untangle hemselves. It was awkward. Once comforting silence now seemed to make them uneasy.

Slightly coughing Aarav initiated the conversation, "so, what are you doing here?".

" You should be pleased to know that I'm here as a representative of Patel's Paridhan. And ssume that you are here for the same reason.", she said.

"That's good to know. But don't get your Hopes high because we are gonna win this", their playfu anter started.

"This is your delusion speaking. I am sure we will win. Not you", she retorted.

"Kriti? Kriti? Where are you? ", she heard her voice being called from a bit afar, indicating tha runal was searching for her.

She looked at him and said, " I'll leave for now. Let's catch up in the evening. "

She turned without waiting for his reply. She walked in the direction of the voice. He stood ther atching her go. She slightly turned and yelled, " Just so you know, we make the best lehenga in Surat", and ran.

He laughed seeing her. She was always the unique one. He felt surreal after meeting her in unexpected circumstances.

Even after various disruptions he was still enchanted by her. And somewhere along the way bot f them knew that their once innocent platonic bond hand transformed in something more tender and affectionate.

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