The golden afternoon sun poured through the towering glass windows of Aranya by Dhriti, casting a warm glow over the bustling office. The hum of activity was a harmonious backdrop to the creative energy that radiated throughout the space. At first glance, it seemed like a place in transition—still small, still growing—but there was a buzz in the air that was undeniable. It was the kind of buzz that comes with potential, with promise, and with the quiet certainty that success was just around the corner.

And then, she entered.

Dhriti Shekhawat, at 23, was already a force to be reckoned with, and the company she had built from the ground up reflected that energy. As the doors to the building slid open, a hush seemed to fall over the space—a mix of respect and admiration in the air. Heads turned, conversations softened, and all eyes instinctively followed her, drawn to the magnetism she exuded.

She was a woman who carried herself like she had already achieved everything she set out to do, though the truth was that her journey had only just begun. Dressed in an elegant, minimalist black dress that hugged her figure just right, she was the epitome of refined beauty. Her long, dark hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, perfectly framing her face, while her eyes—sharp yet warm—held a glimmer of both determination and approachability. A delicate silver necklace rested on her collarbone, a subtle yet luxurious touch, and her soft pink lips curled into an effortless smile as she greeted her employees.

With every step, she radiated confidence, her presence commanding attention without uttering a single word. She moved with the grace of someone who knew exactly where they were going, but also someone who had not forgotten where they had come from. She wasn't just the face of the company; she was its beating heart, its soul.

As she passed multiple open tables, the employees, who were more like family than colleagues, straightened in their seats, some offering cheerful greetings, others simply nodding respectfully as she passed by. Each one felt seen by her, each one appreciated. She knew their names, their families, their aspirations. To her, they weren't just workers—they were part of her vision, part of her dream.

Her assistant, Neha, scurried behind her, her heels clicking hurriedly on the polished floor as she attempted to catch up. Dhriti's schedule was relentless, but that didn't seem to faze her. In fact, her pace quickened as she approached her office, fully aware of the packed day ahead.

"Ma'am, your 11:00 AM meeting is with the production team—"

"I know, Neha, I know," Dhriti cut in, her voice light but firm. She'd heard the same rundown a hundred times, but she appreciated Neha's thoroughness. "And make sure the new designs are ready for review by lunch. The client meeting at 3:00 PM needs to be handled perfectly. Oh, and remind Tia to finalize the marketing strategy. It's crucial."

Neha nodded, scribbling notes as she tried to keep up. "Also, the press release for the new collection needs to go live by end of the day. Should I handle that?"

"Yes, but leave room for a few adjustments after the client meeting. We need it to be flawless," Dhriti replied smoothly, her mind already jumping from one task to the next without missing a beat. She was a woman on a mission, and nothing—not even a full day of meetings—could slow her down—because today was the day her collection, her brand, her vision would finally be revealed to the world. The launch of Aranya by Dhriti wasn't just another milestone; it was the culmination of years of hard work, passion, and dedication.

As they reached her office, Dhriti paused, taking a moment to look around the open space, filled with a mix of creativity, ambition, and energy. She had built this from scratch—a company that was already making waves in the world of sustainable fashion. It was her dream made tangible, and every inch of this place felt like an extension of her own spirit. The open-concept design reflected the transparency and honesty she had always wanted to instill in the company. There were no walls here, no barriers between ideas.

Her employees worked closely, collaborated freely, and the family-like atmosphere was palpable. With only 200 employees, it felt intimate, yet dynamic—like they were all in this together, pushing toward something bigger than any of them. And Dhriti was the one leading them, guiding them with a quiet yet unwavering confidence.

She smiled, stepping into her office, a space that was as stylish and creative as she was. The sleek, modern furniture was complemented by lush plants that added a touch of greenery, and a stunning view of the city skyline stretched before her. A large desk sat in the center, papers neatly arranged, a laptop open but untouched for now.

As she settled into her chair, she exhaled, allowing herself a moment of quiet before the storm of meetings and decisions began. The weight of her responsibilities had never been heavier, but she had always thrived under pressure. There was no place she'd rather be, no dream she'd rather chase.

"Neha, let's get started," she said, her voice as steady as always. Her eyes shone with a fire that no one could extinguish. "It's going to be a long day, but we're making history."

And with that, the day began.....

The evening was settling in, and the grand hall of the Aranya by Dhriti launch event was alive with anticipation. The walls, adorned with intricate jewel displays, glittered softly under the ambient lighting, casting a spell of opulence over the entire room. She had always dreamed of making her mark, and tonight was the night when that dream would take shape in the eyes of the world.

Dhriti stood backstage, her heart beating with a mixture of excitement and a touch of nervous energy. The green saree she wore was a work of art in itself. The silk fabric shimmered as it draped elegantly over her form, a deep emerald hue that complemented her radiant complexion and dark, wavy hair. The saree was delicately embroidered with silver thread, catching the light with every subtle movement. Her look was timeless yet fresh, the perfect balance of traditional grace and modern elegance.

