Trisha.

"Mahesh surya narayan"

I read the caption and looked down at the article.

I was with nitin in the newly rented office that was only around 600 square feet.

I went through the article and Nitin waited near me, Looking anxious.

After reading it, I turned to him.

"So how's it trisha?" He asked me "Is it good enough?"

I smiled and nodded.

"You have done a good job" I said "The story is true and catching"

"Then? What's missing?" He asked me.

"Um...It's like this nitin, What's the thing that makes this article different from the ones out there? Everyone is writing about Mahesh now, But I just want to ask you what's special about your article that's different?" I asked and he thought about it.

"You mean...It's not impactful enough?" He asked me.

"Don't get me wrong, It's powerful and catchy, But you should keep in mind that criminals like mahesh narayan tends to get out when the public attention is diverted, So you need to write it like that, so that he cannot ever come out" I said "At the same time, we must stick to the actual content without adding or omitting anything to it" I said.

Nitin nodded his head slowly.

"I am sorry if I am making you confused-"

"No..No, I understand what you mean" He said "But trisha, Even if it's the online news portal, it's not the same without you, when are you coming back?" He asked me.

I took a deep breath.

"I have some things to take care of, nitin" I said "Besides, If I come back, I will be putting all of you in danger again" I said.

"That's nonsense" He said "You are the ceo of truth magazine, You should come back-"

"I will, Nitin" I said "But give me some time" I told him.

He nodded "okay" he said "Then take care of yourself well" He said, looking disappointed.

"Hey, Don't be upset, Nitin, The only reason I am taking a break is because I know I can depend on you" I said "Besides, I will be visiting you from time to time" I added.

"Now I am really relieved to hear that" He smiled.

"Sir, Ma'am"

One of my staffs opened the door to the office "Everyone is ready, It's time for the meeting" He said and I nodded.

Soon, I walked out of there with Nitin and faced the remaining 8 members who were waiting outside.

It's the first meeting after the fire incident.

I looked around the room.

My two trusted editors, The senior most staff- Aravind sir, The new guy-Karan, and other few staffs who followed me from the Truth TV station.

"Um..Trisha, The others already told me-" Nitin started.

"I know" I told him "They have to make a living, Nitin, I understand if they cannot be here" I said and he nodded.

"Guys" I said, Turning back to my most trusted people in front "I Am glad to see you all back" I said "I am happy that you are standing with the truth magazine until the end" I said "But I must warn you that it will be more difficult than the time you followed me from the truth tv station, We have only low budget and tight office space, Surya group will try to suppress us again or blackmail us" I said "one top of everything else, you will have to work twice as hard" I looked around at them "Is it okay with you?" I asked them "If you feel difficult about continuing, please don't hesitate to tell us, Nobody will blame you or judge you" I stopped.

"We are real reporters, Madame" one of them said and everyone nodded.

"The difficult time will pass" Another one said.

"Let me tell you, Trisha" Aravind sir,  The most senior most one, Got up.

"After your father died, I worked at Truth TV station for five years, Even if I worked hard, it was all worthless! Then I followed you out to start with the truth magazine and guess what, After a long five years, My articles started to get response again!" He exclaimed "It was such an accomplishment and that also means that we are in right track, Trisha" He said "It was a good decision to follow you out of there"

I nodded, I understand what he meant, I am overwhelmed actually.

Everybody else was nodding too.

"Thank you" I said slowly, suddenly emotional.

"And don't worry about budget" Nitin said "My dad is still rich" He winked and everyone laughed at that, He was from a good family, I know it too.

I know he's making me feel better, So I thanked him with my eyes and he smiled back reassuringly and nodded, Encouraging me.

"The other thing is" I started again "I am taking a leave of absence for some days" I said and all of them started protesting.

"Guys, She's working on an exclusive, So she has to do it" Nitin announced and everyone quiet down.

I really have to thank him, He knows how to do everything in the least damaging manner.

"So..yea..Nitin will be your Acting-CEO in the meantime, So work hard and Continue to fight!" I said and everyone nodded and clapped.

Soon after bidding goodbye to everyone, I walked out with Nitin.

"Call me if there's anything going on" I told him "Don't risk anything like last time and put everyone in danger like me" I told him again.

I really regret the last time I put everyobe in danger, Even though I was having good intentions, I really should protect my employees, The last incident has opened my eyes.

"Worry about yourself Trisha" He turned to me "Leave the office to me, You need to take care of yourself, You have a way to attract trouble" He said while opening his car door for me.

