"Sometimes, the hardest part of starting over is not the new beginning, but the old habits that refuse to let go."

Kiara's eyes remained fixed on the chair, her anticipation building as she waited for the CEO to reveal himself. The chair swiveled, and Kiara's eyes widened in shock as they locked onto the CEO's face. She leapt from her seat, her voice echoing through the room in a mixture of shock and incredulity. 

"You?" she exclaimed, her eyes frozen on Abhir Birla's face. The air was thick with tension as they stared at each other, both seemingly unable to process the unexpected encounter. 

Abhir's expression mirrored Kiara's shock, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the sight of her. His gaze swept over her face, and for a moment, Kiara felt like she was drowning in the depths of his eyes.

 She had thought she had prepared herself for this meeting, but nothing could have prepared her for the sight of Abhir Birla sitting in front of her. The memories came flooding back, and Kiara felt her heart racing in her chest. 

The room seemed to shrink, the tension between them becoming almost palpable. Kiara's mind reeled as she struggled to process the impossible. Abhir Birla, the CEO of the company, was the last person she had expected to see. Their past was complicated, and Kiara had thought she had left all that behind her. But now, as she stood face to face with Abhir, she realized that the past was not so easily forgotten. 

Abhir's eyes seemed to bore into her soul, and Kiara felt her defenses begin to crumble. She knew she had to regain control of the situation, but for now, she was at a loss for words. She tried to speak, but her voice caught in her throat. Abhir's gaze never wavered, his eyes holding hers captive. Kiara felt like she was trapped, unable to look away or move. 

The teenage Abhir's words echoed in Kiara's mind, a painful reminder of the past: "You're an amazing girl, Kia, but I don't feel the same way. To me, you've always just been my best friend, nothing more."

Kiara's eyes rolled heavenward as she silently beseeched the universe, "Why, God, why? Of all the people in the world, why did it have to be Abhir Birla, the one person who had shattered her heart into a million pieces, who was now sitting across from her as the CEO of the company she desperately wanted to work for? 

It was as if fate was playing a cruel joke on her, forcing her to confront the ghosts of her past in the most unexpected way. Kiara's mind was reeling as she struggled to process the coincidence. What were the chances, really? Abhir Birla, the boy who had broken her heart, was now the CEO of the company she had applied to. It was a cruel twist of fate, and Kiara couldn't help but wonder if the universe was conspiring against her.

As she stood there, frozen in shock, Kiara's thoughts flashed back to the past. She remembered the laughter, the tears, and the memories she had shared with Abhir. She remembered the way her heart had skipped a beat whenever he was near, and the way her world had come crashing down when he had rejected her

As Abhir's arms enveloped her in a warm hug, Kiara's thoughts came to an abrupt halt. She felt like she was transported back in time, to an era when life was simpler, and her heart was full of hope. 

The familiar scent of his cologne, the gentle pressure of his arms, it all felt like a distant memory that had suddenly become real again. Kiara's body tensed, unsure of how to react, as Abhir's voice whispered in her ear, "Kia, after a long time."

 The words sent a shiver down her spine, and for a moment, she forgot about the pain he had caused her, forgot about the years that had passed, and forgot about the fact that she was now standing in his office, applying for a job. All she could think about was the past, and the memories that they had shared.

As Abhir pulled back from the hug, Kiara's eyes met his, and she felt like she was drowning in the depths of his gaze. The familiarity of his eyes, the crinkles at the corners, the sparkle in their depths, it all came rushing back to her. She felt like she was 17 again, standing in the school hallway, exchanging sweet nothings with the boy who had captured her heart.

Abhir's smile faltered for a moment as he took in Kiara's expression. He seemed to be searching for something, a glimmer of the past, a spark of the connection they once shared. Kiara's face, however, remained frozen, her emotions locked away, hidden behind a mask of indifference. "It's been a long time," Abhir repeated, his voice low and husky. "How have you been, Kia?"

