The Cold CEO’S Secret Fire
Chapter 1: A Sick Lie and a Real Problem
[ Roy & Calden Pvt. Consulting ]
(colleagues are quieter than usual)
Elira Sen
(thinking): The silence is so loud today… it means only one thing.
Elira Sen
(thinking): He’s here.
Elira's phone gets new notification
Priya Sharma
💬Priya 💛: Where are you?? Don’t you dare flake!
Priya Sharma
💬Priya 💛: I’ll drag you here in your office chair if I have to 😤💛
Elira Sen
💬Elira: I’m trying.
Elira Sen
💬Elira: Haven’t asked for leave yet.
Elira Sen
💬Elira: Might fake illness… say a prayer 🙏
Priya Sharma
💬Priya 💛: Already said ten.
Priya Sharma
💬Priya 💛: Just come, Elira. It’s my haldi. I need you.
Elira Sen
(thinking): She’s right. I can’t miss this.
(Elira opens her email, hesitates, then types…)
Elira Sen
Elira (Email):
“To: Mr. Ronav Roy
Subject: Sick Leave (Today)
Dear Sir, I’ve been feeling unwell since last night. Requesting one sick day to rest and recover. Will catch up tomorrow. Apologies for the inconvenience.”
(send. heartbeat racing…)
Ronav Roy
[Inbox Notification]
Ronav Roy: Approved. One day. Take care.
Elira Sen
(thinking): …that’s it? Just three words?
Elira Sen
(thinking): Calm before a storm.
Elira Sen
(thinking): Whatever. I’m out of here.
[Later – Sharma House, Haldi Ceremony]
(a flood of photos, marigolds, music, chaos)
Priya Sharma
ELIRAAAA! You’re here!!! 🌼💛
Elira Sen
Of course I’m here 😭
Elira Sen
You look like literal sunshine ☀️
(they hug, laugh, get pulled into makeup corner — phone forgotten in bag)
[Afternoon – Baraat Arrives]
Priya Sharma
Raj’s car just pulled up! He’s here 😭😭
(Elira leans over the railing. Raj steps out. Then… another door opens.)
Elira Sen
(thinking): No. No way.
Elira Sen
(thinking): That’s… him.
Priya Sharma
Oh that’s Raj’s cousin. Ronav. Works at Calden too.
Elira Sen
Priya… that’s my boss.
(Elira stumbles back, phone buzzing in her bag. She checks it—)
Ronav Roy
💬You look surprisingly well for someone with a fever.
(Elira freezes. Heart drops. Silence.)
Elira Sen
(thinking) I’m stuck.
Elira Sen
(thinking) Three days. With him.
Elira Sen
(Thinking) He knows I lied.
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