"…an intel that Glassglow company is soon going to announce its new CEO through a voting system by their company's board of directors and shareholders on 25th July 2023,Tuesday. The official notice also states that they will hold a press conference after the selection of the CEO regarding the launch of their most awaited and publicized perfume series "PICHUTAN". Pichutan, a Bengali word, means attachment or bond with a place or a person that always makes one come back even if one wants to move on. This perfume series was initially the idea of ex President Late Mr. Abhin…" Kavya turned off the TV.
She headed over to her bedroom, switched on her laptop and called a number to ask to book a flight ticket to Bangalore.
FEW DAYS LATER… [24 JULY 2023]
After collecting her baggages from the airport and having a quick meal at the airport itself, Kavya hired a cab and headed towards the hotel, La Colombe. The rays of the scorching sun seemed to blind her black deepset eyes as she walked out of the airport. Looking out of the window, she saw the familiar streets of Bangalore bustling with people. Markets and bazaars, jostling with shopkeepers, were trying their best to attract crowds for their profit. Street food stalls were as always surrounded by people snacking on the delightful treats. She rested her head on the window sill, eyes teary as she thought back about her mother. "It is been so long since I last saw her. Is she even... No! I cannot breakdown, in this harsh cruel world tears are just useless and I need to be strong for her." Saying so, she hastily wiped her tears.
Soon her thoughts got disrupted as the phone started ringing and a deep curt voice came from the other end, "Everything is ready like you wanted it to be." "Good Job" was the reply from the other end. Corners of Kavya 's lips quirked up in a sly smile. Upon her arrival, the door to the car was opened by her MANAGER 'Joseph', the person who called earlier.
As her heels clicked on the white marble stairs of the hotel she was greeted by the the doorman, who quickly whisked her inside. La Colombe is a chain of hotels known for its exquisitive suites, gourmet dining, and top-notch service. As she checked in at the front desk, she couldn't help but notice the elegant decor and the friendly staff who greeted her with soft smiles. The bellboy took care of her luggage as she went ahead with the formalities in the hotel lobby. The receptionist politely said, "Miss, here are your keys for Room 230. Since it is afternoon, would you like to have your lunch right now or after some time?" Geeta replied in the affirmative for the former, flipping through the menu which was full of scrumptious options to choose from. Joseph guided her through the elaborate lobby,gleaming with luxurious interiors, premium furnishings, and high-quality amenities, which immediately caught her attention. She couldn't help but smile appreciatively at Joseph who smiled back at her as he escorted her to the elegantly decorated room. On reaching the room Joseph said "Freshen up. I'll make sure lunch is ready at the rooftop." Kavya nodded her head and closed the door. With a sigh, she dropped the happy façade she was wearing. Tomorrow was the big day and she could not afford anything going possibly wrong. Kavya took a clear look at her worn figure in the full length mirror. She shook her head, tied her long hair, slipped into casual clothes and headed upstairs to eat.
She found herself on an enormous rooftop restaurant overlooking the bustling city. She had some delectably juicy garlic butter prawns, baked salmon and creamy bowtie pasta. She ended up the meal with a decadent dessert of old fashioned semolina tart with berries and some tooty fruity ice cream. As planned the whole restaurant was reserved just for her.She took the opportunity to go through her plan for the next day.
After her meal she headed downstairs in her room . At that moment nothing except the big soft bed with plushy pillows attracted her more. It had been a long time since she stayed in such a lavish place. After changing off into pajamas and drawing the curtains she eventually dozed off to a fitful sleep as peace was far fetched for her even after such a long time.
In the evening, she called Joseph to her room and while she was waiting for him, she called for dinner.
"I just double checked everything ma'am and don't worry about your mother, her condition is stable. If everything goes well, you will be able to see her soon." Joseph informed Kavya, both sitting on the sofa. Kavya smiled softly, worried about her mother's condition and how she is surrounded by hyenas, ready to attack her at the slightest opportunity.
Joseph continued, "I'm a bit worried about you though . Tomorrow, if the situation goes out of hand, it will be a huge risk for us.We need to act fast and for god's sake donot take decisions on impulse.Your safety is the priority. "
Kavya smirked and said ,"Kavya Singhaniya is not that weak.Don't worry Joseph, I've been preparing for this day for the last one year. I won't fail now. I can't! That bastard Yadav is so going down!"
Joseph just gazed at Kavya knowing nothing can be stopped from what was going to happen in the upcoming months, a shiver ran down his spine. He forwarded the documents he was carrying. "The documents are all ready. Please check them once ." Leaving them, he closed the door behind him softly as he left the woman in the confines of her room, wishing the certain Mr. Yadav the luck he would need to stand against this woman who was so set on bringing him down.
Kavya flipped through the documents, making sure everything was fine. She stood up and went near the ceiling to floor window. Pressing her head against the cold window sill, she looked at the bright lights of the tall buildings and fast moving vehicles. Closing her eyes she pictured the face of the man who stole her normalcy from her. "You played with us, our emotions and trust. You destroyed the faith of a girl in people around. You played us so brutally but now, now I'll play you in your own game. Stay prepared Mr. Vikram Yadav."