"Secrets in the Office"

_________AUTHOR'S POV:~~

The office was buzzing with anticipation. Every new intern had been preparing for this moment—their chance to be selected into a senior team. It was a defining event that would determine their future within the company. Anaya could feel the tension in the air as she sat with the other interns, her fingers tapping lightly against her tablet where her presentation was ready.

Next to her, Janvi was nervously biting her nails, her eyes darting between the door and her unfinished cup of coffee. She was clearly stressed, her shoulders tense and her leg shaking under the table. Anaya noticed her distress and leaned closer.

"Hey," Anaya whispered gently, placing a hand on Janvi's arm. "You've got this. You've worked hard on your presentation, and you're going to do just fine."

Janvi looked at her, her eyes wide with worry. "But what if I don't get into any team? What if they think my work isn't good enough?" she whispered back, her voice trembling.

Anaya smiled reassuringly. "Believe me, they wouldn't have let you come this far if they didn't see potential in you. You're more capable than you think. Just go in there and show them what you've got. You belong here."

Janvi took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. She nodded slowly. "Thanks, Anaya. I'll try."

Just then, a staff member walked into the room, holding a clipboard. "Janvi Mehta, you're next," the staff member called.

Janvi's face paled, but she stood up, clutching her tablet tightly. Anaya gave her a thumbs-up as she headed into the presentation room.

---

Inside the room, Janvi could feel her heartbeat in her throat. The walls felt closer, and the lights seemed brighter. There was a long conference table where the seniors sat, their expressions unreadable. At the head of the table was Kunal, the lead developer, his presence commanding and somewhat intimidating. He was known for being mysterious, rarely showing emotion or giving away much about his thoughts.

Next to Kunal sat Pranali, another senior, who was more approachable but equally focused. The other seniors, each with years of experience, watched Janvi closely as she prepared to present.

"Your name?" one of the seniors asked as Janvi stood frozen for a moment.

Janvi blinked, her nerves momentarily getting the better of her. "I-I'm Janvi Mehta," she stammered, trying to regain control of her voice.

Kunal, sitting at the head of the table, observed her silently, his eyes flicking up from the notes in front of him. He made no move to break the silence, his attention now focused on her.

As Janvi started her presentation, she felt the weight of their eyes on her. She stumbled through the first few slides but eventually found her rhythm. By the end, she had managed to complete her presentation without any major issues, though her hands were still trembling.

"Thank you, Janvi," Pranali said kindly, offering her a small smile of encouragement. "We'll discuss it and let you know shortly."

Janvi left the room, her heart still pounding in her chest. She had survived it, but she wasn't sure if she had done well enough. All she could do now was wait.

---

Back in the waiting area, Anaya was watching the door as Janvi returned, her face a mix of relief and lingering anxiety.

"How did it go?" Anaya asked.

"I don't know," Janvi whispered, sinking into the chair next to her. "I think I messed up in the beginning. I just hope it's enough."

Anaya gave her a reassuring smile. "You did your best, and that's what matters. Now it's just a waiting game."

The staff member returned, this time calling Anaya's name. "Anaya Malhotra, you're up next."

Anaya stood, smoothing down her blouse and grabbing her tablet. She gave Janvi a quick nod of confidence before walking into the room. The tension in the room was palpable as she entered. Like Janvi before her, Anaya found herself standing in front of the long table of seniors.

Kunal's eyes immediately landed on her, his gaze steady and unreadable as always. Pranali gave her a polite nod of acknowledgment.

"Your name?" one of the seniors asked, though they clearly already knew it.

"Anaya Malhotra," she said confidently, taking her place at the front of the room.

With practiced ease, Anaya began her presentation. Her slides were clear, her points precise, and she spoke with the professionalism that came naturally to her. As she went through the details of her project, she could see the seniors taking notes, their expressions focused. But Kunal... he wasn't just watching her presentation. His eyes kept drifting to her, watching her closely, almost as if he were analyzing her beyond the work she was presenting.

When Anaya finished, the head developer leaned forward slightly, his expression thoughtful.

"Your work is impressive," he said, his voice neutral. "But I'm still deciding which team to assign you to. Can you give me a reason why I should put you in a particular team?"

Anaya took a deep breath. She had anticipated this question and knew exactly what to say. "I believe I would be a good fit for Pranali's team," she replied confidently. "Not only is her work aligned with the project I've presented, but I've also followed her previous work, and I think her style of leadership would challenge me and allow me to grow. I'm looking for a team where I can learn from seniors with experience while also contributing fresh ideas. Pranali's team offers that balance."

Pranali looked at Anaya with raised eyebrows, clearly impressed by her confidence and reasoning. "That's very thoughtful," she said, nodding approvingly.

