The beginning is always the hardest, but it's also the most important.

As the sun rose on a crisp Monday morning, Nandini found herself filled with a mixture of anticipation and nervous excitement. Today marked the beginning of her journey at Malhotra Industries, and the thought of being the personal secretary to none other than Manik Malhotra still felt surreal.

Rising early, she moved through her morning routine with careful precision, each step grounding her and helping to steady her nerves. She prepared a small lunch, opting for something light but energizing, and sat down for a quick breakfast, sipping her coffee while mentally preparing for the day ahead.

Dressed in her most professional attire, she took one last glance in the mirror, drawing in a deep breath before heading out. When she reached Malhotra Industries, the building towered before her, its glass reflecting the soft morning light. She couldn't help but feel a flutter of pride as she took in the sight; this was her new workplace, and she was determined to make her mark there.

Upon entering the building, she approached the receptionist, a friendly woman who offered her a welcoming smile.

"Good morning! I'm Nandini Murthy. Today is my first day," she said with a polite nod.

"Good morning, Ms. Murthy!" the receptionist replied warmly. "Welcome to Malhotra Industries. If you'll just fill out these forms, we'll get everything processed for your onboarding. Afterward, you can head up to the 15th floor and wait there for Mr. Malhotra."

Nandini nodded, thanking her as she took the forms and found a quiet corner to fill them out. As she scanned each line and signed where required, she focused on calming her racing thoughts, reminding herself that this was the opportunity she'd worked so hard for. Once she finished, she returned the paperwork, offering a quick smile before stepping into the elevator.

The soft hum of the elevator as it ascended calmed her slightly, and she took in the surroundings of each floor as they passed. Soon, the doors slid open on the 15th floor, revealing a sleek, modern space that exuded both elegance and professionalism. She stepped out, glancing around until she spotted a small seating area near the CEO's office. She walked over and sat down on a plush sofa, her eyes drifting to the stack of magazines on the table. Nandini picked one up, leafing through its glossy pages as she waited, the occasional tick of the clock reminding her of each passing minute.

Time ticked on until, at last, she heard the unmistakable sound of the elevator pinging down the hallway. Nandini placed the magazine back on the table, smoothing out her outfit as she rose to her feet. Her gaze fixed on the corridor, where a tall figure emerged-Manik Malhotra. Dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, he exuded an air of authority and confidence as he strode down the hallway toward her.

Straightening, Nandini approached him, her expression professional yet warm. "Good morning, Mr. Malhotra," she greeted him, offering a polite nod.

He paused for a moment, studying her with a brief, unreadable glance before he gave a curt nod in response. "Good morning," he replied, his tone formal and direct. "Follow me," he added, gesturing toward his office.

She quickly followed him into the spacious cabin, her eyes taking in the tasteful decor-minimalist yet luxurious, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a view of the city skyline. Manik settled into his chair, and she took her place standing near his desk, waiting for his instructions.

He looked up at her, his gaze sharp and focused. "Alright, Ms. Murthy," he began, his tone businesslike, "as my personal secretary, there are several things you'll need to manage daily. Your responsibilities include organizing my schedule, handling all calls, filtering emails, and preparing any necessary documentation for meetings. You'll also assist with any tasks that need immediate attention and manage any client communications that I authorize."

Nandini listened attentively, nodding as he listed each responsibility. She took mental notes, committing each detail to memory.

"Most importantly," he continued, leaning slightly forward, "I expect you to be punctual and precise. Deadlines here are strict, and any lapse in timing is unacceptable. This is a high-pressure environment, and I need someone who can stay focused, regardless of circumstances."

His words were direct, his tone leaving no room for misunderstanding. She met his gaze steadily, letting him know she understood the weight of his expectations.

"Of course, Mr. Malhotra," she replied confidently. "I'm committed to maintaining the standards you expect. You can rely on me."

He studied her for a moment, as if assessing her determination, then nodded. "Good. I don't tolerate errors, Ms. Murthy, so I expect nothing less than accuracy in every task you handle. There will be situations where decisions need to be made quickly, and I need to trust that you'll act appropriately."

Nandini's gaze didn't falter as she responded, "I understand, sir. I'll do my best to meet and exceed your expectations."

Manik glanced at her once more, a hint of approval in his eyes before he returned to the documents on his desk. "Your first task is to collect today's agenda from the receptionist on this floor. She'll brief you on any pressing matters for the day."

With a nod, she acknowledged his instructions. "I'll get it done right away."

As she turned to leave, his voice stopped her. "And Ms. Murthy?"

She looked back, her attention sharp. "Yes, sir?"

He paused, his expression unreadable but his tone softer than before. "If you have any questions or uncertainties, don't hesitate to ask. This job isn't easy, and it requires both dedication and resilience. Just remember that."

His unexpected words surprised her, but she appreciated the subtle encouragement. "Thank you, Mr. Malhotra," she replied, her voice carrying a note of gratitude. "I'll keep that in mind."

With that, she left his office, her footsteps light yet purposeful as she made her way to the receptionist. Inside, she felt a spark of excitement-her journey had officially begun.

After a few hours of settling into her new role, Nandini returned to her small, organized cabin, which was situated directly opposite Manik's office. She looked around the minimalist space, smiling slightly as she noticed the way sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting faint shadows across her desk. She placed the files she'd gathered from the receptionist on the desk and started working on them, meticulously scanning each page, organizing notes, and aligning the paperwork according to Manik's agenda. Her mind buzzed with determination as she strove to learn each detail quickly.

But soon, a glance at the clock reminded her that Manik's first meeting was about to start. She quickly stood up, smoothed her outfit, and took a deep breath before heading over to his office. She knocked softly, and at his call to enter, she stepped inside.

