The Art of Control and Manipulation

The morning sun bathed the Khanna estate in golden light as Zara stepped out onto the grand porch. A gentle breeze played with the loose strands of her hair as she adjusted her handbag, her thoughts a mix of anticipation and determination. The conversation with Veer's mother had been unexpectedly deep, unearthing memories she had long buried. But today, she had no time to dwell on the past—her future awaited at Ethereon Pharmaceuticals.

Sliding into her car, she started the engine and pulled out of the estate. The streets stretched ahead, the city skyline growing taller as she neared her destination. Her heart pounded steadily, not with fear, but with the weight of the moment. This interview wasn't just about securing a job; it was about proving to herself that she could stand on her own feet, that she could carve her own path in the world.

Meanwhile, at the Khanna Estate

In the study, Abhijeet Khanna settled into his chair, opening his laptop. The screen flickered to life, connecting him to the online platform at conference room, where the interviews were being conducted. Just then, his wife entered, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"You haven't checked the candidate list, have you?" she asked, settling beside him.

Abhijeet leaned back, rubbing his temple. "No, I haven't. But I think Veer knows. He had a late-night meeting with Elara yesterday, and I'm sure he would have gone through the applications."

A knowing look passed between them. If Veer had seen the list and hadn't said anything, then he had his reasons.

"Interesting," Veer's mother murmured, a faint smile tugging at her lips. She had already started piecing things together.

Mean while inside Ethereon Pharmaceuticals

Zara stepped into the towering glass building, her heels clicking against the pristine marble floors. A receptionist greeted her, checking her name before calling over a staff member.

"Candidate number 20, correct? Follow me," the worker said, leading her towards an elevator.

Inside, the air was thick with a mixture of excitement and nervous energy. Several candidates were already seated on twelfth floor where the interview is going to be conducted, their expressions ranging from calm confidence to barely concealed anxiety. The atmosphere crackled with tension—this wasn't just an ordinary job interview. This was Ethereon Pharmaceuticals, one of the most powerful pharmaceutical companies in the country.

Zara took a deep breath as she was directed to a waiting area. "Your turn will come soon. Feel free to revise your material," the worker said before walking away.

Zara exhaled, steadying herself. She went over the notes in her mind—strategic management principles, conflict resolution techniques, crisis handling. She was ready. At least, she thought she was.

Inside the Conference Room

One by one, the candidates were called in. Some left with expressions of triumph, others with defeated sighs.

Finally, her number was called. "Candidate 20, please proceed."

Zara squared her shoulders and walked in.

And then—she stopped dead in her tracks.

Her breath caught in her throat as her gaze fell on the panel before her.

At the head of the long conference table was a massive screen displaying two familiar faces—Veer's parents. And seated beside the head of the table, dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit, was Veer himself.

A cold wave of realization washed over her. This was the Khanna family's company. The very people evaluating her were the ones she had been living with.

And then—another shock.

Seated beside Veer, a poised smirk on her lips, was Elara. The assistant manager's badge gleamed on her blazer, but it wasn't the title that stunned Zara—it was the familiarity.

"Elara?" she whispered, barely audible.

Elara's smirk widened as she met Zara's stunned gaze. "It's been a long time, hasn't it, Zara?"

Memories of school days flooded back—the late-night study sessions, the endless laughter, and then… the gradual fading of contact after twelfth grade.

Zara's mind whirled. Elara works here? She must have seen my application. That's how she got my number…

Veer's voice cut through her thoughts.

"Miss Zara, please take a seat."

The professionality in his tone sent a shiver down her spine. She swallowed hard and walked forward, carefully composing her expression. She couldn't afford to let her emotions show.

As Zara seated comfortably, Veer leaned forward slightly, his fingers interlocked on the table. "Let's begin with something simple. Why do you want this job?"

Zara straightened. "I believe my skills in management, crisis resolution, and corporate strategy align with the responsibilities of this role. Ethereon Pharmaceuticals represents innovation and integrity, and I want to contribute to its success."

Veer's mother spoke next, her tone gentle but assessing. "Tell us about a time you handled a difficult situation at work."

Zara nodded, gathering her thoughts. "In my previous role, a major client was about to terminate a contract due to miscommunication. I personally intervened, facilitated negotiations, and restructured the deal to benefit both parties. The client not only stayed but expanded their partnership with us."

Abhijeet spoke, his gaze sharp. "Scenario-based question—what if a rival company attempts to sabotage Ethereon's reputation?"

Zara's jaw tightened. "I would first conduct a thorough investigation to gather concrete evidence. If the sabotage is internal, I would implement immediate damage control and legal action. If external, I would counteract the false narrative through strategic PR and reinforce Ethereon's credibility with transparency."

One of the board's member leaned in, a mischievous glint in her eye. "And what if a powerful political party tries to destroy this company because we stand in the way of their harmful projects?"

Zara met her gaze without hesitation. "Ethereon Pharmaceuticals operates on ethical principles. If targeted politically, I would engage a multi-tiered strategy—leveraging legal avenues, media exposure, and alliances with influential entities who support our cause. No force should be allowed to manipulate a corporation that stands for the well-being of citizens."

Veer's lips twitched at that. He had expected Zara to falter—but she didn't.

Finally, he delivered his last question. "And what would you do if someone within the company—someone close to you—betrays Ethereon?"

A charged silence filled the room.

Zara exhaled slowly. "Personal relationships cannot compromise professional ethics. If betrayal occurs, I would ensure the individual is held accountable, no matter who they are. The company's integrity comes first."

The room remained silent for a beat before Veer's father nodded. "That will be all, Miss Zara."

Zara rose to her feet, her heart still pounding. She turned towards the exit, but just as she reached the door, Elara's voice called out.

"Zara, let's catch up after this, shall we?"

Zara glanced back at her old friend, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Of course, Elara."

As she stepped out of the conference room, she finally allowed herself to exhale. This was not the interview she had expected—but she had faced it head-on.

And yet, a lingering thought remained in her mind.

Veer knew. He knew she would be here. And he had said nothing.

What exactly was he planning?

(TO BE CONTINUED…)