The office harassment

Ananya walked into her office, expecting another usual day, but as she handed a file to her boss, she felt an unsettling gaze on her. His eyes roamed over her body, piercing through her top. Uncomfortable, she adjusted her shirt and turned to leave, but he caught her wrist.

"Ananya, bring me Mr. Gupta's file in my cabin," he said smoothly.

"Sure, sir," she replied, trying to free her hand.

Later, she entered his cabin with the file, but as she placed it on the table, he deliberately knocked it off. "Pick it up," he ordered, his voice laced with something sinister.

As she bent down, she felt his presence too close behind her. His fingers grazed her back. She flinched, stepping away.

"I have an offer for you, Ananya," he said, moving around his desk. "You're a smart girl. I think you deserve a promotion. But nothing comes for free. We could celebrate over dinner... maybe even stay at a hotel after?"

His hand brushed her arm and trailed to her waist. Her stomach churned in disgust.

Before he could say another word, she slapped him across the face. "How dare you?!" she spat.

His expression darkened as he grabbed her waist roughly, pulling her to him. His grip on her cheek was tight. "You dare hit me?!"

Panic surged in her veins, but she didn't let it paralyze her. With all her strength, she stomped hard on his foot, pushing him back, and ran out of his office.

Her hands were trembling as she reached for her phone. She needed to talk to someone. Dialing Avira, she tried to steady her breathing.

"Ananya?" Avira's voice was immediate, sensing something was off.

Ananya took a deep breath, forcing a casual tone. "Hey, I just wanted to talk. I miss you."

Avira frowned. "You sure? You sound... different."

"I'm fine," Ananya reassured. "I'll meet you at home later, okay?"

Avira hesitated but let it go. "Alright... but if something's wrong, tell me."

Ananya ended the call quickly, not wanting to burden her friend. But Raj, who was nearby, had heard the conversation and wasn't convinced either. Something about Ananya's voice unsettled him.

Later that night, Ananya walked alone, lost in thought. She had submitted her resignation impulsively, unable to stomach working under such a man. The city lights flickered, but the weight in her chest remained. She needed fresh air, so she sat in a nearby park, unaware of how late it had gotten.

As she finally started walking home, a car screeched to a halt beside her. Fear gripped her when she saw her boss step out, his expression twisted with anger.

"You thought you could just walk away from me?" he sneered.

Ananya's pulse spiked as she took a step back. "Stay away from me!"

He lunged, yanking her back by her hair. She yelped in pain, struggling, but he was stronger. "You'll regret that slap," he hissed, shoving her towards his car.

"Let me go!" she screamed, thrashing against him.

Drunken and furious, he tore at her top, the fabric ripping apart, exposing her skin. She gasped, crossing her arms over herself in horror, desperately trying to shield her body.

Her legs trembled, making it harder to run. Her foot twisted, and she stumbled, collapsing onto the cold pavement. Her knee scraped against the rough ground, blood trickling from the wound. Panic surged as she crawled backward, her hands shaking as she tried to push herself away.

"Please… don't," she pleaded, tears blurring her vision.

He loomed over her, breathing heavily. "You should've been nicer to me, Ananya."

As he bent down to force another kiss, a brutal punch sent him flying back.

Raj stood there, his fist clenched, his entire body radiating fury. His eyes burned with an untamed rage as he stepped closer. The boss groaned, clutching his face, but Raj didn't stop. Another punch. Then another. "HOW DARE YOU TOUCH HER?!" Raj roared, each hit fueled by his wrath.

The man whimpered, trying to crawl away, but Raj grabbed his collar and pulled him up. "You think you can force yourself on her?! You disgusting bastard!"

Another hit. Blood splattered on the ground. The boss finally found an opening and scrambled to his feet, running away into the dark.

Raj turned, his chest heaving. His eyes softened when he saw Ananya, still on the ground, clutching her torn top, her body trembling.

Without hesitation, he removed his coat and wrapped it around her. She gripped it tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Raj…" she choked, sobbing into his chest.

Raj hushed her gently, lifting her into his arms. "You're safe now, Ananya. I'm here."

Her fingers clutched his shirt as she cried against him. Raj didn't place her in the passenger seat—he sat her on his lap, holding her close as he drove. He could feel her shaking, the horror still fresh in her mind.

"I should've been more careful… I should've—"

"No," Raj interrupted, his voice firm. "None of this is your fault."

Tightening his grip on her, he pressed a soft kiss on her hair. "I swear, Ananya… he will pay for this."

She buried her face in his chest, knowing that as long as Raj was there, she was truly safe.