Part 20
After the meeting, Priyanka stormed down the corridor, her heels clicking angrily against the polished floor. She couldn’t believe Maan had reprimanded her—in front of everyone, no less. Humiliation burned in her chest, mixing with frustration as she reached his cabin.
Without bothering to knock, she pushed the door open and walked in. Maan was seated at his desk, flipping through some files, but he looked up, eyebrows raised at her abrupt entrance.
“Maan, we need to talk,” Priyanka said, barely containing her annoyance.
Maan leaned back in his chair, his expression indifferent. “About?”
Priyanka closed the door behind her and crossed her arms. “How could you do that to me in front of everyone? You completely humiliated me! I was just trying to give some constructive feedback on that project, and you snapped at me like I was out of line. I was just helping that actress girl—”
Maan’s eyes darkened immediately, his jaw tightening. “Stop calling her that.”
Priyanka huffed, not backing down. “I was just trying to be helpful. She’s new to the corporate world, inexperienced, and bound to make mistakes. I was merely pointing out a more efficient approach. I didn’t deserve to be treated like that.”
Maan fixed her with a cold stare. “What you did wasn’t constructive feedback. It was undermining her efforts and making veiled, baseless comments. That’s not how we work here.”
Priyanka scoffed. “Oh, come on, Maan. I was just trying to point out the obvious. She doesn’t belong here. I’ve been going through the employee records to familiarize myself with the team—and her credentials? They don’t add up. There’s no way someone like her could have landed a job at this company without... well, you know.”
Maan’s gaze turned icy. “Without what?”
Priyanka hesitated, but the irritation pushed her forward. “Without pulling some tricks or using her looks to get favors from HR or someone higher up. I mean, let’s be honest, she’s an ex-actress and model with zero formal education in business. There’s no way she could have gotten through the hiring process fairly. I’m just saying... there’s probably a mole in your organization hiring unqualified people. I’m just looking out for you.”
Maan’s hands tightened on the edge of his desk, his knuckles whitening. “A mole?”
“Yes,” Priyanka insisted, emboldened. “Someone who might have pushed her through because she’s attractive enough, determined enough... you know how these things work. She probably convinced someone to hire her. I’m just trying to make sure you’re not being taken advantage of.”
Maan slowly stood up, his towering presence making Priyanka take a hesitant step back. His voice was dangerously low, and his gaze could have frozen fire. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Priyanka forced a nervous laugh, trying to regain her composure. “Maan, I’m just saying... I’m trying to protect you from people who might be using your company for personal gain. I thought you would appreciate me pointing it out. You know how these types can be.”
Maan’s voice was calm, almost deadly. “You mean women who use their looks to manipulate people? Like those who think their Ivy League degree makes them superior, yet still need to belittle others to feel important?”
Priyanka’s eyes widened in shock. “What? No, that’s not—”
He cut her off, his tone sharper than a knife. “Geet didn’t use anyone to get her position here. I hired her myself after testing her capabilities and seeing her potential firsthand. I don’t need you or anyone else questioning her place in this company. She’s earned it. Unlike some, she doesn’t rely on her connections or flashy credentials to prove herself.”
Priyanka’s mouth opened and closed, clearly taken aback by his blunt words. “I... I didn’t know...”
“No, you didn’t,” Maan replied, his glare unrelenting. “And next time, before you make assumptions about someone’s worth or professionalism, think twice. Geet has proven herself through hard work and consistent results. Your unsolicited interference in her project was neither constructive nor professional.”
Priyanka swallowed, trying to compose herself. “I didn’t mean to overstep. I just thought...”
Maan didn’t let her finish. “If you want to be useful here, focus on your own tasks and stay out of other departments’ projects. I don’t appreciate you creating unnecessary conflicts or questioning my hiring decisions. Do you understand?”
Priyanka nodded stiffly, her face pale with a mixture of embarrassment and lingering anger. “Yes... I understand.”
Maan’s gaze didn’t soften. “Good. Close the door on your way out.”
