Episode : 1
On an ordinary morning, Priya stirred from her slumber to the persistent chirping of her phone alarm. Despite the dizziness clouding her senses, she reluctantly peeled herself from the warmth of her bed. With a tired yawn, she ventured forth, her steps faltering slightly as she made her way to the washroom. Inside, she mechanically began to brush her teeth, the rhythmic motion lulling her into a drowsy stupor, her eyelids heavy as if weighted down by the sands of sleep.
As Priya mindlessly went through her morning routine, her phone suddenly pierced the tranquility with its insistent ringtone. Startled, she glanced at the time, her heart skipping a beat as she realized it was already 9 a.m. With a muttered curse, she hastily grabbed her belongings, a pang of frustration pulsating through her temples as she slammed her forehead in exasperation. After quickly devouring a meager breakfast, she darted out the door, her steps brisk with determination as she embarked on the mad dash to her office, the world outside a blur as she raced against the ticking clock.
Priya stepped into her boss's cabin, greeted by his welcoming smile as he motioned for her to take a seat. Accepting the papers he passed her way, she skimmed through them with a furrowed brow, her expression turning increasingly sour with each passing word. Finally, she lowered the documents onto the desk, her resolve firm as she met her boss's expectant gaze.With a determined flicker in her eyes,
she made her stance clear, declaring that she refused to conduct the interview at any cost.
Priya: reads through the papers, then puts them down I'm sorry, but I can't do this interview.
Boss: Oh? Is there a problem?
Priya: Yes, I know this person, and to be frank, he's quite arrogant. Besides, I'm not a fan of his work either.
Boss: I understand your concerns, Priya, but this interview is important for the company. Can't you put aside personal opinions for the sake of professionalism?
Priya: I understand the importance, but I don't feel comfortable conducting an interview with someone I have personal reservations about. I believe it would be best for someone else to handle it.
Boss: Priya, I understand your concerns, but honestly, I trust you to handle this interview better than anyone else on the team. Your professionalism and expertise make you the perfect candidate for the job.
Priya: I appreciate your confidence in me, but I'm still hesitant. I don't want my personal feelings to affect the quality of the interview.
Boss: I hear you, Priya. But sometimes, in our line of work, we have to set aside personal preferences for the greater good of the company. You're more than capable of conducting a fair and insightful interview, regardless of your personal opinions.
Priya: *sighs* Alright, I'll do it. But I can't promise I'll enjoy it.
Boss: That's all I ask, Priya. Thank you for being flexible and putting the company's needs first. I know you'll do a great job.
Priya: Thanks, boss. I'll do my best.
As Priya settled into her desk, she wasted no time diving into her tasks for the day. With a swift click, she summoned Ram's name on her screen, her curiosity piqued as she delved into the realm of online information. Lost in the sea of search results, she barely noticed Mallika's approach until the intern stood before her, brandishing a freshly printed book.
Mallika's eager eyes met Priya's, a hint of uncertainty dancing within them as she extended the book for final inspection. Priya accepted it with a nod, her keen gaze scanning the pages with practiced precision. It didn't take long for her to unearth a handful of typos, her trained eye catching the errors with ease.
With a gentle yet firm tone, Priya pointed out the mistakes to Mallika, offering constructive feedback in the process. She encouraged the intern to pay closer attention to detail, emphasizing the importance of meticulousness in the pursuit of a career as an editor.
Mallika listened intently, absorbing Priya's words with a mixture of gratitude and determination. As Priya returned her focus to her own tasks, Mallika departed, her resolve strengthened by the guidance of her experienced mentor. And amidst the quiet hum of the office, the seeds of ambition were sown, nurturing dreams of a future paved with words and boundless possibilities.
During the lunch break her boss came to meet priya at her desk
Boss: Priya, I hope you had a good lunch. I have a special assignment for you.
Priya: Sure, what's up?
Boss: I want you to visit Ram's college. Get a sense of his regular life, talk to his friends, classmates, anyone who knows him well. We need a better understanding of who he is beyond his public persona.
Priya: Visit his college? That's... unexpected. But I guess it could give us valuable insight. When do you need me to go?
Boss: As soon as possible. The sooner we gather this information, the better prepared we'll be for the interview.
Priya: Alright, I'll head there right away. I'll keep you updated on what I find.
Boss: Great, I appreciate your flexibility, Priya. Let me know if you need any assistance.
