Naina’s POV

I arrived for my interview at Litvik Company a few minutes early, my heart racing with anticipation. The towering glass building loomed ahead, reflecting the vibrant city around it, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves. When I applied for the job, I never thought they would actually call me in for an interview. I had just finished my college degree, and while my parents were eager for me to settle down and get married in our hometown, I had different plans. I wanted to experience life outside the familiar walls of my small town in Bihar, India. So, I took my chance and ran away, determined to make a new life for myself in a place where opportunities awaited. Now, here I was, waiting for my interview, filled with hope and anxiety.

In my rush to leave home, I hadn’t even taken the time to Google the men I would potentially be working for. All I knew was that I needed this job to carve out my own identity and break free from the constraints my family had placed on me. I took a deep breath and adjusted my blazer, trying to project confidence even though I felt anything but composed.

“Miss Kumari,” the receptionist called out, pulling me from my thoughts. “Mr. Raghuvanshi will see you now.”

“Thank you,” I said, forcing a smile as I stood up and walked into the office.

Author’s POV

The office was sleek and modern, filled with natural light streaming through the large windows. Anamay Raghuvanshi, a tall man with sharp features and an air of authority, stood up as she entered.

“Naina Kumari,” she introduced herself, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her stomach.

“Anamay Raghuvanshi. Please have a seat,” he said, gesturing to the chair across from him.

“Great that you could join us today,” Anamay continued, a polite smile on his face.

“Thank you for the invitation,” Naina replied, wishing she could lean back in the chair and relax, but she knew better. She sat up straight, her hands clasped in her lap, trying to project an image of professionalism.

“So, are you from India? Which side—north, east, west, or south? Because your accent is unique,” he asked, his interest piqued.

“I am from Bihar, the east side of India,” Naina replied, feeling a slight blush creep onto her cheeks.

“Ah, I see! I’ve heard great things about Bihar. It’s known for its rich culture,” Anamay said, jotting down notes as he continued to ask her about her qualifications and experience.

Naina answered his questions with a mix of enthusiasm and caution, detailing her education and internships, trying to showcase her skills without coming off as arrogant. Little did she know that Anamay had already done a background check on every candidate who walked through the door. He was impressed with Naina’s honesty and her determination to succeed.

As the interview progressed, she felt her initial nerves begin to ease. Anamay was professional but approachable, and he seemed genuinely interested in her responses.

“Do you have any questions for me?” he asked, leaning back in his chair, his gaze steady.

Naina hesitated, thinking for a moment before speaking. “What do you think is the most important quality for someone in this position?”

Anamay considered her question before responding. “I believe adaptability is crucial. In our line of work, things can change rapidly, and being able to adjust and find solutions is key to success.”

Naina nodded, understanding the weight of his words. After a few more minutes of discussion, Anamay smiled and said, “I think you’d be a great fit for our team, Naina. Welcome aboard!”

Naina’s heart soared as she thanked him, still trying to process the fact that she had just been offered a job. The receptionist provided her with some instructions and details about her first day, and as she left the office, she couldn’t help but smile.

Naina’s POV

Once I got back to my rented apartment, a small but cozy space that I had quickly made my own, I plopped down on the sofa, exhaustion washing over me. My mind was racing; I couldn’t believe I got the job!

The apartment was devoid of the spices and flavors that I missed so much from home. I craved the warmth of a freshly cooked meal—dal, sabzi, and roti—but I was too lazy to cook. The thought of chopping vegetables and standing over the stove was not appealing at that moment. Instead, I decided to order in, scrolling through the food delivery app on my phone.

I finally settled on a restaurant that claimed to serve "authentic Indian cuisine." My stomach growled in anticipation as I placed my order, hoping it would be as satisfying as the home-cooked meals I longed for.

While waiting for my food to arrive, I sprawled out on the sofa, letting my mind wander. I thought about my family back in Bihar and how they would react to the news of my new job. They would be proud, I hoped, but deep down, I knew they wouldn’t understand why I hadn’t taken the path they envisioned for me. The pressure to marry and settle down loomed over me, but I was determined to forge my own path.

