05-04-2026, 01:10 PM
(This post was last modified: 05-04-2026, 01:11 PM by damien123456. Edited 1 time in total. Edited 1 time in total.)
update continues:
As Pooja sat in the cabin with Amit, having just completed her interview, Amit was visibly impressed with her responses. “Well, Miss Pooja, I think you’re the one we want. Welcome to Fintegrity Audits,” he said, extending his hand. Pooja shook his hand in return and began preparing to leave the room with her file, but Amit stopped her. “Miss Pooja, please be seated while I ask Ashwin Sir to join us in the cabin.” Though Pooja seemed as if she wanted to say something, she remained silent. Amit then called Ashwin on his mobile. “Hello Sir, could you come to the cabin?” he asked, ending the call shortly thereafter. Within the next thirty seconds, the room was filled with Ashwin’s presence.
Ashwin quietly pulled a chair and sat beside Pooja, close enough for his presence to feel reassuring, yet composed as always. A faint smile rested on his lips as he glanced at her, then shifted his attention to Amit.
Ashwin: So, Pooja… tell me—did he manage to survive your answers? Or did you completely put him on the spot? he let out a soft chuckle, then looked at Amit
From what I see, Amit sir… I think you’re the one who survived. Amit smiled, but there was a depth in his expression—something that carried both admiration and a quiet acknowledgment of Ashwin.
Amit: Survived? I’d say I was genuinely impressed. he turned toward Pooja, nodding slightly, She reflects your standards, Ashwin. Your recommendation… it wasn’t just a formality. It carried weight.
Pooja stood there holding her file close to her chest, her fingers gripping it a little tighter than usual. Her eyes moved slowly from Amit to Ashwin, confusion beginning to mix with curiosity. Amit leaned forward slightly, his tone shifting—more serious now, more intentional. Pooja… I don’t think you understand something. brief pause, then a glance at Ashwin, I’ve known him for years. And in all that time… he has never recommended anyone. Not once.
The air seemed to grow still.
Amit: No matter how capable they were, no matter the situation—he simply doesn’t put his name behind someone. he looked directly at her, But for you… he did. You are the first.
Pooja’s grip on her file tightened unconsciously. Her eyes widened, slowly turning toward Ashwin. There was disbelief at first… then something softer, something deeper beginning to form.
Ashwin exhaled lightly, almost as if he didn’t want the moment to become too heavy. He gave a small shake of his head.
Ashwin: Amit sir tends to make things sound bigger than they are. he looked at Pooja, his voice calm but sincere “I just don’t like giving recommendations unless I’m absolutely sure about someone.” For a brief second, he held her gaze—steady, unwavering.
Ashwin: And in your case… I was sure.
That simple line lingered.
Pooja didn’t speak. She just looked at him—really looked this time. The respect she had for him was already there… but now, it was changing into something more personal, more meaningful. Her expression softened, admiration quietly settling in her eyes. Ashwin leaned back slightly, easing the intensity with a lighter tone.
Ashwin: Anyway… enough suspense. You were about to say something. What happened inside?
Pooja tried to respond, her voice hesitant.
Pooja: I… I got—
Amit smiled, stepping in gently.
Amit: Selected. He turned to Ashwin with a satisfied nod.
Amit: Your trust wasn’t misplaced, sir. She handled everything with confidence. Honestly… she earned it on her own. But now I understand why you believed in her.
Pooja lowered her gaze for a brief moment, a shy smile forming as she held onto her file. But almost immediately, her eyes lifted again—drawn back to Ashwin, searching for his reaction.
Ashwin’s expression softened, genuine pride reflecting in his eyes.
Ashwin: That’s really good to hear. he looked at her warmly Congratulations, Pooja.
For Pooja, that moment stayed.
It wasn’t just the selection.
It wasn’t just the success.
It was the quiet certainty in his voice…
and the realization that, out of everyone—
he chose to stand for her.
Amit: well Ashwin sir… actually, I wanted to tell you myself. That’s why I asked you to come here. There’s also something else I wanted to discuss—
Ashwin raised his hand slightly, cutting him off mid-sentence, his tone calm but firm.
Ashwin: we’ll talk. he turned his head slightly toward Pooja. Pooja… could you wait outside for a while? We need to discuss a business matter. Pooja nodded immediately, holding her file close.
