Rishabh Bajaj strode into the bustling office of Bajaj Industries, his mere presence causing the chatter to hush. With his characteristic calm yet authoritative demeanor, he addressed his employees gathered for an important announcement.

"As many of you are aware, we have an upcoming international meeting that is crucial for the company's expansion," he began, his voice smooth yet firm. "I will be taking a few members from our office team." He listed a name of members from different departments, and added Prerna from accounting.

The accounting manager's jaw tightened as he felt his position challenged. A veteran in finance, he couldn't hide his irritation, and as soon as Rishabh finished his announcement, he cleared his throat and spoke up.

"Sir, wouldn't it be more appropriate for me to join you on this trip?" he asked, trying to mask his annoyance with a forced smile. "I believe my experience could be of greater benefit in handling the international investors."

Rishabh's gaze was steady, unfazed. "Mr Jeh," he began, his voice firm, "I appreciate your experience, but Prerna has a more meticulous grasp of the recent transactions we're presenting. It's imperative that our figures and strategies are flawlessly aligned, and Prerna has done exceptional work in ensuring that."

The manager's face flushed, but he managed a nod as Rishabh dismissed the matter without further discussion. "The decision is final," he said, leaving no room for debate. With that, he turned and walked back toward his office, his stride as purposeful as ever.

The moment he was out of earshot, whispers erupted across the floor.

"Why did he pick her? She's only been here for a couple of years."

"Maybe she's getting some... special treatment, if you know what I mean," one voice murmured cynically.

"Come on, do you really think Bajaj would pick her?" another voice replied.

"Well, it's not the first time he's been close with her, is it?" another coworker muttered, a sly smile spreading across their face. "I wonder what else is going on."

The gossip and speculation spread quickly, with Prerna at the center of it all. She could feel the weight of their stares and the murmurs that seemed to follow her, each assumption sharper than the last. She tried to focus on her work, but the rumors seemed to linger in the air, inescapable and unnerving.

That evening, as they sat across from each other at the dinner table, the quiet hum of the city outside their window seemed to underline the tension in the room. Prerna picked at her food, her gaze flickering between her plate and the man seated across from her. Rishabh's steady gaze didn't miss a beat.

After a long pause, she took a deep breath and finally spoke. "Mr. Bajaj, about the international meeting... I don't think I'll be able to go," she began cautiously, keeping her voice calm and measured. "Abhi yahaan pe itna kaam hai. Meri behn bhi Mumbai se aa rahi hai..."

Rishabh leaned back slightly, observing her as she listed multiple excuses. "Aapko meri decision se koi problem hai?" he asked, his tone revealing that he was not fooled by her polite excuse.

Prerna's eyes widened slightly. "Nahi, of course not. I'd never doubt your judgment. Main bus..." She hesitated, then continued, "I just don't understand why you chose me over the financial manager. Unke paas more experience hai, and I'm sure he would've been happy to take on the responsibility."

Rishabh raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a faint, almost enigmatic smile.

"I know you're wondering why I didn't choose him. But I'm aware of something you may not have noticed. The manager's personal life has been under a lot of strain lately. He's been working late every day, pushing himself too far. His family has been complaining about him, and his work-life balance is slipping out of his hands."

Prerna's face softened, a flicker of understanding crossing her eyes.

"This meeting isn't just any business trip. It's crucial to the company, and I need someone who can focus without distractions, someone who has shown they can handle pressure. The manager... he's already stretched too thin."

Prerna looked up, feeling a wave of admiration mixed with something else, something deeper. She'd always known Rishabh as a ruthless businessman, but this side of him—this quiet insight, this understanding of his employees' lives beyond their work—caught her off guard.

"So you chose me kiyunke..." she began slowly, piecing it together.

"Because you're capable," he said, his tone firm but warm. "I don't offer responsibilities lightly. When I see potential in someone, I trust them to rise to the occasion. I know you can handle this. Yeh position hamare rishte se influenced nahi hai."

A moment of silence settled between them, the air charged with unspoken acknowledgment. Prerna swallowed, feeling both grateful and slightly humbled. "Thank you for trusting me," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rishabh gave a brief nod, his gaze never wavering. "Trust isn't a favor, Prerna. It's earned." His eyes softened just a fraction. "Remember that."

