Thripthi’s second morning at Zenith Global Enterprises began with a sense of rhythm. She had already organized Dev’s schedule, color-coded his meetings, and even added reminders for his weekly pub nights—though she had cheekily labeled them “CEO’s mysterious adventures.” 

As she settled at her desk outside Dev’s office, the phone rang sharply. She picked it up, her voice calm. 

Thripthi: “Zenith Global, CEO’s office. How may I help you?” 

The voice on the other end was urgent. 

Caller: “This is Mr. Rao from the Board. The investors’ meeting scheduled for next week has been moved up to today. Dev must be ready in two hours.” 

Thripthi’s eyes widened. The investors’ meeting was one of the most critical events of the quarter. Dev had prepared notes, but not a full presentation. Two hours was barely enough time. 

---

The Rush

She walked briskly into Dev’s office, holding the phone message. 

Thripthi: “Dev, the investors’ meeting has been moved up. Two hours.” 

Dev looked up from his laptop, his jaw tightening. 

Dev: “Impossible. I need at least a day to finalize the projections.” 

Thripthi (calm but mischievous): “Then we’ll make the impossible possible. Isn’t that what Zenith Global is known for?” 

Dev stared at her, surprised by her confidence. 

Dev: “You think you can fix this?” 

Thripthi: “I don’t think. I know.” 

The Preparation

Thripthi sprang into action. She gathered Dev’s notes, reorganized them into slides, and added visuals that highlighted Zenith Global’s growth. She even inserted a quote from Dev’s last speech: “Ambition without discipline is chaos.” 

When Dev saw the draft, he raised an eyebrow. 

Dev: “You used my words.” 

Thripthi (grinning): “They were too good to waste. Besides, investors love a CEO who sounds wise.” 

Dev (smirking faintly): “You’re mischievous.” 

Thripthi: “And effective.” 

---

The Meeting

Two hours later, Dev walked into the boardroom, Thripthi by his side with neatly printed copies of the presentation. The investors were already seated, their expressions expectant. 

Dev began speaking, his voice steady, his presence commanding. As he moved through the slides, he noticed the subtle touches Thripthi had added—clean transitions, bold highlights, and even a touch of humor in the closing line: “Zenith Global doesn’t just lead the market. We redefine it.” 

The investors nodded, impressed. By the end, applause filled the room. 

---

Aftermath

Back in his office, Dev leaned against his desk, studying Thripthi. 

Dev: “You saved me today.” 

Thripthi (playful): “Correction. We saved Zenith Global today.” 

Dev: “Most assistants would have panicked. You didn’t.” 

Thripthi: “Panic wastes time. Mischief saves it.” 

Dev chuckled softly, the sound rare and unexpected. 

Dev: “You’re dangerous, Thripthi.” 

Thripthi (tilting her head): “Dangerous? Or just unforgettable?” 

For the first time, Dev allowed himself a smile that wasn’t guarded. Thripthi had not only impressed him—she had unsettled him in ways he hadn’t felt before. 

---

Closing Scene

As Thripthi packed her things for the day, she overheard whispers in the corridor. 

“She saved the CEO.” 

“Did you see how he looked at her?” 

“There’s something different about her…” 

Thripthi walked out with her mischievous smile intact. She wasn’t here for gossip. She was here for the challenge. But deep down, she knew—something had begun between her and Dev, something neither of them could ignore.