It's how you see

Chapter 11

5-7 years ago

It was the most awaited moment, big day for Adira, the day that led to a million changes in her life. It was the day she was supposed to get her MBA results. Her father Mr. Vikram Srivastav had a deal, if Adira manages to clear her MBA with good grades, she can continue her career in the field of commerce. Otherwise, she would end up getting married to a well settled guy her father would arrange for her. Marriage was not a problem to her, but the problem was this marriage would lock her away in the kitchen where her dreams, ambitions would be burnt in the flame of the stove.

Adira was in her room, very tensed, her anxiety was on peaks. she was freaking out and was pacing around the room, while her dear best friends Laya and Rakshitha were in their own world, they were pretty sure Adira will be fine. No matter how scared or under-confident Adira was, they had their faith in Adira. Laya was on her phone talking to her boyfriend while Rakshitha was going through her notes for the upcoming UPSC exams. Rakshitha raised her head away from books only to find Adira freaking out.

Rakshitha rolled her eyes "my dear cute friend, you will clear the exam. You're not getting married to some crazy man. So. Just Chill." Rakshitha said, Laya too woke up from call and realized Adira needs a boost, "honestly speaking, the guy uncle chose for you kind of looks good." Laya remarked with a chuckle, Rakshitha too couldn't help but laugh. but this didn't cool Adira, "then why don't you marry him!" she kind of yelled at her friends in frustration. 

Rakshitha and Laya glanced at each other and bursted out laughing making Adira roll her eyes at her friends. Adira fell back on her bed, "stop laughing." she said, Rakshitha turned to Adira, she locked eyes with Laya, the communicated with glances and decided to give their friend a boost "We believe you babes, and you know that right?"  Rakshitha said, Adira gave an irritated look "call me that again. And you won't be alive to become a cop." Adira said in a warning tone. Rakshitha smiled at Adira "you love me too much to kill me." Rakshitha replied. The three girls lay down and were enjoying their time together. The room was filled with laughter and their teasing jokes. Adira's anxiety vanished as those joke and their laughter became louder and louder. 

The three girls were very proud that they made it through all the hurdles they faced, and were happy in each other's company, not aware of the biggest hurdle awaiting to turn their lives around. 

Shanti, Adira's mother, called the three girls to come down and have lunch, the girls soon descended the stairs and they saw Vikram reading a book. Adira's smile was replaced by fear, a fear that creeped onto her face when she had to deal with the 'tough' dad, she glanced at her mother helplessly. But her mother gave her an 'I can't help you with this' look and walked back into the kitchen. Adira rolled her eyes cursing her fate.  

The family along with Laya and Rakshitha sat at the table for lunch they were about to start their lunch when Vikram's phone rang. It was some contact Vikram had from Adira's college. Vikram looked at Adira, and picked up the call, "hello sir, how are you?" he asked, Vikram kept the call on speaker. The caller directly went to the point, "Sir, the results are out. You can check the results on the college website." he informed Vikram, after thanking him Vikram disconnected the call. He looked at the three girls, and got up from the table, he opened the laptop that was kept on the tea table, and Vikram handed the laptop to his daughter. Adira logged into the college website and checked her results.

Adira's heart raced at such a speed that she thought she will die due to high blood pressure. After checking her results, she was a little better, but she wasn't not completely satisfied with her results, but was happy she didn't get below 60%, she cleared her MBA with 80%.

Vikram was glad his daughter now can find herself a decent job and help him support the family. Though he didn't express it, he was proud of his daughter. they all finally had lunch with peace. Rakshitha and Laya were very happy for Adira. After their lunch, Adhira got a call from the college placement cell; she was informed about the offer from Khanna entrepreneurs. She had to give another formal interview and become a part of the company. She was excited about the job in such a huge company. She was the only one to secure a job in that company from her college. 

Adhira was on cloud nine when the receptionist from Khanna Entrepreneurs called her and informed about the appointment, she couldn't stop talking about the company's achievements. She knew that the Khanna entrepreneurs was not just an ordinary company and would take her to great heights in her career. 

