Chapter 1

The alarm sound forced me to open my eyes. It was already 6 a.m. Why does time travel so fast when we sleep? Is there any country or company in this world where we have to only work on alternate days but will get full month's salary?

From other's point of view i might appear as a lucky woman working 5 days a week in the top most company! But only the employees like me know the reality - countless reports, meetings, phone calls and ofcourse 'constructive' criticism from boss.

Luckily tomorrow is Friday. And i even managed to get Boss's approval for leaving office early. I can go home, replenish myself so that i have sufficient energy to return to the 'battlefield'. Unfortunately my home is 120 km from the company so i had to rent an apartment nearby. Though it's just one room appartment it has all basic facilities. Getting such kind of appartment for an affordable rent in this area is nearly impossible now. I don't know when will I get a message from the owner about the rent increase. Hope it doesn't burn my pockets.I have been living in this appartment for past 5 years. It has become my second home now. Moreover the company is just 15 minutes walk from here.

I had just reached the main gate when i saw the CEO's car entering the premises. He seems to be early today. When will I be able to see his cute face again? He is one of those kind who makes their outfits look good. And his voice... so enchanting. I admit that i have a crush on him, but I dont love him. I have heard that he already has a girlfriend and if rumours are to be believed they broke-up. Anyways none of that is my concern. He might not even know of my existence. Then why bother!

As usual, everyone were in their seats by 8.30am. Our Department Head Mr. Rajeev is very particular about it. Unfortunately his cabin is faced towards us, so he can track us easily. Working under him is like going back to school. You are monitored every now and then and often given lectures of 'how to seek perfection'. We can now even write a book on it.

The intercom rang.

"Kavya! Mr. Rajeev has called you to his cabin" said Joshua.

It's only 9 ! Nikita was inside his cabin.

"Kavya, I have just forwarded you a mail. I want you to complete that task by end of the day."

"But Sir-" interrupted Nikita.

"What Sir! It's been two days since you are working on it and there was nothing in that report. It was rubbish! A piece of crap!"

Mr. Rajeev never minces his words when he speaks.

"What are you waiting for Kavya? Do you want me to lead you to your seat?!"

"No Sir. I will start working on it immediately!"

What else can I say.That's it! I had planned to complete some small pending tasks today. Guess that's not going to happen.

"Sorry Kavya! I don't know what else he expects in that report. I prepared it twice but he just rejected it upfront." said Nikita.

"It's okay" i reply.

What else can I say. We are all colleagues, working under the same boss. I start reading the report and realise that Mr. Rajeev was right. This report , as Michelin Star Chef Gordon Ramsay would say 'Is bland'! Hope I can finish this by evening.

If we don't do our job well we get a earful but if we do our jobs well we get a handful of others' job too! What should one do in this case?

One thing that I must admit is that Mr. Rajeev is a good teacher. He was a Section Head when i joined the company and i used to report him.Infact he is the one who 'trained' me for two years by giving me lots of 'assignments'. I will not forget those days! I must say that he is a great asset to the company. Even i would employ people like him in my company.

I was working on the report when I saw Mr. Rajeev rushing towards our Department's main door which opened all of a sudden and I was surprised to see the CEO here ! Mr. Rajeev wished him very politely and took him to his cabin. There was a pin drop silence in the department. I believe all were curious to know what's going on, just like me.

Udita came to me and enquired "Any idea why CEO is here?"

Well it's his company! He can visit any department he wishes! Who are we to question it!

"No" is what I could reply

"How is that possible that you don't know about it. You are Mr. Rajeev's pet! He must have surely told you something!"

Calm down! Calm down!

"If i was his pet then he would have definitely told me about CEO's visit right?" i reply politely

She left without saying anything. I don't understand people like her! She approaches me only when she requires something. Or else you won't be even able to find her shadow near me! It's better to stay away from such people!

CEO left the department after 30 minutes. We thought Mr. Rajeev would make some announcement or something, but nothing happened. All were confused because it's a rare sight to see CEO visiting any department. But I was happy. Happy to see him at such a short distance. Felt good!