They resumed their meal, a quiet understanding forming between them, deeper than words. The whispers and speculations of the office seemed to fade away in the quiet of their home, leaving only the sound of two people who had, in their own way, begun to see each other with a little more clarity.

The next morning, the team had gathered at the office hangar, eagerly awaiting the start of their journey. It was early, and a quiet anticipation buzzed among the staff, mingling with the low murmur of hushed conversations and glances exchanged over coffee cups.

Just then, Rishabh's sleek black car pulled up. The team straightened, readying themselves for his arrival. To their surprise, Rishabh stepped out and walked around to the other side of the car, opening the door. Prerna emerged from the vehicle, looking both composed and focused as she clutched a neatly organized folder of documents.

The whispers grew louder, a wave of smirks and judgmental glances rippling through the crowd.

"See? They even came together now," someone murmured.

"Must be nice to get special treatment," another whispered snidely.

Rishabh's sharp ears caught the murmuring this time. His jaw tightened, and his piercing gaze swept over the gathered employees. The conversations halted immediately, as his eyes rested on the offending whisperers, his expression unreadable but powerful enough to silence the entire group.

He took a deep breath and addressed them with a calm, icy authority. "For those of you so interested in my personal decisions," he began, his voice ringing through the air, "I'll clarify this once and only once."

The employees shifted uncomfortably, casting uneasy glances at one another.

"I called Ms. Sharma in early this morning," Rishabh continued, his tone unyielding, "to review the files and go over the final details before this meeting. This is an international presentation, one of high importance, and I expect nothing less than absolute professionalism from every single one of you."

He scanned the crowd, letting the weight of his words sink in before he continued, his voice dropping to a steely, warning tone. "I own an office, not a tea parlor. Gossip and idle chatter have no place here. Every person standing here is my employee, and I expect each of you to show respect to one another. You're all here because you've earned your positions, and I won't tolerate anyone questioning each other's character."

The group shuffled, some looking down, others swallowing nervously. A few cast glances toward Prerna, now realizing the gravity of their earlier words.

"Let me make this very clear," Rishabh said, his gaze hardening. "If I catch anyone engaging in further gossip, questioning anyone's professionalism or integrity without cause, I will not hesitate to fire people if necessary."

A tense silence fell over the group, each employee realizing the gravity of their behavior. Rishabh's reputation as a shrewd, no-nonsense leader was well known, and no one doubted he would follow through on his words.

Satisfied, Rishabh straightened his suit and glanced at Prerna, who gave him a small, grateful nod. She no longer felt the weight of judgmental eyes on her, knowing Rishabh's intervention had settled the matter.

"Now," Rishabh said, addressing the team once more, his tone returning to business-like efficiency. "Let's focus on the task ahead. We're here to represent Bajaj Industries and secure our future. I expect nothing less than your best."

With that, he turned and gestured for the team to follow him toward the waiting aircraft. Silenced and chastened, the employees fell in line, their earlier assumptions now replaced with a sense of focus.

Prerna sat in her seat on the luxurious private jet, eyes wide as she took in the plush surroundings. She had rarely traveled on train, and here she was on a private company jet bound for Switzerland. She was equal parts excited and nervous, feeling a bit out of place but determined to keep her composure.

"Listen, don't be nervous," Sonia warned as her as she walked by her, "takeoffs can be a little scary at first, but it's completely normal. Just breathe and don't grip the armrests too hard!"

Prerna chuckled, though there was a hint of nervousness in her voice. "I'll try, Sonia. Thanks for the heads-up. I don't want to look too out of place here."

Rishabh, who was seated a few rows ahead, overheard Sonia's words. He glanced back subtly, his gaze resting on Prerna. She was visibly anxious, fidgeting with her hands. For a brief moment, he considered calling her up to sit in first class with him. He could reassure her himself, and perhaps, her worries would ease if he explained a few things about flying.

But then he recalled the morning's events—the gossip, the side glances, the unspoken accusations. The last thing he wanted was to give anyone further reason to question his decision or Prerna's professionalism. His own reputation was solid, but Prerna was still new to this environment and didn't deserve to be under constant scrutiny.

Just then, the Sonia approached, about to take her seat near him.

"Sonia," he said, his voice low but firm, "would you mind sitting with Prerna during the flight? You two are friends, aren't you? She might feel more comfortable with you beside her."

