Avni and Crystal were perched on the edge of the bed, their voices a little louder than usual to cut through the soft hum of Devi's laptop. Devi sat at her desk, a scattering of paperwork surrounding her as she typed.
"So," Avni announced, a mischievous glint in her eyes, "Crystal and I have decided on our look for the welcoming party tomorrow."
"Indian saree!" Crystal chimed in, a wide smile spreading across her face. "Imagine! All those suits and ties, and then us gliding in, all elegant and traditional." She sighed dramatically. "And have you seen pictures of the new CEO? Mr. Silas Rex? I heard he's absolutely… wow."
Devi finally turned from her laptop, a small, amused smile gracing her lips as she looked at her two friends. They were clearly having fun teasing her, even though their excitement seemed genuine.
"Devi, you're wearing a saree too, right?" Avni pressed, waiting for confirmation.
Devi slowly nodded, her gaze drifting back towards the glowing screen of her laptop. She typed a few more words, trying to refocus.
"Ugh!" Crystal groaned, reaching over and snatching the laptop away. "Devi! We are having a moment here! You're not even listening!"
Devi sighed softly, leaning back in her chair. She looked at her friends, her expression calm and attentive now that her work had been forcibly interrupted.
"Okay, I'm listening," she said gently. "Tell me again about the saree plan."
Avni launched back into the explanation, her voice animated. "It'll be so eye-catching, Devi! Think about it. A sea of Western clothes, and then BAM! Stunning sarees. The boys won't know what hit them. Especially since, let's be honest, ninety percent of the people there probably haven't seen a proper Indian saree up close."
Crystal nodded enthusiastically. "And Leonard! Mr. Rex's friend? Apparently, he's the opposite. So handsome and charming, but in a really sweet, gentlemanly way." She sighed dreamily. "Total opposite vibes from Mr. Grumpy CEO."
Devi chuckled, shaking her head slightly at their obvious infatuation. "He sounds nice," she agreed, her smile still in place. "But it's getting late. Maybe we should all get some sleep?"
The next morning unfolded with the chaotic energy that often preceded a special event in their apartment. Avni and Crystal, fueled by excitement, flitted around Devi's room, a whirlwind of colorful fabrics and clashing opinions.
"No, no, no! The blue one will wash her out!" Crystal exclaimed, holding up a vibrant sapphire saree.
"Are you blind? The yellow will make her glow!" Avni countered, snatching a sunny yellow silk from the pile on Devi's bed.
Devi sat amidst this sartorial battlefield, a picture of quiet resignation. Her inner thoughts were a long, drawn-out sigh. Here we go again. She had long ago learned that when Avni and Crystal set their minds to something, resistance was usually futile.
Finally, Avni held up two sarees – a sophisticated black one with subtle silver embroidery and the sunny yellow one. "Rock, paper, scissors?" she suggested to Crystal, her eyes gleaming with competitive spirit.
Crystal agreed, and the two engaged in a swift, silent battle of hand gestures. Avni whooped in victory. "Black it is!" She then held up a striking silver off-shoulder crop top with full satin sleeves. "This blouse will look amazing with it!"
Devi finally voiced her mild protest. "Black? Isn't it a bit… dark?"
Before she could elaborate, Avni and Crystal grabbed her arms. "Nonsense! You'll look stunning!" Avni declared, practically dragging her towards the bathroom.
"Get in there and put it on!" Crystal ordered, giving her a gentle but firm push through the doorway. The door clicked shut behind Devi.
"We're heading to the company!" Avni yelled through the closed door. "We'll wait for you in the main hall!"
Crystal's voice followed, laced with playful menace. "And Devi? If you're not wearing that black saree, I swear I will personally hunt you down!"
Devi leaned against the cool tiles of the bathroom, a small smile playing on her lips despite the forceful nature of her friends' assistance. She had to admit, their enthusiasm was infectious, even if a little overwhelming.
Devi stepped out of the taxi, the black silk of her saree flowing around her like liquid night. The thin silver border shimmered in the morning light, a delicate frame for the striking fabric. The silver off-shoulder crop top, with its elegant full sleeves, added a touch of modern sophistication to the traditional garment. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, enhancing her ethereal beauty.
As she entered the bustling foyer of Rex Enterprises, she spotted Avni and Crystal amidst the crowd. Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. They were both dressed in stylish Western wear – Avni in a chic pantsuit and Crystal in a trendy dress. A wave of playful annoyance washed over Devi. She strode towards them and lightly tapped both of their heads from behind.
"Ouch! What was that for?" Crystal exclaimed, turning around with a pout. Avni rubbed the back of her head, a sheepish grin spreading across her face as she took in Devi's attire.
Their initial annoyance quickly morphed into awe. They both looked Devi up and down, their eyes wide with admiration. "Devi, you look absolutely stunning!" Avni breathed out.
Crystal nodded in agreement. "Seriously, you look like a goddess!"
Devi, however, was starting to feel a little self-conscious. "And you two? I thought we were doing the whole saree thing?" she said, a hint of embarrassment in her voice as she realized she was the only one dressed traditionally.
Just then, a hush fell over a section of the foyer. Silas Rex had arrived. His silver dress shirt provided a striking contrast to the sharp black of his tuxedo. He moved with an air of effortless power, acknowledging the greetings offered by employees with curt hums, his gaze sweeping past everyone as he headed directly towards his office without a second glance.
Devi, who had only caught a fleeting glimpse of him as he passed, felt that familiar, inexplicable stirring within her. His presence, even from a distance, felt strangely… familiar.
Avni, ever the tease, nudged Devi with her elbow, a knowing smirk on her face. "Well, well, Devi. Looks like all eyes might be on you today after all. And guess what? I just heard Mr. Rex's secretary called in sick. Looks like someone might have to take some data up to his office."
Devi's eyes widened in mock horror. "Me? Not me!! Absolutely not," she mouthed, shaking her head emphatically. "No way."