Juhi was successful in attracting Vivek. She took this opportunity to tell him several negative things about Shree, like how she stays out all night, constantly hangs out with friends, has a boyfriend, and has been in multiple relationships before.
Juhi painted Shree as an irresponsible, independent girl who didn't respect her uncle and aunt, her only family, because she didn't have parents. She argued that someone without parents wouldn't respect anyone's opinion. Juhi's mother had tried to advise Shree many times, only for Shree to silence her by saying she wasn't her mother.
Juhi told Vivek that he was a good guy who deserved to know the truth about his potential wife. She claimed she was only looking out for his well-being by sharing Shree's "truth" and that the decision was ultimately his.
Vivek's mind filled with negativity after hearing Juhi's words. He began to think she might be right—that a girl without parents lacks good upbringing. He convinced himself that relatives like uncles and aunts can't really instill values, as girls would live life by their own rules. Thus, he concluded that Shree must have also gone astray.
Juhi later shared the details of her meeting with Vivek with Kumud, proudly stating that she had managed to impress him. She added that he had given her his personal number and asked to meet again soon.
Meanwhile, Vivek's family was making their own plans. Vivek informed his family that he didn't want to marry Shree, claiming she was not the right girl for him. But his family, particularly his granduncle—the head of the household—disagreed. Known for his wisdom, he believed that Shree was a wonderful, well-mannered girl, worthy of being a part of their family.
The granduncle firmly told Vivek that someone was trying to turn him against Shree. He believed Shree had all the qualities needed to be a strong life partner for Vivek and urged him to move forward with the marriage for his own future.
Vivek's parents, who also liked Shree, had already planned a visit to her family on Sunday to discuss the engagement, aiming to set the wedding for later in the month. They clearly instructed Vivek not to say anything negative to Shree during this visit.
However, Vivek was now consumed by resentment toward his family, convinced they were ruining his life by forcing him to marry an unsuitable girl.
Meanwhile, at the headquarters of Carbin...
Bhagya had called for an urgent board meeting, and all members were present, including Rahul, who was curious as to why Bhagya had called them together on such short notice.
Rahul asked, "Bhagya, what's the matter? Why did you call us here so urgently? Is everything alright?"
In his usual calm, assertive manner, Bhagya acknowledged everyone's presence, thanking them for coming on short notice. He expressed appreciation for their respect and willingness to prioritize his call.
Bhagya continued, "Now, let's get to the main point of this meeting. We're making some changes to our new collection."
He turned to Rahul and asked, "What's the price of our lowest-priced watch?"
Surprised, Rahul replied, "Around 50K."
Bhagya: "50,000? Does everyone here feel that a watch should be priced that high? Should it be that expensive?"
One of the board members responded, "Sir, 50,000 is quite a modest price. We're offering them a luxury brand, after all. It's obvious it won't be cheap. Nowadays, even an iPhone starts at over a lakh."
Bhagya chuckled and replied, "True, iPhones start at a lakh, but how many people can actually afford one?"
Everyone exchanged glances as Bhagya elaborated.
He continued, "iPhone users make up only a small percentage compared to Android users because not everyone can afford it. Similarly, currently, our brand is only accessible to those with money. A middle-class family can't afford it."
Rahul asked, "So, what exactly are you suggesting?"
Bhagya explained, "I'm saying that if we make our products more accessible, they'll sell more. Think of a middle-class family buying sweets for a festival. Suppose the child in that family loves kaju katli, but the father can't afford it at Rs. 1100 per kilo. However, if there's one store offering it for Rs. 300 during festival season, wouldn't it sell?"
One board member pointed out, "But Sir, wouldn't that store face losses by selling such an expensive sweet at such a low price?"
Bhagya replied, "Exactly, there may be a loss initially, but a businessman is also a magician. If he lowers his price, he'll increase his quantity. Where he used to sell 85 boxes, he'll now sell 500, and those boxes will promote his business further, each one bringing in more customers."
He added, "That's why I want our new collection to be priced affordably so that even a middle-class family can buy it. A father can gift it to his daughter, a brother to his sister, or a wife to her husband. This year's collection will be priced at 5,000."
Everyone in the room looked at each other in surprise. Rahul expressed concern, "But isn't that too low? Won't it harm our brand's market value? We're an international brand. How can you sell it that cheap?"
Bhagya calmly responded, "This is a strategic marketing plan. Where we used to produce only 50 watches priced at 50,000, now we'll produce 5,000 watches at 5,000 each. This plan will help cover the festive season without needing extensive promotion. A simple banner and advertisement will let people know about our new, affordable collection."
Though the idea was risky, everyone seemed to like it, and Bhagya was confident that Shree's idea would help boost their business significantly this year.
Rahul finally asked, "If you're so sure this idea will work, let's proceed. But what will the product be called?"
With a smile, Bhagya recalled his moments with Shree and replied, "The Time of Love."
Hearing the name brought a smile to everyone's face, and Rahul agreed to discuss the designs with the department soon.
As the board members left, only Bhagya and Rahul remained in Bhagya's cabin.
Bhagya instructed Rahul, "Tell the design department that I want to see the design first as soon as it's ready."
Rahul, curious, asked, "But where did you get this idea from?"
With a playful smile, Bhagya replied, "Just focus on the outcome."
Rahul, suspecting, continued, "Look, I know this idea wasn't yours. You've never been concerned about the price of our products, only the design. This is the first time you're discussing price. So I know it's not your idea. Did someone from a rival company give it to you?"
Bhagya laughed, "No, no! It's not like that. I didn't leak the idea from another company. I agree it's not my idea, but whoever came up with it did a fantastic job."
Rahul pressed on, "Then whose idea is it? I want to know."
Just as Bhagya was about to reply, Rahul's phone rang. Seeing his wife Vinita's name on the screen, he stepped aside to answer it.
Rahul: "Yes, Vinita?"
Vinita: "Mom called. We have to go home on Sunday."
Rahul: "So go then."
Vinita: "Mom called both of us. I think it's for Vivek's engagement. You have to come with me."
Rahul: "Why should I go? I have a lot of work. If you need money for the event, just let me know."
Vinita, frustrated: "Rahul, marrying you was my only mistake. I've done so much for your family. Can't you do this one thing for mine? When your parents visit, I act like a happy wife in front of them. So can't you come to my family's event and show everyone that we're a happy couple?"
Rahul: "You don't look unhappy to me, especially when you're dressed in jewels from head to toe. People will see your clothes and jewelry and know you're happy. As for your family's reputation, I'll attend the engagement and wedding, but right now, I'm busy. I'll send a good gift for Vivek."
Saying this, Rahul hung up.
Vivek and Vinita were cousins; Vivek's father was Vinita's uncle. Vinita's father had seen a promising future for her with Rahul, knowing he'd provide well for her. So, despite knowing the circumstances, he arranged their marriage.
However, Vinita always felt like a burden to her family, believing her parents married her off to an orphan because they couldn't bear the responsibility. Although Rahul never let her lack anything, she viewed it all as a show for society rather than genuine affection.