After a few days, Vihan sent his driver to escort Shruti to a meeting regarding the new project. However, as she gazed out the window and watched the landscapes passing by, she realized that they weren't taking the route to his office. The scenery outside seemed unfamiliar, and Shruti's curiosity was piqued.
An hour of driving passed, and the driver finally parked the car in front of a picturesque landscape. "Ma'am, we've arrived," the driver announced, his voice polite. Shruti nodded and stepped out of the car, her eyes widening in surprise as the scene before her unfolded.
It was a breathtaking fruit farm, resembling a living landscape painting. Rows of meticulously pruned mango, peach, and orange trees stretched towards the horizon, each aligned with mathematical precision. The vibrant colors of the fruits and the lush greenery created a stunning visual effect.
As Shruti walked further into the farm, a light breeze swept past her, carrying the sweet and fresh scent of fruits. The aroma was intoxicating, and Shruti felt her senses come alive. Suddenly, a voice called out, "Did you like it?" Shruti turned around, and her eyes met Vihan's smiling face.
"It's beautiful," she replied, her voice filled with genuine admiration. Vihan's smile grew wider, and he seemed pleased that she appreciated the scenery. The tranquil atmosphere of the farm created a sense of serenity that Shruti hadn't experienced in a long time.
"I thought we were doing the project meeting in your office," Shruti said, her brow furrowed slightly in confusion. Vihan's expression turned sheepish as he replied, "Honestly, I don't like those boring meetings." Shruti couldn't help but chuckle at his candid admission. "I can't believe I'm hearing that from the CEO of PharmaCorp," she teased.
Vihan's smile grew wider as he explained, "I believe we can think better when we're outside in nature, rather than in a closed room." Shruti nodded appreciatively, understanding his perspective. "Let's head inside," he suggested, gesturing towards the farm.
As they walked further into the farm, Vihan asked, "So, what do you think?" Shruti's response was professional, "Honestly, I was expecting to review the initial project timelines, perhaps discuss resource allocations." Vihan chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"This is my family farm," he said, his voice filled with pride. "It's been in the family for generations. I actually wanted you to see where I come from, get a sense of me... I suppose." Shruti tilted her head slightly, her expression thoughtful. "That's... thoughtful," she said. "But I'm not sure how it relates to the project." Her tone was curious, and Vihan's smile hinted that he had more to reveal.
Vihan picked a ripe mango from the tree and offered it to Shruti, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Try this, fresh off the tree," he said. "The best mangoes in the region, if I say so myself." He added, "Sometimes the best collaborations come from understanding the people you're working with, beyond the spreadsheets and conference calls."
Shruti hesitated for a moment before taking the mango from him. She examined it carefully, feeling the warmth of the sun on its skin. Then, she took a bite, and her eyes widened in surprise. The sweetness and juiciness of the mango exploded in her mouth, and she couldn't help but agree with Vihan. "Wow, you're right. It's good," she said. "I must say, your family farm has the best fruits, Mr. Suryavanshi."
Vihan's expression turned playful as he asked, "Don't you think we're being too formal?" Shruti looked at him in confusion, unsure what he meant. "I mean, we've a long collaboration ahead," Vihan explained. "We can't keep addressing each other with titles, can we? Just call me Vihan."
Shruti hesitated for a moment, but then she nodded in agreement.
"So?" Vihan asked, his eyes expectant. Shruti smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie wash over her. "You can call me Shruti," she said. Vihan's face lit up with a warm smile. "Perfect!" he exclaimed.
"So, Shruti, tell me about yourself," Vihan said, his eyes curious. "I mean, your hobbies. What do you like?" Shruti's expression turned thoughtful as she replied, "Not much. I used to make paintings and sketches, but I haven't had time for that since I started working."
Vihan's interest was piqued. "Then you must show me your paintings someday," he said, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. Shruti chuckled, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes.
