Author's POV :
As she lay there, her thoughts drifted to the whispers she had heard at work about the new CEO, Vivaan Oberoi. A playboy, they said, with a silver spoon so large it could feed a village. He was the same age as her, but his life was a world apart from hers. She couldn't imagine living without the responsibilities that weighed her down. The very thought brought a wry smile to her lips.
Vivaan had been born into a life of luxury, his father's company seeing profits the moment he took his first breath. Everything he had ever wanted was handed to him on a platter of gold. He had grown up with a sense of entitlement, never knowing the value of a hard-earned rupee or the sting of rejection. His carelessness was legendary, leaving a trail of broken hearts and bruised egos wherever he went.
Now, at the age of 25, he had taken over as the CEO, much to the chagrin of many. His office was a stark contrast to the modest homes of his employees, decked out in mahogany and marble, a symbol of his wealth and power. He strutted through the corridors like he owned the place, his confidence bordering on arrogance. Yet, there was something undeniably charismatic about him that made people want to be in his orbit, despite their better judgment.
Vivaan's first week at the company was marked by his unpredictable whims and spontaneous demands. He had a habit of summoning employees at odd hours for trivial matters, leaving them flustered and off-balance. It was as if he reveled in their discomfort, a king watching his subjects scurry about to satisfy his every wish. His father had always given him what he wanted, so why should he expect anything less from his employees?
On a whim, he decided to visit the accounting department one afternoon, his footsteps echoing down the hallway like the drumbeat of a conqueror. The women at their desks looked up in surprise as he strolled in, his designer suit a stark contrast to their modest office attire. His eyes swept over them, pausing briefly on Shreya, who was busy typing away on her computer. Something about her calm demeanor intrigued him; she didn't look as intimidated as the others
"Who's in charge here?" Vivaan called out, his voice cutting through the hushed whispers like a knife. The supervisor, a middle-aged woman with a no-nonsense attitude, stepped forward, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I am, Mr. Oberoi. How can I help you?"
Vivaan waved a hand dismissively. "It's not you I want," he said, his eyes still on Shreya. "It's her." He approached her desk, the scent of expensive cologne trailing behind him like an invisible cloud. Shreya felt a flicker of annoyance. She didn't have time for his games. "You must be Shreya," he said, a smug smile playing on his lips. "I've heard a lot about you."
The room grew tense as the other employees exchanged knowing glances. It was no secret that Vivaan had a penchant for the female employees, and Shreya had been warned about his advances. But she had never been one to back down from a challenge. She met his gaze, her eyes unwavering. "What can I do for you, Mr. Oberoi?" she asked, her voice cool and professional.
Vivaan leaned against her desk, his arms folded across his chest. "Call me Vivaan," he said, his tone suggestive. "I've been reviewing some of the company's projects, and I need someone to run through the financials with me. Someone... competent." The implication was clear, and it irked Shreya. She knew she was more than just a pretty face; she had worked hard to get where she was. "I'll be happy to help," she said, her voice tight. "But can we do it tomorrow? I have to leave early today."
His smile grew wider, as if he enjoyed the challenge she presented. "No, I need it now," he insisted. "It's important. And I've been told you're the best we've got." The supervisor nodded in agreement, though Shreya noticed the hint of a warning in her eyes. Vivaan's behavior was no secret around the office, and she had probably seen this play out before.
Reluctantly, Shreya saved her work and followed him to the conference room. The space was large and intimidating, with windows that overlooked the bustling city. He gestured for her to sit across from him, and she complied, placing Aradhya's picture face down on the glossy table. The meeting was a blur of numbers and jargon that she understood all too well, but the tension between them was palpable. She felt his eyes on her more often than on the reports she presented, and it made her skin crawl.
As the meeting dragged on, she grew more and more agitated. She had a baby to pick up, a dinner to cook, and a life that didn't revolve around his every whim. But she kept her cool, her voice steady as she explained the complexities of the company's finances. Vivaan leaned back in his chair, his gaze roaming over her in a way that made her want to scream. "You're quite... thorough," he said, his tone dripping with something that was definitely not professional interest.
Shreya gritted her teeth, focusing on the documents in front of her. "It's my job," she replied, keeping her voice level. She could feel the eyes of her colleagues on her, and she knew they were waiting for the inevitable moment when he would cross the line. But she had faced worse, and she wasn't about to let him get the better of her.
As they worked, Vivaan's questions grew more personal, probing into her life outside the office. She deflected with practiced ease, turning the conversation back to the numbers and graphs spread before them. Yet, she couldn't ignore the way his eyes lingered on her, the way his fingers tapped impatiently on the table, as if waiting for the perfect moment to pounce.
The air grew thick with tension, and Shreya's mind raced for a way to bring the meeting to a close without compromising her dignity. Finally, she laid her pen down with a firm click. "Mr. Oberoi, if there's nothing else you need, I really must go. I have to pick up my daughter from the neighbor's."
Vivaan's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Daughter?" he repeated, his smug smile faltering for the first time. "How old is she?"
Shreya felt a protective instinct flare within her. "Six months," she said, her voice firm. "Now, if there's nothing else..."
Vivaan leaned back in his chair, a look of genuine shock crossing his face. "A baby?" he murmured, his cocky demeanor momentarily forgotten. "I didn't know."
Shreya nodded, gathering her papers. "Yes, a baby," she said, her voice firm. "And she's the most important thing in my life." She stood up, ready to leave, but Vivaan's next words stopped her in her tracks.
"Wait," he said, his tone softer than she had ever heard it. "I didn't know. I'm sorry." There was a brief pause, and she could see the wheels turning in his head. "Look, I know I've got a reputation around here, but I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I just... I see something in you that's different from the others."
Shreya eyed him skeptically. "Different?" she echoed. "What do you mean?"
Vivaan nodded, his expression earnest. "You're not like the others," he said. "You've got... strength. I can see it in the way you handle yourself. I just wanted to get to know you better."
Shreya felt a flicker of curiosity, despite herself. "What do you want to know?" she asked, warily.
Vivaan leaned in, his eyes searching hers. "I want to know about your husband," he said, his voice gentle. "How does he feel about you working so hard?"
Shreya's heart clenched at the mention of a husband, a stark reminder of the life she had never had. "I'm a single mother," she said, her voice even. "There's no husband."
The throat clearing was loud and deliberate, and it came from the supervisor who had been lingering in the doorway. Vivaan's face fell, and he realized his mistake. "Oh," he said, his voice low. "I'm sorry, I didn't know."
Shreya felt a sudden rush of pity for him. For all his wealth and power, he was clearly out of his depth when it came to understanding the lives of those less fortunate. She gathered her things, her movements swift and efficient. "It's alright," she said, her voice softer than she had intended. "But I really must go."
The supervisor stepped into the room, her expression a mix of relief and annoyance. "Mr. Oberoi, perhaps we can continue this another time?" she suggested, her tone firm. Vivaan nodded, his eyes never leaving Shreya. She didn't wait for his response, instead, she turned and walked out of the conference room, her heels clicking on the hard floor.
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