Chapter 13 The destiny design

Arohi's First Day at the Office (Continued)

Arohi managed to understand some parts of her new work, while some things completely went over her head. Still, her first day went fairly well—nothing too bad.

Meanwhile, in his cabin, Nirvay sat at his desk, watching her on his computer screen via the office's security cameras. He zoomed in on Arohi's face and smiled softly to himself.

Nirvay (thinking): "Still no makeup… seems like some things will never change."

Second Day at the Office

The next morning, Arohi entered the office with a bright smile, wishing everyone a cheerful "Good morning!"

Neha, a senior staff member, immediately pointed out, "You're 10 minutes late. You know the office rules, right? Anyway, just make sure you're on time from tomorrow."

Without waiting for Arohi's response, Neha handed her some papers.

Neha: "Since you're already here, take these papers and get some Xerox copies made. The Xerox machine is in the room next to the meeting hall."

Arohi: "Okay, sure."

Arohi went to the Xerox room, but as soon as she stood in front of the machine, she realized she had no idea how to use it. Panicking slightly, she pulled out her phone and quickly searched:

Arohi: "How to use a Xerox machine." 🥲

Google showed her the step-by-step instructions, but despite following them carefully, the prints kept coming out wrong—some with back side errors, some with misaligned pages.

Arohi (frustrated): "I didn't know that even making Xerox copies could be this hard! 😭 Will I even survive this job?"

Just then, the office boy walked into the room. Seeing her struggle, he kindly helped her out.

That small incident became a big lesson for Arohi. She realized she needed to stay focused and work much harder if she wanted to prove herself in this job.

Internal Monologue – Realization

Arohi realized deep within —

It's time to get serious. This job isn't something to take lightly. Only focus and hard work can help me survive in this jungle.

Restroom & Cafeteria

Later that same day, Arohi went to the restroom. She noticed three female office staff standing there. For a moment, they glanced at her, but quickly returned to their conversation, ignoring her presence.

Arohi (in her mind): "The people here don't seem friendly at all..."

Feeling a bit unsettled, she walked out and headed to the cafeteria to grab a coffee.

When she arrived, four colleagues were already talking:

Champak (the office boy who helped her with the Xerox earlier):

"The new girl… she couldn't figure out the Xerox machine. I had to help her."

Shruti (girl 1):

"Hehe… Champak, you're quite the smart one!"

Pooja (girl 2, teasingly):

"She doesn't even know how to use a Xerox machine?"

Dhruv (boy, defending gently):

"I didn't know either when I joined… you have to learn. Not everyone knows how to operate every machine. Even a Xerox machine is kind of advanced."

Pooja (laughing):

"Advanced?! Oh please, Dhruv!"

Just then, Arohi walked in.

There was an awkward silence for a few seconds as they noticed her.

Without saying a word, she quietly picked up her coffee and walked out.

But her heart was heavy, her eyes teary.

She immediately called Sukhi.

---

Phone Call: Arohi & Sukhi

Sukhi (cheerfully picking up):

"You called so suddenly? Aren't you at the office right now?"

Arohi (voice trembling):

"Yeah… I'm still at the office, but I really don't feel good. I just want to cry."

Sukhi (concerned):

"What happened? Tell me everything."

Arohi explained everything in detail.

Sukhi (calmly but firmly):

*"Okay, listen carefully:

1. Neha ma'am was right — punctuality really matters at work.

2. The Xerox thing? You took it too much to heart. Everyone learns something new every day — you're learning too.

3. In the restroom? You could've simply said, 'Hi! I'm new here.' That would've started a connection.

4. And Champak? If you had just said 'Thank you' and maybe bought him a coffee, his whole perspective about you would've changed."*

Sukhi (final punch):

"Arohi, new things are never easy. But if you just start — everything will change. And I know you can do it. I believe in you."

Arohi (softly laughing through her tears):

"You talk nonsense 99% of the time, but in that 1%… you make everything crystal clear."

Sukhi (dramatically):

"Well, what can I say — I'm smart!"

Arohi (smiling now):

"Okay, I'll talk to you later."

The call ended.

Arohi's face now held determination.

Arohi (in her mind):

"Yes… I can do this."

Just then, her coffee mug slipped from her hand and crashed to the floor.

Arohi (exasperated):

"Yaarrrrr..."

Aarohi's Room – Night

Aarohi lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling.

Aarohi (thinking):

"Today was such a bad day… but Sukhi was right. I'll have to take the first step in making friends. I mean, who am I? Some celebrity people will just come up to and say 'hello'? Stupid me! I should just sleep now… can't afford to be even a minute late tomorrow."

---

Next Morning – Office

Aarohi entered the office with quiet confidence.

Aarohi (smiling):

"Good morning, everyone!"

Everyone politely responded. Dhruv noticed her.

Dhruv (grinning):

"Look, Aarohi… the Xerox machine really is advanced!"

Aarohi (dryly):

"Yeah… I experienced that firsthand yesterday."

Dhruv:

"By the way, you've already met everyone… but would you like to join a group? The best group in this office — which includes me, the most handsome guy here…" [strikes a playful pose]

"… Pooja, a little snobby… and Shruti, who's always sweet but can be spicy too."

Aarohi (nervously):

"Umm… yeah, okay?"

Dhruv called the girls over.

Dhruv:

"She's part of our group now. She's young too, and I don't want her stuck with the 'oldies' in the office, poor girl!"

Shruti:

"Aarohi, just ignore him. Also, about that day — sorry from all of us."

Pooja:

"Same here. From today, we're having lunch together."

Dhruv (suddenly alert):

"Get to your desks — Neha ma'am is coming!"

Aarohi quickly sat down, a small smile creeping onto her face.

Aarohi (thinking):

"Sukhi's advice is really working…"

---

Later That Day – Pantry Area

Aarohi bought coffee for Champak.

Aarohi:

"Thank you for helping me yesterday."

Champak (smiling sweetly):

"Madam ji… suniyega…"

Dhruv (from a distance, laughing):

"Madam ji has left the building!"

---

Narration:

Aarohi was now comfortably blending into the office crowd, especially with these three. Dhruv's daily mission seemed to be annoying Aarohi just enough to keep her smiling.

One Week Later – Cafeteria

Pooja:

"Just 15 days left…"

Aarohi:

"Left for what?"

Dhruv:

"For our new CEO to take charge! He's the chairman's son."

Shruti (dreamily):

"Nirvay sir… so handsome!"

Pooja:

"Ufff… yes, totally!"

Aarohi (shocked):

"Nirvay?!"

Dhruv:

"Yeah, Nirvay Raj. But just to be clear — I'm still the most handsome guy here!"

Aarohi (quickly):

"What's the chairman's name?"

Pooja:

"You don't know?"

Aarohi:

"I saw it in some document… but I can't remember."

Dhruv:

"Chairman — Abhy Raj. His wife, Nadani Raj, is the co-founder. Nirvay is their elder son. They also have a younger son… what's his name…"

Aarohi (softly, almost whispering):

"Jai Raj…"

Dhruv (surprised):

"Yeah! How do you know that?!"

Aarohi:

"Excuse me… I'll be back in a moment."

She quickly walked away, her mind racing, her heart pounding.

Aarohi (thinking):

"Nirvay… he's the CEO of this company? This is his family's business?! I… I have to meet him."