Chapter 20- Lingering past

Rohan glanced at the antique clock perched on the dusty shelf, its hands almost reaching midnight, he realized with a start just how late it had become. The hours had slipped away unnoticed as he delved into the mysteries of the old book.

Emerging from his mother's room, Rohan wasted no time in taking charge, his voice ringing out with authority as he issued commands to the kitchen appliances.

"Kitchen, prepare a sweet dish for me," he declared, his tone firm and resolute. The kitchen hummed to life at his command, its appliances whirring into action as if responding to his every word. Drawers opened and closed, ingredients were gathered, and the soft glow of the oven illuminated the room with warmth and comfort.

As the sweet dish neared completion, Rohan's anticipation grew, his mouth watering at the thought of indulging in its sugary delights. And when the final masterpiece emerged from the oven, golden and glistening with sweetness. With a smile of satisfaction, Rohan savored every bite of the sweet dish, the flavors dancing upon his taste buds and filling him with a sense of contentment.

The next morning, Rohan rose from his bed with a sense of purpose, ready to face the day ahead. As he went through his morning routine, the events of the previous night still fresh in his mind, he couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of determination stirring within him.

With a quick shower and a hearty breakfast to fuel his day, Rohan dressed himself in his finest attire, each garment carefully selected to convey professionalism and confidence. As he smoothed down his shirt and straightened his tie in the mirror, he couldn't shake the feeling that today held the promise of something new and exciting. Gathering his belongings, Rohan made his way to the door, his steps light with anticipation. With a final glance around his apartment, he ensured that everything was in order before stepping out into the bustling streets outside.

 Rohan waited for the public transport to arrive, he found himself drawn to a nearby book stall, its shelves overflowing with an enticing array of literary treasures. With a curious glance, he approached the stall, his eyes scanning the titles displayed before him.

As Rohan browsed the books at the stall, With a sense of intrigue, Rohan tapped the screen, activating the AI assistant. A friendly interface greeted him, prompting him to scan the cover of the book he was interested in. Eager to learn more about the titles that had caught his eye, Rohan selected a novel by his favorite author and held it up to the device's camera. Within moments, the AI assistant sprang into action, analyzing the cover and retrieving information about the book and its author.

With a sense of anticipation, he held the weathered tome up to the device's camera, curious to see what information it would uncover about the mysterious volume.

As the AI assistant sprang into action, its digital eyes analyzing the faded cover of the book, Rohan couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. What secrets would the AI reveal about this ancient text? What stories lay hidden within its pages, waiting to be discovered?

The screen displayed the title of the book, "The Fall and Rise of the Celestial Realm," along with the name of its author, Tina. Rohan's eyebrows raised in surprise at the mention of the author's name, a sense of intrigue growing within him as he pondered the significance of the discovery.

Rohan turned to the AI-powered book assistant once more, his curiosity piqued by the possibility of finding additional volumes of "The Fall and Rise of the Celestial Realm." With a hopeful expression, he posed his question to the device, eager to learn more about the availability of the elusive volumes at the book stall.

"Hey, AI," Rohan began, addressing the digital assistant. "Do you have any information on whether the book stall carries other volumes of 'The Fall and Rise of the Celestial Realm' by Tina?"

The AI assistant hummed to life, its interface displaying a series of search results as it scoured its database for relevant information. After a moment of processing, the screen displayed a response, providing Rohan with the information he sought.

"According to my records," the AI assistant replied, "the book stall does not currently have additional volumes of 'The Fall and Rise of the Celestial Realm' in stock.

The revelation that the author had pulled back all available volumes of "The Fall and Rise of the Celestial Realm" sent a wave of disappointment washing over him. It seemed that his hopes of acquiring additional volumes of the captivating series had been dashed.

"AI," Rohan began, addressing the digital assistant, "do you have any information on the current whereabouts of Tina, the author of 'The Fall and Rise of the Celestial Realm'? I'm interested in reaching out to him directly."

After a moment of processing, the screen displayed a response, providing Rohan with the information he sought.

"According to my records," the AI assistant replied, "Tina is currently residing in a small town on the outskirts of the city. However, further details regarding his exact location or contact information are not available."

"Thank you," Rohan said to the AI assistant, acknowledging its assistance.

