The River Knows

First Day

The alarm blared at six. Tara’s hand reached out from beneath the blanket, fumbling for the snooze button — but then she stopped herself. Not today. Not on this day.

She sat up, her messy hair falling around her shoulders, and stretched with a sleepy smile. “Good morning, world,” she whispered to herself, a soft determination glinting in her eyes. Today wasn’t just another morning — it was the start of something new. Her first day at her first real job.

After making her bed — because beginnings deserved neatness — she went to the bathroom and splashed her face with cold water, the chill waking her up fully. She looked into the mirror, still dripping, and grinned. “You’ve got this, Tara. You’re brave, smart, and totally capable,” she said, pointing at her reflection like a cheerleader. “And yes, your hair looks decent today. Mostly.”

With a deep breath, she began her morning routine — brushing, washing, humming an off-tune song. But soon enough, a big question hit her like a thunderbolt.

“What am I going to wear?”

She turned toward her closet like it was a battlefield. The options glared back — her office suit, too formal and suffocating for a first impression, and her usual casuals, maybe too comfortable. She sighed dramatically, plopping onto her bed. “Why didn’t they teach us outfit crisis management in school?”

After five minutes of indecision and existential wardrobe pondering, she finally yelled from her room,

“Ammaaa! What should I wear?”

From the kitchen came the familiar clatter of utensils and her mother’s calm voice, “Wear that pink kurta — the one that makes you look elegant but not overdressed!”

Tara thought for a moment and smiled. That sounded… perfect. She quickly changed into the soft, pastel pink kurta paired with white leggings. It had a little embroidery near the sleeves — subtle, yet graceful.

She left her hair open, letting it flow naturally over her shoulders. A tiny pair of pearl studs glimmered against her ears, and she brushed on a hint of eyeliner. Just enough to feel confident — not trying too hard.

She stood in front of the mirror once more, slung her bag over her shoulder, and nodded at her reflection with a proud smirk. “Okay, Miss New Employee — let’s go make this day count.”

As she stepped out of her room, the smell of toasted bread and coffee filled the house. Her mother, still busy at the stove, turned and smiled. “Eat something before you go. First days are long.”

“I will, Amma,” Tara said, walking downstairs, her heart fluttering with both excitement and a hint of nerves. Her phone buzzed in her hand — a message from Anika popped up:

Go slay your first day, Miss Office lady💅🔥 Don’t forget to smile like you own the place!

Tara giggled. “Typical Anika.”

She grabbed a piece of toast, kissed her mom on the cheek, and stepped out into the crisp morning air. The world looked brighter today — or maybe it was just her.

As she climbed onto her yellow scooty and fastened her helmet, she whispered, “Here we go.”

The engine started, and with the hum of the motor and her heart beating in sync, Tara rode off toward a day she would never forget.

The glass building gleamed in the morning sun, catching reflections of passing clouds — sleek, modern, and intimidatingly elegant. Astra Dynamics Pvt. Ltd.

Tara parked her yellow scooty carefully in the corner of the parking lot, double-checking to make sure it was aligned. Her heart thumped as she looked up at the tall structure. “Okay,” she whispered to herself, clutching her bag strap, “first impression time.”

She took a deep breath and walked through the main doors. The cool air conditioning brushed against her skin as she stepped into the wide lobby. The receptionist — a young woman with neatly tied hair and a bright smile — looked up from her computer.

“Good morning, how may I help you?” she asked.

“Hi, I’m Tara Nair. I received my offer letter yesterday for the Business Associate position,” Tara said, her voice steady but warm. Confidence radiated through her tone, even though her palms were slightly clammy.

The receptionist nodded, typing quickly on her keyboard. “Ah yes, Miss Tara. Welcome to Astra Dynamics Pvt. Ltd! Congratulations on your selection.” She handed her a visitor badge. “You need to go to the 4th floor — meet Miss Kavya Menon, Head of the Business Department.”

“Thank you!” Tara smiled, taking the badge.

The elevator ride felt like it lasted an eternity. Her reflection in the mirrored walls showed a mix of nervous excitement and calm determination. “Smile. Don’t trip. Breathe,” she murmured, adjusting her bag.

As the doors slid open on the 4th floor, a waft of coffee and printer ink filled the air. People hurried about — some chatting, others buried in screens. Tara followed the signs to the Business Department and soon stood before a polished glass door labeled “Miss Kavya Menon — Head of Business Department.”

Outside the cabin sat a young man — probably in his late twenties — working at his desk. He looked up as she approached.

“Hi, I’m Tara. I was told to meet Miss Kavya?” she said politely.

He smiled. “Yes, she’ll be here any minute. Please have a seat inside the cabin.”

Tara nodded and stepped in. The cabin was minimalistic — spotless desk, neat files, and a tall bookshelf filled with manuals and leadership books. She sat on the edge of the chair, straightening her posture, glancing once at the motivational quote framed on the wall:

‘Discipline is the bridge between goals and achievement.’

Just then, the door opened.

Kavya Menon walked in — tall, mid-thirties, dressed in a crisp navy-blue saree that perfectly matched her sharp demeanor. Her heels clicked authoritatively against the floor. She didn’t just enter a room — she owned it.

Tara immediately stood up, her hands by her sides. “Good morning, ma’am!”

Kavya gave her a nod — firm but polite. “Good morning, Tara Nair, correct?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Welcome to Astra Dynamics Pvt. Ltd. You’re joining us as a Business Associate under Team Two,” she said, flipping open a folder. Her tone was calm but commanding, every word crisp and precise. “We value punctuality, accuracy, and focus here. I expect consistency — that’s all I ask.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll do my best,” Tara replied sincerely.

Kavya gave a short approving nod. “Good. You’ll be reporting to the team lead for your onboarding. He should be here any second.”

She pressed the intercom button. “Ask Amay to come to my office.”

Tara’s eyes widened slightly at the name — Amay? It sounded vaguely familiar, though she doesn't want to remember. Please God no more tricks.

As she waited, she could feel her heartbeat quicken again.

Then — knock knock.

“Come in,” said Kavya.

The door opened, and in stepped a tall figure in a charcoal grey shirt and black trousers. His presence was calm yet powerful — the kind that made you notice without trying. He looked around briefly before his gaze settled on Tara.

“This is Tara Nair,” said Kavya. “Our new recruit for Team Two. Amay, guide her through the induction and ongoing project structure.”

Amay gave a polite smile and extended his hand. “Welcome to the team, Tara.”

Tara shook his hand with a composed smile, though inside, her thoughts whispered — Why does this need to happen? Why God?