Chapter 31 ~ Time skip 1 year

Chapter 31 ~ Time skip 1 year
The bustling city skyline of New York shimmered under the golden hues of the setting sun. The towering glass structures reflected the orange glow, and amidst them stood the prestigious headquarters of Ahuja Enterprises. The company had flourished under Mia Ahuja's leadership over the past year, solidifying its name in the corporate world. She was no longer just the daughter of the late Arjun Ahuja; she had become a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
The large, intimidating office bore a modern yet warm design, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Sitting at the massive oak desk was Mia herself, her sharp gaze fixed on the documents in front of her. Dressed in an elegant beige power suit, she exuded an aura of confidence and authority. Her once soft, carefree nature had transformed into the poised and determined demeanor of a CEO.

As she signed off on a contract, her assistant, Riya, stepped into the room, holding a tablet. "Ma'am, the board meeting is scheduled in thirty minutes. Also, Mr. Sharma from Roy Industries wants to discuss the collaboration. Should I set up a call?"
Mia leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples slightly. The workload had been relentless, but she had adapted. "Tell him I'll speak to him tomorrow. I need to go over the merger details first."

Riya nodded and left, just as Mia's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and sighed. "Rudraksh," she muttered under her breath before answering.
"Busy as usual, Miss CEO?" Rudraksh's deep voice carried a hint of amusement.
Mia smiled slightly but maintained her professional tone. "What do you want, Rudraksh? I have a meeting soon."
"You sound like you need a break. How about dinner tonight?"
Mia hesitated. The past year had created a strange dynamic between them. He was no longer just the arrogant heir to the Sekhawat empire-he had become someone she relied on, even if she wouldn't admit it outright. "I'll think about it."
"That's not a no," he remarked teasingly. "I'll pick you up at eight."
Before she could argue, he had already hung up. Shaking her head, she sighed. Rudraksh had always been persistent.

\---
Later that evening, Mia stood outside her office, waiting for Rudraksh. She had changed into a sophisticated yet stylish dress-deep green, flowing elegantly down to her ankles. As a sleek black car pulled up, Rudraksh stepped out, dressed in a dark navy suit that fit him perfectly.
"You look... different," he commented, his eyes scanning her from head to toe.
Mia arched an eyebrow. "Good different or bad different?"
"Very good different," he admitted with a small smirk.

Rolling her eyes, she got into the car, and soon they were on their way to one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city. The drive was silent, but a comfortable silence. Over the past year, Rudraksh had been a constant presence in her life, whether she liked it or not.
As they settled at their table, Mia glanced at him. "You've been quiet. That's unusual."
Rudraksh took a sip of his whiskey before leaning slightly forward. "I was thinking about how much you've changed. You're not the same girl I met a year ago."
She exhaled softly. "I had to change. The world wouldn't wait for me to catch up."
He nodded in understanding. "And yet, you still don't let anyone in."
Mia stiffened slightly. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You keep everyone at arm's length, Mia. You've built walls so high that no one can reach you."
She let out a dry chuckle. "That's ironic, coming from you."
He smirked. "True. But even I know when to let someone in."
The conversation took a serious turn, but before she could reply, the waiter arrived with their food. The rest of the dinner was filled with lighter conversations, but Mia couldn't shake off his words. Was she really pushing everyone away? And more importantly, did she even have a choice?

\---
As the night ended, Rudraksh dropped her off at her penthouse. Before she could turn away, he caught her wrist gently. "Take a break once in a while, Mia. You don't always have to carry the world on your shoulders."
She looked into his eyes, searching for any hidden meaning. But all she saw was sincerity. With a nod, she stepped inside, the weight of his words lingering in her mind.
The next morning, as she entered her office, she knew one thing for sure-her journey as the CEO had just begun, but perhaps, just perhaps, she wasn't as alone as she thought.

Mia sat at the head of the long, glass conference table, her fingers interlocked as she surveyed the team of executives before her. It had been a year since she took over as CEO, and things were finally running the way she wanted—almost. There were still some loose ends to tie up, especially concerning her office staff.