Vihan's curiosity got the better of him, and he asked, "How do you even convince yourself to work? I mean, I thought people who are into creativity don't like to do such boring work." Shruti's response was nuanced, "Well, it's not like I don't like working at all. I enjoy solving problems. Taking something complex and finding a simpler, more effective solution."
Vihan paused by a tree laden with juicy oranges, the vibrant fruit a stark contrast to the dull corporate world they usually inhabited. "That's admirable. Very ambitious," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration for Shruti's dedication to her work. He plucked an orange from the tree and turned to her with a smile. "Another offering?" he asked, holding out the orange.
Shruti laughed lightly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're going to spoil me," she teased. "But I guess one orange won't hurt." Vihan chuckled and began peeling the orange, the sweet aroma filling the air.
As they stood there, Vihan asked, "So, you're always working. No time for farm visits... perhaps?" Shruti took a segment of orange and popped it into her mouth, her eyes closing in appreciation of the sweet flavor. "I'm afraid not," she replied. "Free time is a luxury I can rarely afford. Maybe someday, when the company is self-sufficient and I'm finally redundant."
Vihan's response was immediate. "Redundant? I can't imagine you ever being redundant," he said, his voice filled with conviction. Shruti shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "Everyone is replaceable, Vihan. Even CEOs."
Vihan looked at her intently, his gaze lingering on her face before he looked away, feeling a little awkward. "I wouldn't be so sure about that," he said, his voice low. "Sometimes people leave a... significant mark." Shruti, oblivious to the meaning behind his words, replied, "Well, I hope my mark on this project is a positive one. I really think this collaboration will be mutually beneficial."
Vihan's gaze returned to hers, his eyes locked onto hers. "I think it already is," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "More than you know." His words hung in the air, filled with a deeper meaning that Shruti didn't quite grasp.
"Hey, look at the peaches," Shruti exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement as she pointed to the trees laden with juicy fruit. "They look so beautiful," she said, her voice filled with wonder. She walked towards the peach trees, her feet carrying her effortlessly across the lush green grass.
Vihan sighed good-naturedly and followed her, his eyes watching her with amusement. As they strolled among the trees, they chatted about everything from the farm's crops to their shared love of nature. The warm sun shone down on them, casting a golden glow over the landscape.
After a while, Vihan suggested, "You must be hungry. Shall we have something to eat?" His eyes sparkled with anticipation as he asked, and Shruti's gaze turned questioning. "... here?" she asked, her voice filled with surprise.
Vihan nodded, his smile growing wider. "Yes, here. I think you'll find the setting quite... appetizing," he said, his eyes twinkling with mirth. Shruti's curiosity was piqued, and she nodded, eager to see what Vihan had planned.
As they walked further, they reached the other side of the farm, and Shruti's eyes widened in surprise. Before them stood a huge farmhouse, its rustic charm and elegant architecture blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings. "This...?" she asked, her voice trailing off in inquiry.
Vihan smiled, his eyes sparkling with pride. "This is my farmhouse," he replied, gesturing for her to follow him inside. Shruti trailed behind him, taking in the warm and inviting decor of the farmhouse. They reached the dining room, and she was struck by the cozy atmosphere that filled the space.
They sat down on the chairs, and Shruti couldn't help but comment on the beauty of the farmhouse. "This farmhouse is beautiful, Vihan," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "So peaceful. I can actually hear the birds singing. Something you definitely don't get in the city."
Vihan smiled, pleased that she appreciated the tranquility of his retreat. "It's my little escape," he said. "I come here whenever I need a break from all the chaos." Shruti nodded in understanding. "I can see why," she said. "It's... calming."
As they sat there, Shruti's curiosity got the better of her. "So, what culinary delights are we expecting?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Vihan's smile hinted that he had something special planned, and Shruti's stomach growled in anticipation.
