SORRY GUYS..

New part is here..

AUTHOR'S POV

A new day began with the soft hum of morning news playing faintly in Meher's room. Golden sunrays slipped through the curtains, landing gently on her face. She stirred, eyes half-open, and made an attempt to sit up — but the warmth of the comforter pulled her back down.

A strange weakness weighed on her body, making even small movements feel heavy. With a sigh, she closed her eyes again, letting herself drift for a little longer... unaware that the clock read 6:00 a.m., and she was supposed to leave for the office by 7.

It was 6:45 a.m. when Meher finally tried to get up from bed, only to realize her skin was damp with sweat. Reaching for the thermometer on her nightstand, she waited a few seconds before the reading flashed back at her — fever.

Dragging herself up, she messaged Naina from HR, requesting a sick leave due to illness. To avoid any confusion, she even attached Arav's prior email approval to the message. Once it was sent, she took her medicine and slipped back under the comforter, letting sleep claim her again.

...

After returning from the gym, Arav headed straight to the shower. Today was an important day — the company was finally signing the deal with investors after months of relentless effort.

Fresh out of the bathroom, he walked toward the main door, ready to leave, but stopped midway when his mother's voice called out from behind.

"Arav, have breakfast... and why are you going this early? Where to?"

Maa, I'm going to the office. I'll have breakfast there, don't worry. I have an important meeting today

he said quickly, already moving toward the door.

Without waiting for a reply, he stepped outside, slid into his car, and drove off toward the office...

As he entered the office, the employees were already at their desks, focused on their work, the usual hum of typing and phone calls filling the air.

His very presence drew glances — and a flicker of fear — from those around him.

As he stepped into his cabin, one thought crossed his mind — he needed his special coffee. Yes, Meher's coffee... his one true relief. Without wasting a second, he dialed her number.

The phone rang... and rang... but no one picked up. His brows drew together. He called again — still no answer. A flicker of irritation sparked into frustration.

Pushing back his chair, he strode out of the cabin and glanced at her desk. Empty. Completely empty. His frown deepened.

"Where is Meher?" he barked.

The HR head hurried over. "Sir, she's on leave today—"

He cut her off sharply. "Why the hell is she on leave without informing me?"

"She mailed me this morning... and copied you as well. She said she's not well."

"What?" Arav's voice was sharp, almost disbelieving.

"Naina. My cabin. Now," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

The entire office froze at the sound of his commanding voice. A silent shiver ran through the room, and everyone silently made a note — today was not the day to disappoint him.

Naina stepped into his cabin, her movements cautious, almost hesitant.

"Show me the mail," Arav said, his tone clipped.

She quickly unlocked her tablet and pulled it up, holding it out for him to see. Only when he glanced at the screen did she allow herself a small sigh of relief.

"Seeing the mail, he exhaled sharply, frustration tightening his jaw. How can she take leave today of all days? He had a crucial meeting at 1 p.m. sharp. She was supposed to assist him, to summarize the presentation, to make sure every last detail was perfect."

Her presence wasn't just helpful today — it was essential.

He let out a slow, deliberate sigh... then clicked a button. Leave request: Rejected.

Naina's brows knit in shock. "Sir, she has a medical—"

One cold glare from Arav froze the rest of her sentence in her throat. She swallowed hard and stepped back.

"Call her. Right now," Arav ordered, his tone like steel. 

"I don't care what you have to do — she needs to be in that meeting at 1 p.m. sharp. If she isn't, both her job and yours are gone. I hope I'm clear."

He glanced at the clock. "It's 9 a.m. Make the call. Tell her to be here immediately."

Naina dialed Meher's number, silently praying, Please, Meher... just pick up once.

The line rang. And rang. No answer.

She glanced toward Arav. Their eyes met — and that single look was enough to send a wave of fear crawling up her spine.

Swallowing hard, she tried again, her fingers trembling slightly.

This time, by sheer luck, the call connected.

as she picked the call naina was about to say but arav snaacted the phone from her As soon as the line connected, Naina opened her mouth to speak — but Arav snatched the phone from her hand.

His voice came through, low and commanding, almost like a shadow creeping into the room.
"Meher Sharma... come to the office. Right now."

On the other end, there was a pause, then a faint, tired voice.
"Sir... but I'm on leave. Medical reason..." Meher sighed, still curled under her blanket, her body heavy with fever.

"I don't care," his tone was sharp, cutting through her weak protest. "I want you at the meeting today, 1 p.m. sharp. Otherwise, I'll make sure you don't just lose this job — you won't get a single job anywhere in India."

Naina's eyes widened in disbelief, and even through the phone, Meher froze.
Both women were left stunned — the weight of his words hanging heavy, like a blade suspended in the air.

In a frail, trembling voice, Meher whispered, 

"I... I'll be there, sir... for the 1 p.m. meeting."

"Good for you," Arav said coldly, before ending the call without another word...

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

MEHER'S POV

I was hell-shocked after hearing this from Arav... How could he do this?

But with tears brimming in my eyes, I pushed myself up from the bed. I couldn't lose this job — not at any cost. No.

Quickly, I freshened up, my hands trembling, and swallowed a strong dose of medicine... praying it would keep the dizziness at bay long enough to survive the meeting. 