Pooja: okay, sir. She gave one brief glance at Ashwin before leaving the cabin. The door closed softly behind her. Outside, she moved to the lounge, sitting down quietly, her thoughts still lingering on him.
The moment the door shut, the atmosphere inside the room shifted.
Ashwin’s relaxed demeanor disappeared. His face hardened, and his eyes settled on Amit with a sharp, controlled intensity. He slowly leaned forward, resting his hands on the table.
Ashwin: what. That single word carried weight. Amit straightened unconsciously, his earlier ease gone. He swallowed before speaking.
Amit: sir… I did everything you instructed. I followed all your directions carefully. he hesitated for a second
but there’s one thing… she’s a fresher. Usually, we assign freshers to training or place them in accounts and bookkeeping first. So I wanted your final word… where exactly should I place her in our firm?
Ashwin didn’t respond immediately. He just looked at him—calm, but piercing. Then he leaned back slowly, his fingers tapping once against the armrest.
Ashwin: you did everything I told you? The question was quiet… but it wasn’t casual. Amit’s throat went dry.
Amit: yes, sir… I mean—almost everything—
Ashwin’s gaze sharpened.
Ashwin: almost?
A brief silence filled the room.
Ashwin: you failed in one thing. he paused, his voice lowering slightly I told you clearly… the employees here should not behave as if they know me. There should be distance. No familiarity. No unnecessary attention.He leaned forward again, his voice now edged with authority.
Ashwin: but you didn’t ensure that.
Amit felt the pressure build. He quickly responded, trying to hold his ground.
Amit: sir, I understand that… I really do. But if I had forced that suddenly, people would have started questioning. It could have led to gossip… unnecessary talk about you. I didn’t want that.He gathered a bit of courage and continued.
Amit: and… if I may say, sir… instead of completely hiding, you could present yourself differently. Maybe as a freelance auditor associated with the firm. That way, there’s no suspicion, and your position also remains—
Ashwin’s expression changed instantly.
Ashwin: enough.
The word cut through the air. He stood up abruptly. The chair behind him dragged slightly, the sharp sound echoing through the room. Amit flinched subtly.
Ashwin’s irritation was visible now—not loud, but controlled and intense. He walked a step forward, his presence dominating the space.
Ashwin: I know what I have to do. he looked straight into Amit’s eyes
don’t advise me on that.
Amit lowered his gaze slightly, the weight of those words settling in. There was a brief silence.Then Ashwin turned slightly, as if to leave, but stopped.
Ashwin: put her in accounts… and audits. Let her handle both.
he paused I want to see how she works under pressure.
He walked toward the door, his steps steady. His hand reached for the handle… but then he stopped again. For a moment, the tension lingered. Ashwin slowly turned back.
The sharpness in his expression had softened—just a little.
Ashwin: and Amit…
Amit looked up immediately. Ashwin: I was tense because you didn’t follow my instruction.
brief pausebut… I understand why you did what you did.
His tone was no longer harsh. It carried a quiet acknowledgment.
Ashwin: you were thinking about my reputation in this office.
Amit blinked, slightly taken aback.
Ashwin: that matters.
A small pause.
Ashwin: thank you.
The words were simple—but coming from him, they held weight.
Ashwin walked out of the cabin without another word, the door closing behind him with a soft but firm sound. For a moment, Amit didn’t move. He let out a slow, heavy breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. His shoulders relaxed slightly as the tension in the room began to fade. He leaned back into his chair, running a hand across his face, still feeling the lingering weight of Ashwin’s presence.
Amit stared at the door for a few seconds, lost in thought.
He knew Ashwin well—far better than most people in that office ever could.
Ashwin was not a man who got angry without reason. Every sharp word, every moment of intensity—it always came from somewhere specific. And just as quickly as that tension rose, it would settle. He never held onto anger longer than necessary. He never let irritation cloud his judgment for long.
That was what made him different.
Amit had seen it many times before. Ashwin could be calm, composed, almost unreadable… and then, in the next moment, if something went against his principles or instructions, that calm would turn into a sharp, commanding presence. Not out of ego—but out of control, discipline, and expectation. And yet… just as quickly, he would step back, think, and understand. He always understood. That was the part Amit respected the most.
Ashwin never judged blindly. Even now… despite his irritation, he had listened. He had seen the intention behind Amit’s decision. And in the end, he acknowledged it—openly.
A faint smile formed on Amit’s lips as he let out another quiet breath.
