The next morning, Hridyansh dressed like a true professional and headed to Mr. Rudra's company. Upon reaching, he asked the manager for permission to enter Mr. Rudra's cabin, and the manager nodded in approval.
As Hridyansh stepped into the elegant cabin, Mr. Rudra looked up from his files and said, "Punctual. I like that."
Hridyansh greeted Mr. Rudra with a polite "Good morning, sir," and asked about his role and responsibilities. Mr. Rudra replied, "You'll get all the details from our COO, Mr. Adarsh Birla. He'll explain everything to you."
Hridyansh nodded respectfully and said, "Sure, sir," before stepping out of the cabin.
As Hridyansh stepped out, he approached the receptionist and asked politely, "Can you tell me where Mr. Adarsh Birla's cabin is?"
The receptionist made a quick call to confirm and then smiled, saying, "He's available. You can go now—take the left corridor, second door on your right."
As Hridyansh walked through the elegant corridor, he reached a door with a silver nameplate: "Adarsh Birla – COO".
He knocked softly.
"Come in," a cool voice responded.
Hridyansh stepped inside—and paused.
The cabin was sleek and modern, with minimalistic décor.
Seated behind the glass desk was a young man—probably 27 or 28—wearing a crisp black shirt with rolled-up sleeves, a luxury watch on his wrist, and perfectly styled hair. His sharp jawline, neatly trimmed beard, and piercing gaze gave off both charm and authority.
Adarsh didn't look up immediately. He was scrolling through his phone.
Without lifting his eyes, he said with a smirk,
"You took your time."
"Good morning, sir," Hridyansh said with a polite nod. "Mr. Rudra Singhania sent me to you. I've just joined and—"
Adarsh raised his hand, stopping him mid-sentence.
"I know who you are," he said coldly, finally locking eyes with him.
"The 'charmer' from the event, right? My uncle seems quite impressed."
Hridyansh blinked. Uncle?
"Yes," Adarsh added, catching his confusion. "Rudra Singhania is my dad's closest friend.
He smiled faintly, but there was something unreadable in his eyes.
"Well, I prefer not to mix personal matters with work," Adarsh said, adjusting his watch without looking at him.
"So let's keep this professional, Mr. Hridyansh."
There was a deliberate emphasis on the "Mr."—as if to remind him of the distance between them.
Hridyansh nodded calmly, hiding the irritation that flickered in his eyes.
"Of course, sir. I'm here to learn and deliver."
Adarsh walked over to a whiteboard, picked up a marker, and began outlining the responsibilities.
"Your first task? You'll be shadowing me for the next week. Watch, learn, assist. And most importantly—don't mess up. Because here, one mistake… and you're out."
He capped the marker, turned around, and gave a sharp smile.
"Still confident, golden boy?"
Hridyansh (calm but firm):
"Yes, sir. I'll do my best."
Adarsh (with a mocking smile):
"Hmm... I think you're getting a little overconfident—just because you hosted one event and got some applause."
He walked closer, voice dropping slightly.
"This isn't a college fest, Mr. Hridyansh. This is business. And in business, charisma alone doesn't count—results do."
Hridyansh (calmly):
"No sir, I'm not overconfident. I just—"
Adarsh (cuts him off coldly):
"Don't explain. Don't talk. I want results, not reasons."
He turned back to his desk, flipping open a file.
"Now, check your email. Your first assignment is waiting. Impress me—or don't bother showing up tomorrow."
Hridyansh (politely):
"Sure, sir."
He turned and walked out of the cabin without showing a hint of emotion.
As the door closed behind him, Adarsh muttered under his breath,
"Bloody middle-class fellow… God knows what uncle sees in him."
He leaned back in his chair, scoffing.
"Let's see how long you survive in this world."
Hridyansh walked out of Adarsh's cabin, a trace of discomfort on his face.
He hadn't heard the quiet insult Adarsh had muttered…
But something about the man's tone, his cold eyes, the way he spoke—it didn't sit right.
As he walked toward his desk, he took a deep breath and straightened his back.
"Maybe he doesn't like me. Doesn't matter," he thought.
"I'm here to work. Not to win anyone's approval."
He reached his desk, opened his laptop, and got ready to prove his place—not with words, but with work.
It was break time.
Hridyansh was reviewing his notes at his desk when the office door opened—and in walked Isha, holding a tiffin box in hand.