When the doorbell rang, I jumped up, my excitement palpable. I quickly paid the delivery person and shut the door behind him, eagerly tearing into the containers of food. The aroma wafted through the air, and I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me.

As I dug into my meal, I couldn’t help but smile. Each bite reminded me of home, grounding me in the moment and affirming my decision to take this leap of faith. I savored the flavors, each morsel igniting memories of my mother’s cooking and family gatherings.

After finishing my meal, I cleaned up and sank back into the sofa, feeling content yet exhausted. My mind buzzed with thoughts of the day ahead. I had to wake up early for my new job, and as I closed my eyes, I felt a sense of peace wash over me.

I still couldn’t fully grasp the reality that I had secured a job at Litvik Company. I had always dreamed of working in a dynamic environment, and now, I had that opportunity. A mix of excitement and anxiety filled my heart as I contemplated what tomorrow would bring.

As sleep started to take over, I thought of Anamay and his brother, Rivaan Raghuvanshi. I wondered what it would be like to work with them, especially Rivaan, who was known for being intimidating yet brilliant. Would he be as difficult to handle as the rumors suggested?

No matter what, I was determined to give it my all. Tomorrow marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one filled with possibilities and challenges. And as I drifted off to sleep, I whispered a silent promise to myself: I would make the most of this opportunity, no matter what it took.

Author's POV

Naina had been working at the Litvik Company for two months now. Initially, her role had seemed straightforward, focused on learning the ropes of the corporate world under the careful guidance of Anamay Raghuvanshi. She had been excited about the opportunity to prove herself, especially after running away from her hometown to pursue her dreams. Little did she know that Anamay had other plans in mind—plans that involved preparing her to assist his elder brother, Rivaan Raghuvanshi.

Unlike Anamay, who was composed and approachable, Rivaan had earned a reputation for being harsh, demanding perfection in everything and treating his subordinates with a cold indifference. Naina was completely unaware of this brewing storm as she made her way to the office that morning, her stomach rumbling with hunger and her mind preoccupied with the day ahead.

Upon entering, she immediately noticed Lola, her coworker, pacing nervously. Every few moments, Lola would rearrange the files on her desk as if their order would somehow shield her from an impending disaster.

“What’s going on, Lola?” Naina inquired, sensing the tension in the air.

“Mr. Raghuvanshi is returning today,” Lola replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Naina paused, perplexed. “Doesn’t he always come to the office? What’s so new about him?”

Lola’s expression was grave as she clarified, “I’m not talking about Anamay; I’m talking about his elder brother, Mr. Rivaan Raghuvanshi, the chairman of the company.”

The weight of the name settled heavily on Naina’s shoulders. Rivaan. The thought alone sent a shiver down her spine. She had heard stories about him, tales of his anger and his impossibly high standards. “Okay, thank you, Lola, but why are you so nervous?” Naina asked, trying to gauge the seriousness of the situation.

“You don’t know him,” Lola insisted. “He’s different from Anamay. He’s always angry and likes everything to be perfect. One mistake and you’re out—no explanations, nothing.”

Naina felt a knot form in her stomach. She had a sinking feeling that Rivaan would not take kindly to her. Shrugging off the anxiety, she walked to her office, determined to focus on her work.

Once inside, her stomach growled, reminding her that she had skipped breakfast. She rummaged through her bag and pulled out her lunch box, ready to indulge in the comfort of her homemade food. As she began to eat with her hands, relishing the spices that reminded her of home, the office door swung open.

“What the hell are you doing, and what are you eating? That smells awful and disgusting. How can you eat that thing? And most importantly, who the hell are you?” Rivaan’s voice cut through her moment of bliss, shocking her into silence.

