Two Different Worlds

Part 1: Inbox (Un)Expected

"I was coding!"

"Yeah. But your Google search history said: 'Abhay Sharma full match interview blue shirt'."

Shifa wheezed.

Srushti grabbed a cushion and threw it at Ishani, who ducked and kept grinning.

"I'm just saying," Ishani continued. "You went from 'Ugh cricket' to 'He looks so focused when he's batting.' Like, girl."

"Guys, stop," Srushti groaned. "It's one email. I'm not marrying the man."

"No," Shifa said seriously. "You're probably managing him. Which is way sexier."

"I literally cannot even say his name without spiraling," she muttered. "I mean - he's him. That stupid jawline. That dumb perfect hair. That annoying chillness."

"You love him," Ishani sing-songed.

"I. Have. A. Crush," Srushti said through gritted teeth. "There is a difference."

"You wanna wear his hoodie and ruin your career timeline for him," Shifa said helpfully.

"I hate both of you."

"Love you too," they said in unison.

Srushti got up, pacing now. "Okay. I have to reply. Like an adult. Like a professional. I cannot be the girl who gets an opportunity and faints because it's attached to her fantasy man."

"Exactly," Ishani said. "So write your email. And send it."

"I don't know what to write!" She flopped dramatically onto the carpet. "What if I sound stupid?"

Shifa rolled her eyes and reached for the laptop. "Move. I'm typing."

"No!" Srushti swatted her away. "I got this. Just... just don't hover."

She sat back down, pulled the laptop back open, and stared at the blinking cursor. Her heart was beating like a finale drumroll on a reality show.

Her fingers hovered. Then typed:

Dear BrightHalo team,

Thank you for reaching out. I'd be happy to discuss the opportunity further and understand more about the client's needs.
I'm available this week for a preliminary call - please let me know a time that works for you.

Warm regards,
Srushti Rao

She paused.

Shifa peered over. "Send kar na."

Srushti exhaled. Closed her eyes. Clicked.

Sent.

And then threw her head back, whispering to the ceiling: "Iss crush se toh career hi barbaad ho jaayega." (This crush is going to ruin my career)

............................................................

Her inbox pinged at exactly 10:04 the next morning.

Subject: Re: Consultation Inquiry - Preliminary Call Confirmation

Srushti stared at the screen like it had personally threatened her CGPA.

Ishani, brushing her brows in the mirror, caught the frozen expression. "What? Did they reply?"

"YES."

Shifa leaned over with toothpaste foam still in her mouth. "Open it!"

Srushti clicked.

Hi Srushti,
Thank you for your prompt response. We'd love to connect for a 15-minute preliminary call tomorrow at 6 PM. Please find the Google Meet link attached. The client will also be present for part of the call.

Warmly,
Ritika Mehta
Senior Talent Strategist, BrightHalo PR

The screen blurred slightly.

"The. Client. Will. Also. Be. Present."

Srushti could barely say the words out loud. "I have less than 36 hours to emotionally prepare myself to not choke in front of him."

"Okay," Ishani said, standing like a military general. "We need to get to work."

"What do you mean work?"

Shifa spat into the sink. "Babe. This is your Marvel origin story. We're doing hair, outfit, lighting, vibe control."

"You guys- it's not a date!"

"Exactly," Ishani said, flipping her brush dramatically. "It's worse. It's a first impression. The kind that'll either launch your career or turn you into a viral meme."

"Oh my god." Srushti clutched her phone like it was the only stable thing in her life. "What if I blank out? What if I accidentally say something dumb like 'big fan'?"

"You are a big fan," Shifa said with a shrug.

"I was. Now I'm supposed to be... like... chill. Cool. Managerial. Boss girl energy."

"You're all those things," Ishani said, softer this time. "But also? You're allowed to freak out. Just not on camera."

They spent the rest of the day prepping.

Ring light: borrowed from the theatre kid next door.
Top: simple navy V-neck with gold hoops.
Makeup: minimal, with Shifa threatening to take over if she "even thought of foundation contour."
Notes: handwritten bullet points. No printed resume. "You're a person, not a pitch deck," Ishani said.

And then - just like that - it was 5:59 PM the next day.

She sat down. Adjusted the camera. Took the deepest breath of her life.

And clicked Join Call.

............................................................

Author's Note: Hi guys, this is my very first novel. So, it could be pretty cliché 😅. But I would like to hear y'all's suggestions and thoughts on this!

Love, Starlight✨~