[Author's POV - After 24 hours]
On the surface, 24 hours pass quietly. Sunrise and sunset blur together over the Bangalore skyline. Key cards come and go. Interns are seen holding coffee cups and folders, whispering, laughing and working too hard. From the outside, nothing looks different - just another cycle in the endless rhythm of corporate life.
But beneath that calm...
Things are going on, fast, quiet, invisible and dangerously precise.
For most interns, the past 24 hours have been a whirlwind of toil and panic - sketching ideas on whiteboards, whispered critiques on the stairs, exchanging slide decks on midnight calls.
Every glance, every heartbeat carries a heavy whiff of expectation. The possibility of early absorption is too tempting to ignore.
But for Aarav, this wasn't just a presentation initiative. It was a weapon. A move in a much bigger game.
While others worried about bullet points and colour palettes, Aarav sat above it all not distracted, not stressed but focused.
Each passing hour, he wasn't just working in a tech company. He was tightening the strings. Quietly, ruthlessly, completely bending fortunes in one direction. Towards him.
While Priya worked late into the night with benign ambition, tweaking user flows and triple-checking her font sizes.
Aarav sat quietly, a hacker on call and footage on screen, looking for a ghost in the background of her life. A man, a stranger. Someone who shouldn't have been there.
And no matter how deeply his team searched – nothing was found. No ID, no name, no registered vehicle.
The man used cash, wore forgettable clothes, changed shoes and hats which are disposable and being very careful. That was what made him dangerous, very dangerous.
Because Aarav had designed this entire world to orbit only him. Her daily routine, her department, her growth.
Every detail passed through her – silently, invisibly. And now, someone else had stepped into that world uninvited. He hated it but today is not about danger.
Not now.
Today is about her.
Today, she will become part of his department. His domain, his control. She will come in as if it were her own merit. And it is - to a certain extent. She is talented, focused, and hardworking. The perfect intern.
But this outcome was never going to be a coincidence. He made sure of it. She will hear her name - just before the transfer order arrives in her inbox with a signature and seal. She will smile, confused but grateful. And he will watch. like always.
Because when the rest of the company sees a rising intern...He sees the beginning of something else. Something that can't be changed.
[Aarav's POV – Morning | His Mansion Study Room]
It's 7:48 AM. The soft morning light pours through the tall windows of my study, warming the edge of the desk, but I barely notice. The curtains are half open, the air-conditioner hums low, and there's a cup of untouched black coffee sitting next to me, long gone cold.
I've been sitting here since 6:00 AM, eyes fixed on the screen in front of me.
There's no sound. Just a quiet, black-and-white feed from the CCTV camera outside her apartment building.
I know her routine by now. She usually leaves around 8:20 AM. Sometimes earlier if she's nervous. Sometimes later if she's overthinking.
Always with the same bag slung over her shoulder. Always checking twice before locking the door. Always adjusting her hair as she walks toward the street.
That moment when she steps into the frame , is how my days start now.
Not with emails. Not with news headlines. Not even with calls from my department heads. But with her.
That one glimpse settles something inside me. Brings a calm nothing else can. I haven't slept properly in two days not because of overwork, but because of that man.
The one following her. The one I still can't identify.
I've had Private eye working around the clock. Facial recognition, location tracking, surveillance footage from nearby shops, mobile data pings.
But there's still no name. No trace. No mistake to catch him on. A man without records is a threat I don't like. Because if I can't see what he's planning, I can't control it and I need control.
But that isn't today's focus. Today is hers.
Today, everything I've been building, every small adjustment, every quiet decision leads to this moment. The final piece.
By evening, Priya will no longer be just an intern in some remote corner of the front-end team.
She will be part of my department. Under my domain. Near me.
I've already sent the HR draft a team restructuring notice. Neatly written. Perfectly timed. It follows the presentation evaluations. No one will question it.
"Fast-track absorption of high-performing interns," it says. "Top ideas to be placed directly into high-priority projects under AI Solutions & Deployment."
That's my team.
She submitted her presentation yesterday — late evening. I didn't open it immediately. I wanted to wait. I wanted it to feel real, the moment I read her name in the subject line.
She'll be moved without realizing the hand that made it happen. I tell myself it's because she deserves it. Because her presentation was brilliant. And it's true — she's smart, focused, sharp in a way that's rare.
But that's not the whole truth. She's also the reason I still show up here. The reason I've started watching the world again.
A flicker catches my eye. Movement. The feed shifts. A soft shadow.
The door to her apartment opens.
And there she is.
Looking gorgeous as always and I can't wait to make her mine, she locks the door. Looks both ways. Walk toward the gate with steady steps.
I lean slightly forward, eyes following her until she disappears offscreen. I exhale.
She has no idea what today means. No idea how far I've gone to make sure this happens. But she will. Soon.