As the public transport descended to the ground with a soft whirring sound, Rohan's attention shifted back to the present moment. He glanced towards the approaching vehicle, its sleek design cutting through the air with effortless grace.

All the passengers settled into their seats, the public transport lifted smoothly from the ground, its sleek form rising effortlessly into the skyline. Rohan felt a sense of exhilaration as the cityscape stretched out below him, the buildings and streets shrinking to miniature below. With a soft hum, the transport glided through the air, navigating its way through the bustling city with precision and ease. Through the panoramic windows, Rohan watched as the familiar landmarks passed by, each one a testament to the vibrant energy of urban life.

After arriving at his office, Rohan exchanged greetings and caught up with his previous teammates. The familiar faces and friendly banter brought a sense of warmth, as they shared updates and exchanged stories, Rohan felt a sense of belonging among his colleagues, grateful for their support. With a final round of goodbyes, Rohan made his way towards the CEO's office, his footsteps echoing softly in the corridor. As he reached the door, he took a moment to compose himself and his thoughts. 

Rohan entered the CEO's office, he noticed the conspicuous absence of Avyaan, the new CEO.

Seated at his desk, Rohan accessed the company's scheduling system to review Avyaan's calendar for the day. Scrolling through the appointments, he quickly located the entry indicating an important meeting scheduled for 10 AM.

Rohan furrowed his brow, realizing the significance of the meeting and the potential impact of Avyaan's absence. As the new CEO, his presence and leadership were crucial, especially in high-stakes discussions and decision-making processes.

Concerned by the implications of Avyaan's absence, Rohan debated his options. Should he reach out to Avyaan to remind him of the meeting? Or should he alert someone else within the company to ensure that the necessary preparations were made in his absence?

His concern for his new CEO grew, realizing that Avyaan's absence was not due to a simple delay or scheduling conflict, but rather a health issue.

Understanding the importance of keeping the team informed about Avyaan's absence, Rohan decided to reach out to Ms. Andria, the individual in charge of the meeting, to relay the news.

He dialed her number and waited patiently as the phone rang, his mind focused on delivering the message with clarity and professionalism.

"Hello, Ms. Andria speaking," came the voice on the other end of the line.

"Hello, Ms. Andria, it's Rohan," he began, his tone calm and composed. "I wanted to inform you that unfortunately, Avyaan won't be able to attend the meeting scheduled for this morning. He's feeling under the weather and is unable to join us."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line as Ms. Andria processed the information. "Rohan," she said, "could you attend the meeting on behalf of Avyaan?"

Rohan hesitated briefly before responding to Andria's request. "Andria," he began, "I'm relatively new here, and I'm not familiar with the topics that will be discussed in the meeting." He paused, hoping she would understand his concern.

Andria reassured Rohan with a supportive tone. "That's okay, Rohan. Just attend the meeting, take notes on the key points discussed, and you can fill Avyaan about it later." Rohan felt relieved, appreciating Andria's understanding and encouragement.

With a sense of purpose, Rohan swiftly gathered his essentials, knowing he had a short window to prepare. Glancing at the clock, he noted he still had 15 minutes until the meeting. He quickly organized his notebook, pen, and any relevant documents he might need. Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, he mentally prepared himself to represent Avyaan to the best of his ability.

Rohan stepped into the meeting room, expecting to see others already present, but found it empty instead. He glanced at the clock, confirming he was early with still five minutes to spare. Taking advantage of the quiet moment, he double-checked his notes and mentally reviewed the key points he needed to focus on during the meeting.

As a few individuals entered the room, Rohan rose from his seat, ready to greet them.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Rohan, the new secretary for CEO - Mr. Avyaan. It's a pleasure to meet you all." He introduced himself confidently, eager to make a positive impression in his new role. Rohan got to know that the individuals were CMO - Mr. Brad, CLO -Ms. Lisa, CFO - Mr. Rocky , CHRO - Mr. Vijay and Chairman- Ms. Ria 

As Rohan greeted the executives, he noticed that each of them was accompanied by their respective secretaries. Acknowledging their presence, he extended his greeting to them as well. "Good morning to all the secretaries," he said warmly. "I'm Rohan, the new secretary for CEO- Mr. Avyaan.

With the arrival of the executives and their secretaries, the meeting room quickly filled up, bustling with activity and conversation. Rohan observed the room, noting the diverse array of individuals gathered, each with their own expertise and responsibilities. Despite the crowded space, there was an air of anticipation as everyone prepared for the meeting to commence.