I was dropped here by karthik on his way to visit his parents.

I closed the door back and Nitin raised his eyebrows.

"I will take a ride with karan" I said looking at the car in front and Karan turned around in surprise.

Nitin looked more confused now and karan smiled brightly.

"You are welcome ma'am" He smiled and held open the passenger door for me.

"Bye Nitin" I nodded to him "Karan is already going that way, No need for you to drop me" I said and Nitin nodded.

So five minutes later, I was in the car with karan.

"I am glad that we started our new office" He told me and I nodded.

"Me too" I said "You really works hard, Karan" I said.

He looked at me for a moment before turning back to the road.

"I like working here" he said.

"Nitin and others told me that you are very meticulous and efficient" I told him "You catch up too fast and you are very good at your works, Even more than the old members" I said again.

A small frown appeared in his face.

"I don't understand" He was looking confused now.

"I checked the company you previously worked with" I said "It was one of the big companies, I really don't understand why you should waste your time here" I said.

"You mean.."

"I mean, It's a chance for you to start again at a new company, Everyone knows that truth headquarters is burned down, with your experience and hard work, You can have much better places, Karan"

"You are firing me!?" He asked me, Finally realisation dawned in his face

"I am not" I said "I am letting you resign on your own, There won't be any black mark on your record-"

"I have nothing to do with the fire accident" He said quickly "And I have nothing to do with Abiram surya narayan coming there and attacking you last time, If that's why you are firing me-"

"Karan" I sighed, Now realising how smart he really is, "it's a pity that I have to let go of you, I really like your dedication and working mentality" I said "But there's something wrong with you, I can't deny it anymore" I said, Now deciding to be truthful.

"But madam-"

"We both are smart enough to know what I mean, Karan, I too really hope that you have nothing to do with the incidents, But you can't deny that you are not hiding anything" I said and he shut up.

"With your work experience, you can be recruited in any big companies, I really want you to  find a company that's more suitable to you" I added firmly.

He nodded slowly.

"I understand" He said.

"Thank you karan" I nodded back "For my dad to give you that special card, I believe that you are a good person" I smiled at him "Drop me here, This is fine"

Arjun.

The meeting was dragging as I discussed about "Latest".

"So in short, Palace group won't back down from the lawsuit unless we give them 'latest' " Raghav sir said and I nodded.

"The way I see it, It's better we hand it over" Pramod said "I mean, merging of Latest  is still incomplete and there's a lot of problems that come along with it, CEO Abraham's death is one of them" He said and I instantly knew that he said the wrong thing.

Father looked at him.

"Give it up!?" He asked "After going through a lot of trouble, Just give it up?" He said "Do you even know what you are saying?" He looked angry "If we don't get latest, Then we could never enter the foreign market" He said "We will forever be the second class"

"But I don't think Varsha Abraham will happily merge with them" Abiram said "it look like she want her company to be independent"

"That's impossible" I said "Even though it has a lot of potential, It's a sinking ship without investors" I said "Ms.Abraham knows it, And the other thing is, we are palace group's rivals, So if there's likely to be anyone to merge with, Her best option is palace group" I said.

"So what are we going to do?" Raghav sir asked.

"I think it's time for me to meet my old friend, Gangadhar" Father said slowly.

In other words, He wants to meet his archenemy, The CEO of palace group.

"But father!" Abiram exclaimed "He will never cooperate with you, He has a grudge against us" Abiram said.

"I have already decided" Father announced.

I looked at the time, It was going to be 7:30 soon, That means the meeting has been dragging for a good 2 hrs now.

"If there's nothing else, I would like to -"

"There is" Abiram said, looking rather excited as he gave me a look.

No...not good.

Abiram never gave me that sort of look before.

"I got the results of the firearms we sent" Abiram announced.

Now I know what he's very excited about.

I already know the what the result will be, But still turned to him like everyone else.

He turned the report around, There was nothing wrong with their guns!" he exclaimed "it don't belong to any police officers"

Father took it from him.

"Why didn't you tell me this earlier?" He looked at Abiram then turned to the paper.

I am sure that Abiram was saving the best for the last, As he wanted to humiliate me..

I looked at ED Pramod, Who looked down, Not meeting my eyes.

The report was supposed to reach him, I guess Abiram has already started his game and got pramod on his side.

I don't care anyway.

"I guess I made a mistake" I said slowly "The model was very similar to a police gun" I said.

