The morning sun spilled across the skyline as Thripthi approached the towering glass headquarters of Zenith Global Enterprises. Yesterday’s interview still lingered in her mind—the sharp questions, the silent intensity of Dev’s gaze, and the faint smile that had unsettled her more than she cared to admit. Today, she wasn’t a candidate anymore. She was the CEO’s Personal Assistant. 

Her heels clicked against the marble floor as she entered the lobby, the same one she had crossed with nerves the day before. Now, she carried herself with confidence. The receptionist greeted her warmly. 

Receptionist: “Welcome back, Ms. Thripthi. Congratulations. Mr. Dev’s office is on the top floor. You’ll be working directly with him.” 

Thripthi nodded, her mischievous smile flickering. So it begins. 

---

The Office Atmosphere

The top floor was unlike anything she had seen before. Sleek corridors lined with glass, minimalist décor, and a silence that carried weight. Assistants and managers moved briskly, their eyes sharp, their voices hushed. Everyone seemed to know that this was Dev’s domain. 

As she entered the CEO’s office, she paused. The room was vast, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. A mahogany desk stood at the center, papers neatly stacked, a laptop glowing faintly. Behind it sat Dev, his presence commanding even in stillness. 

He looked up, his eyes meeting hers. 
Dev: “You’re punctual. Good.” 
Thripthi (smiling): “I believe being late is the first step to chaos. And I promised you yesterday—I manage chaos.” 

Dev’s lips curved slightly, but his tone remained firm. 
Dev: “We’ll see.” 

---

The First Task

Dev handed her a thick folder. 
Dev: “Your first assignment—organize my schedule for the next month. Board meetings, investor calls, and the annual conference. Everything must be flawless.” 

Thripthi flipped through the pages, her brows lifting. 
Thripthi: “This is… ambitious. You’ve packed more into thirty days than most people do in a year.” 
Dev (dryly): “That’s why I’m the CEO.” 
Thripthi (mischievous grin): “Or maybe that’s why you need me.” 

Dev raised an eyebrow. He wasn’t used to assistants teasing him. Most people were intimidated, eager to please. Thripthi was different—confident, playful, and unafraid. 

---

The First Clash

Hours passed as Thripthi worked through the schedule. She color-coded meetings, rearranged overlapping commitments, and added notes for efficiency. When she presented the revised calendar, Dev scanned it silently. 

Dev: “You moved the investor dinner to Thursday. Why?” 
Thripthi: “Because Wednesday already has three major meetings. You’ll be exhausted, and investors don’t like tired CEOs.” 
Dev (firmly): “I don’t get exhausted.” 
Thripthi (leaning forward, playful): “You’re human, Dev. Even superheroes need rest.” 

For a moment, silence hung between them. Dev’s jaw tightened, but his eyes betrayed amusement. 
Dev: “You’re bold again.” 
Thripthi: “Boldness is honesty dressed in confidence. You said that yesterday, remember?” 

Dev almost smiled, but instead closed the folder. 
Dev: “Fine. Thursday it is.” 

The Gossip

By afternoon, whispers spread across the office. Employees noticed the unusual dynamic between the CEO and his new PA. 

“She talks to him like she’s not afraid.” 

“He actually listened to her. That never happens.” 

“Do you think…?” 

Thripthi ignored the gossip. She wasn’t here for rumors. She was here to prove herself. Yet, she couldn’t deny the spark of curiosity in Dev’s eyes whenever she spoke.

The Ending Scene

As the day ended, Dev stood by the window, watching the city lights flicker. Thripthi gathered her things, but paused at the door. 

Thripthi: “You know, for someone who claims not to get exhausted, you look like you could use a break.” 

Dev (without turning): “Breaks are for the weak.” 

Thripthi (smiling): “Or for the wise.” 

Dev finally turned, his gaze steady. 

Dev: “We’ll see how wise you are, Thripthi.” 

She left the office, her heart racing—not from fear, but from the thrill of the challenge. For the first time, Dev felt unsettled. She wasn’t like anyone else. And he wasn’t sure if that was dangerous… or irresistible.