Kunal remained silent, though Anaya could sense his satisfaction from the way his gaze lingered on her, a glint of something unreadable in his eyes. He hadn't spoken much, but there was an intensity in his presence that made it clear he was observing her closely, filing away every detail.

"Thank you, Anaya," Kunal finally said, his voice cool and composed. "We'll be in touch with the results soon."

Anaya nodded, maintaining her professional composure, though her heart was racing beneath the surface. She left the room with her head held high, feeling confident in her performance.

---

Back in the waiting area, the other interns were growing more anxious by the minute. The tension was thick, and everyone was on edge, waiting for the results. Janvi sat next to Anaya, wringing her hands nervously.

"Do you think they'll let me into a team?" Janvi asked quietly, her eyes full of worry.

Anaya gave her a reassuring smile. "Of course. You did your best, and that's what matters. Besides, you have great skills. Just trust yourself."

Janvi nodded, though her nerves were still evident.

The staff member returned once more, holding a list of names. The room fell silent as everyone waited for their names to be called, their futures hanging in the balance.

"Janvi Mehta, you'll be joining Kunal's team," the staff member announced.

Janvi's eyes widened in shock, and she turned to Anaya, her face pale. "I'm in Kunal's team? Oh no... he's so... intimidating," she whispered, her hands shaking.

Anaya squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. "You'll be fine. He's tough, but he's fair. Just be yourself, and you'll do great."

Janvi gave a small nod, though her nervousness was still palpable.

Finally, the staff member called Anaya's name. "Anaya Malhotra, you'll be joining Pranali's team."

A wave of relief washed over Anaya, and she smiled confidently. That's exactly where she wanted to be.

As the staff member finished calling out the teams, the room erupted into murmurs and quiet conversations. The new interns were filled with excitement and anxiety as they prepared to start the next phase of their journey.

---

Kunal watched the interns disperse, his eyes lingering on Anaya as she left the room with Pranali. There was something about her—something that intrigued him. She wasn't just another intern. There was a sharpness to her, a confidence that set her apart from the rest. And as much as he tried to remain detached, there was something about her that he couldn't quite shake off.

He leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly against the table as he thought about the days ahead. Anaya Malhotra... she was going to be someone to watch.

——————

The office was buzzing with activity. Every intern who had just been placed in their respective teams was adjusting to their new roles, and the environment felt charged with both excitement and tension. Anaya walked through the hallway, her mind still replaying the earlier presentation. The relief of being selected for Pranali's team was comforting, but there was an underlying feeling that something deeper was happening, especially with Kunal's odd, quiet glances. She could feel his eyes on her even now, as if she were under silent scrutiny.

She entered her new workspace, where a large glass-paneled room housed Pranali and her team. The office had an air of modernity, sleek design, and a touch of warmth that Pranali's team seemed to embody. The bright white desks were accented with pops of color from the plants and decor scattered around. The view from the wide windows offered a panorama of the city skyline, which added to the sleekness of the place.

Anaya adjusted her files and made her way to her new desk. Next to her, Janvi was already seated at her own, still looking slightly anxious, though she managed to smile at Anaya.

"How do you feel?" Anaya asked softly, settling in her chair.

"Nervous," Janvi admitted, her voice low. "Kunal barely said a word during the presentation, but I could feel him watching. I don't know how I'm going to work under him."

"You'll get used to it. He might seem intimidating, but everyone says he's fair. Plus, you're smart, Janvi. You're going to do great." Anaya gave her a supportive smile before turning to her own work.

Just then, Pranali walked into the room, her usual cheerful demeanor lighting up the space. "Good morning, team!" she called, her voice full of energy. "I hope everyone is ready for a productive day."

The team members all responded with their greetings, and Anaya watched as Pranali moved with ease through the office. She was the type of leader that people admired—open, approachable, and always attentive to her team's needs. This was the environment Anaya had wanted to be part of.

"Anaya, can I see you in my office for a moment?" Pranali asked with a gentle smile, standing by the door to her office.

Anaya nodded, gathering her tablet and following Pranali inside. The office was bright and welcoming, much like its owner. Soft, natural light streamed in through the windows, and the minimalist decor gave the space a calming vibe.

Pranali motioned for her to sit before taking a seat behind her own desk. "I wanted to personally welcome you to the team, Anaya. Your presentation was really well done, and I think you're going to fit in perfectly here."

"Thank you, Pranali. I'm really excited to work with you and the team," Anaya replied, her professional tone hiding the flicker of excitement she felt.

"I have high expectations for you, Anaya. There's a big project coming up, and I want you to take the lead on some key elements. I think you're ready for it."

Anaya nodded, her heart racing slightly. "I won't let you down."

"I know you won't," Pranali said with a smile. "Now, let's get started."