Kiara's eyes narrowed slightly, her grip on her emotions tightening. "I've been good," she replied, her voice neutral. "Just busy with work and life in general."Abhir nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "I can imagine," he said. "You were always ambitious, Kia. I'm glad to see you're doing well."Kiara's gaze drifted away, her eyes scanning the room, taking in the opulent decor, the plush carpet, the sleek furniture. She felt out of place, like a small fish in a big pond. Abhir's office was a far cry from the humble surroundings they had grown up in.

"So, Kia," Abhir said, his voice breaking the silence. "What brings you here today?"

Kiara's eyes snapped back to his, a spark of determination igniting within her. "I'm here for the job interview," she replied, her voice firm. "I'm applying for your personal assistent."

Abhir's eyebrows shot up in surprise, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied Kiara's expression. For a moment, he seemed taken aback by her response. "My personal assistant?" he repeated, his voice tinged with a hint of skepticism. "That's a very...specific role, Kia. What makes you think you're qualified for it?"

Kiara's gaze never wavered, her determination evident in the set of her jaw. "I've done my research, Mr. Birla," she replied, her voice confident. "I know your company, and I know what you're looking for in a personal assistant. I'm organized, efficient, and I have excellent communication skills.

 I'm confident I would be an asset to your team."Abhir's expression remained neutral, but Kiara could sense a flicker of interest behind his eyes. He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together as he regarded her. "I see," he said finally. "Well, Kia, I must admit I'm intrigued. Tell me, what do you know about my company, and what do you think you can bring to the table as my personal assistant?" 

Kiara's voice was laced with sarcasm as she replied, "Oh, I don't know, maybe the fact that I was your best friend for five whole years?" Her tone was biting, and her eyes seemed to bore into Abhir's very soul, as if daring him to deny the past they shared. The air was thick with tension as she added, "I'm sure that's not a conflict of interest or anything."

Abhir's expression faltered, a hint of surprise and embarrassment crossing his face. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair, his eyes darting away from Kiara's piercing gaze. "Kia, I..." he began, his voice trailing off as he struggled to find the right words. 

 Kiara's sarcastic tone had struck a chord, reminding him of the past they shared, the memories they had created together. For a moment, Abhir seemed to forget about the present, about the job interview, and was transported back to a time when life was simpler, and their friendship was all that mattered. 

 He looked back at Kiara, his eyes searching for a glimmer of the girl he once knew. But all he saw was a hint of bitterness, a spark of anger that seemed to simmer just below the surface. Abhir's expression softened, his voice taking on a gentler tone. "Kia, I'm sorry," he said, his words barely above a whisper. "I know I hurt you in the past. But I want you to know that I'm truly sorry for what happened."

Kiara's gaze never wavered, her eyes boring into Abhir's as if searching for sincerity. The softness in his voice, the apology, it all seemed so genuine, yet Kiara's heart remained guarded. She had heard those words before, but the pain he had caused her still lingered.

 She wanted to believe him, to trust that he was truly sorry, but the fear of getting hurt again held her back. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the tension between them palpable. Then, Kiara's expression hardened, her voice taking on a detached tone. "Save it, Abhir. I'm here for a job, not to rehash the past."

Abhir's face fell, his eyes clouding over with disappointment. He nodded slowly, seeming to understand Kiara's boundaries. "Of course, Kia. I apologize if I overstepped. Let's focus on the interview then." 

He paused, collecting himself before continuing. "Can you tell me, what makes you think you're the right fit for this role?"Kiara's expression remained neutral, but a hint of relief flickered in her eyes. 

She was grateful for the change in subject, the opportunity to steer the conversation back to safer waters. She launched into a well-rehearsed speech about her qualifications, her experience, and her skills. Abhir listened intently, his eyes never leaving hers, his expression thoughtful. 

 As the interview drew to a close, Abhir leaned forward, his voice taking on a more personal tone. "Kia, can I ask you something?" he said, his eyes searching hers. "Why did you choose to apply for this role, knowing that I'm the CEO?" Kiara's gaze faltered, her heart skipping a beat. She hadn't expected him to ask that question, hadn't prepared herself for the truth.

