7.

Sorry I'm late 😁❤️.

Aur Tara daba dena agar mera tare jaisa chapter pasand aaye to 😌❤️🌎.

Mira’s POV

"Wake up fast Jiya! We are late!" I shout while hurriedly wearing my studs. But she doesn’t even move from her place.

"Jiyaaaa!" I yell again louder this time.

She finally stirs, lazily opening her half closed eyes and looking at me like she has no idea where she is.

Then she shifts her gaze to the clock on the wall. The moment she sees the time she abruptly sits up, rubbing her eyes before checking the clock again.

"Why didn’t you wake me up?! It’s already 8:30 and we have to be there by 9" she shouts in panic jumping out of bed and running straight into the bathroom.

I roll my eyes frustrated. "I also woke up late because of you! If you hadn’t convinced me to watch that movie till late at night, we would’ve been up on time" I shout back while rushing to the living room. My eyes scan the table as I double-check if we’ve kept all our documents properly.

"Let’s go" Jiya says suddenly appearing beside me.

I turn to look at her shocked. "You… You got ready in five minutes? How?!" I ask my eyes wide in disbelief.

"Yes I only take five minutes to get ready" she says fixing her dress in front of the mirror.

I narrow my eyes at her giving her a you’re kidding me look.

She chuckles nervously and scratches her head. "Hehe… Actually I get ready in five minutes but I take 25 minutes extra because I do a little concert of mine there. You know these brushes, mirrors and all the other stuff in the bathroom are my fans. And they insist on a performance daily so I have to do it" she explains with a completely serious face.

I grab the nearest slipper and throw it at her.

"Ahhh! I’m sorry!" she laughs dodging it. "But let’s go now or we’ll get even more late!"

I sigh quickly slipping into my heels while she wears hers. Without wasting another second we rush out of the house and hurry toward the bus stop.

The moment we reach my face falls. The place is packed. A huge crowd of people is already waiting for the bus.

"Why is there so much crowd today?" I mutter looking around at all the people.

"We have to do something. Otherwise we’ll never get on the bus" Jiya says her voice filled with determination.

I turn my head toward her and instantly freeze. She has that look on her face her mischievous evil smirk. My grip on my bag tightens. I already know I am about to be dragged into one of her plans.

"Okay just tell me when I have to run" I say my heartbeat increasing in anticipation.

She grabs my wrist tightly and we move to the side away from the main crowd. The bus is approaching. It looks almost empty but everyone is already preparing to rush inside. The moment it gets close enough Jiya takes a deep breath and....

"OH MY GOD! WHOSE MONEY IS THIS?!" she suddenly screams her voice loud and clear.

Everyone instantly turns around eyes scanning the ground, looking for the imaginary money.

And that’s our cue.

I don’t waste a single second. Jiya and I dash toward the bus at animalistic speed jumping inside before anyone even realizes what happened.

We sit down on the seats catching our breath after that unexpected sprint. Some people are still standing outside, looking here and there for the lost money that never existed while others start entering the bus.

"Who shouted that someone’s money was there?" a lady asks in an annoyed tone looking around suspiciously.

Jiya and I exchange a quick glance trying our best to hold back our laughter.

"Don’t know" I say innocently shrugging my shoulders.

The lady huffs and continues looking around trying to spot the culprit. Jiya nudges me with her elbow and I bite my lip to keep from laughing.

Soon we reach our stop and get off the bus.

"Thank God we don’t have to walk much. The office building is just two minutes away" I say in relief.

But the moment we turn toward the building both of us stop in our tracks, our mouths slightly open.

"Wow the building is so amazing!" we say together staring at the massive structure in front of us.

The Rajvansh Empire stands tall and magnificent, its modern glass exterior gleaming under the morning sunlight. No doubt it’s ranked as the number one architectural building in Asia. Every inch of it screams power, luxury and perfection.

We walk down the lavish pathway, the atmosphere around us feeling nothing short of a five-star hotel. Expensive cars roll in one after another, dropping off employees dressed in their best formal attire.

