𝐀 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲.

20

Chapter 20:
Unanticipated Confrontations

In the bustling office, Sejal immersed herself in the whirlwind of tasks for the upcoming project. Her colleague, Rohan, leaned over her desk, peering at the screen.

Rohan chuckled, "Sejal, working late again? You should take it easy."

Sejal glanced up, offering a weary smile. "I wish, Rohan, but this project demands extra attention. Got to ensure everything's perfect for tomorrow's meeting."

As the day waned, Sejal felt the weight of exhaustion settling upon her. Her phone buzzed with notifications, signaling the time had slipped past her usual office hours.

Meanwhile, Rishabh, the CEO with an ironclad demeanor, faced his own set of challenges. Perturbed by the lackadaisical attitude of his team, he'd taken drastic measures, dismissing seven employees in a surge of frustration. His reputation for meticulousness and a relentless pursuit of excellence was the bedrock of his father's legacy in the company.

Amidst this, Geeta, Rishabh's mother, reached out to him, questioning Sejal's late stay at the office. Oblivious to Sejal's circumstances, Rishabh, fatigued from his tumultuous day, admitted his ignorance about her whereabouts. However, he was instructed to pick her up, a duty he reluctantly accepted amidst his weariness.

Sejal, unknowing of Rishabh's impending arrival, contemplated her ride home. Thinking of asking a friend for help, she bid farewell to her colleagues as they left for the day. An overzealous co-worker, Aryan, approached her with unwelcome advances.

Aryan grinned, "Hey, Sejal, need a ride home? I can be your knight in shining armor!"

Sejal politely declined, "No, Aryan, I've already sorted it out. Thanks, though."

Aryan persisted, "Aw, come on, don't be shy. I insist, let me help you out."

Uncomfortable with his insistence, Sejal replied firmly, "I appreciate it, but I've got things under control. Please, I'll manage."

As Aryan lingered, his persistence making her uneasy, Sejal attempted to fend him off, growing more flustered by the moment.

In another part of the parking lot, Rishabh's car arrived. Unnoticed by Sejal, her phone rang, adding to the escalating situation. Rishabh observed from a distance, realizing the discomfort Sejal was experiencing. Taking decisive steps, he moved closer, positioning himself between Sejal and the persistent Aryan.

Rishabh intervened, calmly but firmly instructing Aryan to step back. "Step aside from my wife."Recognizing Rishabh's status in the corporate world, Aryan quickly apologized and retreated,"Sorry, Mr Chavan, I-I had no idea that-that she was your.....wife. Sorry Sejal. I'll leave." leaving Sejal surprised by her husband's ability to exert control and command respect.

Time skip.

As the car hummed along the city streets, Sejal's curiosity brimmed over, and she found herself gazing at Rishabh, contemplating the mysteries hidden beneath his composed demeanor. She decided to breach the silence lingering between them but before she could, he spoke.

His face showed his anger but his voice was calm,"What happened today, shouldn't happen again. You call for help, don't just stand there like a statue. And from tomorrow I'll pick you and drop you to your office."

"Mr Chavan," she began tentatively, "thank you for what you did back there. But why all this? You suddenly want to pick me up every day?"

Rishabh glanced at her briefly, a faint hint of vulnerability flickering across his otherwise stoic expression. "I just want to ensure you're safe," he replied, his voice softening a touch. "The incident worried me. I can't always control everything, but I want to try to protect you, at least when I can."