Author's POV:-
Rakshit Bharthvaj maneuvered through the crowded aisles of the supermarket, his attention divided between the bag of vegetables tucked under one arm and the phone cradled on his left shoulder. He was deep in conversation, voice low and focused, barely noticing the world around him.
At the same time, Drishti Mehra rounded the corner from the opposite aisle, her hands full of groceries. She was balancing a bag brimming with fresh produce, eyes scanning the shelves for the last few items on her list.
They collided with a sudden impact. Vegetables tumbled from their bags, rolling across the floor in a chaotic scatter of green, orange, and red. Both froze for a moment, shocked by the mess and the sudden proximity.
Hey, watch where you are going, Rakshit snapped, crouching to pick up a fallen carrot.
Excuse me, you were the one not looking where you were walking, Drishti shot back, gathering a stray tomato and shoving it into her bag.
Rakshit raised an eyebrow. Were you even paying attention? You're the one who dashed right into me.
Drishti straightened, her arms full and her patience thinning. Have you ever heard the rule about no speaking on the phone and driving? I think the government should make a new rule for people like you: no talking on the phone and walking.
Rakshit smirked, straightening his posture while still balancing the bag. And I think there should be a rule for people like you, who storm into other people without looking. Walking and carrying vegetables clearly requires more skill than you imagined.
Drishti crossed her arms, planting her feet firmly. I beg to differ. You were clearly distracted by your phone. It's called multitasking, something you obviously cannot manage.
Rakshit tilted his head, playful yet challenging. Multitasking is an art. Perhaps you just need to learn the finer points of it.
The argument escalated in playful back-and-forth as they both stooped to pick up the remaining vegetables.
They stood in silence for a moment, both watching as the last few vegetables rolled to a stop. Neither wanted to concede, both unwilling to appear at fault. Finally, Drishti grabbed her bags and stepped aside.
Let's just finish this and move on, she said. I don't have time for more nonsense.
Rakshit picked up his own bag, nodding. Agreed. But remember, it's your responsibility to be more careful next time.
Drishti rolled her eyes and walked toward the checkout, muttering under her breath. Rakshit followed at a measured pace, keeping his focus on finishing his shopping, though he made a mental note of the chaotic collision that had just occurred.
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The morning sun streamed through Drishti's bedroom window, spilling light across the neatly folded clothes and the tidy room. Today was a big day, a day she had been waiting for. Her first day at one of the largest companies in the country, a position she had worked hard for and earned. She had been selected as the personal assistant to the CEO, filling a role that had opened unexpectedly when the previous PA resigned.
Drishti stood in front of the mirror, taking a deep breath. The excitement bubbled inside her, making her heart race. She had done interviews before, held a couple of jobs, but this… this felt like the beginning of something important, something that mattered.
She adjusted her outfit carefully. A crisp white t-shirt tucked neatly into her dark formal jeans, a black blazer over it, matching perfectly with her black shoes. The look was simple but professional, confident without being flashy. She ran her fingers over the fabric, making sure everything was in place, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Today, she reminded herself, she was not just showing up; she was stepping into a space she had earned. She summoned all the courage she could, straightening her shoulders and lifting her chin. The reflection in the mirror was calm, composed, ready.
Her bag was packed with essentials for the day, neatly organized, a notebook, pens, and her laptop. Every little detail was in order. Drishti paused at the door, taking one last deep breath. The day awaited, full of new beginnings, challenges, and possibilities. She could feel her confidence building, ready to carry her through whatever came next.
With a final glance at herself in the mirror, she stepped out, letting the door close softly behind her, the world waiting to unfold.
Drishti checked the clock. The office started at nine, and her house was only ten minutes away. She had left with enough time, or so she thought. The cab waited outside, engine humming, and she climbed in, adjusting her bag on her shoulder.
The streets were busier than usual. As the cab moved forward, she realized why. A rally had blocked several main roads, traffic crawling in every direction. Horns blared and people shouted, the cab inching forward slowly. Drishti gripped the strap of her bag, trying not to let frustration creep in.
As she reached the office, she noticed an old man struggling in the office. He carried boxes that seemed far too heavy for his frail frame, swaying precariously with each step. Without thinking, she hurried over to the man.
