The morning at Zenith began like any other, until the HR team introduced a new employee. Thripthi was busy at her desk when she heard the name.

Krish.

Her head snapped up. Childhood memories flooded back when Thripthi saw Krish — laughter in school corridors, shared secrets, the comfort of a friend who had always understood her.

Scene 1: The Introduction

Krish walked into the office, tall and confident, his smile warm. Thripthi’s eyes widened, and before she could stop herself, she stood.

Thripthi (excited, almost breathless): “Krish?!”

Krish (grinning): “Thripthi! I can’t believe it’s you. After all these years…”

They hugged and shook hands, but it felt more like an embrace of old times.

Thripthi (laughing softly): “You’re here. In Zenith. This feels unreal.”

Krish (teasing): “And you haven’t changed. Still the same spark in your eyes.”

Dev, standing nearby, watched the exchange. His jaw tightened, though his expression remained composed.

Dev (calmly, to HR): “Welcome aboard, Krish. I expect you’ll adapt quickly.”

But his eyes lingered on Thripthi, catching the glow in her smile.

Krish: "I appreciate the welcome, Dev. I’ve heard Zenith demands the best, and I’m ready to deliver." (He immediately turns his body back toward Thripthi, lowering his voice slightly)

 Krish: "But honestly, Thripthi... of all the offices in the city, what are the odds? We have a decade of missed birthdays to catch up on." 

Thripthi (beaming): "At least! You have to tell me everything over lunch."

Dev’s grip tightened on the folder in his hand as he watched Krish effortlessly reclaim Thripthi’s attention.

Krish: "So, Thripthi... did you ever actually finish that novel you started writing in tenth grade? Or are you too busy being a corporate star now?" 

Thripthi: "You actually remember that? I can't believe you!"

Scene 2: The Corridor Catch-Up

Later that morning, Thripthi and Krish walked together down the corridor, reminiscing.

Krish (smiling): “Do you remember how we used to sneak mangoes from your backyard?”

Thripthi (laughing): “And how you always got caught, but I never did.”

Krish (teasing): “Because you blamed me every time.”

Thripthi (playfully): “And you forgave me every time.”

They laughed, their voices echoing down the hallway. Thripthi’s laughter was lighter than usual, unguarded.

Dev, passing by, slowed his steps. He didn’t interrupt, but his eyes narrowed slightly. He noticed the way Thripthi’s laughter lingered longer than usual, the way her shoulders relaxed in Krish’s presence.

Scene 3: Dev’s Subtle Interference

By afternoon, Dev called Thripthi into his office. His tone was calm, but his timing deliberate.

The air in Dev’s office was always a few degrees cooler than the rest of the floor. Thripthi walked in, her smile from the hallway still lingering, but it faltered slightly when she saw Dev staring out the glass window, his back to her.

Dev (without turning): "You seem... distracted, Thripthi. I called you in three minutes ago."

Thripthi (straightening her blazer): "Sorry, Dev. I was just helping Krish find the login portal. He’s still getting adjusted."

Dev (turning slowly, leaning against his desk): "He’s a grown man with an impressive resume, Thripthi. I’m sure he can find a portal. Sit down."

(Thripthi sits, feeling the weight of his gaze. Dev picks up a pen, clicking it rhythmically.)

Dev: "So. How long exactly has it been? You two seemed... remarkably close for 'childhood friends'."

Thripthi (softly): "We grew up together. He moved away after tenth grade. I honestly thought I’d never see him again. It’s just a shock, that’s all."

Dev: "A shock that results in a 'glow'?" (He tosses the pen onto the desk, his voice dropping an octave.) "Be careful, Thripthi. Zenith isn't a place for nostalgia. People from the past often bring baggage we don't need in the present."

Thripthi (frowning): "Krish isn't baggage. He’s a brilliant strategist. You saw his Dubai portfolio."

Dev (stepping closer, his voice low): "I’m not questioning his portfolio. I’m questioning your focus. Don't let a ghost from your past blur the goals we’ve set for your future here."

Dev (steady): “I need you to prepare the quarterly review. It requires your full attention.”

Thripthi (surprised): “Now? I thought Krish was joining me for the client orientation.”

Dev (calm, but firm): “I’ll handle orientation. You focus on the review.”

Thripthi hesitated, her lips parting as if to protest, but she stopped herself. She nodded, gathering the files.

As she left, Dev leaned back, his lips curving faintly.

Scene 4: Break Room Encounter

During the coffee break, Krish found Thripthi again.

Krish (smiling): “You disappeared. Dev keeping you busy already?”

Thripthi (rolling her eyes): “Apparently, quarterly reviews can’t wait.”

Krish (teasing): “He’s stealing my time with you.”

Thripthi (laughing): “You’ll survive.”

Dev entered the break room just then, his gaze steady.

Dev (dryly): “Thripthi, the review needs adjustments. Join me in my office.”

Thripthi sighed, gathering her cup. Krish raised a brow, amused. Dev’s lips curved faintly — subtle victory.

Scene 5: Fiona’s Shadow

As if the day wasn’t complicated enough, Fiona appeared again. She greeted Krish warmly, then turned to Dev.

Fiona (smiling): “Another new face. You’re building quite the team, Dev.”

Krish (grinning): “Thripthi and I go way back. Childhood friends.”

Fiona (raising a brow, glancing at Dev): “Interesting. Seems like everyone here has history with someone.”

Thripthi felt the tension immediately. Fiona’s words were casual, but her eyes lingered on Dev, testing. Dev, however, kept his gaze fixed on Thripthi — catching the faint flush in her cheeks.

Scene 6: Evening Reflection

That evening, Thripthi sat at her desk, her mind torn between nostalgia and the present. Krish’s arrival had stirred old warmth, but Dev’s quiet possessiveness had unsettled her. Fiona’s presence only added to the storm.

Dev, in his office, recalled every moment — her laughter with Krish, her restlessness when pulled away, her reluctant obedience. He didn’t like sharing her attention, but he enjoyed the challenge.

Dev (to himself, quietly amused): “Jealousy suits her. And maybe it suits me too.”

Closing Scene

It wasn’t about Krish’s arrival alone. It was about the spark of jealousy — Dev’s subtle interference, Thripthi’s excitement, Fiona’s shadow, and the beginning of a romantic-comedy dance that neither of them could ignore.