Sonia blinked, a bit surprised, but a warm smile quickly spread across her face. "Of course, sir," she replied, understanding. She glanced over at Prerna, who was tucking her phone away and staring out the window with a mix of awe and apprehension.

Sonia gathered her things and made her way to the business class, slipping into the seat beside Prerna just as the plane began to rumble, preparing for takeoff. Prerna turned, a flash of surprise crossing her face before it melted into relief.

"Sonia!" she whispered, trying to keep her voice low. "You're sitting with me?"

Sonia grinned. "I couldn't leave my old friend alone on her first flight, could I?"

As the plane began its ascent, Sonia quietly talked Prerna through the sensations, distracting her with stories from their school days and amusing anecdotes from her work with Rishabh. The nervousness in Prerna's face slowly faded, replaced with a sense of ease.

From his seat in first class, Rishabh glanced back, watching them with a slight nod of satisfaction. Prerna seemed more comfortable now, her posture relaxed as she laughed at something Sonia had said. Rishabh felt a strange sense of contentment seeing her at ease. He didn't look back again as he focused his attention on his own preparations for the meeting.

As the plane soared through the sky, Prerna's initial jitters faded, replaced by a sense of gratitude. She may have been new to this world, but with Sonia by her side and Rishabh's quiet consideration, she felt ready to face whatever challenges awaited her in Switzerland.

The team's arrival at the bustling Switzerland airport was met with a group of well-dressed managers representing the partnering business. The managers welcomed them warmly, though they quickly explained a slight change of plans.

"Switzerland is particularly busy this time of year," one of the managers announced apologetically. "We had to book different hotels for everyone. We'll be reading out the names of who will be staying together, and then you'll be taken to your respective accommodations."

One by one, names were called, and groups of employees were directed to rented travel vans waiting outside. Soon, most of the team had left, leaving only Rishabh, Sonia, and Prerna standing together.

A sleek black limo pulled up in front of them, and one of the managers gestured toward it. "Mr. Bajaj, we've arranged for you and your assistants to travel in this. We hope it's comfortable enough."

Rishabh gave a polite nod, then gestured for Sonia and Prerna to step in first. Prerna hesitated, her eyes widening as she took in the luxurious interior of the limo. She had seen limos only in movies, never in real life, let alone imagined herself riding in one.

Sonia noticed her friend's hesitation and nudged her playfully. "Come on, Prerna! No need to be shy."

Prerna laughed, a little self-conscious but thrilled nonetheless, and stepped inside with Sonia close behind. Rishabh settled into the seat across from them, immediately absorbed in his phone, typing away.

Once they were on the road, Prerna couldn't help but marvel at the limo's plush seats, the mini bar stocked with refreshments, and the ambient lighting. She looked out the tinted window, watching the picturesque Swiss landscape pass by, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Can you believe this, Sonia?" Prerna said, leaning forward to look out the window at the mountain peaks in the distance. "I've never been anywhere like this before."

Rishabh, still scrolling through emails, glanced up at the sound of Prerna's voice, unable to ignore the genuine delight lighting up her face. Her excitement over something as simple as a limo ride brought an unexpected smile to his usually stoic expression. For him, this was routine, a small convenience that came with his position. But watching Prerna take in every detail with such joy reminded him of the innocence and thrill of experiencing something new.

A flicker of warmth softened his gaze as he watched her, unnoticed by Prerna, who was too busy pointing out the little details to Sonia. The sight of her wide-eyed wonder and open appreciation for something he considered mundane was oddly refreshing, a brief escape from the relentless world of business.

Rishabh cleared his throat, catching their attention. "I trust the two of you are comfortable?" he asked, his voice laced with a subtle, almost teasing warmth.

Prerna looked up, a bit flustered, and nodded quickly. "Yes, Mr. Bajaj. Thank you... for everything." Her gratitude was genuine, her tone holding a touch of awe.

Rishabh simply nodded, his gaze softening again.

As the limo continued its journey to the hotel, Prerna couldn't help but steal a glance at Rishabh, feeling a surge of gratitude not just for the opportunity, but for the rare glimpse into the man behind the powerful name. She had heard rumors about him, but the man she happened to be married to was a surprise every day.