"That's a surprise," Vihan said with a wink, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. After a while, the cook, Lakshmi, emerged from the kitchen with a tray in her hands, carrying an assortment of steaming hot dishes. Shruti's eyes widened as she took in the spread of delicacies before her. The traditional Indian food was a feast for the senses, with the aroma of spices and herbs wafting through the air, tantalizing her taste buds.
"Wow, these dishes look delicious," Shruti exclaimed, her stomach growling in anticipation. Vihan smiled, his eyes proud, as he pointed at Lakshmi. "Lakshmi is an excellent cook," he said, and Lakshmi nodded humbly with a warm smile.
"Come on, taste it," Vihan encouraged, gesturing to the array of dishes. Shruti hesitated for a moment before taking a bite of the fragrant food. Her eyes closed in pleasure as the flavors exploded on her taste buds. "Mmm... it's very delicious," she said, her voice filled with genuine appreciation.
Vihan's face lit up with a smile as he sat down beside her. "I'm glad you like it," he said, his voice warm and pleased. As they sat there, surrounded by the mouth-watering aromas and flavors of traditional Indian cuisine.
As they chatted while eating, the conversation flowed effortlessly, like a gentle stream meandering through the countryside. After dinner came to an end, Shruti glanced outside the window, and the warm orange glow of the setting sun filled the room. The sky was painted with hues of pink and gold, a breathtaking sunset unfolding before their eyes.
"I should head back now," Shruti said, standing up, her voice tinged with reluctance. Vihan rose from his seat, his eyes locking onto hers. "Oh, let me drive you back," he offered, his voice filled with genuine concern.
Shruti smiled, her eyes softening. "You don't have to trouble yourself, please," she said, her tone polite . Vihan nodded understandingly, but his expression remained insistent. "Okay, let me walk you to the gate at least," he said, his voice gentle.
They walked to the farm entrance, the evening air filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant chirping of crickets. As they stood at the gate, Shruti turned towards him, her eyes shining with appreciation. "It was a nice day, Vihan, really," she said, her voice sincere.
Vihan's smile was warm and genuine. "The pleasure is all mine," he replied, his eyes locked onto hers. Shruti smiled back, and with a nod, she said, "Well then." With that, she got inside the car, and the driver started the engine. The car drove off, leaving Vihan standing alone at the gate.
Vihan's eyes lingered on the car until it went out of sight, a sense of longing washing over him. He sighed, his breath barely audible, and murmured, "I already miss you." The words hung in the air.
After a few months of tireless effort, the production of the new product was finally completed. The conference room was filled with anticipation as an employee concluded her presentation about the product details. The room erupted in applause, with everyone showing their appreciation for the hard work that had gone into the project.
"Well done," Shruti said, her voice filled with pride and satisfaction. She turned to Vihan, her eyes seeking his opinion. "What do you think?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
Vihan's response was immediate. "It's good, as expected from you," he said, his voice filled with confidence and admiration. Shruti smiled, feeling a sense of validation.
The conversation then shifted to the next steps in the project. "Trisha, how's the sample testing going?" Shruti asked, her eyes turning to the her secretary who had been handling the testing. Trisha replied, "Ma'am, we suggest we should do the sample testing on our employees."
Shruti's brow furrowed slightly as she considered the suggestion. "Will they agree?" she asked, her voice tinged with doubt. Trisha's response was reassuring. "They're all ready," she said, her voice confident.
Shruti nodded, her mind made up. "Well, okay then," she said, her voice decisive. With that, the team members began to file out of the room, leaving Shruti and Vihan alone.
As the door closed behind the last team member, Shruti rubbed her temples, her eyes closing in a moment of fatigue. Vihan noticed her gesture and asked, "Are you okay?" Shruti nodded, her eyes still closed. "I'm fine," she said. "I just... hope this project will succeed."
Vihan's voice was reassuring. "You worked so hard for this project," he said. "It will definitely succeed." Shruti's eyes opened, her gaze meeting Vihan's. "It must," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, her words laced with a deep-seated desire for success.