Caught off guard, Naina raised an eyebrow, her mouth still full of food. “And who the hell are you?” she shot back defiantly, refusing to be intimidated. Naina was a foodie, and no one would make her feel ashamed of enjoying her meal.

Rivaan stared at her, taken aback. No one had ever spoken to him like that. He was used to people scurrying away in fear, not standing their ground. The shock quickly morphed into irritation, but curiosity bubbled beneath the surface. Who was this audacious woman?

Feeling awkward, Naina excused herself to the washroom, needing a moment to collect herself. After splashing some water on her face, she returned to find Rivaan still lingering in the doorway, arms crossed, eyes narrowed.

“Who are you?” he asked again, this time with less bluster.

“I am Naina, Anamay’s personal assistant,” she replied, extending her hand for a handshake. He didn’t take it, instead turning his gaze away.

“My brother has unique taste,” he commented dryly, as if Naina were a curiosity rather than a person. Without another word, he walked off, leaving her standing there with her hand awkwardly suspended in the air.

“Brother?” she whispered to herself, realization dawning upon her. This insufferable man was Rivaan! Her heart sank at the thought. Their first meeting had been a disaster, and the worst part was that she couldn’t shake off the memory of him.

As she shut her office door, frustration bubbled inside her. It was bad enough that she would have to work under someone like him; now, she had made a terrible first impression. A few moments later, Lola returned, her face a mixture of sympathy and concern.

“Did you meet my brother?” Anamay’s voice cut through her thoughts as he appeared in the doorway. Naina shot him an annoyed look, knowing exactly what Rivaan must have told him.

“He wasn’t impressed,” she muttered, recalling the disdain etched on Rivaan’s face.

Anamay chuckled, leaning against the doorframe. “Rivaan mentioned something about your ‘not good-smelling food’ and how he would never have hired you if it were up to him.”

“Wonderful,” Naina groaned, rolling her eyes. “Just what I needed to hear.”

“Don’t worry about him,” Anamay reassured her, but he knew Rivaan would not let her off that easily. “He’s just… well, he’s Rivaan.”

As they discussed upcoming meetings, Naina’s thoughts drifted back to Rivaan, her mind racing with questions. Why did he have to be so arrogant? And yet, there was something about him—something intriguing—that made her wonder about the man behind the cold facade.

Later that evening, as she prepared dinner in her small apartment, Bhojpuri songs filled the air, providing a comforting backdrop to her chaotic thoughts. Yet, even as she stirred the pot, her mind kept wandering back to Rivaan. She hated him for his rudeness, but a strange part of her was captivated by the challenge he presented.

“What is wrong with me?” she muttered to herself, setting the table. “I can’t stand him!” Yet, as she picked up her spoon, she couldn’t help but think about the next encounter, wondering if she would ever be able to break through his icy exterior.

Naina was busy working at her desk when her boss, Anamay, walked in, his expression serious. She recognized that look all too well—it usually meant something important was coming. Naina set down her pen, her heart racing slightly, sensing the weight of the moment.

“Naina,” Anamay began, his voice steady, “I need to tell you something.”

She looked up, her mind racing with possibilities. What could it be? Had she made a mistake? Was she being reprimanded? Anxiety gnawed at her stomach.

“You’re going to be reassigned,” he continued, the words hitting her like a cold wave. “Starting tomorrow, you’ll be working as Rivaan’s assistant.”

“But, sir… Rivaan?” The name left a bitter taste in her mouth. Rivaan Raghuvanshi, the chairman of the company and Anamay’s elder brother, was known for his brilliance in business but also for his ruthless demeanor. “We don’t exactly get along,” she added, trying to keep her voice steady despite the rising panic.

“I know you two have had your differences,” Anamay replied, his tone surprisingly gentle. “But I believe you can do this. Rivaan needs someone reliable, and you’re the best we have. You can handle him.”

Handle him? The man was impossible! Naina felt her cheeks flush with frustration. Rivaan had a reputation for being harsh, emotionally detached, and, above all, demanding perfection in everything he did. Their past encounters had been filled with tension, more cutting remarks exchanged than civil words. The thought of being thrust into a role that required her to work closely with him was almost too much to bear.

