Under the Covers

Chapter 1

The posh Mumbai office erupted in thunderous applause as Abhimanyu Rai, a renowned journalist, was welcomed as the new Chief-of-Bureau. His exceptional credentials and reputation as one of the finest journalists of his time left the employees in awe, confusion, and surprise. They had expected Abhimanyu to start his own investigative magazine upon returning to India, making his decision to join Undercover a perplexing mystery to everyone. The whole nation anticipated his independent venture, but he surprised them all by aligning himself with Undercover.

Undercover was a highly acclaimed and successful investigative magazine in India, known for its groundbreaking reportage and numerous accolades. Abhimanyu, with his impeccable background, seamlessly fit into the magazine like the missing piece of a puzzle. Having served as the Chief Investigative Reporter for NY Detective magazine for 15 years, he had constantly been in the spotlight for his sensational sting operations.

The real surprise, however, lay in Anamika Naidu's approval of Abhimanyu. Anamika, the Editor-in-Chief of Undercover, was renowned for her shrewdness and ruthless business acumen. She had successfully managed the magazine for the past decade and was considered one of the most accomplished women in the country. Many wondered why she, someone so meticulous and calculated, would allow a seemingly foreign presence to assume such an important position within the company. But those who knew Anamika understood that Abhimanyu was merely the cherry on top of an already delectable cake.

As Abhimanyu settled into his spacious cabin, he realized that he had finally found his rightful place. He had begun his writing career at the age of 18, and his talent had quickly caught the attention of newspapers and magazines, securing him numerous job offers even while pursuing his Master's degree in Mass Communications. An opportunity of a lifetime arose when he received a call from the New York Times, offering him the role of a foreign correspondent for their investigative journal. With wings spread wide, he soared high in the sky, conquering his own domain. However, now it was time for him to return home.

Anamika Naidu, often considered unimpressed by others, was not one to be easily swayed. Rumors circulated about her stone-hearted nature and her deliberate avoidance of personal relationships. Nevertheless, her remarkable success in various industries, including Undercover, spoke volumes about her capabilities. She had built Undercover from scratch, earning accolades for its fearless and groundbreaking reportage. Anamika's daily grind involved navigating political connections and cultivating niche relations, leading Undercover to grow exponentially without compromising its content quality.

Abhimanyu's vibrant presence injected a breath of fresh air into the cold, silver-grey office. The opulent multi-storeyed structure might have overwhelmed others, but not Abhimanyu. He possessed the ability to be the life of any party, regardless of the situation. He could spontaneously break into a dance with street children in broad daylight or confront the President of the United States with probing questions. In his early days, he had even landed in jail while unearthing controversial stories for the tabloid he worked for.

For 15 years, Abhimanyu had hustled relentlessly, fueled by an unwavering passion that overshadowed his deeply embedded pain. Now, he not only desired to slow down but also had other motives for returning home. With a confident and piercing gaze, he had told Anamika that he wanted to learn the trade from her, acknowledging her prowess. Anamika, well-versed in the rules of the game, recognized the value of having a national award nominee like Abhimanyu on board.

Anamika's own journey had been marked by obstacles. Starting small, she had faced a dearth of opportunities for women reporters, who were often limited to fashion or gossip columns, or were given no assignments at all. She persevered and managed to secure a position in the feature desk, where she could delve into human and social interest stories. However, her career growth had been stifled by the glass ceiling, leaving her a victim of gender inequality. She rejected promotions offered based on her celebrity father's connections and turned her back on the glamour and gossip industry. The final straw came when her father's close friend made a sexual advance toward her, prompting her to resign and seek solace abroad by pursuing an MBA.

Assisting her father in his business ventures, Anamika proved herself as an efficient heir, generating millions more in profits for Bharathi Estates and Industries. However, a fire burned within her as she lay awake one night, clad in a silk robe, contemplating her next move. She approached her peacefully sleeping father, snuggled beside him, and made her one and only request—to establish her own magazine and fuel her passion for writing. Her father's forehead kiss served as an approval, setting the foundation for Undercover.