"So the great Arjun Surya narayan also make mistakes!" Abiram mocked "Because of you, They escaped from death that day! You stopped us from killing them, telling one of them is a police officer"

"I really thought so" I said "Or did you really want me to shut up when I thought that?" I asked back.

He glared me back, Apparently he doesn't have a reply to that.

"I am just showing everyone that Arjun surya narayan can make mistakes too" he said.

"It's not his mistake" father looked up from the report and everyone turned to him "You didn't even bother to read the report fully?" He looked at Abiram.

"What's there to read when it's given that it is not a police firearm?" Abiram asked.

"The gun we sent is very much similar to a the officer's gun that was made a few years back" father said "A big mafia was arrested for duplicating that series and their gun's were taken back"he said "but few of them was already circulated outside and this is one of them" He stopped.

Silence filled the room as Abiram looked shocked.

"How..How come he..know that!?" Abiram asked after a moment "How can he suspect it's a police gun even if it was a fake!? Even Thomas mathew couldn't tell the difference!"

"Every gun has a serial number Abiram, To me, It looked very similar to officer Ajith roy's gun, You were there too when Ajith roy's belongings were searched for his case files"

"You..You remember it?" He asked me.

"Do you think I will let go of anything that was to do with my case? I even remember his licence number, the number plate of his car, The number of stops he made that day, The people he talked to, The custom made golden pen with the initials A.R on it" I said "I have a good memory" I added.

Silence filled the room as Abiram stared at me.

"That's enough" Father said "it's not important anyway, Even If Arjun hadn't interfered then, Reporter trishana and Officer suresh kumar would have" Father added "Besides, It was a good thing that it stopped that day or shweta would have suffered" He added.

I looked at Abiram; Now  I know what is the meaning of "Digging your own grave"

I cleared my throat, Hiding my smirk, Just the way that I know Abiram hates it.

"If there's nothing else, I will leave today" I got up.

It was already late when I walked to my office.

"Arjun!"

I stopped as I heard ED pramod, I turned around to see him jogging to me.

"Arjun, Don't misunderstand, I didn't give that report to him willingly, I am still grateful to you for letting me catch the gang last time from mahesh's private residence" he stopped "it's just that..That..Abiram knows..something..unfavourable about me, So I..-"

"Abiram realised that you manipulated the stocks?" I asked back and he looked shocked.

"How..how did you-"

"I am good with numbers, pramod" I said "So you were the one behind it"

"Arjun, I swear, It's an one time thing, I dunno why I did that, But it was such a difficult situation and-"

"Save it" I said "I am not interested in that" I said and he looked taken aback "But it will not be the case if you ever did anything to surya law firm" I stopped

"I will never dare to!" He said "Thank you Arjun, Thank you"

So I walked to my cabin, totally in a bad mood.

Karan was already waiting for me inside, Sulking.

I guess that his meeting with truth magazine staffs didn't go as planned.

"Boss! You are here!" he jumped up.

"She fired me! Can you believe that!?" he said the moment the door was closed behind me.

"she said I am hard working, efficient and smart, She said I am wasting my time there! What kind of dismissal is that!?" He said "Is it a crime to work hard!? I Really wanted to fit in there" he complained.

I chuckled.

Finally, Something entertaining after my long tiresome day!

"You are laughing at me?" He asked me.

"Tell me what happened" I told him as I took my chair, So he explained everything that happened there.

"So They were ready to work with her again?" I asked him and he nodded.

"But I still don't know why she would fire me, Sir! Especially when there's no manpower to support them"

"Isn't it obvious, Karan?" I asked "you were too careless"

"What did I do?" I asked back.

"You just said that most of her staffs didn't turn up, The only people who came there was her most trusted ones, Or the people who followed her from truth tv headquarters" I said.

Realisation dawned  as he listened to me.

"So I..I was..not supposed to be there!?" he asked and I nodded.

"You were an odd one out there, Besides, You had good qualification and work experience, You had no obligation to go and work in a company like that, Even if I was your boss, I will be thinking the same thing" I explained.

"Okay, I understand" He said "But no one else noticed anything" He said.

"Because sanjana is too sharp and All of you were no match for her" I said, Feeling proud for some reason.

"Sanjana again?"

"Call her that" I said quickly "That way, We can talk about her freely without letting anyone suspicious"

I told him and he nodded.

