18. POWER

Taliya stood in her cabin, the early morning sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Her sharp, no-nonsense attitude was evident as she faced Haroon, her assistant. She crossed her arms, her eyes boring into him with an intensity that left no room for argument.

“What’s my schedule for today?” she asked, her tone clipped and efficient.

Haroon, a seasoned professional who had learned to keep up with Taliya’s relentless pace, glanced at his tablet. “The late summer collection release in Goa. We need to be there for the opening.”

Taliya nodded, her mind already racing ahead. “Good. Gather the staff who will accompany me. We leave immediately.”

Haroon’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of panic crossing his usually composed features. “But Taliya, there are no flights available on such short notice. It’s the peak travel season—”

A smirk spread across Taliya’s face, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes. “No flights available? That’s not a problem.” She paused for effect, watching as Haroon’s confusion deepened. “I’ve just bought a private jet.” A smirk crossing over her face.

The room fell silent, her words hanging in the air. Haroon’s mouth opened and closed, struggling to process this new development. “You bought a private jet?” he echoed, disbelief coloring his tone.

Taliya’s smirk widened. “Yes. It’s ready and waiting. Now, book it for our trip to Goa.”

Haroon nodded, still looking dazed. He quickly tapped at his tablet, his fingers moving with practiced efficiency. “I’ll make the arrangements.” He drawled out the words as he brows creased together.

Taliya turned on her heel, striding towards the office with the confidence of someone who knew exactly what she wanted and how to get it. As she passed through the open-concept workspace, her staff exchanged glances, whispering among themselves. The revelation of her new private jet had sparked a fresh wave of curiosity and admiration. Just how wealthy was Taliya?

Within minutes, the office was buzzing with activity. Staff members hustled to prepare for the sudden trip, their movements a well-choreographed dance of efficiency. Taliya oversaw the preparations with a keen eye, her presence commanding respect and urgency.

Haroon approached her again, his earlier panic replaced by a sense of resolve. “The jet is ready. We’ll be departing in an hour.”

“Good,” Taliya said, her voice leaving no room for error. “Ensure everything is in order. I want this trip to be flawless.”

As the team assembled, Taliya addressed them, her tone authoritative yet motivating. “This release is crucial for our brand. I expect everyone to be at their best. Let’s make this collection launch a success.”

Her words were met with nods of agreement and murmurs of affirmation. The staff moved with renewed purpose, driven by Taliya’s unwavering determination.

An hour later, Taliya and her team boarded the sleek private jet. The interior was luxurious, a testament to her meticulous taste and considerable wealth. Haroon couldn’t help but marvel at the seamless execution of their plans. Taliya had turned a potential logistical nightmare into a demonstration of her resourcefulness and power.

As the jet soared into the sky, Taliya looked out the window, her mind already strategizing the next steps for the collection launch. She thrived on challenges, and this trip to Goa was just another opportunity to prove her prowess.

With a small, satisfied smile, Taliya settled into her seat, ready to conquer whatever lay ahead. She was a force to be reckoned with, and nothing would stand in her way.

~☆~

Murad stepped off the private jet onto the tarmac of Goa’s sun-drenched airport. The tropical breeze ruffled his hair as he adjusted his suit jacket, his mind already buzzing with the tasks ahead. He had come to Goa to ensure that no illegal activities were slipping through the cracks under his watch, and he intended to do just that.

Murad and Fahad's steps fell in sync attracting everyone's attention as they walked while rolling their sleeves in sync. Fahad smirked seeing girls drooling over them as their bodyguards stepped behind them with quiet steps.

Inside the luxurious hotel lobby, Murad checked in at the reception desk. The receptionist, a striking woman with a bright smile and an air of practiced charm, greeted him warmly. “Welcome to our hotel, Mr. Murad and Mr. Fahad. We hope your stay will be most enjoyable. If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Murad nodded, acknowledging her greeting with a polite but distant smile. His thoughts were already turning to his overflowing inbox and the mountain of emails that needed his attention. He collected his room key and headed towards the elevator.

The receptionist followed him, her heels clicking on the polished marble floor. “Mr. Murad, if you have any free time during your stay, I’d be happy to show you around the best spots in Goa,” she suggested, her voice tinged with a flirtatious undertone.

Murad glanced at her briefly, his expression impassive as he rolled his eyes and nodded at Fahad to reply for him. “Thank you, but I’m here for work,” Fahad replied curtly, stepping into the elevator and pressing the button for his floor. The doors slid shut, cutting off any further attempts at conversation.

"She would be doomed if she really know who you are?" Fahad laughed with husky voice making the waitress standing beside him flush.

Murad's lips pulled into a lopsided grin as he nudged Fahad making him snicker out loud.

The elevator dinged as they went into his room. Murad set his briefcase on the desk and opened his laptop. He had no time for distractions, no matter how persistent. The demands of his position required his full attention, and he intended to use every moment productively.

He began replying to the backlog of emails, his fingers flying over the keyboard with practiced efficiency. Each message he sent brought a small sense of accomplishment, chipping away at his workload. As the hours passed, the tropical paradise outside his window remained an unnoticed backdrop to his relentless focus.

Fahad went into his own after helping him out with some emails as he arranged the meeting every team and Joma.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the room. Murad leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms above his head. A brief glance at his watch told him that it was time to take a break and grab a quick meal before diving back into his work. Messaging Fahad to come and have dinner with him he unbuttoned few of the buttons of his shirt showing quite of his tan skin.

He ordered room service, a simple meal that arrived promptly. The same hostess from earlier delivered the tray, her smile still as bright but her eyes a bit more guarded. Murad accepted the tray with a nod, his attention already shifting back to his laptop.

“Enjoy your meal, Mr. Murad,” she said, her tone more professional this time.

“Thank you,” Fahad replied, setting the tray on the desk and returning to his phond without missing a beat.

A loud snicket escaping from his throat making the girl flush with embarrassment and sprint out of the room.

"There's something needing your attention." Fahad's voice came out serious as he cracked his neck and fingers before digging in.