Kiara's voice caught on the familiar nickname, and she hastily covered it up with a more formal address. "I never knew Abhi Pi... I mean, Mr. Birla, that this company was under your leadership," she said, her tone stiff and professional. The slip-up had been close, but she had managed to maintain a veneer of detachment, hiding the intimate nickname that had almost escaped her lips.

Abhir's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze piercing as he studied Kiara's expression. He seemed to be searching for something, a glimmer of the past, a hint of the connection they once shared. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with tension.Then, Abhir's face relaxed, his expression smoothing out into a neutral mask.

 "I see," he said, his voice crisp and professional. "Well, now that you know, Kia, I have to ask: does it change anything? Are you still interested in the role?"Kiara's eyes flashed with a hint of defiance, her jaw setting in determination. "Why should it?" she said, her voice firm. "I'm here to discuss my qualifications, not my personal history with you, Mr. Birla."

He nodded curtly, then gestured towards the door. "Please, wait outside. I'll call you back in when I'm ready."Kiara nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation wash over her. She stood up, smoothing out her dress, and walked out of the office, the door closing softly behind her.As she waited in the outer office, Kiara couldn't help but wonder what Abhir was thinking. Was he going to offer her the job, or was he going to let their past come between them?

Aditya Malhotra, Abhir's best friend and trusted right-hand man, walked into the cabin, a hint of curiosity on his face. "Abhir, should I send in the other candidates?" he asked, his voice smooth and efficient.

Abhir, seated behind his desk, shook his head in a subtle gesture, his eyes never leaving the folder in front of him. "No, Aditya. I've made my decision," he said, his voice firm and resolute.

Aditya's eyebrows arched slightly, his interest piqued. "You've found your new PA already?" he asked, his tone laced with a hint of surprise. Abhir nodded, a small, enigmatic smile playing on his lips. "I have," he said, his eyes glinting with a hint of satisfaction. "And I think I've made the right choice."

Aditya's gaze narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew Abhir's reputation for being meticulous and demanding when it came to his staff. Whoever had caught his eye must have been truly exceptional. 

 "And who is the lucky candidate?" Aditya asked, his voice tinged with amusement, as he walked further into the room, his eyes scanning the space for any sign of the new recruit.Abhir's smile grew wider, his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "None other than Kiara," he said, his voice low and husky, his eyes glinting with a hint of challenge, as if daring Aditya to question his decision. 

Abhir's eyes widened in stunned silence as Aditya's words hung in the air. "Kiara...the one who got stuck in the elevator?" Aditya asked, his tone laced with curiosity.Abhir's face went pale, his mind reeling with the implications. He felt like he had been punched in the gut. The woman who had been trapped in the elevator, her voice echoing through the corridors, shouting for help, her tone laced with fear and anxiety, was Kiara. His Kiara.

Memories came flooding back, memories of their past, of the laughter and the tears they had shared. Abhir's heart was racing, his mind spinning with the realization. He had been so drawn to her, even in the elevator, without knowing who she was. And now, he knew why his heart hadn't been at peace. It was because he had been searching for her, without even realizing it.

Abhir's eyes dropped, his gaze fixed on the folder in front of him. He remembered the way Kiara had trembled in the elevator, the way she had tried to hide her fear.

Abhir's eyes snapped back up to Aditya, his expression intense, his voice low and commanding. "Get her back in here, Aditya. Now," he said, his words dripping with urgency.Aditya's eyebrows arched slightly, his expression a mixture of curiosity and surprise. But he didn't hesitate, nodding curtly before turning to leave. "Right away, Abhir," he said, his voice smooth and efficient.

The door to his office opened, and Aditya ushered Kiara back in. Abhir's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze burning with intensity. Kiara's eyes met his, a flicker of recognition sparking in their depths. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with tension. Then, Abhir's voice broke the silence, his words low and husky. "Kiara, come in. Let's talk."

