4. Flare

Abhi's POV:

I slammed the brakes not hard enough to crash, but enough to show her I was horrified.

"What did you just say? Where the hell did marriage come from?" I asked, my eyes wide with shock.

Aarohi burst into laughter. "Relax! I’m just saying what I heard. Mom and Dad were discussing your marriage last night."

That made my stomach twist.

"What exactly were they saying?" I asked slowly, half-scared of the answer.

"I just overheard them saying it’s time for you to settle down. They’re thinking of finding someone for you," she said, still laughing like it was the funniest thing in the world.

"It’s not funny!" I snapped. "Why are you laughing?"

"Because you’re clearly terrified. Wait..." She narrowed her eyes. "Are you scared they’ll find a girl just like that one from this morning?"

I clenched the steering wheel.

"It’s not about the girl. I’m just not ready to get married anytime soon. I need to talk to Mom and Dad about this."

Without waiting for her reply, I started the car again, trying to erase the image of her in a bridal dress. It was a nightmare I didn’t sign up for.

Soon, we reached the office.

Aarohi and I shared a glance before stepping out of the car and heading inside.

She’s the Executive Manager. I’m the CEO.

After our father retired, he handed the entire responsibility of the company to us. We’re both deeply committed to growing the  industry even more than he did.

Aarohi might be dedicated and focused, but she’s also soft-hearted. Kind with the staff. Easy to talk to.

I, on the other hand, believe in discipline and perfection no matter what it takes. That’s why I’m strict. Very strict.

One mistake, one careless slip, and I don’t hesitate to take action.

Over the past few years, I’ve fired several employees for their lack of attention or careless errors. Some called me heartless. Others whispered that I was too harsh. Cold. Cruel.

I don’t care.

I’m not here to make friends.

I’m here to run a company , and I’ll run it my way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Where are the files?" I asked sharply, my patience already wearing thin. "Isn’t today the last day to complete the project? Hand them over so I can sign."

"Yes, sir. These are the completed ones except for two," Tania, my personal assistant and manager, replied hesitantly.

My eyes narrowed. "Except two? Why aren’t they done? Weren’t all projects supposed to be submitted yesterday?"

Tania nodded nervously. "They were, sir. But the last two will be completed today."

I leaned back in my chair, clenching my jaw. "Are you kidding me? The deadline was yesterday. These files were supposed to be in my hands this morning, signed and ready. Who was in charge of those projects?"

"Miss Puja Dixit, sir," she replied, lowering her voice. "She’s been unwell. That’s why the submission is delayed."

I slammed my pen down on the desk.

"I don’t care. Her personal issues are not my concern. If she was too sick to meet the deadline, she shouldn’t have taken the responsibility in the first place. Call her. Now."

I had dealt with careless employees before but this? This was pure irresponsibility. I couldn’t remember the last time someone dared to delay a final project submission like this. And whoever trained her clearly did a pathetic job.

A few minutes later, Tania returned, followed by a girl.

She walked in too confidently for someone who was late on a major project. There was no sign of guilt, no urgency, not even nervousness on her face. If anything, she looked slightly annoyed.

"Did you call me, sir?" she asked.

I looked up at her coldly.

"How can you be so casual and careless? Do you even realize how serious this is? Today is the final day, and you haven’t submitted the files."

"I was sick," she said, folding her arms. "And I’m sorry, but I don’t place your projects above my health."

I stared at her, stunned. The arrogance. The tone. The exact same attitude as that girl from this morning.

Unbelievable.

"You really have no idea who you’re talking to," I said through gritted teeth. "I should fire you this instant. But first, I want to know one thing... Who trained you?"

She raised a brow. "Why do you want to know?"

"Don’t dare question me back!" I snapped, standing up now. "Answer the damn question. Who trained you?"

Her expression finally shifted. A flicker of fear crossed her face as she stammered, "A....Ayan... Ayan Jain."

I couldn’t believe what I had just heard. Ayan Jain was her trainer?

Ayan was one of the most responsible employees in my entire company. He had been working with us for two years without a single complaint. And now he was behind this mess?

"Call Ayan," I ordered Tania sharply.

Within minutes, Ayan stepped into my office with his usual calm expression. "Is something wrong, sir?"  he asked, clearly confused.

I pointed toward Puja. "Was she under your training?"

Ayan glanced at her and nodded, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "Yes, sir. She was."

"Then explain to me how she turned out to be so irresponsible. The project she was in charge of wasn’t completed on time," I said, my tone cold and accusing.

"She was ill, sir," Ayan replied, still defending her.

"That may be true," I said tightly. "But she should’ve informed us. And you should’ve taught her what responsibility means before handing her a project."

Ayan fell silent. I stared at him, disappointed.

"I’m sorry, Ayan. But I have no choice. I have to fire you along with her."

Both of them froze.

Puja’s eyes widened in disbelief. Ayan looked like someone had just punched the air out of him.

"It was my fault," Puja said, stepping forward. "Why are you firing him? He did nothing wrong."

"Shut your mouth!" I snapped, my voice rising with fury. "You don’t get to speak after the mess you’ve created."

I turned my eyes to both of them. "I don’t tolerate carelessness  in my company. You were irresponsible, and Ayan failed as your trainer. That makes you both accountable."

Ayan still said nothing. He stood silently, his eyes cast downward, his face full of quiet regret. But the girl? She was practically fuming, her eyes burning with suppressed rage, lips tightly pressed together as if she was holding herself back.

"You both may leave now," I said, motioning toward the door.

They turned and walked out of the office. Ayan looked defeated. But the girl walked away like a storm waiting to explode.