Dressed elegantly in a pastel green kurti and heels clicking softly on the marble floor, she looked around until her eyes found him.
And then—she paused.
For a moment, she was caught off guard—not by his face, but by the way he looked in formals: neatly tucked shirt, ID card hanging, focused, calm, sharp.
There was a certain quiet discipline about him that she hadn't noticed before.
"Hey… Hridyansh," she smiled, walking up to him.
He stood up instantly, a little surprised.
"Isha? What a surprise."
She glanced at the tiffin box in her hand and said softly,
"Actually… dad doesn't eat office food. He prefers homemade meals. Usually, the staff brings it for him—"
She hesitated, then smiled, "—but today, I thought I'd come myself."
"Oh, that's thoughtful," Hridyansh replied politely.
She looked at him again, eyes lingering for a second longer.
"You look… different today. Very professional," she said, her voice low and honest.
Hridyansh smiled faintly, "Well, it's my first day. Gotta make a good impression."
Isha chuckled, "You already did. Even before day one."
They were still talking when a voice echoed from behind—
"Well, well… what a surprise seeing you here, Isha."
It was Adarsh.
He walked in with his usual swagger—tailored suit, gelled hair, and a smirk that knew how to own a room.
Isha turned around, pleasantly surprised.
"Hey Adarsh!" she said with a wide smile.
Without hesitation, they hugged—a casual, friendly hug, but it made something stir in the air.
Adarsh looked at her and said, "Didn't expect you here today."
She held up the tiffin box. "Dad forgot his lunch. So I thought I'd deliver it myself."
Adarsh smiled, "Now that's sweet. You're always the caring daughter."
Then his eyes shifted to Hridyansh.
His smile remained, but something behind it changed.
"Oh… you're here too," he said, tone cool but clearly intentional.
Hridyansh simply nodded.
"Break time," he said briefly.
Adarsh gave a light chuckle. "Of course. Everyone needs a break—even rising stars."
Isha sensed the tension but kept her tone light.
"Well, I should head to dad's cabin now," she said, looking at both.
"See you later, Hridyansh," she smiled kindly.
And to Adarsh, "Catch up soon."
As she walked away, Adarsh looked back at Hridyansh, his smirk fading just slightly.
Just as Adarsh walked away, Hridyansh's phone buzzed.
"Sameeksha calling…"
He looked at the screen, guilt flashing across his face.
He whispered under his breath,
"Oh shit… I didn't even call her once."
He quickly picked up the call.
"Hello… Sameeksha," he said, trying to sound normal.
Her voice was soft, but carried a subtle ache.
"Hey… finally. Busy, Mr. Executive?"
Hridyansh scratched the back of his neck,
"Yeah… it's been hectic since morning. New faces, new system… you know."
Sameeksha chuckled faintly, but it lacked warmth.
"Hmm… I was just missing you. Thought you'd call… but I guess your new life already began."
Hridyansh sighed, walking toward a quieter corner.
"No yaar, it's not like that. I'm really sorry. I should've called. I just… forgot."
There was a pause.
Then she replied softly,
"It's okay. Just… don't forget the heart that cheered for you before anyone else did."
Those words hit him harder than he expected.
"I won't. I promise," he said.
But even as he said it…
he couldn't help but remember the way Isha had smiled just minutes ago.
Sensing the silence on the other end, Sameeksha softened her voice.
"Listen…" she said gently,
"Don't let my words affect your day. I know how important this is for you."
Hridyansh closed his eyes for a second, heart heavy.
"Still, I should've called. You always—"
"It's okay," she interrupted with a calm smile he couldn't see but could feel in her tone.
"Just promise me one thing…"
"What?"
"Take care of yourself. Eat on time. Focus. This is your dream, remember?"
A lump formed in his throat.
"How do you always understand me so well?" he asked quietly.
Sameeksha gave a soft laugh.
"That's what love is, na? Not always being beside you, but being behind you—even from a distance."
Hridyansh didn't know what to say.
"Go now," she said. "Your break must be over. But don't forget to call me tonight. Even if it's just for a minute."
"I will," he promised.
As the call ended, Hridyansh stood still for a moment…
grateful, yet strangely restless.
Just as he tucked his phone back into his pocket, Isha returned from her father's cabin, holding two coffee cups.