“Sir,” she started again, her voice shaky, “I’m your assistant, and I’m comfortable here. Rivaan and I… it won’t work.”

Anamay smiled gently, but his tone remained firm, leaving little room for negotiation. “Tomorrow will be your first day. I have no doubts you’ll find a way to make it work. He might seem difficult, but I think you’ll be surprised by what you’re capable of. I’ve already informed him, so be ready at 9 sharp.”

Naina felt as if the floor was giving way beneath her. Rivaan already knew? The idea that the cold, arrogant man was expecting her sent her stomach plummeting. There was no escape.

As Anamay walked away, Naina slumped back in her chair, her thoughts a chaotic whirlpool. How was she going to survive this? The day before, she had just been Anamay’s assistant, doing her best to stay under the radar, learning the ins and outs of the office. But now, she was thrust into a situation that felt like jumping into the deep end of a pool without knowing how to swim.

She closed her eyes, trying to breathe through the mounting anxiety. Rivaan was not just difficult; he was a force of nature. Every time they had crossed paths, he had radiated an aura of authority that left her feeling small and intimidated. He had a way of making her feel utterly insignificant with just a glance, a furrowed brow, or a slight shake of his head. And now, she would have to work directly for him, report to him, and, worse yet, anticipate his needs.

“What kind of hell is tomorrow going to be?” she whispered to herself, dread filling her chest.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Naina tried to focus on her tasks, but her mind kept drifting back to Rivaan. What would it be like working for him? Would he scowl at her from the moment she walked into his office? Would he berate her for minor mistakes or treat her like she was invisible? The anxiety was relentless, churning in her stomach like a storm.

Finally, she gathered her belongings and left the office, her heart heavy with apprehension. That night, she lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing. No matter how hard she tried to convince herself that it would be fine, the truth was that she felt unprepared.

The next morning, she arrived early, her stomach in knots. She paced in front of her desk, her thoughts a jumble of worry and fear. At 9 a.m. sharp, she knocked on Rivaan’s office door, her palms sweaty and her heart pounding in her chest.

“Come in,” came Rivaan’s deep voice from inside.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open and stepped into his office. Rivaan was seated behind an expansive mahogany desk, his attention focused on a stack of documents in front of him. He looked up as she entered, his expression inscrutable.

“Mr. Raghuvanshi,” Naina started, her voice trembling slightly. “I’m Naina, your new assistant.”

He didn’t respond immediately, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized her. “I know who you are,” he said flatly, a hint of irritation lacing his voice.

Naina felt the heat rise to her cheeks, but she forced herself to stand tall. “I’m here to assist you in any way you need,” she said, trying to sound more confident than she felt.

Rivaan leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. “We’ll see about that,” he replied, dismissing her with a wave of his hand.

Naina’s heart sank as he returned to his paperwork, leaving her standing awkwardly in the doorway. She felt like an intruder in his world, completely out of her depth. What had she gotten herself into?

Determined to make the best of it, she took a step forward and gathered the scattered papers on his desk, organizing them into neat piles. “Is there anything specific you’d like me to focus on today?” she asked, trying to engage him in conversation.

Rivaan glanced at her, his eyes cold and assessing. “Just keep the schedule on track,” he replied curtly. “And don’t make any mistakes. I don’t have time for incompetence.”

Naina swallowed hard, the weight of his words pressing down on her. She nodded, forcing a smile. “Understood.”

As she settled into the role, the reality of the challenge ahead hit her. She would have to navigate Rivaan’s unpredictable moods, his high expectations, and his cutting remarks. But deep down, she felt a flicker of determination. If Anamay believed she could handle him, maybe she could prove it to herself too.

With a deep breath, she prepared to face whatever Rivaan Raghuvanshi threw her way, ready to carve her own path through the chaos.