In His Shadow

Ankahi Mulakaatein

---

As the introductions continued, Rudra's gaze lingered on Aaradhya longer than it should have. It wasn't a casual glance-it was deliberate, calculated, as though he was sizing her up. Aaradhya felt her pulse quicken, her earlier composure slipping. Memories of their encounter at the club flashed through her mind-the accidental bump, the way his dark eyes had burned into hers, and the sharp words exchanged.

Her throat felt dry as she stood rooted to the spot, hoping he wouldn't say anything to single her out. But, of course, fate wouldn't be so kind.

"Miss Aaradhya," Rudra's deep voice sliced through the room.

"Yes, sir," she replied, her voice steady, though her fingers tightened nervously around the edge of her notebook.

"Stay back for five minutes after this session," he said, his tone calm but firm. "I'd like a word with you."

The room seemed to hold its breath for a moment before the introductions resumed. Aaradhya nodded faintly, feeling her cheeks flush as she noticed a curious glance from Kabir.

The rest of the session passed in a blur. Aaradhya barely registered the words being spoken, too preoccupied with the impending conversation. When the session concluded, the other interns and employees began filing out of the room. Kabir lingered, casting her a questioning look, but Aradhya shook her head slightly, signaling for him to leave.

Once the door clicked shut, Rudra leaned back against the desk, his sharp gaze fixed on her. For a moment, he said nothing, letting the silence stretch between them.

"Do you always make it a habit to bump into people without an apology?" he finally said, his voice cool.

Aaradhya's breath caught. "Sir, I-I didn't mean to..."

Rudra raised a hand, cutting her off. "You didn't mean to bump into me, or you didn't mean to act as if it were my fault?"

Her eyes widened. "It wasn't like that-"

"Relax," he interrupted, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "I'm not here to reprimand you. But if you're going to work here, Miss Aaradhya, you'll need to learn how to handle situations with grace, even under pressure."

She blinked, caught off guard by his words. "Yes, sir. I understand."

"Good." He straightened, his presence towering over her. "And one more thing-whatever happened that night stays outside these walls. Understood?"

"Yes, sir," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I assume you've familiarized yourself with the company's ethos and the role you'll be stepping into?" His tone was calm but carried an unmistakable authority.

"Yes, sir. I've gone through all the provided materials and am eager to contribute to the team," she replied, hoping her nervousness didn't show.

Rudra nodded, his expression unreadable, before turning his attention back to the group. "Good. I expect nothing less than excellence from all of you. Remember, this is not just a workplace-it's a legacy. Treat it as such."

As the session ended, the interns were ushered into smaller groups for their department orientations. Kabir caught up with Aradhya as they made their way out of the room.

Aaradhya hurried out of the room, her heart pounding. As she stepped into the hallway, Kabir was waiting for her.

"What was that about?" he asked, his brow furrowed.

"Nothing," she said quickly, avoiding his gaze. But the weight of Rudra's stare still lingered, and she couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something far.... something so dense.