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7. The Preparation

[Narrator]

Inside the adjacent boardroom, set aside for the top five architectural firms, energy buzzed with quiet intensity. Laptops flickered open. Blueprints were unrolled. Presentation screens were being checked and rechecked. Assistants whispered, last-minute renderings were re-aligned. In the middle of it all stood Kashish Diwan, the Chairperson of Visionary Vista. She wasn't the loudest in the room. But her presence had its own gravity measured, steady, unshaken, then she tucked a loose curl behind her ear as her eyes scanned the screen in front of her. The proposal , A  state-of-the-art Cancer and Palliative Care Wing. Kashish turned to Jiya, her closest friend and Visionary Vista's secretary, who was putting the final touches on their presentation. Her gaze then moved to Aryan, the CEO, who stood observing their architectural model. "We need this project," she stated, her voice low but resolute. Jiya and Aryan looked up, recognizing the intensity beneath her controlled tone. "This is our Oxford dream," she continued, her eyes meeting theirs. "Visionary Vista's legacy depends on it. It's more than a 200-crore project; it's proof of everything we've worked towards." Jiya smiled. Aryan nodded, adjusting his cufflinks, his tone nonchalant yet encouraging. "Then let's show them we're here to win, not impress." A subtle smile touched Kashish's lips.

Inside the Boardroom, AIIMS Shimla late morning

The glass-walled boardroom on the 7th floor of AIIMS Shimla exuded quiet authority. Dr. Ranvijay Shukla, 55 years, the poised Director of AIIMS Shimla and renowned heart surgeon, presided at the mahogany table. Beside him sat Dr. Rajeshwari Rathod, 45 years, the  Chief Medical Officer known for her clinical brilliance. Seasoned doctors, surgeons, and senior faculty, The board members sat around them in blazers, sarees and  formals, reviewing proposals for the new Cancer and Palliative Care Wing. Among them was Dr. Kabir Singhania, a top neurosurgeon and the youngest member, his calm gaze fixed on the projector screen, his slate black suit hinting at a quiet intensity. His trusted colleagues, Dr. Aditya Saxena, quick-witted and observant, and Dr. Shruti Singh, graceful and grounded, watched the presentation with professionalism. Architectural firms pitched their visions. The second firm presented clean slides and technical jargon, but the board sought more than numbers, they wanted vision and soul. 

Inside the Preparation Room , Adjacent to the Boardroom.  Kashish Diwan, stood near the display board, rehearsing her pitch. Her team Jiya, and Aryan sat beside the architectural model of the proposed AIIMS wing. Kashish, in a cream pantsuit, lightly held her file, her long curls half-pinned. Her face was calm, but her eyes burned with purpose.

The staff assistant entered with a clipboard. "Visionary Vista , Miss Kashish Diwan and team you'll be presenting next. Be ready in 15 minutes." Kashish gave a confident nod.

The silence of nerves hung heavy in the room as Kashish triple-checked her presentation file, her brows furrowed in focus. Aryan no pacing casually with his hands in his pockets, while Jiya stared at her reflection in the glass, adjusting her blazer collar for the fourth time.

Jiya muttered, "Do I look like I'm from a billion-dollar firm or an over-caffeinated intern?" Aryan grinned. "Intern. Definitely a lost one." Jiya rolled her eyes. "At least I didn't wear navy blue. Again. Unlike someone." "It's called consistency, Like Steve Jobs. Visionaries do it. " Aryan replied. Just then Kashish looked up. "Can you both stop? we are going to stand in front of Surgeons and top Doctors, not on a red carpet." Jiya said cheekily, "Well, you already bumped into A handsome doctor I guess." Kashish shot her a glare. "I was holding a file, not my heart." "You remember his face!" Aryan gasped dramatically. "I remember the file fell," Kashish said dryly. "That's all." "Mmm... voice lowered," Jiya smirked. Kashish turned away, a smile tugging at her lips. Aryan snapped his fingers. "New rule. If we win, Jiya buys cheesecake. If we lose, Kashish tells us what she really thought of the Doctor who holded her in his arms." Kashish said calmly, "If we lose, you both do site surveys in Chamba, In July, During monsoon." Jiya and Aryan fell silent. Jiya grinned. "Okay, ma'am. Focus mode activated."         

The assistant entered. "Visionary Vista. You're next." The room quieted. Kashish straightened her blazer, took a breath, and grabbed the remote.


Conference Room | Moments Before Visionary Vista's Entry

Each board member held a navy-blue file embossed in silver: "VISIONARY VISTA – Proposed Design: Cancer & Palliative Care Wing." Dr. Rajeshwari Rathod, reviewing the firm's profile, noted, "Oxford grads. Impressive projects." Dr. Aditya Saxena nudged Kabir, whispering, "They did that heritage hospital in Pune, with the wellness wing near the hills" Kabir nodded, his gaze fixed on the proposal brief. Dr. Ranvijay Shukla, Director of AIIMS, closed his file. "They're young, but their firm shows clarity and vision beyond experience." Dr. Shruti Singh, reading her file, added, "Chairperson – Kashish Diwan. Oxford-returned. Known for clean, eco-conscious builds." A pause followed, as eyes shifted from the files to the closed door. A gentle knock. The atmosphere shifted. Backs straightened, files lowered. As the doors opened, all eyes turned. Kashish Diwan entered, composed and elegant, followed by Jiya and Aryan.

                                                                         *************

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- [Pristi Scrolls]


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Through my Storytelling, I'll be Showcasing ambitious, bold, and emotionally intelligent women who lead families, manage empires, and still hold their relationships with grace, reminding readers that power and softness can coexist. My male characters are not just heroes, they’re protectors, dreamers, fighters, and sometimes, the most silent lovers. They carry the weight of legacy, the scars of battles fought in silence, and the strength to stand by the women they love. Every character, hero or villain, is layered with emotions, motivations, and personal wounds. The goal is to help readers feel each of them, not just judge them. Every character I write, every twist I create, and every emotion I explore is made more special because of your love and support. I hope my stories continue to touch your hearts, make you smile, and maybe even shed a tear or two. Stay with me—there’s so much more to come. With all my love, – Pristi Scrolls

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