As she adjusted the pleats, a deep breath escaped her. She could hear the murmur of the crowd outside, the rustling of fabric, the clink of glasses—yet, in this moment, it felt as though the world was on pause. This was her moment, the culmination of everything she had worked for, and yet, as she gazed at her reflection, she didn't see just the woman in the green saree. She saw the visionary, the dreamer, the woman who had dared to build something from nothing.

"You're ready," Neha, her ever-loyal assistant, said, stepping up beside her. Her eyes were wide, a mix of admiration and excitement. "The media is already setting up, and the guests are arriving. It's your time, Dhriti."

With a soft smile, Dhriti nodded. "Let's make it count."

The doors to the event hall opened, and Dhriti made her grand entrance. The soft, melodious music that played in the background seemed to fade as all eyes turned toward her. She walked in with the poise of someone who had been born to lead, her emerald saree swirling elegantly as she moved. The room, which had been filled with chatter and clinking glasses, fell silent for a brief moment, as if in awe of her presence. The guests—the influencers, industry leaders, and high-profile clients—watched, captivated by the woman who had built this empire in such a short time.

She walked confidently to the stage at the front, her gaze steady, her heart full of purpose. The stage was simple yet breathtaking—a long table lined with her latest collection, gleaming under the spotlight. Aranya's newest designs—crafted with sustainable materials and unparalleled craftsmanship—sat on display, waiting to be admired.

Taking the microphone, her voice rang out, soft but clear, "Welcome, everyone. Thank you for being a part of this special day. I have always believed that jewellery isn't just about adornment; it's about expression, about meaning. Aranya by Dhriti isn't just a brand—it's a commitment. A commitment to craftsmanship, to sustainability, and most importantly, to you, the wearer."

She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in. The guests listened intently, drawn in by her authenticity. The buzz of excitement in the room grew louder, and Dhriti could feel the shift—the realization that this brand, her brand, was here to stay.

"I started this journey with a simple idea," she continued. "To create jewellery that not only looks beautiful but feels meaningful. Pieces that you can wear every day, knowing they were crafted with care, with love, and with the earth in mind. Tonight, I'm so proud to share this collection with all of you. Aranya is not just about beauty—it's about creating something lasting, something that will stand the test of time."

Her words resonated with the crowd. Dhriti's story was one of determination, of taking risks, of choosing to walk a path that was anything but conventional. And the people in this room—many of whom had known her from the beginning, when she was just a 22-year-old with a dream—saw the result of that persistence.

As she finished her speech, the room erupted in applause, and Dhriti's smile grew wider. She stepped down from the stage, her heart pounding with pride and relief. The night was far from over, but this moment, this launch, was the first chapter in a story she had written herself.

She glanced around the room, her eyes meeting familiar faces, each one reflecting the same sense of awe and excitement. This wasn't just a celebration of her work—it was a celebration of everything she had built, everything she had become. Aranya was no longer a dream. It was real.

And as the guests began to mingle, admire the pieces, and sip champagne, Dhriti knew that this was just the beginning. The journey was far from over, but tonight, she had made a statement.

The event was in full swing, but Dhriti's eyes, though glimmering with excitement, had already begun to seek her family in the crowd. As the last of the guests milled about, admiring the new collection, she excused herself from the ongoing conversation and made her way through the bustling room, her green saree swishing with each confident step.

The moment she stepped out of the exhibition hall, the buzz of the event became a soft hum, and her gaze softened as she approached a quieter area at the back of the venue. Her eyes scanned the space, a soft smile tugging at her lips when she spotted her family.

Seated on the plush cream sofas were her parents, Arvind and Meera Shekhawat, radiating pride. Her father gave her an approving nod while her mother's warm eyes followed her every move, ensuring her daughter wasn't overwhelmed by the attention. Her father, always the proud pillar of their family, sat in his sharp suit, his gaze unwavering and warm as he observed his daughter. Next to him, her mother, in a stunning silk saree of deep burgundy, held a quiet elegance that balanced the energy around them.

Standing nearby were Harish Shekhawat and Suman Shekhawat, her uncle and aunt, who had been part of her life since childhood.

Dhriti's heart swelled as she approached them.

"Maa, Papa," she greeted, her voice a mixture of relief and joy. They both stood as she neared, her mother reaching out to hug her first.

"You did it, beta!" Meera whispered, her arms enveloping her daughter warmly. "I'm so proud of you."

Arvind stood beside, a proud smile etched across his face, his usual reserved demeanor giving way to the genuine affection he rarely voiced aloud. "You've made us proud, Dhriti," he said, his words simple but heavy with meaning. She smiled and hugged her father who just chuckled wrapping his arms around her. "We've always known you were destined to do great things. Today, you proved it again."

Before Dhriti could respond, she heard the unmistakable sound of her uncle, Harish Shekhawat, booming across the room. "Of course, she did! Just wait until the whole city hears about Aranya's launch!" His hearty laugh echoed as he raised a glass, his wife, Suman Shekhawat, rolling her eyes affectionately beside him.

Suman pulled Dhriti into a warm embrace. "Beta, you looked stunning on stage."

