The Art of Control and Manipulation

Mean while the air inside the conference room was thick with tension. The board members sat in a semicircle around the long oak table, their gazes sharp and calculating. On the large screen at the head of the room, Veer's father, Abhijeet Khanna, and his mother, Anaaya Khanna, watched with unreadable expressions from their lavish home office.

Veer leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming lightly against the table, as he listened to the final deliberations.

"So, it's settled then?" one of the board members, Mr. Mehta, spoke up, adjusting his glasses. "Zara is the most competent candidate for the position of Personal Manager."

A few murmurs of agreement followed, but not everyone seemed entirely convinced.

"I still believe we should have selected someone with a stronger corporate background," another board member, Mr. Bhardwaj, interjected. "While Ms. Zara is undeniably intelligent, she lacks the experience others had."

Veer smirked at that, finally deciding to speak. His deep voice held an undeniable authority. "Experience can be gained, Mr. Bhardwaj. But natural wit, adaptability, and confidence? That's harder to find. And Zara has all of that."

His mother, Anaaya, nodded in agreement from the screen. "I agree with Veer. I was particularly impressed by how she handled herself in the interview. She remained composed, strategic, and didn't falter under pressure."

His father, Abhijeet, who had been silently observing the discussion, finally spoke. His voice was calm yet firm, carrying the weight of finality.

"If she has managed to impress both Veer and Anaaya, that's enough for me." He leaned forward slightly. "Zara will be the new Personal Manager of Ethereon Pharmaceuticals."

And just like that, the decision was made.

Veer's lips curled into a satisfied smirk as he rose from his seat. "Then let's not keep her waiting."

The candidates were assembled in the grand hall, waiting anxiously. The tension was palpable, and whispers ran through the crowd.

Elara stepped forward, her face poised with professionalism. Holding a tablet in her hands, she took a deep breath before announcing, "The results have been finalized."

The entire hall went silent.

"After much discussion and deliberation, the board and Veer sir's family have made their decision. The candidate selected for the role of Personal Manager is…"

A pause.

"Zara."

A wave of reactions rippled through the crowd.

Some gasped in shock. Some murmured in jealousy. A few looked utterly disappointed, their dreams crushed in an instant. But despite the mixed emotions, there was one common feeling—curiosity.

Curiosity to see Veer Khanna, the solo heir of the Khanna Empire, in person.

However, before they could even dwell on the thought, Elara continued, "For those who were not selected, Ethereon Pharmaceuticals understands the expenses incurred for this opportunity. As compensation, each candidate will receive ₹20,000 for their travel and other expenses. This is a personal gesture from Veer sir himself."

Another wave of murmurs broke out.

"Twenty thousand rupees? Just like that?"

"I can't believe it! That's insane!"

"Zara gets the job and we get money? Still unfair!"

"I would rather have the job than the money…"

Amidst the whispers, the grand doors at the far end of the hall opened.

And then, he stepped in.

The Arrival of Veer Khanna

The room fell into absolute silence.

Veer Khanna walked in with an aura so powerful that it made the air feel heavier. He was clad in a tailored black suit, his sharp features illuminated under the golden chandeliers. His presence was undeniable, his confidence irresistible.

Each step he took felt like an eternity for the candidates. They could hardly breathe as he approached, stopping every now and then to shake hands with a few individuals.

Zara, standing in the middle of the crowd, felt her heartbeat quicken. She had been prepared for this moment, but nothing could have prepared her for the sheer dominance Veer exuded.

Then, suddenly, Veer's sharp gaze flickered around the room. His brow furrowed slightly.

"Where are the rest of the candidates? Some are missing."

Elara immediately stepped forward. "Sir… there was an incident."

Veer turned to her, intrigued. "An incident?"

Elara hesitated before explaining everything about what had transpired—the inappropriate touches, the slap, and the fact that one of the men was Mohit Raizada.

For a brief moment, a flicker of something dangerous crossed Veer's expression. But then, in a move that surprised everyone, he chuckled.

"I see." His voice was low and smooth, almost amused.

Then, he turned towards Elara and Zara, his smirk deepening.

"I had a feeling this would happen. Either to you…" He glanced at Elara before shifting his gaze to Zara. "Or to our new Personal Manager, Ms. Zara."

A shocked silence filled the hall.

Did Veer Khanna just flirt with them?

Elara blinked in surprise, momentarily caught off guard. Zara, on the other hand, felt her cheeks grow warm. The way Veer was looking at them—confident, amused, and teasing—made her stomach twist in ways she wasn't expecting.

The candidates, who had already been murmuring among themselves, now broke into hushed gossip.

"Did you hear that? He flirted with them!"

"Damn… imagine Veer Khanna saying that about you."

"Lucky women."

Elara, regaining her composure, cleared her throat. "Sir… about the Raizada family—"

Veer's expression turned serious again. "You don't need to worry about them. They know better than to mess with my staff." His voice dropped slightly. "But be on alert. While the Raizada family won't act outright, Mohit himself might. He's reckless and impulsive. Be cautious."

His words weren't just a warning. They were a command.

After that, Veer handed over the compensation amount to the candidates and turned to leave. But before he walked away, he glanced at Zara one more time.

"Ms. Zara. Report to my office immediately."

His voice was smooth, yet there was an edge to it—something undeniable.

Then, he turned to Elara. "Lead her there."

And with that, he left.

As Zara and Elara walked side by side towards Veer's office, the tension between them was almost tangible.

"Did he… just flirt with us? In front of everyone?" Zara muttered, still processing the moment.

Elara let out a small chuckle. "Oh, darling, Veer sir does whatever he wants."

Zara narrowed her eyes. "You seem oddly calm about this."

Elara shrugged. "I've worked under him for years. I've seen him in boardrooms, at meetings, at private events. He's always like this—charming, sharp, and always in control."

Zara exhaled. "I don't know whether to be flattered or concerned."

Elara smirked. "Maybe a bit of both."

As they reached the large wooden doors of Veer's private office, Elara placed a hand on Zara's shoulder.

"Good luck. You're about to enter a world where control is everything."

And with that, she pushed the door open.

Veer was waiting inside.

And the game was about to begin.

(TO BE CONTINUED…)