Our Secret Love : Office Romance.

2. Dhruv

Stuck in an elevator with Tara. Could this day get any better?

As the doors finally opened at the top of the building, I couldn't help but feel a surge of relief. My impeccable suit is now crumpled, and my once sleek hair is now a bird's nest. Smooth, Dhruv, real smooth.

Stepping out into the penthouse foyer, I braced myself for the onslaught of questions and amusement from my family. I could already imagine the smirks on their faces, relishing in my misfortune.

Sure enough, there they were, lined up like a jury of comedians, ready to pass judgement on my elevator mishap. My mother's expression was a mix of concern and barely concealed laughter, while my cousins struggled to stifle their giggles.

With as much dignity as I could muster, which wasn't much at this point, I explained the situation in as few words as possible. "The elevator got stuck," I muttered, feeling every ounce of embarrassment wash over me.

As Tara emerged from the elevator behind me, looking annoyingly composed, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy.

How was she so unfazed by the whole ordeal while I floundered like a fish out of water?

No one said a word; they all just kept looking at me. I feel like a circus monkey.

I just locked my hands in my mother's and started walking up the stairs, giving all my cousins side eyes. I could have enjoyed the party if I hadn't been the subject of their conversations for the next hour.

I walked up to my room, and my mother followed me into my room, sitting on my bed.

"Why is she invited?" I asked my mom, knowing she's the one who invited Tara.

I heard a big gasp from her: "Dhruv, no! Never talk that way. What did that poor girl ever do to you?"

"Poor girl? She's a leech. Sucking on others' happiness. Mine especially. She's on my nerves."

"Never say that, darling. I raised you better, didn't I?"

I let out a heavy sigh and expressed, "Do you realise how difficult it was for me to be stuck in there with her? It felt like a significant portion of this evening was wasted in that elevator."

My mom looked at me unintentionally, knowing how much of a drama queen I'm being. "It was just 10 minutes, not a big deal."

"Ugh, it still felt like eternity with her."

My mom shook her head as if she couldn't change my mind.

"I called Tara for something way more important than today's party. Now if you trust me as much as you say you do, I need a favour from you."

"Mom! You don't need to ask for a favour. Just say what you want."

"Tara is about to graduate in less than a month. I've seen her work-"

"No!" I shouted, fully knowing where this was going.

"Dhruv, please, listen to me," my mom implored. She has always exuded confidence and authority in every aspect of her life, a defining trait of her character. On top of being one of the most powerful women in the country, she's a very kind woman. She couldn't see others in pain. Now that she has all the power in the world, she tries to provide everyone with everything they ever need.

"Mama, please, no. You know I can't stand someone like her, and you want me to give her work."

"Dhruv, I don't want you to give her work just like that. I believe in her, and you can keep her on a prohibition period for a few months. Observe her and then judge. I'll not come in between your final judgement."

"Mom, I said I trust you and I'd never doubt you. Ever. But I think you should reconsider once."

She just let me speak, listening to me patiently.

"You know it's not a good idea to let her work for me. Maybe talk to Aditya. He'll happily work with her. They know each other, so it'd be better for her too. It won't be too awkward." I said, removing my shirt to change into a new one.

"Aditya looks after finance. Their jobs have nothing in common, and you know he's working late these days. He has a lot going on. Apart from that, I want to provide her with the best mentor I know." She's implying that I am the best she could provide Tara with.

"You are the best, mom. You taught me everything I do. So why not continue?"

"Dhruv, don't divert this onto me. I don't work anymore, and it'll be a waste of time for her to be circling me all the time. Anyway, times change and trends change. It's only fair that she learns with you."

I sigh, defeated. "Does she know?" I ask.

"I was hoping to talk to you and then her."

I've never seen Tara work. I don't know her capabilities, but that shouldn't mean that she's bad at what she does. I could give her a the prohibition time mom asked for.

"OK, I'm ok with giving her the benefit of the doubt, but tell her that for these three months she should not be expecting anything from the company. She'll only be official once I am sure she can do the work. And yeah, I'll tell her myself."

I was now ready to get to the party downstairs.