Ms. Ria gestured with her hands, a subtle gesture that conveyed authority, a projection emerged from the center of the table, catching everyone's attention. Rohan watched as the meeting technology responded to her command, projecting the necessary visuals for the discussion ahead. The room fell silent, indicating that the meeting was about to begin.

As the discussion unfolded, the executives delved into the current state of the market, analyzing trends, challenges, and opportunities. Ms. Ria led the conversation, providing insights into the company's stance within the market landscape. Each executive contributed their perspective, sharing valuable information about market dynamics and the company's positioning.

Rohan listened intently, taking detailed notes to ensure he captured the key points discussed. He made note of the company's strengths and weaknesses compared to competitors, as well as strategies to maintain or enhance their competitive edge. Despite being relatively new to the role, he was determined to grasp the intricacies of the discussion and contribute meaningfully to the team's efforts.

As the meeting drew to a close, the executives and their secretaries began to filter out of the room, their discussions tapering off as they made their way to their respective destinations. Rohan gathered his belongings and followed suit, feeling a sense of accomplishment at having successfully navigated his first major meeting as Avyaan's secretary.

Rohan was tidying up , he noticed a faint sound coming from outside the meeting door. Curious, he paused for a moment, straining to listen more closely. It sounded like someone speaking in hushed tones. Wondering if there was an impromptu discussion or if someone needed assistance, Rohan decided to investigate.

Carefully, he made his way to the door, his footsteps muffled on the carpeted floor. Peering through the crack in the door, he saw two figures engaged in a conversation. It was the CLO, Ms. Lisa, along with Mr. Brad, the CMO.

Ms. Lisa: "It's hard to say, but it's definitely unusual. I know he just became CEO, but he needs to be more present, especially in crucial meetings. It's starting to affect the team's morale. Instead his secretary attended the meeting in his place!"

Mr. Brad: "Seriously? That's highly unusual, especially for such an important meeting. Did he mention why Avyaan couldn't make it himself?"

Ms. Lisa: "No, boy was unusual and I don't wanna waste my time talkin to him. It's quite concerning, don't you think? As CEO, he should be leading these discussions, not delegating them to his secretary."

Rohan's heart sank as he overheard Ms. Lisa speaking negatively about Avyaan to Mr. Brad. He wasn't sure what to do. Should he intervene and defend Avyaan, or would that only make things worse?

Mr. Brad: "Absolutely. I'll have a word with him about this. It's not setting a good example for the rest of the team if he's not willing to attend crucial meetings himself."

Rohan: sighs and sits down on the nearest chair, feeling demotivated and troubled by what he had just heard.

Rohan (thinking to himself): "What do I do now? Hearing Ms. Lisa and Mr. Brad talk about Avyaan like that... it's really disheartening. Avyaan becoming CEO was supposed to be a positive change for the company, but if he's skipping important meetings and sending his secretary instead, what does that say about his leadership?"

Rohan leans back in his chair, deep in thought, trying to make sense of the situation and figure out his next steps.

Rohan, determined to address his concerns directly with Avyaan, decides to pay him a visit. He accesses the company's portal to find Avyaan's address and sets off to his house. As he travels, Rohan replays the conversation he overheard in his mind, trying to organize his thoughts and prepare for the discussion ahead.

Rohan quickly retrieves his ID proof card and presents it to the AI for scanning at Avyaan's House

The AI swiftly processes the information and verifies Rohan's identity. With the confirmation, the door unlocks, granting Rohan access to Avyaan's house.

Stepping inside, he is greeted by the modern interior of Avyaan's house, impressed by the seamless automation.

As Rohan steps inside, he is greeted by a humanoid robot, its sleek design catching his attention.

Robot: "Welcome to Avyaan's residence. How may I assist you today?"

Rohan: "Um, hello. I'm Rohan, a colleague of Avyaan's from work. I'm here to speak with him about some matters regarding our company."

Robot: "I'm sorry, Rohan, but Avyaan is currently unwell and under medical treatment. He won't be able to meet with you at the moment."

Rohan's concern deepens upon hearing this news.

Rohan: "Oh, I see. Is it something serious? I hope he's going to be okay."