This wasn’t new to him.
He was used to Ashwin’s highs and lows—the sudden intensity, the commanding tone, and then the calm clarity that followed. To him, it was just how Ashwin functioned. A man who demanded precision, but also valued intention. But today was different. He never thought Ashwin would get tense in the presence of others. The moment Pooja left the room, Amit realized something wasn’t right. He hadn’t expected that not informing the workers, as Ashwin had wished, would cause such irritation to him. Amit took a deep breath and decided that Pooja must be someone special to Ashwin. With that thought in mind, he went back to his work.
As Pooja sat in the cabin with Amit, having just completed her interview, Amit was visibly impressed with her responses. “Well, Miss Pooja, I think you’re the one we want. Welcome to Fintegrity Audits,” he said, extending his hand. Pooja shook his hand in return and began preparing to leave the room with her file, but Amit stopped her. “Miss Pooja, please be seated while I ask Ashwin Sir to join us in the cabin.” Though Pooja seemed as if she wanted to say something, she remained silent. Amit then called Ashwin on his mobile. “Hello Sir, could you come to the cabin?” he asked, ending the call shortly thereafter. Within the next thirty seconds, the room was filled with Ashwin’s presence.
Ashwin quietly pulled a chair and sat beside Pooja, close enough for his presence to feel reassuring, yet composed as always. A faint smile rested on his lips as he glanced at her, then shifted his attention to Amit.
Ashwin: So, Pooja… tell me—did he manage to survive your answers? Or did you completely put him on the spot? he let out a soft chuckle, then looked at Amit
From what I see, Amit sir… I think you’re the one who survived. Amit smiled, but there was a depth in his expression—something that carried both admiration and a quiet acknowledgment of Ashwin.
Amit: Survived? I’d say I was genuinely impressed. he turned toward Pooja, nodding slightly, She reflects your standards, Ashwin. Your recommendation… it wasn’t just a formality. It carried weight.
Pooja stood there holding her file close to her chest, her fingers gripping it a little tighter than usual. Her eyes moved slowly from Amit to Ashwin, confusion beginning to mix with curiosity. Amit leaned forward slightly, his tone shifting—more serious now, more intentional. Pooja… I don’t think you understand something. brief pause, then a glance at Ashwin, I’ve known him for years. And in all that time… he has never recommended anyone. Not once.
The air seemed to grow still.
Amit: No matter how capable they were, no matter the situation—he simply doesn’t put his name behind someone. he looked directly at her, But for you… he did. You are the first.
Pooja’s grip on her file tightened unconsciously. Her eyes widened, slowly turning toward Ashwin. There was disbelief at first… then something softer, something deeper beginning to form.
Ashwin exhaled lightly, almost as if he didn’t want the moment to become too heavy. He gave a small shake of his head.
Ashwin: Amit sir tends to make things sound bigger than they are. he looked at Pooja, his voice calm but sincere “I just don’t like giving recommendations unless I’m absolutely sure about someone.” For a brief second, he held her gaze—steady, unwavering.
Ashwin: And in your case… I was sure.
That simple line lingered.
Pooja didn’t speak. She just looked at him—really looked this time. The respect she had for him was already there… but now, it was changing into something more personal, more meaningful. Her expression softened, admiration quietly settling in her eyes. Ashwin leaned back slightly, easing the intensity with a lighter tone.
Ashwin: Anyway… enough suspense. You were about to say something. What happened inside?
Pooja tried to respond, her voice hesitant.
Pooja: I… I got—
Amit smiled, stepping in gently.
Amit: Selected. He turned to Ashwin with a satisfied nod.
Amit: Your trust wasn’t misplaced, sir. She handled everything with confidence. Honestly… she earned it on her own. But now I understand why you believed in her.
Pooja lowered her gaze for a brief moment, a shy smile forming as she held onto her file. But almost immediately, her eyes lifted again—drawn back to Ashwin, searching for his reaction.
Ashwin’s expression softened, genuine pride reflecting in his eyes.
Ashwin: That’s really good to hear. he looked at her warmly Congratulations, Pooja.
For Pooja, that moment stayed.
It wasn’t just the selection.
It wasn’t just the success.
It was the quiet certainty in his voice…
and the realization that, out of everyone—
he chose to stand for her.
