Thawing the CEO's Heart

Chapter 37: Scars of the Past

As Meena settled back into her role as Aoom's secretary at Aoom Corp, she found herself navigating a familiar yet slightly changed landscape. The office buzzed with activity, but there was an underlying tension that Meena couldn't quite shake.

She had missed being here, missed the camaraderie with her colleagues, and missed the sense of purpose that came with her job. But as she delved back into her duties, she couldn't help but notice the strain in Aoom's interactions with the employees.

Meena had always been the one to soften Aoom's edges, to temper her sharp tongue with warmth and empathy. And now, more than ever, it seemed like her presence was needed to keep things running smoothly.

One day, as Meena was sorting through a stack of paperwork in Aoom's office, she overheard a heated exchange between Aoom and one of the marketing executives. Aoom's tone was sharp and impatient, her frustration palpable as she criticized the executive for what she deemed a subpar proposal.

Meena sighed, knowing she had to intervene before things escalated further. She stepped out of the office, her expression determined as she approached Aoom and the executive.

"Aoom," she said firmly, her voice cutting through the tension in the room. "I need to speak with you."

Aoom turned to face her, her expression guarded. "What is it, Meena?" she asked, her tone clipped.

Meena held her ground, meeting Aoom's gaze head-on. "You need to take a step back," she said bluntly. "You're being too harsh on the team. They're doing their best."

Aoom bristled at the criticism, but Meena didn't back down. She knew that Aoom needed to hear this, even if it meant facing her wrath.

"You're right, Meena," Aoom admitted grudgingly, her tone softer now. "I've been... impatient."

Meena nodded, relieved that Aoom was willing to listen. "We're all under a lot of pressure," she said gently. "But we're a team, and we need to support each other."

Aoom sighed, running a hand through her hair in frustration. "I know," she muttered. "I just... I expect too much sometimes."

Meena placed a comforting hand on Aoom's arm, her touch gentle. "It's okay," she said soothingly. "But you need to remember to be kinder to yourself and to others."

Aoom nodded, her expression grateful. "Thank you, Meena," she said sincerely. "I needed to hear that."

As they returned to Aoom's office, Meena couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in her ability to defuse the situation. She knew that her presence made a difference, that she was able to temper Aoom's cold exterior with warmth and empathy.

Later that day, as Meena was typing up a report at her desk, Ice sauntered over with a teasing grin on her face.

"Well, well, well," Ice said, leaning against the edge of Meena's desk. "Look who's back in action."

Meena rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help but smile at Ice's playful tone. "Yes, I'm back," she replied dryly. "And I'm already regretting it."

Ice chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, come on," she teased. "You know you love it here. You're the only one who can keep the Ice Queen in check."

Meena laughed, knowing that there was some truth to Ice's words. "I suppose someone has to do it," she quipped.

Their banter was interrupted by the sound of Aoom's voice calling out from her office. "Meena, can you come in here for a moment?"

Meena exchanged a knowing glance with Ice before heading into Aoom's office. As she stepped inside, she found Aoom standing by the window, her expression contemplative.