Kiara's voice was devoid of emotion, her words delivered with a detached calmness that belied the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. Her eyes, however, told a different story, a faint glimmer of vulnerability and hurt lingering in their depths."So, what's your decision, Mr. Birla?" she asked, her tone neutral, but with a hint of challenge. "Are you going to give me this job, or are you going to reject me again, just like you did 10 years ago?" 

Abhir's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze piercing as he studied Kiara's expression. He could see the faintest glimmer of emotion lurking beneath her calm exterior, a hint of vulnerability that she was desperately trying to keep hidden. 

 He leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled together as he regarded her. "I'm not going to reject you, Kiara," he said, his voice low and measured. "In fact, I'm willing to offer you the job. But I have to warn you, it's not going to be easy. You'll be working closely with me, and I expect nothing but the best from my team."

Kiara's expression didn't change, but Abhir could sense a flicker of surprise behind her eyes. She had expected him to reject her, to turn her down just like he had all those years ago. But instead, he was offering her a chance to prove herself, to work alongside him and show him what she was capable of.Abhir's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes burning with intensity. "So, what do you say, Kiara? Are you ready to take on the challenge?"

Kiara's mask of indifference slipped for a fraction of a second, and Abhir caught a glimpse of the spark that still burned within her. Her eyes flashed with a hint of defiance, a spark of determination that seemed to ignite a fire within her very soul.

 For a moment, she seemed to hesitate, as if weighing her options, considering the risks and rewards of accepting Abhir's offer. Then, with a subtle nod, she made her decision."I'm ready," she said, her voice firm, her eyes locked onto Abhir's with a fierce intensity.

 "I'm ready to take on the challenge, Mr. Birla. I'm ready to prove myself."The air seemed to vibrate with tension as Abhir's gaze held Kiara's, the silence between them thick with unspoken emotions. Then, with a slow smile, Abhir nodded, his eyes gleaming with a hint of triumph. "Excellent," he said, his voice low and husky. "I'll show you to your new office. We have a lot of work to do."

Aditya's eyes were wide with shock, his mouth agape as he stared at the scene unfolding before him. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Abhir, the man who had sworn off Kiara years ago, was now offering her a job and looking at her with a intensity that bordered on obsession.

 Aditya's gaze darted back and forth between Abhir and Kiara, his mind racing with questions. What was going on here? Why was Abhir being so... accommodating? And what was Kiara's game? Was she really interested in working for Abhir, or was she just trying to get back at him for past hurts?

"OMG, you're Kiara, as in Kiara Poddar, our Kia?" Aditya asked, his voice laced with excitement and surprise. He took a step closer to her, his eyes scanning her face, hoping to see a spark of recognition.Kiara's expression was confused, her brow furrowed as she looked at Aditya. "I'm sorry, do I know you?" she asked, her voice polite but distant.Aditya's face fell, but he quickly recovered. "I'm Aditya, Adi," he said, trying to jog her memory. "We used to be friends, Kia. We went to school together. Don't you remember?"

Kiara's face lit up with a radiant smile as she gazed at Aditya, her eyes sparkling with recognition. "Adiii, how are you?" she asked, her voice warm and affectionate, as if no time had passed at all. The memories came flooding back as Abhir watched the reunion unfold. The three of them - Abhir, Kiara, and Aditya - had been inseparable in school, a tight-knit gang that had shared every up and down of adolescence together. They had laughed, loved, and grown up together, and the bond between them had been unbreakable.

As Kiara and Aditya hugged, Abhir felt a pang of nostalgia wash over him. He had thought those carefree days were long behind him, but seeing Kiara again brought it all rushing back. He couldn't help but wonder what the future held for the three of them, now that Kiara was back in their lives.

"Where were you, Kia, all these years?" Aditya asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and concern.Kiara's face fell, and her eyes clouded over, as if a dark storm had suddenly rolled in. "That's a long story, Adi," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I don't know if I'm ready to share it."

Abhir's gaze locked onto Kiara's, and he could see the pain and vulnerability etched in her eyes. It was like a window had opened, revealing a glimpse of the turmoil she had endured over the years. Abhir's chest tightened, and he felt an overwhelming urge to reach out and comfort her.