Workers are scattered all around—some are sweeping the spotless pathway, while others are carefully watering the beautifully maintained plants and trees. The entire place has such a calming and soothing vibe.

"Miruuu I think I just fell in love with this place" Jiya says dreamily her eyes sparkling as she looks around.

I nod completely agreeing with her. "Same."

We finally step inside the grand office building heading straight toward the receptionist’s desk.

"Good morning. How may I help you?" the receptionist greets us with a polite smile.

"Actually we are here for the job interview" I say. She nods in understanding and gestures toward a seating area.

"Ma’am please wait there with the other candidates. We will inform you when the interview starts."

We thank her and walk toward the waiting area But the moment we step closer our good mood vanishes instantly.

Sitting there with her perfect makeup, designer clothes and an arrogant smirk on her face, is Neha—the biggest bitch of our college.

Jiya sighs deeply. "Let’s just ignore her. I don’t want to ruin my day because of her."

I nod. "Agreed."

Unfortunately ignoring Neha is never that simple. She isn’t alone. Her so-called rich spoiled friends are sitting beside her, laughing and gossiping as if they own the place.

We take our seats at a distance, hoping she won’t notice us. But luck isn’t on our side today.

Neha’s eyes suddenly land on us. Her smirk grows wider as she stands up and confidently walks toward us stopping right in front of us.

Her eyes scan us from head to toe and then she scoffs.

"Why are you two here?" she asks tilting her head. The way she looks at us like we don’t belong here this makes my blood boil.

Jiya crosses her arms. "People these days are so annoying. Can’t they just mind their own business?" she says looking straight at Neha completely unimpressed.

Neha glares at her but Jiya doesn’t even blink.

"You both actually think you deserve a job here?" Neha sneers. She turns to the glass wall and points outside. "You should go and work with them."

I follow her gaze and see the cleaning staff working outside.

A burst of laughter erupts from Neha’s friends as they giggle and whisper among themselves.

I take a deep breath keeping my expression neutral. "Just ignore her" I say loud enough for the people around us to hear. "She doesn’t have anything better to do in her life."

Some of the other candidates chuckle at my words. Neha’s face turns red with anger.

"You...." she hisses and suddenly raises her hand about to slap me.

But before she can touch me, I grab her wrist mid air and push her back lightly. She stumbles a little gasping in shock.

"You pushed me?" she exclaims her voice dripping with disbelief.

And before I can react she pushes me hard with all her strength. I lose my balance and fall straight on the ground, landing on my butt.

A wave of silence spreads through the waiting area.

I feel all eyes on me. The candidates, the receptionist, even the passing employees everyone is staring at us.

I slowly lift my head and look up at Neha. My hands tighten into fists. My jaw clenches. She just made a huge mistake.

Abhiraj’s POV

"Am I smelling nice?" I ask Dev adjusting my cufflinks.

He rolls his eyes at my question. "Come here let me sniff you" he says leaning closer with a smirk.

I move toward him slightly but the moment I do he touches me in a slow, dramatic way, almost seductive.

I instantly jerk back. "Stay away from me man!" I say looking at him with disgust.

He chuckles. "Baby you are smelling so nice" he says in a flirty tone winking at me.

I stare at him in disbelief. "I'm not interested in you please maintain distance" I say keeping my expression dead serious.

Zar, sitting nearby watches the whole scene with an smile.

"Are you a little too happy today?" I ask him noticing the way he’s grinning. Zar’s smile grows wider.

"Because he is going to meet his mother" Dev answers before Zar can.

I nod understanding. "Good" I say with a small smile but then my face turns serious.

"Just remember what I told you" I warn him. "Don’t act like a pookie in front of her. Stay in your cold and dangerous self" Zar grins, showing his teeths.

I shake my head. "Please don’t ruin my plan my boy" I say giving him a pointed look. He sighs but nods.

I turn toward Varun who is driving. "Have all the candidates arrived at the office?" I ask.

