As the gala continued in full swing, a hush fell over the ballroom when the host took the stage. The spotlight shifted toward Aisha, who had been gracefully making her way through the crowd.
"And now, ladies and gentlemen, we have the honor of welcoming Aisha Oberoi on stage," the host announced, gesturing toward her. "A woman of strength, intelligence, and vision. Aisha, we've heard whispers that you have a special announcement for us tonight."
Aisha took a deep breath, gathering herself before stepping forward. The moment had finally arrived....the moment she had originally planned to declare Ranvir as her fiancé, to cement their status as the next power couple. But that future had crumbled, and she had no intention of giving him or their past any more of her time.
She lifted the microphone, her voice steady and confident. "First of all, I want to thank you all for being here tonight. It's an honor to stand before so many brilliant minds. I had originally planned to announce something… different, but life has a way of redirecting us toward greater things."
A hush of curiosity settled over the audience, a few murmurs breaking out as people anticipated her words.
"So tonight," she continued, "I'm excited to announce a new initiative....an investment and training drive for young entrepreneurs. A platform where fresh, ambitious minds will receive funding, mentorship, and the resources needed to bring their visions to life."
The crowd erupted into applause, appreciation flashing across the faces of some of the most influential people in the industry. Cameras flashed, capturing the defining moment.
Rishi, standing near the edge of the stage, watched her with a proud smirk. As she stepped down, he leaned in slightly, his voice low yet filled with admiration. "Now that's the Aisha Oberoi I know. Making power moves and leaving everyone speechless."
Aisha tilted her head at him, her lips curving into a small smile. "Didn't I always?"
He chuckled. "Yeah, but this… this is something else."
She felt a warmth spread in her chest....not just from the applause of the audience, but from the way Rishi looked at her, as if she was the only person in the room who mattered.
The night was far from over, but one thing was clear....Aisha was writing her own story now.
The host returned to the stage, smiling. "And now, let's hear from another powerhouse of the business world. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Rishi Malhotra."
The applause grew as Rishi made his way to the stage, buttoning his suit jacket with a confident ease. He took the mic, his sharp gaze scanning the crowd before he spoke.
"Good evening, everyone. It's an honor to be here among such visionaries. Tonight isn't just about celebrating success; it's about shaping the future. My vision has always been to build businesses that create impact, that don't just generate wealth but also opportunities. And seeing initiatives like the one Aisha just announced reminds me why we do what we do."
Another round of applause rippled through the room as Rishi continued discussing his future business plans and investments. But just as he was about to conclude, someone from the crowd called out playfully, "That's all great, Rishi, but what we're really curious about is....why did you come here as Aisha Oberoi's date?"
Laughter echoed in the room, and Aisha, standing off to the side, raised an eyebrow at him, waiting to see how he would handle it.
Rishi smirked, taking a moment before responding. "Well," he started, his voice carrying amusement yet sincerity, "when you get the opportunity to accompany the most brilliant, stunning, and fearless woman in the room, you don't say no."
A few whistles and cheers broke out among the crowd, while Aisha shook her head slightly, trying to hide the smile that was forming.
"And besides," Rishi added, his gaze flickering to Aisha, "I wouldn't have missed this moment for anything. She's rewriting her own story, and I'm just lucky enough to witness it up close."
The crowd clapped at his words, and Aisha found herself momentarily at a loss. There was something about the way Rishi spoke....not just to impress, but as if he truly meant every word.
As he stepped down from the stage and made his way back to her, he leaned in with a teasing glint in his eyes. "So, how did I do?" Aisha rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the warmth in her voice. "You always did know how to work a crowd."
He grinned. "Only when it's worth it."
As the evening progressed, the energy in the room remained lively, yet in the shadows, a pair of furious eyes watched Aisha and Rishi with burning resentment. The same woman from before, Ranvir's mistress, clenched her fists as an insidious smirk curved her lips.
"Enjoy your little moment, Aisha," she whispered under her breath. "Because soon, I'll make sure your perfect image crumbles to dust."
The night was far from over, but one thing was clear....Aisha was writing her own story now, and Rishi… he wasn't just a bystander. He was becoming part of it ,but she was unaware of the venom brewing against her..