[Priya's POV – On the Way to Office | In the Auto-Rickshaw
The city hums around me as the auto swerves past sleepy tea stalls and impatient bikers. I hold my bag tight in my lap, fingers nervously fidgeting with the strap, while the cool morning air brushes against my face. Bangalore never really sleeps, but this early in the day, it almost feels like it's holding its breath ,just like me.
Today is the day. Result declaration day. I keep telling myself not to think too much, not to over expect... but my mind won't stop replaying every little thing from the last two days.
I submitted my presentation yesterday, late evening. I didn't open it immediately after sending it. I just stared at the screen, watching my own name in the subject line of the email. I wanted that moment to feel real. Like I'd actually done it. Like I belonged here.
The last 24 hours have been a mix of chaos and silence. Preparing slides, editing mock-ups, double-checking every word. Tanya and I sat for hours tweaking transitions and polishing the UI screenshots. Sudeep kept pacing like a coach before a final match. And Rohit... Well, he kept cracking lame jokes just to ease the tension.
I didn't even realize how fast the day went. But somewhere between all that rush, I made time for something important.
Last night, I called Maa.
She was happy, truly happy for the first time since I left. Her voice was soft, emotional. She told me she was proud of me, and I... I cried. Quietly. Not because I was sad. But because hearing her say that felt like water after a long, dry walk.
She asked about the presentation, about the office, and about the girls in my team. I didn't mention what ever happened between me and Aarav Sir. I don't know why. Maybe because I didn't want to give her stress.
The auto takes a sharp turn and I jolt slightly, gripping the metal bar. I'm almost there.
My stomach flips.
I wonder who all will get selected. I wonder if they'll announce names in the conference hall or through email. I wonder... if my name will be there. Just the thought sends a nervous chill down my spine. I've never wanted anything this badly before. And somehow, it feels like everything in my life is about to change again. But this time, I'm ready. I think.
[Priya – At Her Desk]
I walk past the rows of cubicles, pretending not to notice the curious glances some teammates give me. Or maybe I'm just imagining it. Maybe no one knows. Maybe the result hasn't been shared yet Or maybe they do know. I hate this.
My feet move faster as I reach my spot. The desk looks exactly the same clean, organized, impersonal but suddenly, I feel like a guest. Like this seat is borrowed, temporary, and someone might ask me to get up any moment now.
I slide into the chair and place my bag gently on the side. My fingers hover above the keyboard for a second before I finally power on the system. Don't overthink. Just act normal.
I open Slack. Nothing new. Outlook. No new mails.
I log into the internal portal. Nothing there either. Okay. Good. Or bad. I don't know.
Tanya hasn't arrived yet. Sudeep and Rohit are at their desks, both looking unusually serious. Rohit glances at me once, and I try to offer a tight smile. He doesn't smile back, just gives a small nod.
My palms are already sweaty.
I plug in my earphones just for the sake of looking busy, even though no music is playing. I stare at my screen like something urgent is happening. Like I'm in control. Like my entire career isn't balancing on an invisible knife right now.
"Why haven't they sent the mail yet? What's the delay?"
I opened the presentation file again the one I submitted yesterday evening. I scroll through it slowly, like maybe I'll find something I missed, something that could cost me everything. But the animations are smooth, the content is structured, the mockups clear.
Still... 'was it enough?' A soft ping from Outlook. My heart leaps into my throat.
But it's just a team announcement for some other department. I exhale so hard, I almost laugh.
'Get a grip, Priya.'
I minimize all the windows and just sit there for a moment. Breathing and waiting.
I wish someone would just 'tell me already'.
[11:45 AM – Announcement Time, Author's POV]
A quiet buzz runs through the floor. Everyone knows what's about to happen. Chairs squeak, heads turn, keyboards fall silent as footsteps approach from the left corridor.
It's Neha, the HR manager walking in with a neatly folded paper in her hand and a carefully composed smile. She's never done this before in person, but today is different.
Aarav insisted. His words were simple "No emails. No public boards. I want names announced, out loud. And hers... first."
She pauses near the Product Engineering bay. All heads are up now. Tanya nudges Priya, whispering, "It's happening." Priya's heart jumps. Neha clears her throat.
"Good morning, everyone. Thank you for your patience. The final list of interns selected for permanent positions has just been approved. These names are being released today as per instruction from senior management."
She unfolds the paper.
"First on the list..." She smiles, her eyes flickering straight to where Priya is sitting. "Priya Singh, Front-End Development Team."
There's a pause. It takes Priya a second to register her own name. Her eyes widened. Tanya gasps and clutches her arm. A few claps break out.
Priya stands, unsure if she's supposed to say something. Her hands tremble as she looks around. Her throat feels tight, her vision slightly blurred. This is real. This is happening. She can't believe it.
Far away, in his cabin, Aarav leans slightly forward.
The camera feed on his monitor shows her reaction in real-time. The way her hand covers her mouth. The disbelief. The shy smile slowly formed. He zooms in just a little. Her joy makes something stir inside him, something he doesn't name.