The kind of exposure this company would give will bring much greater opportunities for her. She wanted to be prepared for her first visit and gathered all the information she could for the interview. Adira saw this as her best chance to build a career and also avoid her father, she was finally fulfilling her biggest dream by becoming independent.

Adhira excitedly reached the office in formal wear and entered the office lobby. She approached the receptionist, informing about her arrival who directed her towards the CEO chamber after cross-checking the appointments for the day. The receptionist took her to the top second floor where the CEO chamber was located. Adira was standing on the busiest floor in the entire building, where the work was done at rocket speed. The receptionist detailed Adira about all the floors and took her to the CEO's chamber. 

Adhira was very nervous but at the same time she was equally excited to meet the CEO. She waited as the receptionist knocked on the door and stepped inside to inform the CEO about her arrival. Soon the receptionist informed her to enter the cabin and left. Adira took deep breaths and checked herself before pushing the door open and entering inside the cabin.

Adira was meeting the CEO for the first time; she had no idea what it would feel like to meet such an influential person. She was finally going to meet Manav Khanna, the most eligible Bachelor in the state, known for his family's name, his handsome looks and business tactics. Manav strictly follows his father. he is often referred as the best Son.

Manav was drowned in work and didn't spare a glance at Adira when she entered the cabin, while Adira was stunned at the interiors of his office. She recovered soon and approached his table. Manav saw her shadow and without looking at her asked her to have a seat. Adira felt uneasy with, Manav's arrogant gestures. As she sat across from him, Manav finally glanced at her, as his glances fell on Adira, he kept looking at her. Adira felt very conscious because of his look, she sat across from him and doubtfully knocked on the glass table. Which got Manav to his senses "I'm sorry. I got lost in some thoughts. You are Ms. Srivastav, right?" he asked. Adira gave a weak smile and responded with a nod. Manav took her file and went through it before asking her any further questions. He took a deep breath and tuned his eyes to Adira from her file, "Well Ms. Srivastav, I have an offer for you. I'm actually impressed with your projects and would like to hire you for the job, but there is someone equally eligible for this job, so I would like to hire both of you, but your post would be my personal secretary. I will not say you will be working just at the management department, but if you take up this offer you will have double work. All I can do is get you an intern as a helping hand." he informed, pushing Adira into thoughts.

She thought the pay offered is actually less for the load of work she will have to deal with, she understood this was not an ideal offer. But on second thoughts, the company's name, conduct and reputation can be really helpful for her to reach her goal. Taken over by her ambitious side of the mind she instantly accepted the offer.

Manav clearly saw her desperation, he could see the new asset he was going to bag by training her to meet the company requirement. Manav didn't delay any longer in appointing her. He asked his staff members to get an appointment letter typed and handed it to her. Manav had assured her that the workload will be reduced on her, and soon he will find her an assistant. He called one of his employee from the Analytics Department to show Adira her desk and help her start working. 

 Later Adira was given an office tour by a senior employee; Mahathi, who works in the analytics department. She introduced Adhira to her team members. The existing Analytics team consisted of 4 members among them were 2 highly experienced employees. Adira interacted with all of them and got comfortable. Soon a new member walked into the room, it was a young, beautiful girl filled with grace and confidence. She was quite tall, thin and she had a very strong aura. The woman went straight to her desk and took a seat not even sparing others a glance. Mahathi definitely felt disrespected, but she didn't create a scene but just cleared her voice and introduced Adira again as Manav's PA. One of the employees was surprised, "Ma'am are you telling us she has to deal with 2 roles in our office?" he asked, "well yes, you guessed it right." She confirmed and introduced everyone there, while Adhira eagerly waited for the young woman's introduction alone. Finally, the moment arrived for which Adira was waiting, the introduction of the young woman, "this is Aarti our new analyst who has been appointed along with you." Mahathi introduced to Adira and she smiled at Aarti, but she brushed it off with a shrug and turned to her desktop, disappointing Adira.