"But sir, How did you get her dad's special card?" he asked me "it's very important to her"

"It's a long story karan, I will tell you some other day" I said.

"But..Have you ever met her dad?" He asked me.

"No" I said  "Anyway, It's good thing that she fired you, If she's taking a break from the magazine, There's no need for you to keep an eye there"

"but I am still not okay with her firing me"

"Now! This is a surprise, Karan, Initially you didn't want to work for her, Now you don't want to quit?" I asked him.

"It's not that" He mumbled "I do like it there" He said "And I don't want to get on the bad side of my future-Lady boss"

"Karan" I raised up my eyebrows and looked at him.

"I know, The door is that way" He smiled and hurried outside.

As soon as the door was closed behind, I leaned to the seat.

Now...why is that not offending me!?

Future lady boss?

Then I saw the reflection of myself on the glass door.

I frowned.

Since when did I start to smile stupidly like that!?

*  *  *

Trisha.

It's weekend and I am waiting for him in front of the mall where he had asked me to.

He is five minutes late!

I was getting angry while he reached near me.

"Hey sanjana" He called me and I turned to him to tell him off, But stopped when I saw him.

He was wearing a Ralph Lauren polo shirt, dark denims and chelsea boots.

With his physique, He pulled off a supermodel look easily.

I tried not to stare at him.

"You...you wear casuals?" I asked before I could stop my stupid question and he chuckled.

"Yes sanju" he touched my head affectionately "You look cute today" he told me.

I am not a puppy!

I smiled at him sweetly.

I am wearing a simple, Lavender colored Ruffle dress.

My hair was still down and varsha had paired my dress with a pearl studded thin headband and strappy heels.

Simple and innocent for the first date, She didn't want me to be overdressed as Arjun didn't say where we are going and I didn't want to be uncomfortable the whole time.

"Why did you ask me to meet here?" I asked him.

We are not going for shopping again, right?

He smiled.

"You told me that you like to go for movies" He said "You said you like love stories"

"You remember that?" I asked him in surprise.

I had told him that, when we first met at the club house "Accidentally", along with other countless senseless things.

He nodded "I remember everything about you" he smiled.

For some reason, I thought there's some hidden meaning under his words.

"Um-"

"Come on" He took hold of my hands and started to walk forward.

Arjun just took hold of my hands!

My heart leaped inside me.

"Are you sure that you want to watch a movie with me?" I looked at him.

"I just want you to enjoy our first date" He said and my heart jumped "I hope I can win you over" He smiled at me.

He's flirting so shamelessly again!

I don't know why shweta said that he's stiff and unapproachable.

When we walked to the theatre, Something started to strike me.

"Umm...Arjun, Are you sure that the movie's running today?" I asked him, Looking around "There's no one here" I told him.

"Don't worry, We will watch the movie today" he assured me and took me inside the movie hall.

The luxurious Movie hall was empty except for the two of us.

Another far fetched, Strange thought came to my mind.

No! There's no way! Arjun won't book the whole theatre to ourselves! That's something crazy that will happen only in the movies!

"Arjun" I looked at him "where is everyone?" I asked him "I don't see anyone here-"

"Come on sanju" he took my hand again and guided me to the best spot.

I was once again shocked to see the plush leather recliners that was turned to a love-seat.

I looked at Arjun, Who guided me to sit.

"Just enjoy the movie" He said.

"But-"

"I don't want anyone to disturb us" He said slowly "We are the only ones watching this movie"

I stared at him.

He's crazy! We are only getting acquainted! Why should he go to so much trouble.

And worse- My gang, Who are keeping watch of me cannot come inside here!

"Is there a problem with it, Sanjana?" Arjun was looking at me concerned, And I gave him my best smile.

"Thank you" I said as I played with my watch "I never thought you are such a...um..romantic"

"Don't worry, You will know soon" He leaned to me and whispered.

My face flamed and he chuckled again.

Pervert!

But I have to admit it, Arjun is good at courting, It will be hard to resist him, But I'm trishana hariprasad And I know too much about him.

I won't fall for him even if he's the last guy on the earth.

Someone opened the door and walked to us.

"Sir, Are you comfortable? Is there anything else you need?" The boy asked while passing my favourite Soda and popcorn to Arjun.

"Nothing, Thank you" Arjun said while passing me the popcorn.

The boy nodded and walked back.

"You like popcorn?"

"It's for you" he said "I am not much of a fan, But I reckon you will like it" He said.