Back outside, Neha continues.
"Tanya Mehra, also from the Front-End Development Team."
Tanya squeals beside Priya, nearly pulling her into a hug. Priya laughs softly, still stunned. Their team claps louder now.
Then... silence. Neha doesn't read any more names from their team.
Sudeep and Rohit glance at each other, eyebrows furrowing. They wait. But no names come.
Because Aarav never approved them. He doesn't want any man near her. Especially not these two.
Back in his cabin, Aarav watches every flicker of emotion on their faces — confusion, disappointment, the awkward shuffle in their seats. He doesn't blink. His jaw is set.
She, and only she, was the plan.
The celebration begins. Tanya is already dragging Priya out of her chair to meet others.
She's shocked. Not overjoyed. Not jumping.
That's fine. He doesn't want a public outburst. He wants her to be thoughtful. Grateful. Quietly overwhelmed.
He leans closer to the monitor, studying every small expression on her face. The silent search in her eyes. She's wondering who made the decision.
A slow smirk plays at the edge of his lips.
Soon, she'll know.
[11:52 AM – Coffee Room, Same Floor]
Priya grabs Tanya's wrist, still dazed, and whispers, "Come."
Tanya stumbles behind her as Priya leads the way across the hallway. Past the pantry, past the elevators, into the small coffee room with glass doors and beige walls. As soon as they're inside, Priya swings the door shut and locks it.
Her breath escapes in a shudder. And then—
She gasps, her hands flying up to her face.
"I got it!" she squeals softly, not wanting the whole floor to hear.
Tanya laughs and wraps her in a tight hug. "Yes, You got it, Priya! Oh my god!"
"I can't believe this—" Priya's voice cracks mid-sentence. "Tanya... I actually made it."
"You didn't just make it, babe, you were first. They called your name first!"
They jump once. Quietly. Carefully. Arms wrapped, laughter muffled. Tanya reaches over and pours two cups of that terrible machine coffee. They clink the paper cups like it's champagne.
"I thought they'd pick someone else," Tanya grins. "I was praying. But when Neha said your name first, I lost it."
Priya wipes under her eyes. "I was sure they'd pick Rohit or Sudeep over me. I mean, they're more—"
"Stop," Tanya cuts in, pointing at her. "You deserve this. You've been working your ass off. And don't you dare forget that."
Priya lets out a breath. Her smile is wide now. Warm. Real.
A moment just for her.
But she doesn't know —
A tiny black lens in the upper corner of the coffee room watches everything.
Inside his cabin, Aarav sees it all.
The small celebration. The way her lips curl when she finally lets herself feel the happiness. How she presses the cup to her cheek like a child trying to hold onto something precious.
She looks soft when she's happy. Soft and glowing. And she has no idea... she's never alone.
[12:20 PM – Back at Her Desk]
Priya returns to her desk still slightly breathless, cheeks flushed from the quiet celebration. Tanya waves goodbye, mouthing, "Lunch after this!" before hurrying off for a meeting.
Priya sits, adjusts her dupatta, and finally opens her laptop. A new mail notification pings just as she unlocks it.
---
Subject: Department Transfer Confirmation – Welcome to AI Solutions & Deployment
Her eyes widened.
Her fingers freeze on the trackpad.
She clicks it open.
> Dear Ms. Priya Singh,
> Congratulations once again on your successful presentation. Based on your performance and future alignment, we are pleased to inform you that you are being transferred to the AI Solutions & Deployment Department under the Product Engineering Division, effective immediately.
> Your reporting manager will be Mr. Aarav, Senior Product Manager.
> You are requested to complete all formalities by 3:00 PM today and report to your new department by 4:00 PM.
> Looking forward to your continued excellence.
> Best regards,
> Office of the Management
---
Her mouth parts in disbelief. Mr. Aarav. Her new manager? Her mind spins—questions flooding, logic clashing with instinct.
[Earlier That Morning – Aarav's Cabin]
Aarav sits alone, blinds down, and a draft email opens on his screen.
He types her name into the To field.
Just her. No CC. No BCC. A private message. A personal touch. But then—
He pauses. Too obvious.
The HR team will talk. The other interns will notice. Priya herself might panic.
He sighs, leans back, and mutters under his breath, "Not yet."
With a few swift clicks, he customizes the message and sends individual versions to each of the other selected interns. A façade of fairness. A web of control.
But the words he whispers are for her alone.
He glances at the surveillance feed showing her frozen in front of the email.
His lips brush the rim of his coffee cup, murmuring softly "Don't worry, jaan. When you come here, I'll make you feel special... every second."
The monitor's glow reflects in his eyes, steady and unblinking. Outside, the office hums with routine, unaware of the storm he is building.
Every move is set, every piece falling into place. By evening, she will be one step closer to his world and there is no way back.
.
.
.
.
.
.
To be continued.....
Write a comment ...