"Thank you, Badi Maa," Dhriti said, feeling her cheeks warm from the praise. Though they never really fully agreed with the choice of her career, they surely look happy and proud on this achievement of hers.

It was in these moments, with her family by her side, that Dhriti felt at home—like the world outside could wait.

In one corner of the room, Kunal Shekhawat was sipping his drink, dressed in a sharp navy-blue suit. His expression was cordial, but Dhriti caught the subtle arch of his brow as he commented, "Well, not bad, Dhriti. You've managed to pull this off quite nicely. Let's see how you sustain it, though." he commented, walking towards the family.

Kunal Shekhawat, her cousin and Harish Uncle's son, was the picture of practicality—dedicated to the family business and steeped in tradition. While Dhriti respected his commitment, their relationship was often a delicate balance of cordiality and subtle friction. Kunal admired her success but never missed an opportunity to question the viability of her unconventional career, leaving Dhriti feeling like she constantly had to prove herself. Though they shared childhood memories that softened the edges of their differences, the years had made their bond polite but distant.

Dhriti maintained her composure, though a flicker of irritation crossed her face. "Thank you for your faith, Kunal bhaiya. I'll make sure to keep proving you wrong," she replied, her tone light but laced with resolve.

Before Kunal could retort, a voice called out, "And there's my star cousin!" Aakash Rawat, Dhriti's partner-in-crime and confidant, strode towards her with an easy grin. In a crisp white kurta paired with a tailored blazer, he had a casual yet stylish aura.

"Aakash!" Dhriti exclaimed, her face lighting up as he hugged her tightly. "Your event was phenomenal," he said. "And that collection? Pure brilliance. I told you that green emerald necklace would be a showstopper." Dhriti laughed.

"You and your flawless instincts. I couldn't have done this without you."

As they chatted, a 20 year old Samaira Shekhawat, her younger sister—who had been flitting about with friends—came running over. Samaira, always full of energy, was the perfect balance to Dhriti's grounded, composed nature.

"Did you see all the compliments they were giving you?" Samaira asked, excitement brimming in her voice.

"I think you've officially made it, Di! Everyone's been talking about you. You're trending on social media already!"

Dhriti laughed, brushing a strand of Samaira's hair back. "You're my unofficial PR, aren't you? How else would I know what's trending?"

Samaira grinned mischievously. "Well, of course, I am! And as a token of appreciation from you, I can accept a trip to New York... first class, obviously. Oh, and a shopping spree."

Dhriti raised a brow, feigning disbelief. "First class? A shopping spree? Who do you think I am, Samaira? A billionaire tycoon?"

Samaira put her hands on her hips, tilting her head playfully. "Uh, hello? You're the owner of a growing jewellery brand! You could literally design me a diamond crown if you wanted. Besides, what's a trip to New York compared to the hours I spend hyping you up on Instagram?"

Dhriti chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, so this is about payment now?"

Samaira folded her arms, pretending to be offended. "It's called 'sibling appreciation.' You're living my dream life, and I'm here clapping like a supportive cheerleader. I deserve perks!"

"You're impossible," Dhriti said, rolling her eyes but smiling warmly.

"Impossible but adorable," Samaira quipped, leaning her head on Dhriti's shoulder.

Dhriti sighed dramatically. "Fine, you win. But don't go packing your bags yet. Let me think about it."

"Take your time," Samaira said with a wink. "But just know, if I don't get my trip, you're going viral for wearing the same earrings twice in public."

The sisters burst into laughter, drawing the attention of their mother, who along with other family members had been busy chatting with elders and family friends.

Meera called Dhriti over to meet some of the elder relatives, while Arvind engaged Harish and Kunal in discussions about the jewellery industry's potential. Meanwhile, Aakash stayed by Dhriti's side, teasing her playfully.
"You're the big boss now, huh? Don't forget about your humble cousin when you hit the big leagues," he joked. "Never," Dhriti said, squeezing his arm. "You're stuck with me, no matter what."

"You know," he said, his voice softer now, "I'm really proud of you, Dhriti. You've come a long way. And honestly, it's inspiring to see you chasing your dreams like this."

Dhriti looked at him, her eyes glistening with gratitude. "That means a lot, Aksh." She used the nickname she gave him, "Sometimes I feel like I'm still figuring it all out. But having you all here... it keeps me going."

He gave her a gentle nudge. "You'll figure it out, boss lady. You always do. Now, let's get back before they start planning your next collection without you."

As they walked back into the lively crowd, Dhriti felt a sense of peace settle over her—a rare moment of balance between her dreams and the people who made them worth chasing.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

𓍯Author Ash 𓍯

Hi there! 

So this was the first chapter. Hope you enjoyed. Also, the story is starting from Dhriti being 23, as from here the base of story is being built. Dhriti is 23 and Shaurya is 27 in the start, So don't get confused and just enjoy the read. Also if you have any doubts and questions, you can ask in the comments. I'll be replying to all of you! 

I would highly appreciate likes and comments as it will keep me going. 

Happy Reading<3

 Byee~~ <3

Published on : 04/03/2025