The First Test

The echoes of Reyansh Oberoi’s words stayed with Ruhi long after she left the boardroom.

“Let’s see if your actions can live up to your dramatic metaphors.”

It wasn’t just a statement. It was a challenge.

By afternoon, the interns were divided into teams for their first project—a market analysis for a luxury brand OE was considering acquiring. The assignment was tough, something even full-time associates struggled with. The HR manager had announced it with a polite smile, but everyone knew it wasn’t just a “learning exercise.” At OE, even interns were tested like warriors entering battle.

Ruhi’s team quickly found a corner in the glass-walled workspace. The others argued over strategies, pulling out laptops and flipping through slides. But Ruhi remained still for a moment, her pen poised above her notebook. She was listening—measuring the noise, filtering the chaos.

One of the interns scoffed, “Are you even going to contribute, Ms. Storms-in-the-rain?”

The group laughed quietly. Ruhi didn’t flinch. Instead, she leaned forward, her voice calm but steady.

“Your numbers don’t add up. The target market isn’t millennials—it’s aspirational Gen Z. If you build your strategy on the wrong audience, you’re already sinking.”

Silence.

The intern who mocked her stared at his notes, realizing she was right. Slowly, the others began looking at her, waiting for her to continue.

By the time the report was polished, most of the ideas were Ruhi’s, though she never once raised her voice or fought for credit. She simply led, without even trying.

---

Late evening, just when everyone thought the day was over, a message came:

“Mr. Oberoi wants the interns’ presentations now.”

The interns froze.

Now? Already?

Ruhi’s chest tightened. She wasn’t afraid of hard work, but the thought of presenting directly to Reyansh Oberoi again sent a rush of adrenaline through her veins.

---

The conference room was colder this time. Reyansh sat at the head of the table, not standing like before. His suit jacket was off, his tie loosened slightly, but his presence was no less commanding. His gaze flicked to the interns as though he already knew who would impress him—and who wouldn’t.

One team presented. Reyansh didn’t react. He only asked sharp questions that left them stuttering. Another team tried to dazzle with flashy slides; he dismissed them with a single raised brow.

Finally, it was Ruhi’s team’s turn.

She stood at the center, her hands clasped to hide the faint tremor in her fingers. But as she began speaking, her nerves melted away. Her voice grew steadier with each word, passion coloring her tone. She didn’t just list data; she told a story—about consumers, desires, and trends that even Reyansh hadn’t seen presented this way before.

For a fleeting second, she thought she saw something shift in his expression. Interest. Curiosity.

When she finished, the silence was deafening.

Then Reyansh spoke.

“Who came up with the shift in demographic analysis?”

Her teammates glanced at her. Ruhi lifted her chin. “I did, sir.”

Reyansh’s gaze pinned her, sharp and unreadable. “And you’re certain you’re right?”

“Yes.” She swallowed, but her voice didn’t waver. “The numbers and behavior patterns confirm it. If OE misses this shift, the acquisition risks failing within two years.”

The room went utterly still. One of the interns looked horrified at her bluntness. No one contradicted the CEO at OE.

But instead of snapping, Reyansh leaned back in his chair, studying her like she was a puzzle piece that didn’t fit the way he expected.

Finally, his lips curved—half a smirk, half something else.

“Interesting.”

He turned to the HR manager.

“Assign Ms. Khanna directly under Strategy. I want her reports on my desk.”

The HR manager blinked in shock. “But sir, she’s still an—”

“Interns who prove themselves don’t stay interns for long at OE,” Reyansh cut him off. His gaze lingered on Ruhi one last time before he looked away. “Meeting over.”

---

As the others filed out, murmuring with envy and disbelief, Ruhi’s heart raced. She hadn’t just survived her first day—she had been noticed.

Noticed by Reyansh Oberoi himself.

And whether it was a blessing or a curse, she had no idea yet.

---

To be continued ~~

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