It was already half past ten when I reached the office. I glanced at Maya, trying to gauge the boss’s mood before facing the music. Mr. Ashutosh Mitra — a stern, forty-something man with a perpetual frown — firmly believed the younger generation had lost touch with the beautiful art of architecture. And maybe… he wasn’t entirely wrong. Most of us had just begun our careers; we were still learning to fall in love with the craft.
I braced myself and stepped into his cabin. He looked up at me with an expression that was equal parts annoyance and boredom.
“So, Ms. Meera Bedi graces us with her presence — late again,” he said dryly. “Let me guess… the alarm clock died a heroic death?”
I grinned sheepishly. “Sir, you know I don’t lie — it’s one of my few redeeming qualities.”
He arched a brow.
“Since when?”
Even he couldn’t suppress the small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. I might be the office joker, but I took my job seriously. This wasn’t just a paycheck — it was my dream.
“Okay, okay — I overslept. Totally my fault. But on the bright side,” I said with a devilish smile that failed miserably at innocence, “I’ve completed the entire design for Mr. Rathore’s new resort.”
He let out a deep sigh and leaned back in his chair.
“At least there’s that. Keep the file here. I’ll go through it — though knowing you, I might not need to change a thing.”
I stepped forward, placed the file neatly on his desk, and was about to turn when his voice stopped me.
“Meera,” he said.
I turned.
“I won’t be able to visit the resort site or manage the project’s on-ground supervision. My wife’s scheduled for bypass surgery next week. So…” He paused for a beat. “I want you to take over on my behalf.”
I blinked. “Me, sir? But… how?”
“You’re passionate, capable, and already halfway invested in the design. It makes sense. I’ll send my secretary with you for support. And of course, I’ll be just a phone call away if you need anything.”
My heart skipped a beat. Me? Representing the firm? Did I just unlock a secret level in adulting?
“I’ll make you proud, sir,” I said, a little breathless. “Thank you. When do I leave?”
“Once I finalize the design and Mr. Rathore gives the green light. It’ll take a month or so.”
I nodded and stepped out of the cabin, trying to hold back the squeal building in my throat. Maya was already waiting, eyes wide with curiosity.
“What happened?” she asked, leaning in.
“Today’s party is on me,” I whispered, grinning. “I’m officially handling Mr. Rathore’s project.”
“But weren’t you already working on it?” Maya blinked.
“No, duffer,” Sana chimed in from across the room. “She’s not just designing anymore. She’s running the whole project!”
“Ohhh,” Maya said, dragging out the syllable like a lightbulb just flicked on. “Whatever. Party!”
We threw our arms in the air and shouted in unison, “Party!”
“Keep it down, children,” came Mr. Ashutosh’s voice from inside the cabin. “You better be this excited about deadlines.”
We burst into laughter.
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