Priya: Will tell you.
As Priya stepped through the gates of Xavier's College, the bustling energy of campus life enveloped her. With a determined stride, she navigated the maze of corridors, her eyes scanning the faces around her in search of Ram. Finally, a helpful staff member pointed her in the direction of his classroom, advising her to wait outside.
However, Priya's curiosity knew no bounds. Ignoring the suggestion, she boldly ventured into the classroom, her presence eliciting surprised murmurs from the students within. Among them, Ram himself looked up, his expression a mix of confusion and intrigue as Priya settled into an empty seat beside his peers.
The air crackled with anticipation as Priya immersed herself in the world of Xavier's students, her keen observations painting a vivid picture of their daily lives. Despite the initial surprise, Ram and his classmates soon found themselves drawn into conversation with Priya, exchanging anecdotes and insights with a newfound camaraderie.
In that moment, amidst the chatter of young minds and the hum of academic pursuit, Priya found herself at the heart of Xavier's College, her mission to uncover the essence of Ram's life taking on a life of its own. And as the afternoon sun cast its warm glow upon the campus, the lines between observer and participant blurred, weaving a tapestry of connection and discovery.
As Priya observed Ram's lecture with keen interest, her eyes swept over the blackboard, tracing the chalked lines of knowledge. Suddenly, her sharp gaze honed in on a glaring typo, a subtle error amidst the sea of information. With her habitual attention to detail, she couldn't resist the urge to correct it.
In a spontaneous moment, she rose from her seat, her voice cutting through the classroom's hushed atmosphere like a clarion call. All eyes turned towards her, a collective curiosity rippling through the students as they awaited her words.
Ram, caught off guard by the interruption, cleared his throat with a hint of embarrassment, his gaze briefly meeting Priya's before he swiftly moved to rectify his mistake. With a quick swipe of the eraser, he erased the errant letters, his movements deft and practiced, masking any hint of faltering in his demeanor.
In the ensuing silence, the class resumed its focus on Ram's lesson, the momentary disruption fading into the background like a fleeting shadow. Yet, in that brief interlude, a subtle exchange unfolded between Priya and Ram, a silent acknowledgment of shared imperfection and the unspoken bond of mutual respect. And amidst the ebb and flow of the classroom's rhythm, the seeds of understanding and connection continued to blossom, weaving an invisible thread between teacher and observer.
As Priya's words hung in the air, a sudden realization dawned upon her like a bolt from the blue. She bit her tongue, a subtle gesture of regret as she inwardly chided herself for the impulsive interruption. Yet, with a composed demeanor, she regained her composure, her resolve unshaken by the momentary lapse.
As the class drew to a close and the students began to filter out, Priya gathered her courage and approached Ram with purposeful steps. With a gentle smile gracing her lips, she extended her hand towards him, a gesture of professional courtesy tinged with a hint of apology.
"I am Priya Sharma, Chief Editor of YMC Publishing House," she introduced herself, her voice carrying a blend of confidence and sincerity. "I hope you were expecting me, isn't it?"
Ram, momentarily taken aback by Priya's direct approach, regarded her with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. Yet, beneath the surface, a flicker of recognition sparked within his eyes, a silent acknowledgment of their shared connection through the world of literature and publishing.
"Ah, yes, Priya Sharma," he responded, his tone warm and welcoming. "I've heard of you. It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person."
With a gracious nod, Priya extended the invitation for further conversation, her eyes gleaming with anticipation as she suggested finding a more conducive setting for their discussion.
"Shall we find somewhere to sit and discuss?" Priya proposed, her voice carrying a gentle yet determined tone. "I believe your college hours are over, aren't they?"
Ram considered her suggestion for a moment, weighing the offer with thoughtful consideration. "Where should we go?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued by the prospect of continuing their conversation beyond the confines of the classroom.
Priya's lips curled into a congenial smile as she responded, "Somewhere nearby. I brought my car, so you can come with me."
The notion of venturing into the unknown alongside Priya stirred a sense of adventure within Ram, igniting a spark of curiosity as he accepted her invitation with a nod of agreement.
And so, as they embarked on this impromptu journey together, the road ahead unfurled like a ribbon of possibility, leading them towards new horizons and the promise of meaningful dialogue amidst the backdrop of the bustling cityscape.