"You are right, I always like a big basket of popcorn with movie, It's my guilty pleasure" I admitted genuinely, Then stopped.

Uh..Don't show him your true self Trisha..Always be alert!

Arjun was watching me and I just stuffed some popcorn inside me, Not want to talk.

"Caramel!" I exclaimed "My favourite!" I said munching it and he laughed.

"Then enjoy it"

So the movie started and I turned to the screen.

My heart skipped a beat as I realised the movie that's playing.

DDLJ!

oh my god!

Can he really read my mind!?

I was not bothered about which movie we were going to watch until this moment.

It was one of my favourites.

Even though I had watched the movie countless time in the past, I am having a great time watching it with Arjun now.

It was going well, Until Arjun touched my hand and I froze.

I looked at him sideways, But he was looking at the screen. I waited for him to let go, But it never happened.

Are we going too fast? We have only started the dating, According to the dating stage, I am still between the first and second phase, So he shouldn't be doing this so easily!

I looked at him again.

I have a feeling that Arjun surya narayan wouldn't go by book anyway.

"Is my face very interesting?" He asked me without taking his eyes off the screen.

'What-" I stopped myself in time and quickly turned to the screen.

When the movie was over, Arjun escorted me outside.

"Thank you" Arjun said and I looked at him.

Why?

"Sanjana, This was my first movie date, Infact, This is my first date outside the business circle, I enjoyed it" He stopped.

I watched him in surprise.

"You never had a girlfriend before?" I asked him.

"I never had someone whom I was seriously interested in" Arjun said "You are the first girl to have gained my attention"

My heart gave another leap of joy.

What...joy!?..I am sure that it's because our plan is working!

But this is only our first date! He shouldn't talk to me like this!

"Um..I am starving" I said quickly, I don't want to dwell too much on what he said.

"Come on, I have arranged a good place" he said and escorted me to his car.

If I go with him, Can my gang catch up?

Karthik have a bike.

"Sanjana?"

"Um..yea, let's go"

So I followed him inside.

The ride was silent, But not in a uncomfortable or awkward way, But rather in a pleasant way.

"Your car is nice" I commented and he smiled.

The food was indeed tasty and All my favourites was there.

"This reminds me..How did you know that I like caramel flavour?" I asked him.

"You said you like sweets, So I just thought you would like that" He shrugged.

"It looks like you could really read my mind" I looked around the table.

"I am glad you loved the food" He told me "Here, Help yourself" He served me the side dish.

I am not used to be treated like this, But I really enjoyed the meal with him.

"But Arjun, How did you know that I like that movie?" I asked after a moment, The reporter in me was starting to get suspicious all of a sudden.

"You told me that you like Romance" He said.

"But how come you select that particular movie?"

"Just search for the best romantic Indian movie and you will get the answer" He smiled "But I am happy to know that it's your favourite" He said.

Oooh..That explains it! I shouldn't over think things!

It was not until we were coming back that he dropped the bomb.

"Sanjana" He looked me straight in the eyes and I was suddenly nervous. "Be my girlfriend" He said and I stared at him.

Wait..Did I hear it right? Did he just ask me to be his girlfriend!?..But we are only at the stage one, If we go at this speed, It will not be difficult to reach level 3 and I don't want that.

"Um..Arjun, We are moving too fast, We still have to get to know each other"

"I feel like I know you quite well" He said "I have never been interested in anyone else, I feel attracted to you and I want you to be my girlfriend" He said firmly.

No guys have ever talked to me like this! He sounded so confident and firm.

"I don't want to waste any time, We are not teenagers anyway" He said.

I stared straight back, not knowing what to say to him.

I have never been rendered speechless my whole life, This is the first time.

Arjun.

I noticed the faint red color in her cheeks and had to resist the urge to touch her.

"Sanjana, You don't have to give me an answer now, Take your time and think it over" I said and took her hand in mine "I will wait for your answer" I told her.

She nodded stiffly.

I want to kiss her, But I don't want to freak her out after my proposal.

So I escorted her to her car and opened the door for her.

She was still in a daze.

"Sanjana" I said as I closed the door after her. "If the answer is not favourable, I won't meet you anymore" I said and she looked startled.

I know I am cornering her, But I can't help it.

"I don't want to develop anymore feelings towards you if you don't want to be my girlfriend" I said.

"I..I will call you"

"I will wait for the good news then" I smiled and she nodded again, looking rather tensed.

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A very long chapter, Hope you enjoyed it 😊