The Innocent Angel Vs The Ruthless Devil

CHAPTER - 10

Riya's POV

The last week went by in a blink, and here I was, standing in front of the mirror, getting ready for my first day at Up View. I needed to be at my workplace by 10 AM. I wore the attire Paa suggested: a crisp white shirt and sleek black pants, as he said white gives a calming and presentable look. After changing, I dried my hair, did light makeup, slipped on my new shoes, and grabbed my bag before heading out of my room.

At the breakfast table, everyone was busy with their routines. I wished them a good morning, bringing everyone back to the present. They all looked at me with shocked expressions, which made me nervous. Clearing my throat, I asked, "Am I not looking good? Should I change...?" Bhai cut me off with a firm "NO" before I could finish.

Paa and Bhai got up from their chairs and walked towards me. Paa placed his hand on my head and said, "Beta, aao, ham bhagavaan se praarthana karen kyonki aaj kaam par tumhaara pahala din hai" (Child, come, let's pray to God as today is your first day at work). Smiling, I followed Paa to our Pooja room to pray. I closed my eyes and prayed for the happiness and safety of my family and others. I also prayed for guidance to earn Maa's love and succeed in my work and life.

When I opened my eyes, I saw Paa, Bhai, Meenu, and Aryan holding small gift boxes and smiling at me. I felt both shocked and emotional and asked, "What is the need for these gifts?" They replied in unison, "We want to make your day special with special gifts from us." Overwhelmed, I hugged everyone in the group, tears falling from my eyes. Aryan handed me a tissue, mocking, "Di, don't let your makeup get spoiled, or else you'll look like Medusa." Puffing my cheeks in annoyance, I glared at Aryan, who closed his eyes and joked, "Di, please don't turn me into stone, I love my life." Everyone laughed, and I playfully smacked Aryan before hugging him.

We all settled at the breakfast table, and I opened their gifts. Paa gave me a beautiful pendant, Bhai gifted me a Fossil watch, and Meenu and Aryan gave me a bracelet and two rings that matched the pendant. I removed my existing accessories and wore the gifts they gave me. Everyone complimented me, and we enjoyed breakfast together.

After eating, I checked the time—8:15 AM. I washed my plates and turned back to see Paa holding a dish. "Paa, what is it?" I asked. Paa smiled and said, "It's your favourite kheer, Riya. As you are starting something new, eat something sweet." He fed me a spoonful of kheer, followed by Bhai, Meenu, and Aryan, who each fed me big spoonfuls until the cup was empty.

By 8:30, I left home, hugging everyone and saying goodbye. I walked to the bus station, boarded the bus, and reached my company by 9 AM.

I excitedly entered the company, greeted Adalina at the front desk, and she wished me good luck. I took the lift to my department floor and met my department manager, Mr. Ameer Gupta. After the onboarding process and formalities, he briefed me on my work and handed me some files to sort out, explaining that I would be assigned to a team after a month based on my performance.

I immersed myself in the files given by Mr. Gupta. Soon it was lunchtime, and during lunch, Adalina and I became friends, enjoying our time sharing each other's lunch and talking about our likes, education, goals, and many more.

After lunch, I met with Mr. Gupta and all the new department staff. We introduced ourselves, and I got to know all their names. I also learned that a few joiners were very experienced and had always dreamed of joining a company like Up View.

By evening, around 6 PM, my workday had come to an end. I wrapped up by submitting my files to Mr. Gupta, who assured me he would review them tomorrow and inform me if any changes were needed. Wishing him a good night, I left the office and reached home by 6:30 PM. After freshening up, I headed to the living room, where Meenu and Aryan were eagerly waiting to hear about my day at work. These two were the ultimate Gossip King and Queen.