---

Meanwhile, in another part of the office, Kunal sat in his own corner, a glass-enclosed room that overlooked the rest of the floor. His desk was immaculate, every item perfectly placed. His team was known for its efficiency and high standards, a reflection of Kunal's demanding nature.

He leaned back in his chair, his eyes flickering over the room, but his mind wasn't on the tasks at hand. It was on the new interns—specifically, Anaya Malhotra. There was something about her that intrigued him. She wasn't like the others, who were eager to impress but often lacked substance. Anaya had a quiet confidence, a sharpness that he couldn't ignore. She had captured his attention, and that wasn't something that happened often.

As Kunal continued to observe the office, his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Aarav entered the room, casually tossing a file on Kunal's desk.

"So, how's the new batch of interns?" Aarav asked, his tone light but carrying an undertone of curiosity.

Kunal didn't reply immediately. He glanced briefly at the file before speaking. "They're... adequate."

Aarav raised an eyebrow, taking a seat across from him. "Adequate? You're not usually this vague. Come on, there must be someone who's caught your eye."

Kunal didn't respond, his gaze drifting momentarily out of the glass wall, where he could see Anaya working at her desk across the office.

Aarav noticed his wandering eyes and smirked. "Ah, I see. Someone has caught your eye. Don't tell me—Anaya Malhotra?"

Kunal shot Aarav a sharp look but said nothing. Aarav laughed, leaning back in his chair. "I knew it. You've been watching her since the presentation. Don't worry, she's talented. I think she'll fit in well here."

Kunal remained silent, though his expression darkened slightly. "It's not about fitting in," he finally said, his voice cold. "It's about performance."

Aarav raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. But just so you know, you can't intimidate everyone with that mysterious act of yours."

Kunal's lips twitched, but he said nothing, shifting his focus back to the work in front of him.

---

Back at her desk, Anaya was fully immersed in her work. The day was passing quickly, and the pressure of the new project was looming over her. She was determined to prove herself, not just to Pranali, but to everyone in the office.

As she was working, she felt a presence nearby. Looking up, she saw Kunal standing a few feet away, his expression as unreadable as ever. He didn't say anything at first, just watched her silently, which made Anaya feel slightly uncomfortable.

"Is there something I can help you with, sir?" she asked, keeping her tone professional.

Kunal studied her for a moment before speaking. "Your presentation was impressive. Pranali made a good choice bringing you onto her team."

"Thank you," Anaya replied, her heart racing slightly. There was something unsettling about Kunal's gaze—it wasn't just a casual observation; it was as if he was trying to figure her out.

"I expect to see that same level of performance consistently," Kunal added before turning on his heel and walking away.

Anaya watched him leave, her thoughts racing. She couldn't help but feel like there was more to Kunal than what met the eye. His cold, distant demeanor seemed to hide something deeper—something she couldn't quite put her finger on.

---

The day continued, with the office settling into its usual rhythm. By the time lunch rolled around, Anaya and Janvi found themselves in the company cafeteria, a bright and modern space where employees could relax and recharge.

Janvi was still on edge from her earlier encounter with Kunal. "I don't know how you stay so calm," she said, poking at her salad. "I felt like I was going to pass out in that room."

Anaya smiled sympathetically. "I was nervous too. But you did great, and now we just have to focus on doing our best in the coming weeks. Besides, you're in Kunal's team now. That's a big deal."

Janvi sighed. "Yeah, but I can't shake the feeling that I'm going to mess up. He's so... intense."

"Just take it one day at a time," Anaya encouraged. "You'll find your rhythm soon enough."

As they talked, Anaya's phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at the screen and saw a message from Rudra, her heart skipping a beat.

Meet me outside after work. We need to talk.

Anaya's heart raced as she read the message. She quickly put her phone away, trying to remain composed, though her thoughts were anything but calm. Rudra rarely sent messages like this during the day, and when he did, it was never casual. Whatever he wanted to discuss, it was important. She could feel the weight of the secret they shared looming over her.

She glanced across the cafeteria and caught sight of Kunal, who was sitting at a table with Aarav and some of the other seniors. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and she felt a strange tension pass between them. She quickly looked away, focusing back on Janvi and their conversation, but the feeling lingered.

---

As the workday came to a close, Anaya gathered her things and prepared to leave the office. Her mind was racing with thoughts of what Rudra might want to discuss. She made her way to the elevator, her heart pounding in her chest.

When she stepped outside, Rudra was waiting by his car, his expression as serious as ever. His sharp suit and cold demeanor made him stand out even in the bustling crowd of employees leaving the building.

"Get in," he said quietly, his voice calm but firm.