As Priya emerged from the college gates, her excitement dampened by the sight of the dent on her car's left side, a wave of disappointment washed over her. Ram, noticing her deflated demeanor, couldn't help but chuckle softly as he approached her.
"You shouldn't have parked your car here, it's a busy road," he remarked with a sympathetic smile, his eyes glancing towards the damaged vehicle.
Priya's shoulders slumped, the weight of the situation sinking in as she reluctantly acknowledged his observation. "I know, I know," she murmured, her voice tinged with regret. "Let's just get going. I'm sorry about the mess inside."
Unlocking the car, Priya stepped aside to let Ram enter. But as he settled into the passenger seat, his initial amusement quickly turned to surprise as he was met with a cluttered interior and the unexpected sight of a leftover pizza perched on the armrest.
Ram's expression shifted from surprise to dismay as he gingerly attempted to clean the messy area with a handful of tissues. Before he could make much progress, Priya returned, her apologetic tone cutting through the awkward silence.
"Sorry, my car didn't get washed," she admitted with a sheepish grin, her eyes meeting Ram's with genuine regret.
Ram, though taken aback by the chaotic state of the car, couldn't help but offer a reassuring smile. "That's fine," he replied, his tone tinged with understanding. "Don't worry about it."
Priya, sensing an opportunity to address the earlier incident in the classroom, hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "Actually, I'm sorry about earlier. I shouldn't have pointed out your mistake like that."
Ram's gaze softened, his expression reflecting a sense of appreciation for Priya's humility. "It's okay," he reassured her, his voice warm with understanding. "You actually helped me. I appreciate it."
Priya, Are you trying to please me by saying all these
In the dimly lit café, Priya's words hung in the air like a delicate thread, her eyes searching for sincerity in Ram's response. Ram, with a furrowed brow, seemed caught off guard by her accusation, his own gaze steady, yet hesitant. "Why should I?" he mused, his tone laced with a hint of defiance. "I guess you came to propose a contract to me." Priya couldn't help but chuckle softly, a playful glint dancing in her eyes. "But it's also a great opportunity to work with our publishing house, isn't it?" she countered, her voice laced with subtle allure. "It's the best in Mumbai." Ram's lips twitched into a half-smile, a flicker of pride evident in his eyes. "And I am the best in writing," he interjected, his voice carrying a note of self-assurance. Their exchange hung in the air, a strange mixture of tension and camaraderie enveloping them as they shared a knowing glance, a silent understanding passing between them. It was a moment caught between two individuals, each daring the other to take the next step in their intricate dance of words and emotions.
The atmosphere in the cozy café turned tense as Ram sifted through the contract papers, his brow furrowing in concentration. "I don't think I should go with this contract," he finally declared, his voice firm yet tinged with uncertainty. Priya's eyes widened in surprise, her confusion palpable. "What? Why?" she stammered, her words rushed with a hint of desperation. "I mean, what's wrong? Didn't you discuss this with our head?" Ram nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on a particular clause in the contract. "Yes, we talked before, but here..." he trailed off, pointing to the offending section. "Your publishing house wants to edit my interview and publish it. I'm not happy with this clause. I want it to be very authentic. This book is going to be special, and it has a special story." Priya's frustration bubbled to the surface, her eyes narrowing slightly. "But this is a common clause. How can I change it? I mean, we can't publish everything," she reasoned, her voice tinged with exasperation. Ram pushed the papers back toward her, his expression resolute. "Then it's a no from my side," he declared firmly. Priya sighed heavily, her patience wearing thin as she rolled her eyes in frustration. "Can you excuse me for a moment? I'll be back," she muttered, her tone clipped as she rose from her seat, leaving Ram to ponder the weight of his decision in the uneasy silence that hung between them.
As Ram sat at the table, absently sipping his coffee, Priya returned, her demeanor slightly softened. Taking a seat opposite him, she began, "I had a word with my senior, and he said we can agree." A grin spread across Ram's face, relief evident in his eyes. "Then it's fine. I guess I will go with it," he replied, reaching for an acceptance paper with his amended clause and sliding it across the table toward her. Priya chuckled softly, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Oh, I see. You were prepared to accept it, just making a fuss," she remarked playfully. Ram, ever the diplomat, responded with a clever quip, "Take it as you want, but I made my side clear to you, that's all." Priya narrowed her eyes slightly, but ultimately relented, signing off on the papers with a flick of her pen before swiftly gathering her belongings and making her exit, irritation evident in her brisk movements. Watching her leave, Ram couldn't help but chuckle softly to himself, a wry smile playing at his lips. "What a woman," he mused, before gathering his own belongings and following after her, his curiosity piqued by the enigmatic woman who had just crossed his path.