"Mr. Malhotra, your first meeting is scheduled to begin shortly," she informed him, her voice steady but respectful.

Manik looked up, his expression serious. "Good. You'll be joining me in every meeting, Ms. Murthy," he stated, his tone firm and final.

Surprised but quick to hide it, Nandini nodded. "Understood, sir."

As they left the office, Manik launched into a brisk briefing about the meeting agenda, detailing points and expectations with rapid clarity. She quickly fished a notepad and pen from her bag, jotting down notes as he spoke. However, his long strides were proving difficult for her to keep up with.

He seemed to glide forward without a second thought, moving through the corridor like he owned the space-an impression not far from reality. Meanwhile, she was nearly jogging to stay by his side, cursing his fast pace under her breath. She thought to herself, Can he even slow down for a moment? I'm not a marathon runner!

She was sure her muttered complaints were inaudible, but she'd become so focused on keeping up that she hadn't noticed Manik's occasional side glances. Fortunately, he didn't seem to notice her remarks; if he had, she'd likely be in for a stern lecture.

Once they entered the meeting room, Nandini composed herself, settling into her role. She took her seat beside Manik, flipping open her notepad and ready to document each point discussed. The room filled with various department heads, each presenting updates and issues related to upcoming projects. Manik led the conversation with his characteristic assertiveness, navigating each topic with a mastery that held everyone's attention. Nandini diligently took notes, her pen gliding over the paper as she absorbed every detail.

As the meeting concluded, Manik addressed the client directly. "We'll be in touch with further details shortly. In the meantime, my secretary will be your primary contact for any questions or updates."

Nandini offered a polite smile to the client, acknowledging her new role. She felt a sense of pride at being trusted with such responsibilities but knew she had to remain focused.

After the meeting, Manik glanced at her. "Ms. Murthy, I need you to bring a few specific files from the records room," he said, listing the files by name and number with rapid precision. She nodded, mentally noting each one as she left the room and headed to the records area.

She located the files quickly, carrying them back to his office. Taking a deep breath, she knocked before entering and placed the files on his desk. He barely looked up, flipping open the top file as he continued working. Then, without looking at her, he asked, "Do I have any more meetings scheduled for today?"

Nandini hesitated, her mind racing. *I didn't check the schedule...* she realized, her stomach sinking. She fumbled with her words, trying to remember if there was another meeting, but her hesitation gave her away.

Manik sighed, finally looking up from his work with a slight frown. "Ms. Murthy, I know it's your first day, but that doesn't excuse a lack of preparedness. I need you to know my schedule inside and out. Update me on my day's agenda first thing every morning. I need to trust that you're organized and on top of things."

Feeling embarrassed, Nandini nodded, quickly straightening up. "I apologize, Mr. Malhotra. I'll make sure to be fully prepared next time."

Manik's gaze remained stern, but his tone softened slightly. "Good. But remember, if you're unsure, say so directly. Wasting time with unnecessary stammering doesn't help either of us."

"Yes, sir," she replied, keeping her tone professional. She felt the sting of his reprimand but also sensed his high standards and the level of commitment he expected. With a slight nod, she left his office, closing the door quietly behind her.

Once back in her own cabin, Nandini slumped into her chair, exhaling in frustration. "Does this man ever stop working?" she murmured to herself. "And he expects me to know everything on day one. It's like he's some kind of machine!" She rolled her eyes, letting out a small laugh at her own remark.

But as the initial frustration settled, she reminded herself why she had taken this job. She was here to learn, and challenges like these were part of the journey. She sat up, her expression firm, and focused on her tasks. "Alright, no more slip-ups," she whispered to herself, feeling a renewed determination to match Manik's high standards.

She reached for the planner on her desk, setting out to review his schedule for the rest of the week.

The day progressed with a whirlwind of meetings, files, and schedules. Nandini dutifully kept track of Manik's demands, bringing him coffee at intervals, her timing gradually becoming precise as she observed his unspoken routines. As she anticipated, Manik preferred his coffee strong and without frills, and after a few attempts, she finally had the timing and brew just right. She found herself dashing between her cabin and his, making sure he had everything he needed without interruption.

By 8 PM, she was exhausted but still alert, focused on managing her new role with the diligence she had promised herself. Just as she was finishing up her notes for the day, she heard her intercom buzz. Manik's curt voice came through.

"Ms. Murthy, in my cabin."

Nandini took a deep breath, straightened her blouse, and grabbed her notepad as she headed into his office. She knocked and entered, finding him leaning back in his chair, his gaze fixed on a stack of papers before him.

"Yes, sir?" she asked, her voice steady.

He looked up, finally glancing her way with a small nod. "I wanted to inform you that you're free to leave by 8 PM each day. That should give you a fair balance, but on the days, I need you to stay later, I'll inform you in advance."

Nandini's shoulders relaxed just a bit. "Thank you, Mr. Malhotra."

Manik shifted his gaze to his computer screen, then added, "You'll find that timeliness is paramount here. Make it a habit to review my schedule every morning and send me a concise summary, along with any preparations needed for the day."

"Understood, sir," she replied, jotting this down.

As she turned to leave, he called her back with a faintly softer tone. "And, Ms. Murthy," he added, looking up from his work for a brief moment, "don't hesitate to ask if you need clarification on anything. This position is demanding, but I expect you to manage it well."

Nandini nodded, "Of course, Mr. Malhotra. I'll make sure to keep everything in order."

Manik simply nodded, returning his attention to his screen. Realizing she was dismissed; she headed out of his office and gathered her belongings. As she left Malhotra Industries that night, she allowed herself a small smile of accomplishment, feeling more confident in the days ahead.

Hope you all like the chapter.....

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Few words for Nandini...

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