Her secretary, a woman in her early fifties named Mrs. D’Souza, had been with the company for years. While loyal, she often struggled to keep up with Mia’s fast-paced work style. It wasn’t just about efficiency; Mia needed someone who could match her energy, anticipate her needs, and work seamlessly alongside her. The same went for the security team—many of them had been with the company since her father’s era, but their methods were outdated.
“I appreciate everyone’s hard work, but it’s time for some changes,” Mia announced, her voice steady but firm. “We’ll be restructuring our office administration, including hiring a new secretary and security personnel.”

The executives exchanged glances, surprised at the sudden decision but knowing better than to question Mia’s authority.
That evening, back at home, Rudraksh watched as Mia pored over resumes on her tablet. He raised an eyebrow as she kept scrolling, rejecting candidates one after another.
“Not good enough?” he teased, setting down his book.
Mia sighed, rubbing her temples. “I need someone who won’t slow me down, someone who understands how I work.”
Rudraksh smirked. “So basically, a mind reader?”

“Exactly,” she muttered, not catching the sarcasm in his tone.
He chuckled. “Why not hire someone you already know? Someone who’s worked with you before or has an understanding of how you function?”
Mia thought for a moment. That wasn’t a bad idea, but who could fit that role? Before she could respond, her phone buzzed with a message from the HR department. They had shortlisted a few candidates for her secretary’s position and security chief. She scheduled the interviews for the next morning.

The Next Day: Interview Process
Mia entered the interview room, her sharp gaze assessing the candidates lined up before her. Some looked confident, others nervous. She sifted through them quickly, unimpressed by most. They lacked the presence and initiative she was looking for.
Just as she was about to conclude the session, a knock on the door interrupted her.
“Ms. Ahuja, there’s one more candidate for the secretary position,” the HR manager informed her.
Mia frowned. “I thought this was the last one?”
“He was a last-minute applicant. But he has an impressive resume.”
“Send him in.”

The door opened, and in walked Rudraksh.
Mia’s eyes widened in shock. “You?! What the hell are you doing here?”
Rudraksh grinned, holding up his resume. “Applying for the secretary position. Thought I’d give it a shot.”
Mia stared at him, speechless. The HR team shifted uncomfortably, unsure if this was some kind of joke. But Rudraksh, dressed in a crisp suit, looked completely serious.
“You’re joking,” she finally said.
“Nope.” He slid his resume across the table. “Go ahead. Check my qualifications.”

Mia snatched up the paper, skimming through it. He had the skills—organization, time management, efficiency. His experience as a surgeon meant he could handle high-pressure situations and long hours. But still...
“Why would you want to be my secretary?” she asked suspiciously.
He leaned forward, smirking. “Because no one knows you better than I do.”
The room fell silent.

Mia narrowed her eyes. “And what’s your real reason?”
Rudraksh shrugged. “Maybe I just want to spend more time with my wife-to-be.”
Mia sighed, exasperated. “This is ridiculous.”
“Give me a one-week trial,” he said, holding up a finger. “If I mess up, you can fire me.”
She hesitated, then finally relented. “Fine. One week.”
The HR team watched in stunned silence as Mia made the decision. This was going to be interesting.

The First Day as Secretary
Rudraksh arrived at the office before Mia the next morning, already settled at his new desk outside her cabin. When she walked in, he greeted her with a perfect cup of coffee and a detailed schedule for the day.
She raised an eyebrow. “Not bad.”
“Just getting started,” he said smugly.

By midday, Mia had to admit he was handling things surprisingly well. He scheduled meetings, screened calls, and even reminded her to take a lunch break—something she often forgot.
But then came the ultimate test. A difficult client stormed into the office, demanding to see Mia without an appointment. The staff panicked, but Rudraksh remained calm.

“I’m sorry, sir, but Ms. Ahuja is in a meeting,” he said smoothly. “I can schedule a time for you later.”
The client fumed. “Do you know who I am? I demand to see her now!”
Rudraksh simply smiled. “And I demand you calm down. Unless, of course, you’d like me to escort you out?”
The client blinked, taken aback by the quiet authority in his voice. He huffed but ultimately backed down, agreeing to set an appointment.
Mia, who had been watching from inside her office, smirked. Maybe hiring Rudraksh wasn’t the worst idea after all.
As the day ended, she walked past his desk and paused. “Not bad for your first day.”

He grinned. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Little did she know, this was just the beginning of their new dynamic—one that would test their patience, strengthen their bond, and bring them even closer in ways neither of them had anticipated.