The golden sun rose from its slumber, gracing one of the most successful women in India with its warmth and brightness. Rachna held a steaming hot cup in her grasp as she stared out the balcony to witness the breathtaking sight. She did not know how long she stood there, relishing the gift of nature, when a buzz stole her attention. It was a reminder she had set on her phone, and she was very thankful. She was scheduled to attend an annual function at her college with her old classmates today. It was an event she could not miss. After all, she wanted to see how far those who had sat beside her in the class had come. She got ready quickly, picking out one of her best dresses and applying an astonishing amount of makeup. When she was done and satisfied, for reasons Rachna could not understand, the air smelled beautiful that day. She knew one thing, though the smell of good news. Each time something extraordinary was about to happen, the air, the trees, and the earth always had a way t
The alumni change of power was done simultaneously, and when Rachna heard her name being called as president, she understood why the institute had insisted she attend the ceremony. It had been many years since she graduated, and she had never received such a special invitation, just the general mail every average person received. This stunned her. She gave her brief intro speech amidst the loud clapping in the hall that resounded after every statement she made, and when she stepped down, she was sure she had touched lives. She spoke with confidence and dignity, something Tarun did not have. However, he would never admit it. She was happy. "It is an honour to stand here before you all today. I cannot be more grateful." I promise you that our association will rise to greater heights during and after my tenure. I will work hard to bring all of us to our fullest glory, and with the help and support of every one of you, I know I can make it possible. "She said, her eyes twinkling beneath
Raja welcomed Rachna warmly when her car pulled up at the entrance. He opened the door for her as she stepped out and escorted her towards the reception lounge while his staff took care of her baggage. Seeing Raja, Rachna remembered something immediately. Before reaching Palani, she consulted Rahul and Urmi in Delhi on how to prepare for the event. Urmi had suggested Raja, given his credentials. He was Rachna’s younger brother, and she appointed him the Palani Hill resort manager. He would be there and help her manage everything for the event. Walking briskly beside Rachna, Raja said, “Everything has been arranged for your stay here. Your choicest room is ready. You may check in and relax as you please.” Rachna turned towards him and said, while trying to keep pace with his walking, “Thank you, Raja. You have done a great job.” Rachna stopped walking and sank onto the sofa in the reception lobby to catch her breath. She asked, “So, what’s up? What schedule have you put up for me,
As soon as Rachna stepped into her office the next day, Raja approached her desk with a clipboard in his hand. "Hey, Rachna," he said as he handed the clipboard to her. "This is the list of everyone who will attend the reunion and those who won't. The guests will stay in various cottages for two days and one night. They'll also be given rooms and a complimentary meal for three meals each day. In addition, I've called the caterer to get everything organised for the weekend. We'll set a lunchtime schedule so everyone can come in and eat together, starting at eleven o'clock sharp. We expect a big turnout." Rachna smiled at Raja. "That sounds great, Raja. Thanks." "No problem," Raja said, smiling. "Also," he added, "We want to be prepared for any issues that may occur during the weekend. Please let me know if there are any questions, so we can give you all the necessary answers." "I will." Rachna nodded her head. "Thank you." Raja turned towards the exit, but not before stopping besi
One floor below were Jyoti and her husband, Sunil. They marvelled at the magnificent room booked just for them; they were especially surprised by how large it was. It might have been bigger than their living room back in Delhi. "This is amazing," Sunil gasped, his eyes taking in every piece of furniture and decoration the room had to offer. It all looked appeasing, and she smiled broadly, soaking in the beauty of the environment. Jyoti walked into the bathroom to find it even more commendable, "indeed it is." She smiled, returning to her husband in the bedroom. "Your friend Rachna is something else," he admired as he went through the little suitcase he had brought for their trip. "Trust me, my dear, you have not seen all." "This is just a sample; that woman has many surprises behind that dazzling smile of hers," Jyoti said, making her husband hike his brows in amazement. "Well, in that case, I cannot wait to see what more she has in store. I am sure you will all do wonderful thi
Jyoti heaved a sigh of relief as she stepped into the tent. Then, her sigh of relief turned to a stuffed scream as she tried to make sense of everything her eyes were taking in. The tent looked smaller on the outside than it actually was because it contained a king-sized bed, a lamp, and a small closet. It was fascinating. "How does Rachna pull all this together?" Sunil asked in wonder. Rachna had dazed him from the moment he saw her. She was stunning, and he couldn't help but admit it. Every minute he spent around her made him like her more. "She just keeps amazing me." "I know, right," Jyoti admitted. She, too, was in awe. She collapsed onto the bed and took off her short white skirt for the meeting. "I can't wait to hear what she has to say tomorrow. I know, like always, her plans would be spectacular." Sunil took off his polo t-shirt, revealing his hard skin. His muscles relaxed as he felt at ease. "This was so thoughtful of her." He said, gesturing at the firefly simulation th
Rachna was up early the next day as she got ready for the central meeting of the event. She decided to go traditional, so a matching purple saree clung to her body, along with oversized earrings and accessories. She wanted to look bold, and purple was the colour for that. She got word from Raja that they were all seated thirty minutes before the meeting was scheduled to begin, and she appreciated them. She wouldn't take much of them, but they needed to settle for what was about to come. Her breakfast was light, toast and tea, and she hoped that would sustain her till she could get a full meal. She was always an enormous eater. Surprisingly, Sunil had gone out earlier than her to meet a few people regarding business. She was happy he was now on his feet and organised. Everyone was doing fine, and it gave her much joy. She stepped into the event hall Raja had prepared and waved as she walked by the many people who had gathered to see her. They all looked beautiful and happy. Rachna k
Tarun called for a group chat the following day before leaving, and everyone headed to the cafeteria for refreshments. There was a complimentary set-up for every one of them. Rachna took a little moment to thank everyone who had attended. She knew she would not have the time to meet them again before they left, so she let them know how much their presence meant to her and encouraged them to enjoy themselves. As they all walked towards their destination, Rachna felt a presence beside her. Sanjay came up to her. He smiled at her. "Wow, Rachna, you are amazing. You have done wonders. My wife Kavita is impressed to see your Palani resort and hospitality. The scenery of the green hills is electrifying. In the US, we do not see such things often. You are a real winner," Sanjay told her, taking her hands in his. Rachna blushed. "Thanks, Sanjay. I have just started. I hear you manage a big corporation in the US?" "But I am still a salaried employee there. You are the boss here," he said,