Four days to go.
The showroom was buzzing as usual, but something was different today. The urgency had shifted from a quiet hum to an electric current coursing through the air. Everyone seemed hyper-focused, like we all understood that the countdown wasn't just numbers but a ticking clock threatening to explode.
I didn't have time to think about the trip or anything beyond this show. Every glance at my phone reminded me of a flurry of messages from Aarohi about vacation plans, outfit ideas, and, of course, Yatharth's attempts at sarcasm. But right now, that was all background noise.
I stood in front of the runway space at the venue, watching the team build the stage. Workers hoisted lights into place, ladders scraping against the floor, crates of equipment being unpacked. The stage itself was a stark, minimal setup, sleek and chic, exactly how I wanted it. No over-the-top designs, just a clean space where the clothes could shine.
"Miss Maya, we're thinking of using this lighting scheme for the main walk. Thoughts?" one of the tech guys asked, holding up a tablet.
I studied the lighting patterns on the screen. They had chosen soft golds that would cast a warm glow over the models, highlighting the fabrics in a way that made them look almost ethereal.
"Good, but make the gold more subtle," I suggested. "I don't want it overpowering the designs."
He nodded and went off to make the adjustments. For the first time, things felt like they were moving in the right direction without me having to breathe down anyone's neck.
Still, there was no time to celebrate small victories. Not yet.
I was about to head back to the office when I got a call from Saira.
"Hey, Maya. Just wanted to update you—the samples for the last few pieces are ready. Do you want to see them before they're finalized?"
"Absolutely," I replied. "I'll be back in ten."
The drive to the office was short but packed with the mental checklist I'd developed over the past few weeks. As soon as I arrived, Saira handed me the samples. I inspected them closely. The fabrics were flawless, the stitching perfect. At least this was something I didn't have to worry about.
"I think we're good to go," I said, handing them back.
Saira smiled. "You're cutting it close, but I think we're going to pull it off."
I nodded, trying not to think too hard about the pressure. There was no room for doubt. We had to pull it off.
I was buried in fabric swatches and sketches when the door to my office creaked open. Without looking up, I muttered, "Saira, please tell me that email is sent."
"Not Saira," came a voice, dripping with casual amusement.
I blinked, glancing up to see Amartya standing there, holding up a bag of McDonald's like it was some grand offering. His presence was a surprise, especially since I hadn't even had a moment to process what Aarohi might have shared about my overworking myself.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, raising an eyebrow, half-annoyed and half-grateful for the interruption.
"Aarohi told me you've been running on fumes," he said, stepping inside and placing the bag on my desk. "Figured you probably skipped lunch—or dinner. Or both. So, McD's to the rescue."
I gave him a skeptical look. "You think a couple of fries and a burger is going to fix everything?"
"Absolutely," he said with that signature smirk of his, plopping down on the chair across from me. "It's scientifically proven to boost your mood and make you temporarily forget your impending deadlines. Plus, it's better than whatever caffeine overdose you're running on."
I couldn't help but crack a smile. He had a point. I'd been surviving on coffee and sheer willpower for days now.
"Fine," I relented, grabbing the bag and pulling out a fry. "But if this doesn't fix my stress levels, you owe me."
"Deal," Amartya said, leaning back, completely at ease.
As I munched on the fries, the room felt a little less suffocating. The chaos of the upcoming launch, the pressure to make everything perfect—it all felt like it could be managed, just for a moment. And maybe that was the point. Not everything needed to be solved right away. Sometimes you just needed someone to show up with McDonald's and a sarcastic grin to remind you that it's okay to take a breath.
"Thanks for this," I mumbled, trying to sound casual, though the sincerity was hard to miss.
He waved me off. "Don't mention it. Just don't pass out before the big day, yeah? I don't want to explain to Aarohi that her best friend turned into a workaholic zombie."
I laughed. "No promises."
We sat there in a comfortable silence, the weight of the day feeling a little lighter, if only for a moment.
Amartya watched me as I continued to work, noting the dark circles under my eyes and the way my fingers trembled slightly as I worked on the final touches of the designs. His expression shifted from casual to concerned.
"Okay, seriously," he said, his tone softening. "You look like you haven't slept in a week. Why don't you just leave early, hit the bed, and get some rest? I can take care of this."
I shook my head firmly, not looking up from my work. "Can't. I'm so close to finishing these designs. They need to be perfect, and I can't afford to mess this up."
