𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐟𝐞

17. Guarded Steps

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AVNI'S POV:

I woke up to unfamiliar surroundings, feeling a little disoriented. Aaru walked out of what seemed like the washroom, and I immediately asked her where we were. She explained everything to me, calming my nerves. Soon after, Arjun ji joined us. We had lunch together, during which he insisted I take my medicine. The bitter taste made me scrunch up my face, which earned a faint chuckle from him.

Then came the unexpected bombshell: Arjun ji declared I would be working with him from now on. I had no chance to argue as he had already decided. After lunch, Aaru and I left for our office to pack my belongings, as I would be transferred to his office until the coronation.

In the evening, I managed to pack my things quickly since I didn’t have much to take. Arjun ji had appointed a driver and a bodyguard to help with the move, and they took charge of transporting everything. At the office, I signed my leave papers. To my dismay, my current employer refused to pay me for the next two months, claiming it was company policy. Anxiety hit me hard—how would I manage my course fees and other expenses now? Last month’s earnings had gone toward Aaru’s engagement, and my savings were already used up for college fees.

To make matters worse, my boss argued about paying my pending salary for the last month and this half-month.

"Sir, if you don’t pay me my salary, I’ll sue you," I finally threatened, tired of his antics.

"You’re threatening me?" he asked, stepping closer, his tone mocking.

"I-I’m n-not sc-a-red of y-ou, s-sir," I stammered, though his intimidating smirk made me falter.

"Oh, really? You’re not scared?" he taunted, closing the gap between us.

"Stay away, or I’ll call the guards," I said, summoning the last bit of courage.

"They won’t do anything; I’m the boss here," he chuckled darkly.

As my back hit something solid, I realized it was the door. Without wasting a second, I opened it and dashed out, not wanting to stay another moment.

Back at my cubicle, I sat down, tears streaming down my face. Before I could process my emotions, a glass of water appeared before me. I looked up to see the bodyguard. He handed me tissues and spoke gently for the first time since we met.

"Are you okay, ma’am?"

"Yes, I’m fine," I lied, wiping my tears.

I decided to confront HR about my pending salary. The bodyguard followed me, looking skeptical but supportive. I explained my situation to HR, but they claimed there was a financial shortfall and promised to pay me next month. Frustrated, I left without arguing further.

Minutes later, I received a bank notification. To my surprise, my salary—including overtime—had been transferred. Turning to the bodyguard, I asked, "Did you do this?"

He scratched the back of his neck, smiling slightly. "It’s my duty to ensure you’re okay. Otherwise, sir might send me away again."

I didn’t press further, grateful for his help.

Later, I returned office with the driver and bodyguard. Despite the long day, my family’s taunts awaited me.

"Who dropped you off, Avni?" Anya asked with a smirk.

"My bodyguard and driver," I replied calmly.

"Spending money on useless luxuries, I see," Taiji sneered. "You’re not worth such protection."

"It’s provided by my company," I replied, though a doubt crept in.

"What are you, a minister? Why would you need bodyguards?" Bhai mocked.

"I don’t know why I was assigned protection, but I deserve it," I said firmly, leaving the room without eating.

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The Next Day

The morning started routinely. After college, the same bodyguard waited for me. Exhausted, I dozed off during the drive back. Once home, I had a brief chat with Arjun ji, who showed me my new office cabin. It was connected to his via a private door, allowing easy access between the two.

Freshening up, I arranged my desk and headed to his cabin to discuss designs.

"Shall I show you some designs before we begin?" I asked nervously.

"Go ahead," he replied, raising an eyebrow.

I handed him the designs I had worked on for him and his mother.

"These are good," he said, a rare smile gracing his lips. "But I need something grander—designs that reflect my status as the King of Udaipur."

"I’ll try my best not to disappoint you," I replied earnestly.

"Don’t stress, Avni. We’ll work on this together," he said, his voice unexpectedly gentle.

"Really?" I asked, surprised.

"Yes, really. Now, let’s have coffee before we dive into work. Remember, I’m the boss," he said with a teasing smile.

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As we worked, I lost track of time. My stomach growled, reminding me I hadn’t eaten. Suddenly, a voice interrupted us.

"Arjun baby, let’s go for lunch!"

Who could it be, calling him baby?

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Questions for Readers:

1. Who do you think has called Arjun ji "baby"?

2. How do you feel about Avni standing up to her boss?

3. What do you think will happen next between Avni and Arjun ji?

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