Anaya obeyed, slipping into the passenger seat. As soon as the door closed, Rudra's hand gripped the steering wheel tightly, and Anaya knew this conversation was going to be intense.

"What's going on, Rudra?" she asked softly, turning to face him.

Rudra didn't answer immediately, his jaw clenching slightly. "There are things happening that you need to know about," he finally said.

____________________

The office buzzed with activity as the new interns settled into their roles. Anaya focused on her tasks, unaware of the complex web of secrets that surrounded her. Kunal's lingering gaze during the presentation hadn't escaped her notice, but she brushed it off, chalking it up to professional scrutiny.

Meanwhile, in Kunal's glass-paneled office, Aarav sat across from him, the air between them casual but heavy with unspoken thoughts. Aarav, usually laid-back and observant, was always quick to pick up on subtleties, especially when it involved family.

"So, how's the new batch of interns?" Aarav asked with a smirk, tossing a file onto Kunal's desk.

Kunal's eyes flicked to the file briefly before leaning back in his chair. "Adequate," he said flatly, his usual detachment in place.

Aarav raised an eyebrow, curious. "Adequate? You're not usually this vague. Come on, there must be someone who's caught your eye."

For a moment, Kunal hesitated, then spoke without meeting Aarav's gaze. "Anaya Malhotra."

Aarav froze, his heart skipping a beat. Anaya? He felt a surge of panic but masked it quickly. How could Kunal mention her of all people? Anaya, Rudra's wife, the secret that could unravel everything if not handled carefully.

Aarav's mind raced, but he maintained his calm demeanor. He couldn't let Kunal know the truth—not yet. If Kunal found out that Anaya was married to Rudra, it could lead to unnecessary complications. The delicate balance between Rudra's secretive relationship and the professional environment needed to be maintained.

"Anaya Malhotra, huh?" Aarav replied casually, though his tone carried an undercurrent of surprise. He forced a chuckle. "Well, she's talented. Pranali speaks highly of her."

Kunal didn't seem to notice the slight edge in Aarav's voice. "She's more than talented," he said, his tone contemplative. "There's something about her... something different."

Aarav's heart pounded in his chest. This was dangerous territory. If Kunal pursued this any further, it could threaten Rudra and Anaya's relationship, which was already precariously hidden from the world. Aarav needed to steer the conversation away, but he couldn't do it too abruptly.

"Yeah, she's got potential," Aarav agreed, keeping his tone light. "But you know how it is—plenty of interns show promise, and not all of them make it. It'll be interesting to see how she handles the pressure."

Kunal nodded, his attention shifting back to his work, seemingly satisfied with the conversation for now. Aarav exhaled quietly, relieved that he had managed to avoid diving deeper into the subject. But the alarm in his mind wouldn't subside.

After a few more minutes of professional chit-chat, Aarav left Kunal's office, walking down the hallway, his thoughts racing. He couldn't let this go unchecked. If Kunal took a personal interest in Anaya, things could get messy fast. Aarav needed to protect his brother's secret marriage at all costs, especially given how vulnerable Anaya was in this environment, with no one knowing her connection to Rudra.

---

Later that day, Aarav found a quiet moment to call Rudra. As the phone rang, Aarav's mind buzzed with concern. When Rudra finally picked up, his voice was curt as usual.

"What happened ?" Rudra asked, his tone indifferent.

"We need to talk," Aarav said, trying to keep his voice low so no one overheard. "Kunal mentioned Anaya today."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line. Aarav could almost hear the tension in Rudra's silence.

"What did he say?" Rudra's voice was calm but had an underlying edge of control, like someone holding back a storm.

"Nothing incriminating... yet," Aarav replied. "But he's noticed her. He said she's different, and you know Kunal—when he gets curious, he doesn't stop."

Rudra cursed under his breath. "I've kept things under control for this long, Aarav. What do you suggest we do?"

Aarav leaned against the wall, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. "We can't let Kunal dig any deeper. For now, I'll handle him. I didn't tell him anything, but we need to be more careful. If he finds out Anaya is your wife, things will get complicated fast."

Rudra's voice was cold. "I appreciate it. Keep an eye on him."

"Of course," Aarav replied, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. He ended the call and sighed, realizing how precarious their situation had become. Protecting Rudra and Anaya's secret marriage was growing harder by the day, especially with Kunal's interest in her.

---

As Anaya sat at her desk later that afternoon, she noticed Aarav walking past her. He shot her a brief smile, his expression friendly but tinged with something she couldn't quite place—concern, maybe? She dismissed it, focusing back on her work, but a feeling of unease lingered in the back of her mind.

Little did she know, her very presence was at the center of a silent storm brewing among the men in her life—each one determined to protect their secrets, but unsure of how long they could keep the truth hidden.

##To be continue...**