He sighed, running a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated by my stubbornness. "Alright, how about this? You take a nap right here. I'll keep an eye on the designs and wake you up when it's time. Deal?"
I glanced at him, startled by his offer. "A nap here? What are you, my personal sleep coach?"
He smirked, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "If that's what it takes to get you to rest, then yes. Plus, I make a mean alarm clock."
I hesitated for a moment, feeling the exhaustion weigh heavily on me. The idea of a brief nap sounded tempting, but I didn't want to seem like I was caving too easily. "And how do I know you won't let me sleep through the launch?"
He leaned closer, his gaze steady and reassuring. "Trust me, I'll set a reminder on my phone and wake you up, even if it means I have to bring in a marching band."
I couldn't help but chuckle, a warm feeling spreading through me at his genuine concern. "Alright, fine. But only because I trust you more than my snooze button."
Amartya grinned triumphantly, grabbing a spare pillow from the small couch in the corner and placing it on the floor next to my desk. "Perfect. Just lay down, close your eyes, and I'll wake you up in an hour. No arguments."
I complied, curling up on the makeshift bed with the pillow tucked under my head. As I settled in, I felt the tension in my body slowly start to ease.
Amartya sat down in the chair beside me, his phone poised and ready. "Rest well, Maya. I'll make sure you wake up on time. And no, I won't let you sleep through the launch, I promise."
I managed a sleepy smile. "Thanks, Amartya. You're a lifesaver."
He chuckled softly as I closed my eyes. "Anytime. Now, get some rest. We've got a show to prepare for."
As I drifted off, I could hear him softly tapping away on his phone, his presence a reassuring constant. The exhaustion was beginning to fade, replaced by a rare sense of comfort and security. For a brief moment, it felt like everything might just be okay.
Amartya settled into the chair beside my desk, carefully keeping an eye on me while he pulled out his phone. The soft glow of the screen illuminated his face as he started chatting with Yatharth, his fingers tapping away at the keys.
"Hey, man, where are you?" Yatharth's message popped up on the screen.
Amartya glanced at me, making sure I was still peacefully asleep. He quickly typed back, "At the office. Brought Maya some McD. She's been pulling all-nighters and could use a break."
Seconds later, Yatharth's reply came in, dripping with mockery. "Ah, the infamous McD delivery service. You must really be smitten with her if you're willing to brave the office at this hour."
Amartya rolled his eyes, but a smirk tugged at his lips. "Smitten, my ass. I'm just here to make sure she doesn't turn into a zombie before the launch. Besides, it's not like I'm going to let her work herself into the ground."
"Sure, sure," Yatharth's message came back, laced with sarcasm. "And I suppose that's why you're playing personal sleep coach now? What's next, you'll be designing clothes for her too?"
Amartya laughed quietly, glancing over at me. "Don't be ridiculous. I'm just making sure she's not living off caffeine and stress. Someone has to keep her from self-destructing."
"Uh-huh. So, what's your grand plan after she wakes up?" Yatharth's teasing continued. "You're going to escort her to her design meeting with a bouquet and a love letter?"
"Very funny," Amartya replied, chuckling. "I'm just here to make sure she gets some rest and isn't entirely wrecked by the time the show rolls around. No romantic gestures required."
"Or maybe you're secretly plotting to win her over with your knight-in-shining-armor act?" Yatharth's messages kept coming, filled with playful jabs.
Amartya shook his head, grinning despite himself. "You're ridiculous. Maya's got enough on her plate without me adding to it. I'm just a friend helping out. Besides, I've got enough going on without adding 'winning over Maya' to my list."
"Got it," Yatharth replied, still teasing. "So, just a concerned friend. No hidden motives or secret crushes?"
"Exactly," Amartya said, typing with a touch of finality. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to make sure my patient wakes up in time for the show."
"Alright, alright. Keep up the good work, Casanova," Yatharth's last message read. "And remember, I'm still waiting to hear all about your big plan to woo her."
Amartya laughed quietly, shaking his head as he locked his phone and slipped it into his pocket. He looked over at me, resting peacefully. His thoughts were a mix of relief and lingering amusement. It wasn't every day he found himself playing the role of the concerned friend—especially with someone as driven and stubborn as Maya.
With a final glance at the clock, he prepared to wake me up soon, his mind already shifting back to the tasks at hand. For now, though, he allowed himself a moment to appreciate the strange but satisfying role he was playing in Maya's hectic life.