She spotted Hridyansh near the hallway and walked over, her smile effortlessly graceful.
"Hey! Still working?" she asked, offering him a cup.
But this time…
Hridyansh didn't feel that flutter in his chest.
Instead, his heart echoed with the warmth of Sameeksha's words —
"That's what love is, na? Not always being beside you, but being behind you—even from a distance."
He smiled politely and said,
"Thanks, but I don't drink coffee after lunch."
Isha blinked, surprised by his composed tone.
She tried again,
"You seem different today. Calm… settled."
Hridyansh nodded,
"Some people have that effect on you—even from far away."
Isha stood quietly for a moment, her smile faltering just a little.
But before she could say anything, Hridyansh gave a courteous nod and turned back to his desk.
His heart was full.
Not with confusion…
But with clarity.
As the sun began to dip, the office lights glowed warmer. The day's hustle started to fade into soft murmurs and ringing phones.
Hridyansh stood up, files in hand.
It was time to submit the day's report to Mr. Adarsh Birla.
He walked down the polished hallway, each step steady, his expression calm.
Knocking gently on the cabin door, he said,
"May I come in, sir?"
From inside, Adarsh's voice came — curt and sharp,
"Yes. Make it quick."
Hridyansh stepped in and handed over the folder.
"Sir, this contains today's progress report and task completion summary."
Adarsh didn't even look up at first.
He kept typing for a few seconds, then slowly took the file without saying a word.
After a pause, he glanced at Hridyansh and said coldly,
"Is this all you've done?"
Hridyansh replied confidently,
"Yes sir. All tasks were completed as scheduled. I've also noted pending client follow-ups."
Adarsh gave a half-smirk.
"Let's see how long this consistency lasts."
Hridyansh didn't respond. He simply gave a short nod and turned to leave, keeping his pride intact.
As he exited, Adarsh stared at the door for a second longer than usual…
As Hridyansh turned to leave the cabin, Adarsh's voice stopped him mid-step.
Adarsh (coldly): "One more thing, Hridyansh…"
He turned back.
"Yes, sir?"
Adarsh stood from his chair, adjusting the cuff of his expensive blazer. His tone was flat, professional, and cutting.
"This is a workplace. So, I suggest you focus on your job... not on people who don't belong to your world."
Hridyansh, caught slightly off guard, took a moment—then nodded respectfully.
"I'm here for work, sir. Nothing else."
Adarsh gave a faint, dismissive smile.
"Good. Let's keep it that way."
Without another word, Hridyansh exited—expression unreadable, but something in his eyes burned quietly.
That night, after a long day at work, Hridyansh finally reached home. Exhausted, he freshened up, ate a light dinner, and then stepped onto the balcony with his phone in hand.
He dialed Sameeksha.
"Hey," he said softly, a tired smile on his face.
"Finally!" Sameeksha replied, teasing him gently. "I was waiting for your call."
"I'm sorry," he sighed. "The day was packed. The office is great... but honestly, Adarsh Birla—he's the COO—his attitude is something else. He talks like I don't belong there."
Sameeksha paused, then spoke gently.
"You do belong there, Hridyansh."
"Look, some people are naturally arrogant, some are reserved, and some warm. Everyone has their own nature. You can't control how they behave—but you can control how you react."
Hridyansh let her words sink in.
"You're right," he said after a moment. "I shouldn't let it bother me. I should just focus on what I came there to do."
Sameeksha smiled, even though he couldn't see her.
"Exactly. You're there because of your talent, not their approval. So keep shining. I'm proud of you."
Her voice, calm and steady, felt like a balm to his restless thoughts.
"Thanks, Sameeksha," he said softly.
"Honestly… I needed that."
As Hridyansh kept the call with Sameeksha, a calm smile lingered on his face.
Just then, another call rang—
Isha Singhania.
He stared at the screen…
His fingers hovered over the phone.
Would he pick it up?
Would he once again be drawn toward her charm and elegance?
Or would Sameeksha's quiet love and faith anchor him where he truly belongs?
And in the midst of this emotional whirlpool—
another storm waited at work:
Will he be able to win over Mr. Birla?
Will the arrogant Adarsh ever acknowledge his capabilities?
💭 So many questions.
❤️🔥 So many hearts entangled.
To know what happens next—wait for Part 3.