Excuse me, let me help you, she said, taking the boxes gently from him. The old man blinked at her, surprised but grateful, and she adjusted the weight, carrying them to a safer spot. It took her a few minutes, but the relief on his face made it worth the delay.
After helping the man, she glances at her watch. It was already 9:10. Shit, she muttered under her breath, I'm going to be late.
She ran up to the elevator, pressed the button for the top floor, and tried to calm her racing heart. Every second counted now. When the doors opened, she hurried down the hallway, her bag bouncing against her side, the sound of her footsteps echoing.
She reached the CEO's cabin at 9:15, slightly out of breath, cheeks flushed. She straightened her blazer, smoothed her hair, and took a deep breath. Today was important, and she needed to begin on the right note, no matter how rocky the start had been.
She lifted her hand and knocked lightly on the door.
Sir, may I come in? she asked.
Come in, a deep voice replied.
She opened the door and stepped inside. The chair was turned away from her, the back facing the entrance. She cleared her throat. Sir, I'm your new PA. I'm sorry I'm late.
The chair spun around, revealing the man who had bumped into her yesterday. He looked at her, surprised. You? he said, eyebrows raised.
She swallowed. Yes, sir, it's me.
He leaned back slightly, a smirk tugging at his lips. Wow, what an faith. Out of all the people in the world, it should be you who is my PA.
Drishti's thoughts mirrored his, though silently. Out of all the people in the world, it should be you who was chosen as my CEO, who was my boss.
He narrowed his eyes, voice sharp. Not only did you bump into me yesterday, without even an apology, but you are also fifteen minutes late today.
I'm sorry, sir, she said quickly, There was a rally, it caused a lot of traffic.
He leaned back, a hint of amusement in his expression. Thank God, at least you apologized for being late. Otherwise, I would have thought you wouldn't even do that.
Drishti stayed quiet, her mind noting just how arrogant he seemed.
Next time onwards, he continued, every minute you are late, that much percent of your salary will be cut.
She nodded. Isn't that a bit unfair? she asked, hesitating.
All right, he replied evenly, If you think it is unfair, I can just fire you right now.
She straightened and said, I won't be late next time sir.
He leaned back in his chair, his dark eyes thoughtful. A nice chance to take revenge against her, he thought to himself.
Then he looked at her with a small, sharp smile. So, what's your name?
Drishti Mehra, she said clearly.
Very well, Miss Mehra, he said, sliding a file across the desk. Call all the personalities in this list, the names and phone numbers are included. Invite each one personally to the meeting tomorrow.
I could just email them, she suggested cautiously.
No, he said firmly, I don't want emails. I want you to call them, personally invite them warmly and nicely.
Rakshit leaned back slightly, a small grin tugging at his lips. The revenge had officially begun.
By ten o'clock, Drishti had nearly finished the morning calling and inviting tasks Rakshit had given her. She was organizing the last few sheets when he returned, carrying a huge stack of papers, six dozen in total. Each sheet had minor grammatical and punctuation errors.
Drishti looked at him, exhaling quietly. Okay, sir, she said, taking the papers. She didn't argue; she knew better than to do that.
Rakshit left the office without another word. Drishti stared at the pile in her hands, frustration rising. She set her laptop on the table and started typing, correcting every error and printing seventy two pages with the correct punctuation. When she handed them back to him, she expected some acknowledgment.
I never said you to print them, he said, scanning the papers. I said you to handily cut the things. By the way, I wanted twelve dozens. These six dozens, keep them here. The others, correct the punctuation with a pencil, all of them.
Drishti groaned inwardly. She spent hours redoing what she had already done. By the time she finished, it was two o'clock. She gathered the corrected papers and went to him.
He took the sheets, flipping through them. Great job, he said finally.
Then he added, Get me an aglio e olio pasta with a cappuccino and a salad, right now, from the canteen.
Drishti let out a long, frustrated breath, gathering her things to go. She paid for the order, returned with the food, and placed it carefully on his desk.
He took the food and said sit in front of me, he instructed. I need you to create a detailed plan for the upcoming product launch. You will delegate the tasks to the employees, create the advertisement layout, organize the banners, everything.