Varun glances at me through the rearview mirror and nods focusing on the road. "Yes sir. Ma’am and her friend are already there."

I glance at Dev who is busy checking his phone. A smirk tugs at my lips.

"Her friend is also there" I say emphasizing the word ‘friend’ while looking at Dev.

He slowly lifts his head and glares at me already annoyed.

"So what?" he asks his voice dry.

I chuckle, enjoying this. "Come to the office and meet her" He pushes me away with an irritated groan.

"Zar tell your father to keep his distance from me!" Dev says already dialing someone on his phone.

I laugh. Teasing Dev never gets old. But then my focus shifts to mira. My heart beats a little faster.

I take a deep breath. I am excited. And nervous. It almost feels like it’s my first day at work. But it’s not.

I should look presentable in front of her. First impression is the last impression.

Even though this is not my first time meeting her I still want everything to be perfect. And I have prepared everything for her.

The car stops in front of the Rajvansh Empire building. I step out with Zar.

Dev leans back in his seat and smirks. "All the best." I nod fixing my coat.

Then with my usual calm and powerful stride, I start walking inside. With Zar by my side.

Abhiraj’s POV

The moment I step inside the building, my eyes land on a small crowd gathered near the seating area. My gaze immediately finds her. Mira.

She is standing there but before I can take a proper look I see a girl shove her hard. Mira loses her balance and falls on the floor.

My blood boils instantly. You are dead today you....

Before I can finish my thoughts Zar takes off running towards her growling in anger.

I take long, fast strides, heading straight to them. The entire floor falls silent.

I reach the scene, my jaw clenched tight. My eyes glare daggers at the girl who dared to push Mira.

Zar growls loudly standing protectively in front of Mira. I take a deep breath but my anger only flares more.

"What is happening here?!" I roar my voice booming through the space.

The people standing around flinch. My gaze locks onto the girl who pushed Mira.

She suddenly looks nervous but tries to maintain a fake innocent expression. Then I shift my focus to Mira.

She is still on the floor but instead of looking weak, her eyes burn with rage. I extend my hand to help her up.

But she ignores my hand and stands up on her own. A collective gasp echoes through the room. Even my guards and employees seem shocked.

But me?

I feel a smirk tug at my lips. Ahh my sweetheart. This attitude of yours is my favorite. I tilt my head slightly watching her with admiration.

Then I turn my gaze back to the girl who pushed her.

"Why did you push her?" I ask my tone sharp.

The girl looks at me her expression shifting instantly. She suddenly pouts putting on a fake hurt act. I fight the urge to vomit.

"Sir she tried to push me first! And.... and she even threatened me! She said she’d make my life hell!" I almost laugh at how pathetic she sounds.

My eyes shift to Mira. She is glaring at the girl her hands clenched into tight fists.

"She is lying." Her voice is firm filled with disgust.

I smirk. I know baby. You don’t have to tell me. I don’t even spare the girl another glance.

"Everyone go back to your work." My voice booms again leaving no room for argument.

The employees scatter immediately, some still stealing glances at us as they rush away.

As much as I want to deal with her right now, I hold myself back. Because this girl?

She doesn’t deserve a small punishment. No. She needs a tour of hell for messing with Mira.

I turn and start walking towards my private elevator. Zar follows me glaring at me as if I did something wrong.

I sigh.

"I'm sorry but I won’t do anything now" I say glancing down at him.

"If I punish her now it will be a small punishment." Zar tilts his head, listening carefully.

"But I want her to suffer twice as much for messing with your Mumma" At my words Zar’s expression changes.

His lips curl into a smirk and he gives me an approving nod. I step inside my cabin exhaling slowly. Not even a minute passes before Varun walks in.

"Who was she?" I ask leaning back in my chair.

Varun clears his throat. "Sir she is the daughter of Mr. Agrawal our Marketing Department’s manager."

Ah. That’s why she’s here. Makes sense.

"Is everything ready for the interview?" I ask switching topics.

Varun nods immediately. "Yes sir."

