Chapter 6 – Shadows in the Office

The morning after the dinner, Siddhant walked into the office with a newfound energy. His mind was clearer, his heart lighter, but the uncertainty still lingered like a shadow he couldn’t shake off. He had seen a side of Roli he never expected—the vulnerability behind her strength, the secrets she carried—and it had changed everything.

He settled into his chair and glanced around the office, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. But the space felt different, colder somehow. The whispers had started already.

Alice was the first to approach him, her usual confident smirk replaced by something sharper, more dangerous. “So, boss, I heard the ‘head manager’ has returned,” she said, emphasizing the title in a way that sent a clear warning.

Siddhant met her gaze steadily. “Yes, she’s back.”

Alice folded her arms. “I hope you realize how this changes things around here.”

He raised an eyebrow. “How so?”

She leaned closer, lowering her voice. “Roli wasn’t just any employee. She threatened more than just the company balance. She threatened you—your control, your image. And now, she’s back.”

Before Siddhant could respond, Sasha appeared behind Alice, her expression unreadable. “We all want what’s best for the company,” she said softly, “but things have definitely shifted. The atmosphere’s tense.”

Siddhant nodded. “I’m aware. But if we want this place to thrive, we need everyone on the same page.”

Alice scoffed. “On the same page? You mean, on your page.”

Siddhant’s jaw clenched, but he held his composure. “Enough. I expect professionalism.”

Alice’s eyes flashed, then she stepped back with a sly smile. “For now.”

________________________________________

Later that afternoon, Siddhant found Roli in her office, a rare quiet moment amid the storm.

She looked up from her files, meeting his eyes. “Alice’s already making waves,” she said, voice low.

He sighed. “She’s always been protective of her turf.”

Roli smiled faintly. “And Sasha?”

“Caught in the middle,” Siddhant replied. “She’s loyal to you but scared of the fallout.”

Roli bit her lip. “I didn’t expect this much resistance.”

“Change never comes easy,” Siddhant said. “But I believe in you.”

Her gaze softened. “Thank you.”

________________________________________

As the day went on, Roli noticed subtle shifts in the office dynamics. Colleagues whispered behind closed doors, glances followed her every move, and tension simmered just beneath the surface.

During a meeting, Alice interrupted a presentation with a pointed question. “Are we sure this strategy aligns with Roli’s recent... decisions?”

The room fell silent. Siddhant shot Alice a warning look, but she remained unfazed.

Roli took a breath, steadying herself. “The strategy is sound,” she said firmly. “Our goal is to grow, not to play politics.”

Alice smirked. “Words are easy. Actions speak louder.”

Siddhant cut in, “We all have a job to do. Let’s focus on that.”

________________________________________

That evening, as Siddhant prepared to leave, his phone buzzed. A message from Roli: Can we talk? It’s urgent.

He didn’t hesitate, texting back, Where?

At the office. Now.

________________________________________

Roli was waiting in her office, her face tense. “I found something,” she said as soon as he entered.

He frowned. “What is it?”

She handed him a folder filled with documents. “Evidence. About the company’s finances. Someone’s been siphoning money.”

Siddhant flipped through the papers, his expression darkening. “This is serious.”

Roli nodded. “And it points to someone close.”

“Do you have a name?”

She shook her head. “Not yet. But I intend to find out.”

He reached for her hand. “We’ll uncover the truth. Together.”

________________________________________

The office had become a battlefield. Alliances shifted, suspicions grew, and the calm façade cracked under pressure.

Alice watched Siddhant and Roli with narrowed eyes, plotting her next move. Sasha’s loyalty wavered as she struggled with her conscience and the fear of losing everything.

Amid the chaos, Siddhant and Roli held onto their fragile bond—the promise of trust, the hope of love, and the determination to fight the shadows lurking in their midst.