Priyanka hesitated for a moment, trying to think of something to salvage her pride, but the coldness in Maan’s eyes left no room for negotiation. She nodded and left the room, closing the door quietly behind her.
As she walked down the hallway, her hands shook slightly. She couldn’t believe how harshly he had spoken to her. All this for that girl? Priyanka couldn’t help the flare of jealousy. What’s so special about her?
Inside his cabin, Maan sat back down, running a hand through his hair in frustration. His mind was racing, the anger still simmering beneath his calm exterior. He hated how Priyanka had tried to drag Geet’s integrity through the mud.
His thoughts wandered to Geet, and his chest tightened with a mix of guilt and protectiveness. How much had she heard? Did she know about Priyanka’s accusations?
He leaned back in his chair, a bitter taste in his mouth. Why does everyone think they know better? Why can’t they see that she’s not just some pretty face?
He closed his eyes, letting out a slow breath. I need to make sure Geet knows that nothing Priyanka said matters. She deserves to know she belongs here—because I know she does.
+++
After leaving Maan’s cabin, Priyanka was still fuming, but now it wasn’t just anger—there was something else simmering under the surface. So it was him. Maan hired that actress girl.
Her mind raced, piecing things together. Geet—an ex-model, ex-actress, beautiful and vulnerable. She must have charmed Maan into giving her the job. Priyanka had assumed that Geet had pulled some trick on an HR manager or a mid-level supervisor to land the position, but finding out that it was Maan himself who hired her changed everything.
So that’s how she did it... Priyanka thought bitterly. She seduced him. That penniless seductress managed to become his muse, his special project. A gold digger who managed to hook the richest, most influential man in the company.
Priyanka couldn’t help but feel a surge of anger mixed with something akin to jealousy. I need to protect Maan. He’s too smart to fall for someone like her, but she must have gotten under his skin somehow.
But Priyanka was nothing if not adaptable. Showing her discontent openly wouldn’t do any good. She needed to play her cards right.
+++
The next day, Geet was at her desk, trying to focus on her work when Priyanka approached her with a bright, overly sweet smile.
“Geet! There you are!” Priyanka chirped, her tone dripping with exaggerated cheerfulness.
Geet looked up, slightly startled. “Oh... good morning, Priyanka.”
Priyanka’s eyes glimmered as she took a seat at the edge of Geet’s desk, crossing her legs gracefully. “I just wanted to say, your presentation yesterday was absolutely brilliant! I can’t believe how dedicated you are. Honestly, it’s so inspiring!”
Geet blinked, taken aback by the sudden praise. “Um... thank you?”
Priyanka laughed lightly, flipping her curly hair over her shoulder. “No, seriously! I mean, I can see why Maan trusts you with such important projects. You’re just... exceptional. I could never pull that off the way you did.”
Geet offered a hesitant smile, unsure of how to respond to this sudden shift in attitude. “I just... did my best.”
“Of course!” Priyanka exclaimed, leaning closer. “You always do your best! That’s what makes you so special. Not everyone has that kind of dedication. You must have really impressed Maan. It’s no wonder he personally hired you.”
Geet’s cheeks flushed, and she glanced down at her work. “I... I didn’t know he would. I just... did the tasks as best as I could.”
Priyanka patted her shoulder with a little too much enthusiasm. “And that’s exactly why you’re so unique! Honestly, I think we can all learn from your work ethic. You’re just... exceptional.”
Geet gave a small nod, still unsure how to handle the excessive praise. As Priyanka walked away, Geet couldn’t help but feel that something was off.
+++
Later that afternoon, Maan was in his cabin going through project reports when Priyanka knocked and entered, still exuding that overly sweet demeanor.
“Hey, Maan! Just wanted to update you on the client feedback,” she began with a bright smile.
Maan glanced up, giving a curt nod. “Go on.”
Priyanka sat down gracefully, crossing her legs. “I just wanted to mention how impressed I am with Geet’s work. I mean, really, she’s just... something else. It’s no wonder you personally brought her on board. Not everyone could see that kind of potential in someone with such an unconventional background.”
Maan raised an eyebrow, sensing something behind her words. “What are you getting at, Priyanka?”
