In the canteen of Yash Financial Consultants, Ayush waited in line and ordered a coffee. The caterer served it in a paper cup and placed it on the counter. He stood on the balcony, taking in the panoramic view of the golden skies covering Sonambar. For once, the coffee tasted good. He checked the notifications on his phone— a missed call from an unknown number. Ayush rang it back.

"Hey, I got a call from you."

"Hello, is this Mr Ayush Singh?"

"Yes, speaking."

"I'm Naveen Bansal, first-level organiser of public events and gatherings. We are looking for a musician to perform at The Amore Grande inauguration party."

"What?!" His words made Ayush feel dizzy.

There was massive hype around Sonambar's first five-star restaurant. Getting a chance to participate in its inaugural ceremony would be a dream come true and open up new possibilities for his musical career.

"Would you be interested in joining us, sir?"

"Definitely!"

"We are offering 3,000 Rupees as the base payment. However, you we provide incentives based on your performance."

"Sounds good. When is the event?"

"Tomorrow."

"What are the timings?"

"The event starts at 11 in the morning and goes on till late evening."

Pain shredded his chest. Yash had scheduled a board meeting at the same time. He couldn't skip it at any cost if he wanted to save his job.

"I won't be able to make it, sorry."

"Oh, no worries. Thank you."

"Thanks."

Pushing his cup aside, he rested his head on the table, wondering why his life was this complicated. When he liked a girl, she turned out to be from a rival family. When he got a solid chance to live his dream, it fell on an impossible day.

A call from Sakshi popped on his phone, making his heart skip a beat. Despite his father's warnings, he couldn't resist her. His thumb clicked on the green icon.

"Hey, yaara."

"Hello, Ayush. Why did you refuse The Amore Grande offer?"

"So you gave them my number!"

"Leave that aside, tell me why you rejected it.

"My boss will chuck me out if I take leave. He's got a so-called board meeting I can't afford to miss."

"It's not every day that such an opportunity comes up, please think it over."

"Trust me, Sakshi, I'm dying to be there, but I don't have another option."

"Don't die! Stay alive and sing at the program," she said with a soft chuckle.

"My boss is waiting to fire me. I can't risk it now, I need money to pay the bills and for Papa's treatment."

"Give me your boss' number."

"Haha, that alligator won't listen. But if you're interested in talking to a wall, I'll forward the number."

"That's all I ask."

Ayush smiled to himself. Fresh energy filled him after hearing her tender voice. She was ready to fight the idiotic Yash for his sake. Let alone Yash, she would fight the world for him. He knew it. With a smirk, he sent Yash's number to her.

After ten minutes, crisp boots slapped on the cement floor. The man's face was flushed with a frown. Ayush gulped and straightened his spine. Had his beloved Sakshi made things worse?

Yash raised his hand in the air and swooped it down. Ayush shut his eyes and braced for a harsh hit, but felt a gentle pat on his shoulder.

"You didn't tell me Shri Udayveer Ranaji's family has invited you to an important event."

"Huh? The board meeting . . . "

"Scrap the meeting! We'll have hundreds in a year, but meeting Ranaji is rare. Please tell him about our company."

Ayush sucked his cheeks, pressing down a smile. He would rather work all year with Yash than meet Udayveer Rana. Though he wouldn't mind meeting his beautiful daughter.

"I'll surely tell him with special mentions about you."

Yash flashed a smug smile. "Alright, I won't disturb you. Eat peacefully."

As soon as he left, Ayush rang up Sakshi's number.

"That was amazing! How did you pull off that?

"I told the truth.

He snorted out laughing. "Shri Udayveer Ranaji invited me to the event, right?"

"It's not a lie. I'm his daughter and I want you to come, so it's the same thing."

"Same? Are you his twin?"

"Ayush! Enough talks, start preparing for the event. That Naveen guy will hire you based on your past singing. So send him your best recordings."

"This means a lot to me."

"I know, Ayush. All the best!

"Thanks, yaara! Are you preparing for your exams?"

"I am, Masterji."

"Will you be coming tomorrow?"

"I can't say for sure, but I'll try."

"Looking forward to seeing you there."

"Same here. Take care."

"You too!"

Ayush controlled himself from dancing in excitement. His father's stern words about Sakshi brushed his head, but he conveniently kicked it aside. He believed that only the person who committed wrongdoing must be punished, not his family. Especially not his innocent children.

Upon reaching home that evening, he freshened up and promptly forwarded his song recordings to Naveen Bansal's contact, ardently wishing that he would be selected. After an hour of anxiously pacing around, his phone buzzed.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Ayush. Naveen here. Our team has reviewed your recordings."

"Okay . . . " he said, biting his nails.

"All of us liked your music very much. Welcome on board!"

Ayush clenched his fist and punched the air with a giant smile. "Thanks so much!"

"It's our pleasure. The program starts at 9:00 AM tomorrow, but please be there before 8:00 for the rehearsal. The dress code is formal. I'll send the address and brochure PDF on WhatsApp."

"Sure, thanks again!"

"Looking forward to seeing you there."

Hastening to his room, he searched the racks of his wardrobe for the perfect outfit. It was a big event and various important VIPs would be present, he had to look presentable. He picked a brown tuxedo he wore for his college farewell party. The sleeves were tight at his biceps, not letting him move his hand freely. Playing the guitar in such an outfit would be impossible. After scouring the closet and scattering clothes all over his bed, it dawned on him that he didn't have the perfect formal wear.

"Ashu, what is all this?" Amar asked, startling Ayush.

"Papa, I'm looking for a formal outfit."

"For what purpose?"

"You wouldn't believe it, I got a chance to sing at The Amore Grande inauguration!

"Are you joking?"

"Seriously, Papa! I got a call from one of the managers of the event."

Amar sauntered inside and gave his son a tight hug, patting his back. "I'm so proud of you, my son!"

"Thanks so much, Papa. I'm a bit nervous about how I'll do."

"You will do exceptionally well! What about your boss?"

"He agreed to give me a holiday."

"Yash giving you a holiday?! This is too much to understand. How did you manage to convince him?"

"I didn't have to. Sak— I mean, he was happy about me performing in front of those chief guests."

"Did you say Sakshi?"

"When?"

"I heard you saying something along those lines."

"Haha, how is she related to Yash?"

"Remember what I said— stay away from her. Don't break your promise."

"Yeah, Papa."

"I've got a maroon silk blazer and pants. I think it will fit you. Want to try it on?"

"Of course!"

"Wait right here."

Amar went to his room and returned with a shining, sophisticated suit- deep maroon with slim black borders.

Ayush's eyes widened and he broke into a delighted smile. "But this is the special suit Mumma bought for you.

"It will become more special if you wear it on such an occasion—your first performance. I'll wait outside, you try it on."

When his father left, Ayush wore the blazer a fine white shirt with a black bowtie. He peered at himself in the mirror with lips parted. His appearance was like an aristocrat. Perfect in size too.

He stepped out to the living room where Amar was waiting with his arms crossed. "How is it, Papa?"

Amar's jaw dropped and he jumped to his feet. "Ashu, are my eyes fooling me?! You look incredible!"

"Thank you so much for this, Papa."

"Most welcome, Ashu. Can I also come to the event?"

"Well, uh . . . there are limited seats. I can bring you the recording of the program."

Amar's head dipped. "Oh, no worries. A recording will do the job. If you do well, that's more than enough for me."

Ayush averted his gaze and pawed his hand through his hair. His heart flooded with guilt, but he couldn't think of anything else.

"Sorry, Papa," he whispered underneath his breath with a bittersweet smile.

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