"Send her in first With Mira and Jiya"

Varun nods again understanding exactly what I’m planning.

"Should I call all of them up now?" he asks.

"Yes" I reply. He leaves to carry out my orders. The moment the door closes. I turn towards my computer screen.

I click on the CCTV footage of the lounge area. Not because I don’t trust Mira. I trust her more than anyone.

But I want to see everything with my own eyes. Because I want to make that girl pay double for what she did.

As I replay the footage I feel Zar jump onto my lap. He leans forward watching the screen with me.

The video starts playing. I see exactly what happened. That girl was the first one to provoke Mira. Then she pushed her hard.

Zar’s whole body tenses. His small fists clench and then he growls lowly. His reaction makes my rage spike even more. I place a calming hand on his head and stroke his hair gently.

"Calm down" I murmur. But deep inside? I feel the same rage he does.

That girl just dug her own grave And I’m going to make sure she regrets it.

"We will take our revenge" I say in a calm but firm voice.

Zar’s little body relaxes a bit though his fists are still clenched. Just then my phone buzzes.

"Sir everyone is here. Please come" Varun’s voice comes from the other side.

I get up adjust my coat, making sure everything is perfect and then head toward the door.

"You wait here Zar" I tell him. But before I can take a step, he runs out ahead of me.

I shake my head hiding my smirk. This kid. I walk towards the interview room. my steps confident and firm.

As soon as I enter the area, all the candidates stand up and greet me But I ignore them all, walking straight into the room.

Still my eyes steal a quick glance at her. Mira.

Her mood seems off. I can see it in her eyes the way they lack their usual spark.

Tch, sweetheart. Don’t let trash like that ruin your mood. I reach the head chair and sit down, my posture relaxed but commanding.

Zar takes a seat beside me swinging his legs slightly. The other board members greet me but I only nod.

Then, Mr. Agrawal that bitchs father speaks up.

"Sir you always come at the end of the interviews but today, you are here from the start" I turn my head towards him my face expressionless.

"Do you have a problem?" My voice is calm but the weight of my words makes him shift uncomfortably.

He quickly shakes his head. "N...No sir." I turn away from him.

"Call the candidates" Varun nods and steps out to call them in.

A few moments later the door opens and the first batch of candidates enters. My eyes immediately find her.

Mira walks in with a small, polite smile, shoulders straight, her presence unknowingly drawing all my attention.

She is followed by her friend, that girl and another candidate. They all take their seats in front of us. I lean back in my chair.

"Introduce yourself" I say my tone firm.

The first candidate, a guy introduces himself confidently. His skills are impressive. I make a mental note of that.

Then the girl the one who dared to push Mira introduces herself next.

She starts talking, her voice fake syrupy sweet, like she’s trying to impress us. I suppress the urge to roll my eyes.

Next Mira’s friend introduces herself And finally...

My baby

She sits up straight her eyes sharp yet calm.

"My name is Mira and I have completed my Master’s in the Marketing sector. I have strong skills in market research, consumer behavior analysis and digital marketing strategies. I have worked on brand positioning, competitive analysis and campaign development. I’m experienced in SEO, Google Analytics and CRM tools to enhance customer engagement. My ability to analyze trends and adapt strategies makes me confident in contributing to this company’s success."

Her voice is steady, her words confident. I listen carefully, watching her as she speaks. And in that moment I feel something deep inside me.

Pride.

The interview continues. The board members ask various questions testing their knowledge and experience.

Then I see Mr. Agrawal shifting, about to ask his daughter a question.

I raise my hand slightly stopping him before he can speak. I tilt my head resting my chin on my fingers. Then I turn my gaze toward his daughter.

"Why should we give you this job?"

Her face lights up instantly as if she was waiting for this moment.

She starts talking about her strengths, her capabilities, what she can do for the company. Blah. Blah. Blah.

I let her finish. Then I lean forward slightly, my expression turning cold.

"But I don’t hire liars in my company" The room falls completely silent.

She freezes her expression shifting from confident to terrified.