I quickly stepped out of the house, clutching my bag, the morning air doing little to cool the fever burning inside me.

Time passed... buildings and streets blurred past the cab window, but my mind was fixed on one thing — how to be 100% present in that meeting room, no matter what my body felt like...

She entered the building, and heads turned — shock written on every face. By 12:45, she was striding toward the meeting room, tablet in hand, her expression calm and confident. To everyone else, it was the same old Meher... they had no idea how hard she was holding herself together...

It was exactly 12:59 p.m. when Meher stepped into the meeting room. Every head turned toward her. She offered a polite greeting, then took her place at the front. Without letting her poor health show, she launched into the presentation with full confidence. Every point, every explanation was delivered with clarity and precision — as if nothing could shake her...

While explaining, she felt a pair of eyes on her — steady, intent. But she ignored the sensation, keeping her focus entirely on the meeting as she continued speaking with calm precision.

The meeting finally came to an end. The investors exchanged a few words with Arav before sealing the deal with him, their faces lit with satisfaction. To my surprise, they also praised me warmly for handling everything so efficiently, adding to the sense of accomplishment in the room.

The boardroom was quiet now, with only Arav and Meher remaining as the investors exited. She gathered all her materials, ready to leave, but halted mid-step when she heard her name  called by Arav.

Meher, controlling the storm building inside her, forced her lips into a calm line. Her voice came out steady, almost too soft.
"Yes, sir," she replied, the words tasting bitter but wrapped in a politeness she had perfected over time.

Her fingers tightened slightly around the file in her hands, knuckles whitening for just a second before she loosened her grip. She didn't look up to meet his eyes — not because she couldn't, but because she didn't want him to read the flicker of hurt hidden behind them.

Arav looked at her and asked softly,
"How are you?"

Meher forced a small smile, keeping her voice steady,
"I'm fine" she replied, not wanting to reveal anything that might show her vulnerability.

"Thank you for coming on such short notice," she said coldly.
"If you want, you can take leave right now."

"No, sir, I'm fine," Meher replied politely but firmly.
"Kindly call me if anything more is needed. I'm just outside the cabin."

.

.

.

.

ARAV'S POV

As soon as I heard she wasn't coming, I didn't listen to anything else. I just ordered her to come immediately for the meeting and threatened her—told her she'd lose her job and wouldn't get anywhere in India.
"Yes, I have connections here," I added coldly.

She had to come and assist me in the meeting, no matter what. Glancing at the clock, it was 12:45 PM — the investors were about to arrive. I headed toward the meeting room where the members were gathering, but Meher still hadn't shown up.

I asked someone to call her urgently. The phone rang, but she didn't answer. That made me angry. Just as I was about to say something, the investors arrived, and I had to greet them.

At about 1 PM, the doors opened, and Meher finally entered, looking weak and drained. Seeing her condition, regret hit me immediately for the harsh words I'd said.

Despite her state, she presented the material flawlessly. It wasn't that no one else could have done it, but the way she explained things guaranteed we'd close the deal. I admit I was being selfish — these investors were crucial, and I'd been trying to secure this for a long time.

When the meeting ended, I signed the deal, and everyone started leaving, leaving only Meher and me.

I tried to act cold and rude toward her, and I succeeded, but deep down, something felt wrong—like I had crossed a line.

I asked her to go home and rest, but she replied coldly, "No, I have some work."

With that, she started moving out of the cabin without looking back.

After some time, I returned to the cabin and sighed in relief — we had finally cracked the deal.

Then the realization hit me hard — I had misbehaved with Meher.

Yesterday, too, I had shouted at her because of my stress. And today, it was clearly visible—she wasn't well. She seemed weak and timid, drained by everything.

I took a deep breath and dialed my intercom, calling her.

The phone rang once, and she picked up immediately.

"Yes, sir," Meher said

There was no hesitation— she just picked up the call and replied formally.

"Come to the cabin," I  said.

"On my way, sir," Meher responded promptly

Then the door of the cabin opened, and she entered.

"Sit," I  said.

Meher was shocked — it was the first time he had spoken to her like that.

She hesitated for a moment, then sat down in front of him.

"Meher, I'm sorry for today... and for my behavior yesterday," Arav began.
"I know you're not well, and I called you in when you should have been resting. But the meeting was important, and I had no choice. Otherwise, it could have cost us everything."

"I understand, sir," Meher replied quietly.

Pinch of regretion in heart hurts,by the sound of the reply of her.

"You don't seem well now, either," I said softly, his eyes drifting to her forehead, damp with sweat.

"No, sir, I am good," Meher said, though a wave of dizziness washed over her.

Seeing this, I  immediately stood up from his chair and handed her a glass of water.

"Take this" I said gently.

After drinking the water, she got up from the seat and started to leave.

Just then, Arav called out softly,
"Go home and rest... now."

"But sir..." Meher began, hesitant.

"I said, go home and rest," I interrupted firmly.

She nodded silently and took her leave from the office, knowing she needed the rest.

As she left, I turned my attention to the employee report provided by my private investigator.

"Yes, this is important," I muttered to myself.

"I can't deny the fact that there's a mole in the company leaking our deals and client details to a rival."

Who can be the mole?

....

target...

50+ votes

15+comments..

Thank  you...