Drishti nodded, trying to keep her composure. Sir, I can go have my lunch first while I prepare, she suggested as she was starving from hunger.
I can't waste a single minute of mine, he said sharply. You cannot either. Go grab your lunch, five minutes only. Every minute late will be deducted from your salary, he added casually.
Drishti hurried, grabbing a plate of hummus with pita bread and hash browns. She came quickly, within four to five minutes and rushing back to him.
Thank God, at least once you are on time, he commented as she returned, smirking slightly at her annoyance.
She kept her annoyed expression, listening as he listed all the employees she needed to assign tasks to. By the time she had delegated everything, it was 4:35.
She went back to him. Sir, I'm done with the work you assigned, she reported.
He nodded. Now arrange the entire meeting room for tomorrow, room number eight. Flowers, the projector, the screen, everything. Not a single mistake.
Yes, sir, she said, trying to mask her exhaustion.
Before leaving, get me an espresso, he added.
She muttered, Okay, sir, in an annoyed tone, thinking to herself, How many times a day does this man need coffee and why does he give me so much work? She got the espresso and returned, placing it on his desk. Rakshit smirked quietly, unable to hide his amusement at her frustration.
She continued with the preparations, arranging flowers, water bottles, and setting up everything perfectly. By seven o'clock, the meeting room was ready. She moved on to other minor tasks, still following his endless list.
Sir, can I leave now? she asked eventually, her voice tired.
No, he said. More work. It's dinner time. Get me a tofu salad and a cold drink. Probably you haven't eaten so far either, so I'll give you fifteen minutes for yourself.
Drishti left, muttering to herself, Wow, this man speaks as if he's doing me a huge favor. She grabbed her own dinner, ate quickly.
After finishing her dinner, Drishti returned to Rakshit's desk, wiping her hands on a napkin. Sir, she asked cautiously, What else needs to be done?
For now, he said, you can leave. But remember, tomorrow, be on time. Actually, be one hour early… no, make it three hours early. Come to the office at six.
Drishti nodded silently, her exhaustion weighing on her, but she knew better than to argue.
He paused, studying her briefly. Give me your phone number, he said. I might need to call you if I need any help.
She hesitated for only a second before handing it over. He noted it, and that was the extent of their exchange. No words about herself, no personal conversation, only the number, and the command.
Drishti left the office quietly, rubbing her temples and thinking about the long day. Rakshit leaned back in his chair, a faint smirk on his lips, already anticipating how the next day would begin.
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Rakshit arrived home, closing the door behind him. He walked down the hallway and pushed open the door to his room.
Sometimes I feel this is more your house than mine, he said, raising an eyebrow. Ninety percent of the time, you're staying here.
Raghav leaned back on the sofa, a relaxed grin on his face. Bro, what's yours is mine, and what's mine is also mine. So don't worry. This house is mine too.
Raghav smirked slightly, then turned toward him. What's the matter? Today you look surprisingly happy.
Rakshit chuckled. Yes.
Rakshit moved to the desk, sat down, and pulled out a pen and paper. He began writing, plotting, thinking through each detail with meticulous care.
Raghav watched him curiously. What are you planning?
Deep in thought, Rakshit didn't look up.
"Don't you dare try to hide something from me. Tell me the truth, Raghav said quietly, sharp."
Finally, Rakshit spoke, voice low. Well… I got a new PA.
He explained everything to Raghav: the meeting earlier in the day, her mistakes, her frustrations, and how he was finding ways to annoy her.
Raghav's eyebrows shot up. What did the poor girl do? Why are you annoying her so much?
Rakshit didn't even flinch. Are you my friend or hers? he asked, voice pointed. Why are you taking her side?
By the way, Rakshit, you're planning so much and so seriously. You don't even work so seriously for office purposes. And now you're seriously planning how to take revenge on that poor girl. Very bad of you rakshit, Raghav said, shaking his head with a laugh.
Rakshit grabbed a pillow from the sofa and pressed it over Raghav's face playfully. Then he turned and went to his bedroom.
The day ended quietly, the soft glow of the evening settling over the house, leaving Rakshit deep in thought about the next phase of his plan.
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