The college corridor was unusually calm that afternoon when June hurried toward the principal's office. She thought it would be a normal discussion about the upcoming cultural week, but the moment she stepped inside, she understood something big was waiting for her.
The principal looked up from a file and smiled warmly.
"June, I needed to speak with you urgently. I have some important news. Mr. Lucas is visiting our college again today."
June froze. The name hit her heart like a small spark.
"Mr… Lucas? Today?" she whispered.
"Yes," the principal continued. "He is offering our college a project. His company wants us to help promote one of their new saree brands. We will be advertising it through student involvement. It's a very big opportunity for us."
June nodded slowly, but her mind was racing.
Why was she feeling excited?
Why was her heart smiling without permission?
Why did her hands feel cold and warm at the same time?
She scolded herself silently.
Why am I feeling like this? He is just a businessman… a guest… nothing more.
The principal went on, unaware of the storm inside June.
"Since this is a promotional project, students will present speeches, demonstrations, and small activities. We want the best impressions for his visit. And…" The principal paused meaningfully. "…Mr. Lucas especially requested you for delivering the opening speech."
June blinked. "Me? But why, ma'am?"
"Yesterday's speech," the principal replied proudly. "He found your confidence impressive. He said you have a natural charm. And he wants you to represent the college."
A shy warmth rushed through June, though she kept her eyes lowered.
"Oh… thank you, ma'am. I will try my best."
Before any more questions could rise, a soft knock came at the door.
Mr. Lucas entered.
He was dressed in a crisp charcoal suit, calm yet powerful, like someone who carried both storms and stillness inside him. The room shifted slightly, as if the air grew heavier with importance.
The principal greeted him, and discussions began quickly.
Lucas explained that the saree brand they needed to promote would require a student demonstration—live showcasing, photos, and a recorded message. He spoke clearly, outlining steps, plans, and timelines.
June listened silently, writing everything down though her hands trembled slightly.
"And finally," Lucas said, turning his eyes briefly toward her, "the opening speech will be given by Miss June."
June felt her breath shorten.
She looked at him, and for a moment their eyes met—only for a second—but it felt longer, deeper.
The principal suggested a date, and Lucas agreed immediately.
"We will hold the event this Friday," he said firmly. "I want everything ready by then."
After the meeting, Lucas prepared to leave. June stood quietly near the door, her notebook close to her chest. When he walked past her, he paused.
"June," he said softly, "yesterday you asked me why we should meet again."
She gulped.
Lucas smiled gently, almost secretively.
"I said to wait for the right time. And the right time has begun."
He stepped away before she could reply. June could only watch him go, her heart beating too fast for any simple explanation.
That evening, she returned home with her mind full of confusion, excitement, and nerves tangled together like threads. She spent hours preparing her speech again, wanting everything perfect.
Suddenly, her phone rang.
It was the principal.
"June, I forgot to tell you something important," she said quickly. "Mr. Lucas made another request after you left. He wants you not only to give the speech… but also to wear the saree of his brand and walk the ramp for the demonstration."
June's mouth fell open. "Ma'am… me? Ramp walk? In an expensive saree?"
"I know it's surprising," the principal said gently. "But it's a huge project for our college. He wants our best student. And June, that student is you."
June felt overwhelmed, unsure whether to smile or panic.
After the call, her parents noticed her expression and rushed to her side. She told them everything—Lucas's visit, the project, the speech, the saree, the ramp walk.
Her mother hugged her tightly.
"Do it, beta. This is a proud moment. You are capable."
Her father nodded with pride.
"We will come on that day. You must show your talent."
June felt encouraged, but the nervousness still danced inside her.
Two days were left for the event. She opened her laptop and promised herself she would not sleep until she researched everything properly—about the brand, the saree designs, the company history, the presentation style.
Hours passed.
The house went quiet.
Her parents slept.
Only June remained awake, typing on her laptop with determination.
Then—
Ping.
A message flashed on her screen.
She opened it casually… and froze.
It was from Mr. Lucas.
Her heartbeat stopped for a moment.
Why was he messaging her?
How did he find her?
What did he want to say?
Her hands shook as she stared at the notification, her breath caught between shock and disbelief.
The chapter ends with June's wide eyes fixed on the glowing message—
a message that was about to change everything.