Love - Not My Cup of Tea

Their first meeting

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Rudra:

I entered my office, greeted by my PA's urgent voice.

"Sir, the collector rejected our apartment construction application."

I raised an eyebrow. "Reason?"

"Unknown, sir. Even the Minister's recommendation didn't sway her."

My curiosity piqued. "Did the collector provide any clarification?"

"No, sir. We received a call from the Collectorate, requesting your presence. Perhaps she's seeking something."

I frowned. "If our project meets all requirements, she should approve it. I won't encourage corrupt practices."

My PA suggested, "We can apply pressure, sir. She'll have no choice but to grant permission."

I countered, "I'll meet her first. Rumors say Collector Swecha is honest and sincere. I'd like to understand her concerns."

Upon arrival at the Collectorate, Swecha summoned me to her office.

"Hello, madam. I'm Rudra, MD of Rudra Constructions and Interior Designers," I said, shaking her hand.

"Hello, Mr. Rudra. Please, take a seat."

"I'd appreciate clarity on the permission delay. Our project aims to provide free housing for underprivileged and abandoned senior citizens. If you expect anything, you can say that directly to me," I began, but her piercing gaze halted me.

"Yes, Mr. Rudra," Swecha said, her voice firm. "I did expect something, which is why I denied permission."

Her words caught me off guard. Was she corrupt, or was there more to the story?

"I expect the public's welfare, and it's my duty to protect them," Collector Swecha stated.

"I didn't get you," I admitted.

"Mr. Rudra, the site you've chosen has a history of river flow. In the event of flooding or unforeseen circumstances, the building would collapse. I cannot approve such a project," she explained.

Her words stunned me. How could I overlook this critical detail?

"Thank you for this information, madam. Sorry for wasting your time," I said, rising to leave.

"Mr. Rudra, I've heard about your reputation and company," Swecha said with a smile. "If it weren't you, I would have issued an arrest warrant for selecting such a site. But considering your standing, I chose to address this personally, suspecting someone within your company might have misled you."

Her words struck a chord. I had misjudged her.

"Not every officer is corrupt," she added.

"I apologize, madam. I'll investigate this matter," I vowed.

"If you find a safer location for the apartment, you'll have my full cooperation," Swecha offered.

I nodded and hastened back to my office. My PA approached as I meticulously reviewed the land details.

Collector Swecha was right; an ancient river had once flowed there, now dried up. Yet, predicting natural disasters was impossible. I couldn't risk lives.

I called my PA and immediately fired him, settling the pay he had earned up to that point and giving him an extra month's salary. Though I know he tried to misguide me, I don't want his family to suffer while he looks for another job. I could give him the extra salary for free, but I can't afford to keep him in the company because I can't trust people after betrayal—whether in business or life. It doesn't matter if it's my PA or Sanjana.