Chapter 1

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.

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