Tangled Beliefs

Chapter-25: The Ultimatum

They were both trapped by choices they hadn’t made, trying to navigate a path that wasn’t theirs but pretending it was.

Nandini’s POV,

Monday. A day I usually didn’t mind, but today, it carried the weight of a storm I wasn’t ready to face. I woke up early, though I hadn’t slept much. As I opened my eyes, the events of Friday came rushing back—the cold look in Dad’s eyes, the ominous document he had handed me, and his threatening words.

I’d spent the entire weekend in a haze of work and overthinking. My phone rang countless times, but I ignored every call. Bhai, my ever-persistent brother, had tried endlessly to reach me. I’d finally texted him back, asking for space and reassuring him that I was fine, even though I wasn’t.

The truth was, I had no answers, no clarity. Every moment felt like a countdown to a decision I didn’t want to make but knew I couldn’t avoid. The hours ticked away, pulling me closer to my fate.

With a heavy heart, I dragged myself out of bed and prepared for the day. As I stood before the mirror, adjusting my blazer, I felt a wave of nervousness, awkwardness, and… embarrassment. Embarrassment about facing him. Manik Malhotra.

I knew our paths would cross at the office today. How could they not? He was my boss, and I was his secretary. The awkwardness between us since Friday’s lunch weighed heavily on me. He didn’t know about the storm brewing inside me, and I wasn’t sure if I could face him without it showing.

Steeling myself, I grabbed my bag and left for work.

The office was already bustling when I arrived. My cabin offered some semblance of safety, and I buried myself in tasks to keep my mind occupied. But every tick of the clock was a reminder that I couldn’t avoid him forever.

And then it happened. I looked up at the sound of the elevator doors opening and saw him step out. Manik Malhotra is as confident and composed as ever. His sharp suit and determined stride exuded power, but his face held a calm intensity that made my stomach twist.

“Good morning, Mr. Malhotra,” I greeted him, trying to sound professional.

He glanced at me, his gaze lingering for a moment longer than usual. Was it curiosity? I couldn’t tell. “Morning, Ms. Murthy,” he replied, his tone neutral but firm.

I followed him to his cabin, maintaining the professional facade I clung to like a lifeline. Once inside, I handed him a file. “This is the strategy you asked me to prepare on Thursday for increasing product demand in the market.”

He took the file “This looks good,” he said, closing the file. “Call the marketing department and arrange a meeting. I want this discussed immediately.”

I nodded.

“Oh, and you’ll present this strategy to the team,” he added.

The weight of his words sank in. Me? Present this?

“Yes, sir,” I said, my voice steady despite the knot forming in my stomach.

I left his cabin and busied myself arranging the meeting. My nerves were on edge, but I didn’t let them show. When everything was set, I returned to his cabin.

“Mr. Malhotra, they’re waiting for you in the conference room,” I informed him.

He nodded, standing and gathering the file. Without another word, we walked to the conference room together. The silence between us was heavy but not uncomfortable. I could feel his gaze on me occasionally, but I kept my eyes forward.