As Ram stepped outside into the bustling city streets, he spotted Priya engaged in a tense conversation on her phone, her brows furrowed in frustration. With a subtle adjustment, he slipped on his glasses, his gaze briefly lingering on her before he hailed a cab with a confident wave of his hand. Priya's attention shifted, her eyes meeting his briefly as they exchanged a fleeting glance filled with unspoken understanding. Without a word, Ram turned and left, his departure marking the end of their brief encounter.
The following day, as agreed, Priya arrived at Ram's place, her anticipation palpable as she rang the doorbell. Ram greeted her warmly, ushering her inside where she was immediately struck by the impeccable interior. It was as if she had stepped into another world entirely. "Well, would you like to sit somewhere and discuss? I mean, I didn't see that coming from you," Ram remarked, his voice tinged with amusement. Priya snapped out of her reverie, blinking in surprise. "Wait, what?" she replied, caught off guard by his observation. Ram waved off her confusion, gesturing for her to follow him. "Nothing, come inside and sit," he reassured her. Finding herself perched on a nearby couch, Priya hesitated momentarily before declining Ram's offer of coffee. "I guess our conversation will be longer then," Ram noted with a chuckle. "Okay then, a black coffee without sugar," Priya relented, her resolve weakening. Ram's eyebrows rose in mild surprise. "You like black coffee too? That's good," he observed before disappearing into the kitchen. From her vantage point, Priya watched him with growing fascination as he moved about the kitchen with precision and grace, every movement executed with the meticulousness of a well-oiled machine. A thought crossed her mind, and she couldn't help but mutter softly to herself, "Now I get it. Why he didn't get married."
Just then suddenly priya asked
Priya, Can i go to the washroom
As Priya ventured into the washroom, her eyes widened in amazement at the sight of multiple taps adorning the sink. Confusion crept over her features as she muttered to herself, "What is this? Which one am I supposed to open?" Her perplexity grew as she tentatively reached for one of the taps, only to inadvertently turn on the wrong one. With a sudden rush of water, a splash soaked her clothes, prompting a startled cry to echo through the room. Hearing her distress, Ram's surprise was evident as he swiftly made his way to the washroom. Without hesitation, he reached out to close the errant tap, putting an end to the unexpected deluge. As Priya stood there, dripping wet and flustered,
"I apologize, I should have guided you," he offered sincerely, his voice laced with regret as he moved to assist her. Priya, feeling utterly embarrassed by the mishap, hesitated momentarily before responding, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "It's okay, I'll just leave and come back tomorrow," she suggested, eager to escape the awkward situation. However, Ram's next words caught her off guard. "I'm leaving for New York tomorrow for the next two weeks," he informed her, his tone matter-of-fact. Priya's heart sank at the realization that postponing the interview was no longer an option. With a resigned sigh, she acquiesced, nodding in agreement. "Okay, I'll take the interview now," she conceded, her resolve firm as she followed Ram to his room. As they entered the room, Priya couldn't help but notice the meticulous orderliness of his surroundings, a stark contrast to her own disheveled state. With a sense of determination, she pushed aside her embarrassment and focused on the task at hand,
Ram sat at his couch, engrossed in his work on the iPad, his concentration interrupted by the sound of the door opening. Glancing up, he couldn't help but smile at the sight of Priya entering the room, clad in a loosely fitted t-shirt and pajama bottoms.
There was an air of unease about her, a subtle vulnerability that tugged at his heartstrings."Come, sit down," he beckoned, gesturing to the empty chair opposite him. "Let me get you some coffee."As Priya settled into her seat, Ram busied himself with preparing her coffee, his movements fluid and practiced.
Once the steaming mug was placed before her, they began to converse, the atmosphere light and casual.Priya started with some casual questions, probing gently into Ram's life and interests. Ram, ever the gracious host, responded with warmth and sincerity, his words flowing easily as they delved into topics ranging from hobbies to aspirations.
Then priya started asking about his recent book so
Ram said would you like to hear a story ?
Priya felt a little off gaurded and said a story ?
ram nodded yes
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