After a few days of blissful rest, Shruti woke up to a typical morning. She sat up in bed, stretching her body while yawning, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. She reached out to pick up her phone from the bedside table, and as she unlocked the screen, her eyes widened in surprise. "So many notifications, what happened?" she murmured to herself, curiosity getting the better of her.
As she scrolled through the messages, her expression changed from confusion to alarm. "We tested it so many times. I was there. This is impossible!" Trisha's message read, followed by a flurry of panicked messages from employees. "God, it's so itchy, what to do??" one employee wrote, while another exclaimed, "My whole face is red! How do I come to the office?!" A third employee lamented, "I have a date this week, what will I do. I can't go like this!" Trisha's attempt to calm the situation, "Can you guys please calm down!" seemed to have little effect.
Shruti's eyes scanned the messages rapidly, her mind racing with questions. Just as she was trying to make sense of the chaos, her phone rang. She picked up, her voice firm. "Ma'am, please come to the office asap. There's a huge problem!" Trisha's voice was laced with urgency.
"I... I'll be there in an hour," Shruti replied, her mind already racing with possible solutions. She hung up the phone and muttered to herself, "What the hell is going on!?" as she rushed into the bathroom to get ready.
An hour later, Shruti arrived at the office, her expression serious. As she entered the building, she was met by a crowd of employees, their faces etched with worry and concern. Trisha spotted her and hurried over, relief written all over her face. "Thank God, ma'am, you're here," Trisha said, her voice filled with relief.
"What is happening here?" Shruti asked, her voice firm as she surveyed the tense atmosphere. Trisha escorted her through the crowd to the board room, where the board members' faces reflected their dissatisfaction.
As they entered, a sarcastic voice cut through the air. "Well, well. Here is our star," Vikram said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. He stood up from his chair and walked towards Shruti, his eyes flashing with annoyance.
Shruti ignored him and turned to Trisha, her focus on resolving the issue. "Trisha, what happened?" she asked, her voice crisp.
Trisha's response was prompt. "Ma'am, the sample products that we gave to the employees had severe side effects," she said, her voice laced with concern.
Shruti's eyes widened in shock. "What?! Impossible!" she exclaimed, her voice rising in incredulity. Vikram chimed in, his tone unhelpful. "Unfortunately, that happened already."
Shruti's gaze snapped back to Vikram, her eyes flashing with frustration. "Those products are organic," she said. "How can they even have side effects?" She turned to the board members, seeking answers.
One of the members spoke up, his voice measured. "They are caused by the preservatives that you used," he said, his words sparking a mix of emotions on Shruti's face.
Shruti's response was immediate. "It's impossible," she said. "The amount of preservatives that we used were all safe." She sounded confident, but a hint of doubt crept into her voice.
Another board member picked up a paper and handed it to Shruti. "But the reports say otherwise, Miss Singh," he said, his tone firm. Shruti took the paper from him, and as she scanned the contents, her eyes widened in alarm.
"The amount of the paraben mix used in the products was 1%, while the safe amount is 0.8%," the member added, his voice firm and objective. Shruti's eyes widened in shock, her face reflecting her disbelief. "But... how... I myself checked it several times," she said, her voice laced with incredulity.
Vikram seized the opportunity to shift the blame, walking towards Shruti with a patronizing smile. "Maybe you were too exhausted to notice that," he said, his tone dripping with fake concern. He reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch unwelcome. "That's why I told you to not handle everything alone," he said, his voice condescending.
Shruti's reaction was swift and decisive. She snapped his hand away, her eyes flashing with anger and frustration. "Don't touch me," she seemed to say, her body language clear.
She turned to the members, her voice filled with conviction. "There has to be some mistake," she said, her words firm. "I really checked the ingredients properly." Her eyes locked onto the members, her gaze imploring them to understand her perspective. She was adamant that she had done her job correctly, and the blame lay elsewhere. Vikram's smirk faltered for a moment, before he regained his composure, his expression unreadable.
