From Rivals To Lovers

chapter 9

ARJUN (voice raised) What is this, Miss Sharma? You don't know how to write, also? Why is this notepad incomplete? Where are all the points we discussed in the meeting?

Maya looks up, a bit startled by Arjun's outburst.

MAYA (stammering) Oh, um, Sir, I... I must have missed a few points. I'm sorry.

ARJUN (angry) Miss Sharma, this is unacceptable. We had an important meeting, and these notes are crucial. How am I supposed to work with this incomplete information?

MAYA (panicking) I'm really sorry, sir. I must have forgotten to jot down some things. Let me check my recording.

Arjun crosses his arms, clearly irritated.

ARJUN (sarcastic) Well, Maya, maybe you should invest in a better memory or learn how to take proper notes. This is affecting everyone in the team.

Maya looks apologetic but also a bit hurt by Arjun's tone.

MAYA (teary-eyed) I didn't mean to mess up, sir. I'll try to remember better next time.

Looking maya eyes Arjun, realizing he may have been too harsh, takes a deep breath to calm himself. He looks at Maya with a slightly change expression.

ARJUN:

Alright, Maya. focus, and rewrite the notes. Make sure they are complete and accurate this time. I need them on my desk before the lunch break.

MAYA (resolute) I'll make sure everything is perfect this time, Mr. Kapoor. You'll have the complete notes before lunch.

Maya, with a determined nod at Arjun, gathers her belongings and heads towards her cabin.

Maya, on her way to her cabin, receives a call from her friend RANI. She answers, holding the phone to her ear.

MAYA (excited) Hey, Rani! What's up?

RANI (over the phone) (angry tone) What's up? Seriously, Maya? I can't believe you! After getting that promotion as Mr. Kapoor's personal assistant, you didn't even bother to come and meet me in the office. Are you too high and mighty now?

Maya's smile fades as she realizes the seriousness of Rani's tone. She glances around nervously, aware that others might be overhearing the conversation.

MAYA (whispering) Rani, calm down. It's not like that. I've just been caught up with work and...

RANI (over the phone) (irritated) Work, work, work! You used to have time for me before. Now, it's all about Mr. Kapoor. Don't forget your friends, Maya.

Maya bites her lip, feeling a mix of guilt and frustration.

MAYA (trying to explain) Rani, it's not about forgetting anyone. The workload has just increased, and I've been trying to manage everything. That mr. Kapoor not time and scolding me like shit.Let's meet up for lunch no not lunch something, and I'll explain.

RANI (over the phone) (skeptical)

Oh not Lunch? Means are going with Mr. Kapoor, I suppose?

MAYA (defensive) No, Rani. Look, I promise, we'll catch up soon. I've got to go now; I have work know

RANI (over the phone) (disappointed) Fine, Maya. But don't forget your friends in your pursuit of success.

Maya hangs up. She continues towards her cabin, start her work

The clock strikes 1:30, and Maya, holding the notepad she rewrote, knocks on Arjun's cabin door. She takes a deep breath and enters.

MAYA (politely) Mr. Kapoor, I've completed the notes as you asked. Here they are.

Maya extends the notepad toward Arjun, hoping for a positive response.

ARJUN (looking at the clock) You're late, Miss Sharma. I specifically told you to bring it before lunch break, not after.

Maya's smile fades as she tries to explain.

MAYA (apologetically) I'm sorry, Mr. Kapoor. I did my best to complete them in time, but it took a bit longer than expected.

Arjun looks unimpressed, raising an eyebrow.

Maya, frustrated by the lack of acknowledgment for her effort, takes a deep breath.

MAYA (in her mind) This donkey! He should appreciate the fact that I skipped lunch to finish his work. Is this how he treats people?

Arjun continues to scrutinize the notepad without acknowledging Maya's dedication.

ARJUN (harshly) Next time, ensure you meet the deadline I set. It's basic professionalism.

Maya, trying to keep her composure, fights back her disappointment.

MAYA (resigned) Yes, Mr. Kapoor. I'll make sure to be more mindful next time.

As Arjun continues to review the notepad without a word of appreciation, Maya can't help but feel undervalued. In her mind, frustration builds, wondering why Arjun can't recognize the effort she put into meeting his expectations.

MAYA (in her mind) This man doesn't know how to praise or appreciate anyone. I skipped lunch for this, and all he does is criticize.

Maya leaves Arjun's cabin, After some time She returns to Arjun's cabin, this time carrying a tray of food. She knocks on the door, and Arjun gestures for her to come in.

MAYA (smiling) Mr. Kapoor, I noticed you didn't eat anything for lunch, so I thought I'd bring you something.

Arjun looks up from his work, surprised by Maya's gesture.

ARJUN (raising an eyebrow) What is this, Miss Sharma? Are you trying to play the role of a food delivery person now?

Maya places the tray on Arjun's desk.

MAYA (playfully) Consider it a peace offering. I thought you could use a break and some food.

Arjun, despite trying to maintain a stern expression, can't help but feel a hint of something in his heart

ARJUN (slightly softened) Well, I appreciate the gesture. But it doesn't change the fact that you were late with the notes.

Maya nods, acknowledging his point, but she notices a subtle change in Arjun's demeanor.

MAYA (softly) I understand, Mr. Kapoor. I just wanted to make sure you're taking care of yourself.

Arjun looks at Maya, a mixture of surprise and something else in his eyes.

ARJUN (curious) Why do you care, Miss Sharma?

MAYA (sincerely) We might have our differences, but we're still your human who needs to eat . And, well, I believe everyone deserves a good meal.

Arjun, for a moment, is taken aback by Maya's genuine concern. He looks down at the food on his desk and then back at Maya.

ARJUN (touched) Thank you, Miss sharma. I appreciate it.

Maya's eyes widen in surprise upon hearing those unexpected words of gratitude.

MAYA (stammering) Uh, you're welcome, Mr. Kapoor. I didn't expect...

Arjun interrupts her, his tone more genuine than before.

ARJUN (softly) No one has ever done something like this for me here. I appreciate it.

Maya, still processing the unusual acknowledgment, tries to maintain her composure.

As Maya leaves the cabin, Arjun looks at the food on his desk, a newfound sense of warmth in his heart.