Priyanka’s smile didn’t falter. “Oh, nothing! I just mean... you must really see something special in her. I could never dream of treating her like any other employee. I mean, it’s clear she’s important to you—she’s not just... well, just another staff member, right?”
Maan’s gaze hardened, a coldness slipping into his tone. “What are you insinuating?”
Priyanka raised her hands in a mock-surrender. “Nothing! Really. It’s just... you did mention you personally hired her. And given her... unusual qualifications, I just assumed she’s someone special. I wouldn’t want to overstep with someone who clearly has your trust and... attention.”
Maan’s jaw tightened, his patience wearing thin. “You’re overthinking it. Geet is an employee like anyone else. If you’re implying that she’s getting special treatment, you’re mistaken. Treat her as you would any other staff member.”
Priyanka gave a sly smile, feigning innocence. “Of course! I just... wasn’t sure. You seemed rather protective of her during the meeting. It’s just that... usually, people with such unconventional qualifications wouldn’t land such a role without... someone pulling strings. But if you say she earned it, who am I to doubt?”
Maan’s gaze remained razor-sharp, his voice dangerously calm. “Geet earned her place here with hard work and consistent performance. I don’t appreciate you questioning that—or questioning my decisions. She is to be treated the same as everyone else. Am I clear?”
Priyanka’s cunning happiness flashed for a moment before she masked it with a bright smile. “Crystal clear. I’ll make sure to treat her like everyone else.”
Maan dismissed her with a curt nod, his mind troubled by the insinuation. As Priyanka left, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off, but he let it go for now, focusing back on his work.
+++
Over the next few days, Priyanka’s behavior took an odd turn. She remained overly sweet to Geet—excessive praise, constant compliments, even going as far as boasting about Geet’s work to other colleagues. It was unnatural, and everyone could see that something was off.
Whenever Maan was around, Priyanka would make a point of casually mentioning how talented and hardworking Geet was, but the way she said it felt overly rehearsed—like she was trying too hard to be supportive.
Geet couldn’t help but feel confused by the sudden change. She wasn’t sure if Priyanka was being genuine or sarcastic, and the inconsistency was unnerving.
Even the other colleagues whispered about it behind Priyanka’s back, unsure why the woman who used to subtly criticize Geet was now singing her praises to the point of absurdity.
Geet tried to focus on her work, but Priyanka’s new attitude left her uneasy. Meanwhile, Maan couldn’t help but notice Priyanka’s strange behavior as well. He didn’t entirely trust the sudden shift, but he couldn’t quite figure out what game Priyanka was playing.
For now, he kept a watchful eye, uncertain of what Priyanka’s real intentions were.
+++
A few days after their conversation, Maan had to leave for a business trip, leaving Priyanka to manage the office in his absence. She had been unusually sweet to Geet since that day—constantly complimenting her work, praising her dedication, and even going out of her way to include Geet in team discussions. It was so over the top that even Geet couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
Geet tried to brush it off as Priyanka just being professional after the tension, but something about the sudden shift didn’t sit right. The way Priyanka would casually drop comments about how hardworking and special Geet was—especially when Maan was around—made Geet feel like there was some hidden motive.
However, Geet decided to focus on her work and not overthink Priyanka’s behavior. Maan’s absence made the office feel different, and Geet was too busy managing her workload to dwell on Priyanka’s odd change of attitude.
+++
It was during Maan’s business trip that things took a sudden, unexpected turn.
One afternoon, Geet was called to HR. Confused and slightly anxious, she gathered her things and made her way to the HR office. As she entered, the HR manager, Mr. Kapoor, greeted her with a polite but hesitant smile.
“Please, take a seat, Geet,” he said, gesturing to the chair opposite his desk.
Geet sat down, her heart pounding slightly. “Is everything okay, sir?”
Mr. Kapoor glanced at the file in front of him before looking back at her. “Geet, I wanted to discuss your performance review. You’ve been placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP).”
Geet froze, her mind reeling. “A PIP? But... why? I haven’t received any negative feedback about my work.”
