Hearts Crossed

11

Rishabh Bajaj strode into the bustling office of Bajaj Industries, his mere presence causing the chatter to hush. With his characteristic calm yet authoritative demeanor, he addressed his employees gathered for an important announcement.

"As many of you are aware, we have an upcoming international meeting that is crucial for the company's expansion," he began, his voice smooth yet firm. "I will be taking a few members from our office team." He listed a name of members from different departments, and added Prerna from accounting.

The accounting manager's jaw tightened as he felt his position challenged. A veteran in finance, he couldn't hide his irritation, and as soon as Rishabh finished his announcement, he cleared his throat and spoke up.

"Sir, wouldn't it be more appropriate for me to join you on this trip?" he asked, trying to mask his annoyance with a forced smile. "I believe my experience could be of greater benefit in handling the international investors."

Rishabh's gaze was steady, unfazed. "Mr Jeh," he began, his voice firm, "I appreciate your experience, but Prerna has a more meticulous grasp of the recent transactions we're presenting. It's imperative that our figures and strategies are flawlessly aligned, and Prerna has done exceptional work in ensuring that."

The manager's face flushed, but he managed a nod as Rishabh dismissed the matter without further discussion. "The decision is final," he said, leaving no room for debate. With that, he turned and walked back toward his office, his stride as purposeful as ever.

The moment he was out of earshot, whispers erupted across the floor.

"Why did he pick her? She's only been here for a couple of years."

"Maybe she's getting some... special treatment, if you know what I mean," one voice murmured cynically.

"Come on, do you really think Bajaj would pick her?" another voice replied.

"Well, it's not the first time he's been close with her, is it?" another coworker muttered, a sly smile spreading across their face. "I wonder what else is going on."

The gossip and speculation spread quickly, with Prerna at the center of it all. She could feel the weight of their stares and the murmurs that seemed to follow her, each assumption sharper than the last. She tried to focus on her work, but the rumors seemed to linger in the air, inescapable and unnerving.

That evening, as they sat across from each other at the dinner table, the quiet hum of the city outside their window seemed to underline the tension in the room. Prerna picked at her food, her gaze flickering between her plate and the man seated across from her. Rishabh's steady gaze didn't miss a beat.

After a long pause, she took a deep breath and finally spoke. "Mr. Bajaj, about the international meeting... I don't think I'll be able to go," she began cautiously, keeping her voice calm and measured. "Abhi yahaan pe itna kaam hai. Meri behn bhi Mumbai se aa rahi hai..."

Rishabh leaned back slightly, observing her as she listed multiple excuses. "Aapko meri decision se koi problem hai?" he asked, his tone revealing that he was not fooled by her polite excuse.

Prerna's eyes widened slightly. "Nahi, of course not. I'd never doubt your judgment. Main bus..." She hesitated, then continued, "I just don't understand why you chose me over the financial manager. Unke paas more experience hai, and I'm sure he would've been happy to take on the responsibility."

Rishabh raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a faint, almost enigmatic smile.

"I know you're wondering why I didn't choose him. But I'm aware of something you may not have noticed. The manager's personal life has been under a lot of strain lately. He's been working late every day, pushing himself too far. His family has been complaining about him, and his work-life balance is slipping out of his hands."