 Aditya, sensing Kiara's distress, immediately backed off, his expression softening with empathy. "Hey, Kia, it's okay. We're not going anywhere. You can tell us whenever you're ready," he said, his voice gentle and reassuring.But Abhir couldn't help but feel that there was more to Kiara's story, something that had left an indelible mark on her soul.  

..............

Abhir's expression turned detached, and he nodded curtly. "Aditya, show her the office," he said, his voice firm and authoritative.As he spoke, he sat back down in his chair, his eyes refocusing on the papers in front of him. 

His hands began to move with precision, his fingers flying across the keyboard as he immersed himself in his work.The sudden shift in Abhir's demeanor was palpable, and Aditya's eyes flickered with understanding. He nodded subtly, recognizing the cue to escort Kiara out of the office."Right this way, Kia," Aditya said, his voice friendly and welcoming. "I'll show you to your new office."

"i have missed you so much kia." adi said

Kiara's expression softened, and she smiled warmly at Aditya. "I've missed you too, Adi," she said, her voice filled with emotion.As they walked down the corridor, Aditya fell into step beside her, his eyes scanning her face.

 "You look great, Kia," he said, his voice sincere. "But there's something different about you. Something... haunted."Kiara's smile faltered, and she looked away, her eyes clouding over. "I've been through a lot, Adi," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I'm trying to move on. To start fresh."Aditya's expression turned sympathetic, and he nodded understandingly. "I'm here for you, Kia," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "We'll get through this together, okay?"

"Can you believe it? That girl, Kiara, is now Abhir Birla's PA, and he didn't even bother to interview anyone else," one of the candidates whispered, her voice dripping with disdain. "I mean, what's so special about her? She's not even that qualified." The candidate's tone reeked of jealousy and resentment, clearly unhappy about being overlooked for the position

Another candidate, a tall, sleekly dressed woman, snorted in agreement. "I know, right? I have an MBA from a top-tier university, and I've got years of experience in the field. But does Abhir Birla care? Nope. He just hires some...some..." She trailed off, her eyes scanning Kiara's outfit with disdain. "...some girl off the street."

A third candidate, a bespectacled man, spoke up, his voice laced with bitterness. "It's not fair. We all came here thinking we had a chance, but it's clear that Abhir Birla had already made up his mind. I mean, who is she, anyway? Some kind of protégée or something?"

Just as the candidates' murmurs were reaching a fever pitch, Abhir appeared at Kiara's side, his presence commanding attention. His eyes scanned the group, his gaze piercing and authoritative. 

 "I believe some of you are questioning Kiara's qualifications for the PA position," he said, his voice low and even. "Let me assure you, she has been selected for her exceptional skills and experience. 

I don't tolerate nepotism or favoritism in my organization. Kiara has earned her place here, and I expect you all to respect that."The room fell silent, the candidates' faces reddening as they realized they had overstepped.

 Abhir's gaze lingered on each of them, his expression unyielding."Furthermore," he continued, "I expect professionalism and courtesy towards all colleagues, regardless of their position or background. Any further displays of disrespect will be met with disciplinary action."With that, Abhir turned to Kiara and smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Welcome to the team, Kiara. I'm confident you'll excel in your new role." 

Kiara's face flushed with gratitude as Abhir's words washed over her, soothing her wounded pride. She smiled back at him, feeling a sense of relief and appreciation for his timely intervention.

 "Thank you, Abhir," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Abhir's smile faltered for a moment, and he looked at her with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat. Then, he nodded and turned to leave. "I'll let you get settled in, Kiara," he said, his voice crisp and professional once again. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask." 

As Abhir walked away, Kiara felt a sense of wonder at the complex man who was now her boss. She had seen glimpses of a kind and caring person beneath his tough exterior, and it left her feeling curious and intrigued. The rest of the day passed in a blur of activity as Kiara settled into her new role. She met with various team members, familiarized herself with the office systems, and began to tackle the mountain of tasks that Abhir had assigned to her.