"W...What lie did I say sir?" she stammers, her eyes darting between me and her father. I exhale slowly shaking my head.

"You said Miss Rao pushed you and threatened you." Her face drains of color.

"But my CCTV footage says something else." I tilt my head observing her reaction.

"And how dumb do you have to be to lie in front of me without even thinking that I might check the CCTV?" She looks down biting her lip nervously.

I smirk slightly. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Mira’s lips curl into a small, satisfied smile.

That’s right, sweetheart. Justice served. I turn my gaze toward Mr. Agrawal.

"She is your daughter" His posture stiffens.

"And you were planning to give her this job just because of that?" I stand up my voice cold and sharp.

"You are fired, Mr. Agrawal" A collective gasp echoes through the room.

"For misusing your position to benefit your daughter, who is not only a liar but also harmful to others" Mr. Agrawal quickly stands up, panic on his face.

"Sir please I..." I raise my hand, cutting him off.

"Guards" The door opens instantly, and two security guards step inside.

"Take them away." Mr. Agrawal starts struggling but the guards grab him and his daughter, dragging them out as they protest.

I sit back down. Then I turn my gaze toward Mira’s friend and the boy.

"You both are selected." Their eyes widen in surprise and joy. Then I turn to Mira, my expression blank.

"But you Miss Rao… your profile is not that impressive" Her smile falters slightly.

"And your skills are just okay." I tap my fingers on the table.

"So, should I give you a job or not?"

Suddenly I feel small claws digging into my thigh. I glance down.

Zar is gripping my pants his tiny nails pressing into my skin. I fight the urge to smile internally amused. He doing this for his mother. He is angry on me.

"Sir not everyone is professional or perfect from the start" Mira says her voice honest and steady.

"But I will try my best to serve this company. And I will be loyal to it"

I hold her gaze my face still cold. She smiles softly, looking directly into my eyes. I stay silent for a moment.

Then....

"You are selected." And with that I stand up and walk out of the room. I reach the corridor but when I glance back....

Zar is not behind me. I frown looking around.Then I spot him. He is standing near Mira, watching her with a big happy smile.

Ah. This little devil is going to ruin my plans for sure.

"Zar." I call his name in a deep warning voice. Immediately he turns and rushes toward me.

I walk into my cabin and sit down. The first thing I do? I open the CCTV footage again. And there she is.

My sweetheart.

She is jumping in the corridor, hugging her friend, her face glowing with happiness.

I watch her, my fingers tapping lightly on the desk. A small smile tugs at my lips.

"Sorry baby for behaving like a jerk with you But I'll fix all this when you become mine" i said slowly still looking at her.

Mira's POV

I’m so excited right now! We got the job and that bitch got exactly what she deserved. I sit at my desk, which is honestly so cozy, and take a deep breath. A new beginning. I glance at Jiya, who is busy checking out everything on her desk like a curious kid.

"You know I’m so happy, baby" she says looking at me with a wide grin.

"Because we got the job?" I ask smiling back.

"No" she shakes her head dramatically. "Because that bitch got humiliated in front of everyone" she bursts into laughter and I can’t help but join her.

Our mentor walks up to us and places a few files on our desks. "Here are your orientation files. These contain all the basic rules of the company and details about our team members. Go through them carefully to understand the company’s policies" she explains.

We nod and take the files but my mind is not at peace. A weird restlessness settles in my chest making it hard to focus. I try to push the feeling away but it lingers.

The reason? Abhiraj.

Why is he acting like this? Before today he talked to me so softly, like he actually cared, but now he’s treating me like I’m just another employee. Like he doesn’t even know me.

I hate myself for feeling this way, for letting his behavior bother me. He is just my boss nothing more. Then why is my heart acting up? Why do I feel this strange pull toward him?

"Ahh focus on your work Mira" I whisper to myself shaking my head. "He’s always been cold and arrogant. Don’t think about him."

But deep down, I know the truth.

I don’t even realize it yet but soon I will be the one craving his presence. Or maybe… he will make me crave him.