Robot: "Rohan, there's no need to worry excessively. Avyaan's condition isn't serious, but he's experiencing discomfort in his groin area. As a precautionary measure, he has taken some time off to consult with a doctor."

A small chuckle escapes Rohan's lips as he hear's the robot's honest reply about his master. 

Rohan, smiling at the robot's presence, decides to share a lighthearted comment.

Rohan: "You know, Robot, I think I might have a cure for Avyaan's problem."

The robot, with its programmed efficiency, tilts its head inquisitively.

Robot: "Please elaborate, Rohan. What solution do you propose?"

Rohan, still smiling, decides to play along with the joke.

Rohan: "Well, you see, it's a time-tested remedy passed down through generations. It's called... a good old-fashioned cup of love! Works wonders for all kinds of ailments."

Robot: "Thank you for sharing, Rohan. I will make a note of your suggestion. Is there anything else I can assist you with?"

Rohan chuckles at the robot's earnestness.

Rohan, still wearing a smile, decides to take the joke a step further.

Rohan: "Actually, Robot, I have the best remedy for Avyaan's discomfort, and I can make it right now."

The robot, processing Rohan's statement, responds with curiosity.

Robot: "Oh? What remedy do you have in mind, Rohan?"

Rohan, playing along with the playful banter, adopts a mock-serious tone.

Rohan: "It's a secret family recipe passed down through generations, known to cure all manner of aches and pains. It's called... 'Grandma's Magical Healing Soup'."

Rohan, surprised by the robot's unexpected response, chuckles at the idea of actually making the dish.

Rohan: "Well, if you insist, Robot! Let's whip up some of Grandma's Magical Healing Soup."

The robot, programmed to follow instructions, nods in agreement.

Robot: "Very well, Rohan. Please follow me to the kitchen, and I will assist you in preparing the dish."

Rohan follows the robot, amused by the turn of events. As they reach the kitchen, Rohan starts gathering the ingredients, enjoying the lighthearted moment and appreciating the robot's willingness to participate in the fun.

Rohan, with a sense of determination and goodwill, decides to make a comforting bowl of porridge for Avyaan instead of the soup. He knows that a warm and nourishing meal can often provide comfort during times of illness.

Taking care to prepare the porridge just right, Rohan adds a touch of cinnamon and honey for extra flavor and nutrients. Once satisfied with the result, he carefully places the bowl on a tray and makes his way to Avyaan's room.

Upon reaching Avyaan's room, Rohan knocks gently on the door before entering. Avyaan, resting in bed, looks up with surprise as Rohan enters with the tray.

Avyaan: "Rohan, what are you doing here?"

Rohan: "Hey, Boss. I heard you weren't feeling well, so I thought I'd stop by with some homemade porridge. Grandma's recipe. It's supposed to work wonders."

Avyaan asks Rohan to leave immediately. Feeling a bit taken aback by Avyaan's abrupt request, Rohan pauses for a moment, unsure of how to respond. Understanding the importance of addressing the workplace matters, Rohan decides to respectfully assert his intention to discuss them with Avyaan before leaving.

Rohan: "Avyaan, I understand you're not feeling well, but there are some important matters from the office that I'd like to discuss with you before I leave."

Avyaan, though visibly tired, nods in acknowledgment.

Avyaan: "Alright, Blabber out ."

Rohan proceeds to share the concerns he heard regarding Avyaan's absence from crucial meetings and delegating tasks to his secretary. He expresses his worry about the impact this behavior might have on the team and the company's operations.

Understanding Avyaan's need for rest and privacy, Rohan accepts his request without hesitation.

Rohan: "Of course, boss. I'll leave you to it. Take care, and I hope you feel better soon."

Leaving Avyaan's house behind, Rohan steps out into the fresh air, feeling a sense of clarity wash over him. Spotting a bike rental nearby, Rohan approaches and hires a bike for his journey. With a helmet securely fastened and a map in hand, he sets off towards the outskirts of the countryside to eagerly meet someone. 

As he rides along the winding roads, the worries of the day gradually fade away, replaced by the gentle rustle of leaves and the soothing sounds of nature. The vast expanse of greenery stretches out before him, offering a sense of peace and serenity that he desperately craved.

With each passing mile, Rohan feels a renewed sense of energy and purpose, grateful for the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with the simple joys of the countryside.