Beneath His Cold Heart

The morning air buzzed with energy as employees hurried into the sleek glass tower that was the headquarters of Malhotra Tech Corp, one of the world's leading technology firms. Inside the building, everything ran with the precision of a well-coded program, a testament to the man who ran it all-Arjun Malhotra. Sitting in his top-floor office, Arjun overlooked the city with an air of authority. His sharp features reflected a man used to being in control, his piercing gaze enough to send chills down anyone's spine. His reputation preceded him-a ruthless perfectionist who accepted nothing less than excellence. "Where is the update on the Solara project?" His voice cut through the tense silence of the conference room like a blade. A senior manager stammered, flipping through slides. "W-we're finalizing the testing phase, sir-" "Finalizing? I want results, not excuses. You've got until Friday, or I'll find someone who can deliver," Arjun snapped, his tone leaving no room for argument. As the meeting dispersed, the employees left the room with expressions of both relief and dread. For Arjun, the pressure was necessary-it was how he had built his empire. --- Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, Shreyashi was already awake, her mind racing as she prepared for the biggest day of her life-her internship interview at Malhotra Tech Corp. She tied her long hair back, trying to ignore the tremor in her hands. For her, this job wasn't just a career opportunity-it was her escape. But the remnants of her past haunted her every step. At night, when the world was asleep, Shreyashi was trapped in a different kind of prison. Her stepfather, a man lost to alcohol, would stagger through the house, his eyes bloodshot and filled with rage. He was a predator who used the darkness of the night to prey on her, and Shreyashi had learned long ago that fear was her only companion. Every night, she locked herself in her room, the thick wood of the door her only shield. She had no illusions about his intentions. His drunken state would lead him to bang on her door, his curses and threats shaking her to the core. She had to stay silent, praying that he would pass out before he could harm her. It was always the same-endless hours of waiting, counting the moments until he fell asleep, leaving her in the silence of the night, trembling in the dark. By day, her stepmother's cruelty added another layer to her torment. Though the beatings had lessened, the emotional abuse continued, sharp and unforgiving. The words her stepmother spoke stung like venom, each sentence a reminder of her place in the household. "You're nothing but a burden," her stepmother would sneer, her voice filled with disdain. "If you want to stay here, you better pay for it. We don't keep freeloaders." Shreyashi had no choice but to agree. She handed over whatever small amount of money she had saved from odd jobs, simply to survive under their roof. The thought of running away was always there, but without the means to escape, she was trapped. She clung to the faint hope that one day, she would be free. --- Shreyashi grabbed her bag and stepped out of the apartment, determined to make today different. She couldn't let the past dictate her future. Today was her opportunity to prove herself-not just to Arjun Malhotra, but to herself. --- On the bus ride to Malhotra Tech, her nerves grew. She had heard stories about the CEO-how he had fired an intern on their first day for a single mistake. Yet, despite the fear, Shreyashi couldn't let it stop her. This internship was her lifeline, a way out of the suffocating grip of her stepfamily. As she entered the towering building, Shreyashi was struck by its imposing grandeur. Employees bustled about, speaking in jargon she barely understood. Her palms were clammy as she reached the reception desk. "I-I'm here for the internship interview," she said softly. The receptionist barely glanced at her, directing her to the waiting area. Shreyashi sat down, clutching her resume. As minutes turned into an hour, her confidence wavered. Finally, her name was called. She stepped into a stark conference room, where Arjun Malhotra himself sat at the head of the table. His gaze was sharp, dissecting her with a single glance. "You're late," he said curtly, even though she wasn't. "I-I was waiting outside, sir-" "And you didn't think to make yourself known? Time is valuable here, Miss..." He glanced at her resume. "...Shreyashi." Her throat tightened. She wanted to explain but knew it would only make things worse. Instead, she nodded, trying to maintain eye contact. "What makes you think you're qualified to work here?" Arjun asked, his voice cold. "I'm hardworking and eager to learn, sir," she said, her voice trembling slightly. He raised an eyebrow. "Hardworking is the bare minimum. This isn't a charity, Miss Shreyashi. If you think enthusiasm is enough, you've come to the wrong place." Her cheeks burned with humiliation, but she held her ground. "I'm willing to prove myself, sir. Give me a chance, and I won't disappoint you." Arjun leaned back, studying her. There was something in her eyes-fear, yes, but also determination. It was rare for anyone to meet his gaze after he criticized them. "Fine. You're hired. But one mistake, and you're out." Shreyashi barely had time to process his words before he stood, signaling the end of the interview. As she left the room, a mix of relief and dread filled her. Her journey at Malhotra Tech had begun, but little did she know, it would change her life forever. --