Mr. Kapoor looked equally perplexed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I understand your confusion. Frankly, your performance has been satisfactory, even exemplary in certain areas. The decision wasn’t based on performance issues.”
Geet frowned, feeling more confused. “Then why...?”
Before Mr. Kapoor could respond, Priyanka walked in, her heels clicking sharply against the tiled floor. She smiled brightly, as if everything were perfectly normal.
“Ah, Geet, I’m glad you’re here,” Priyanka said, taking a seat next to Mr. Kapoor without invitation. “I thought it would be good to clarify why you’ve been placed on the PIP.”
Geet looked at her, still trying to process the situation. “I don’t understand. My work has been consistent—”
Priyanka cut her off with a placating smile. “Oh, Geet, it’s not about your current performance. It’s about helping you grow and align with the company’s standards. You see, given your... unconventional background, we thought it would be beneficial to help you catch up on the formal studies and corporate skills you might have missed. It’s more of a support plan than anything else.”
Geet’s stomach dropped, realization dawning. “Support plan?”
“Yes,” Priyanka said smoothly. “You must understand that while you’ve been putting in effort, your lack of formal business education and experience can sometimes be... limiting. This PIP will include seven hours of training daily—covering essential corporate strategies, communication skills, and advanced project management techniques. It’s all for your betterment.”
Geet felt her throat tighten. “But... I’ve been managing my work just fine. Why now?”
Priyanka’s smile never faltered. “Well, Maan did say to treat you like any other employee. And usually, when employees are found to lack critical skills, we ensure they receive proper training to catch up. We’re just helping you meet the standards expected at your level.”
Mr. Kapoor hesitated, clearly uncomfortable. “Priyanka, usually PIPs are for performance issues, not... academic qualifications.”
Priyanka’s eyes flashed for a moment before softening. “It’s not about punishment, Mr. Kapoor. It’s about growth. We’re investing in Geet’s potential. It’s a management decision to ensure all employees are adequately equipped to handle the demands of their roles. This plan will help bridge any gaps she might have due to her... unconventional entry into the corporate world.”
Geet felt a wave of humiliation wash over her. The implication was clear—Priyanka was subtly labeling her as unqualified, someone who didn’t belong.
Mr. Kapoor glanced at Geet sympathetically but nodded reluctantly. “If it’s a management decision...”
Priyanka gave an overly bright smile. “Exactly. We’re just making sure Geet reaches her full potential. Isn’t that right, Geet?”
Geet swallowed, her voice barely above a whisper. “Right.”
Priyanka patted her shoulder gently. “I knew you’d understand. You’re always so eager to improve. This will be good for you, trust me.”
Geet felt too numb to respond. As Priyanka left the room, Mr. Kapoor gave her a sympathetic look.
“I’ll make sure the training schedule doesn’t clash with your project work,” he offered, trying to be supportive.
Geet forced a nod, but inside, her heart was sinking. Why would Maan approve something like this? She couldn’t help but feel betrayed. Maan had always trusted her work, praised her dedication. Why would he suddenly put her on a plan meant for underperformers?
Did he change his mind about me? Did he agree with Priyanka that I wasn’t good enough?
Geet left the HR office in a daze, her mind spinning with questions and hurt. As she returned to her desk, Priyanka walked by, her overly sweet tone even more grating now.
“Cheer up, Geet!” Priyanka called out. “It’s all for your betterment. You’ll be amazing once you complete the training. I believe in you!”
Geet didn’t respond, just sat down and buried herself in her work, trying to suppress the ache building in her chest. The more she thought about it, the more it hurt.
Did Maan really think I wasn’t good enough? Did he... agree with Priyanka?
She couldn’t understand how things had turned so drastically. Just a few days ago, Maan had defended her fiercely. Now, it felt like he had quietly agreed with Priyanka that she wasn’t competent enough—like all her hard work had been dismissed in one decision.
And as Priyanka continued to hum cheerfully while walking past, Geet couldn’t help but feel like she was losing everything she had worked so hard to build.
Edited by NilzStorywriter - 4 months ago
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