Amit: well Ashwin sir… actually, I wanted to tell you myself. That’s why I asked you to come here. There’s also something else I wanted to discuss—
Ashwin raised his hand slightly, cutting him off mid-sentence, his tone calm but firm.
Ashwin: we’ll talk. he turned his head slightly toward Pooja. Pooja… could you wait outside for a while? We need to discuss a business matter. Pooja nodded immediately, holding her file close.
Pooja: okay, sir. She gave one brief glance at Ashwin before leaving the cabin. The door closed softly behind her. Outside, she moved to the lounge, sitting down quietly, her thoughts still lingering on him.
The moment the door shut, the atmosphere inside the room shifted.
Ashwin’s relaxed demeanor disappeared. His face hardened, and his eyes settled on Amit with a sharp, controlled intensity. He slowly leaned forward, resting his hands on the table.
Ashwin: what. That single word carried weight. Amit straightened unconsciously, his earlier ease gone. He swallowed before speaking.
Amit: sir… I did everything you instructed. I followed all your directions carefully. he hesitated for a second
but there’s one thing… she’s a fresher. Usually, we assign freshers to training or place them in accounts and bookkeeping first. So I wanted your final word… where exactly should I place her in our firm?
Ashwin didn’t respond immediately. He just looked at him—calm, but piercing. Then he leaned back slowly, his fingers tapping once against the armrest.
Ashwin: you did everything I told you? The question was quiet… but it wasn’t casual. Amit’s throat went dry.
Amit: yes, sir… I mean—almost everything—
Ashwin’s gaze sharpened.
Ashwin: almost?
A brief silence filled the room.
Ashwin: you failed in one thing. he paused, his voice lowering slightly I told you clearly… the employees here should not behave as if they know me. There should be distance. No familiarity. No unnecessary attention.He leaned forward again, his voice now edged with authority.
Ashwin: but you didn’t ensure that.
Amit felt the pressure build. He quickly responded, trying to hold his ground.
Amit: sir, I understand that… I really do. But if I had forced that suddenly, people would have started questioning. It could have led to gossip… unnecessary talk about you. I didn’t want that.He gathered a bit of courage and continued.
Amit: and… if I may say, sir… instead of completely hiding, you could present yourself differently. Maybe as a freelance auditor associated with the firm. That way, there’s no suspicion, and your position also remains—
Ashwin’s expression changed instantly.
Ashwin: enough.
The word cut through the air. He stood up abruptly. The chair behind him dragged slightly, the sharp sound echoing through the room. Amit flinched subtly.
Ashwin’s irritation was visible now—not loud, but controlled and intense. He walked a step forward, his presence dominating the space.
Ashwin: I know what I have to do. he looked straight into Amit’s eyes
don’t advise me on that.
Amit lowered his gaze slightly, the weight of those words settling in. There was a brief silence.Then Ashwin turned slightly, as if to leave, but stopped.
Ashwin: put her in accounts… and audits. Let her handle both.
he paused I want to see how she works under pressure.
He walked toward the door, his steps steady. His hand reached for the handle… but then he stopped again. For a moment, the tension lingered. Ashwin slowly turned back.
The sharpness in his expression had softened—just a little.
Ashwin: and Amit…
Amit looked up immediately. Ashwin: I was tense because you didn’t follow my instruction.
brief pausebut… I understand why you did what you did.
His tone was no longer harsh. It carried a quiet acknowledgment.
Ashwin: you were thinking about my reputation in this office.
Amit blinked, slightly taken aback.
Ashwin: that matters.
A small pause.
Ashwin: thank you.
The words were simple—but coming from him, they held weight.
Ashwin walked out of the cabin without another word, the door closing behind him with a soft but firm sound. For a moment, Amit didn’t move. He let out a slow, heavy breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. His shoulders relaxed slightly as the tension in the room began to fade. He leaned back into his chair, running a hand across his face, still feeling the lingering weight of Ashwin’s presence.
Amit stared at the door for a few seconds, lost in thought.
He knew Ashwin well—far better than most people in that office ever could.
Ashwin was not a man who got angry without reason. Every sharp word, every moment of intensity—it always came from somewhere specific. And just as quickly as that tension rose, it would settle. He never held onto anger longer than necessary. He never let irritation cloud his judgment for long.
That was what made him different.
Amit had seen it many times before. Ashwin could be calm, composed, almost unreadable… and then, in the next moment, if something went against his principles or instructions, that calm would turn into a sharp, commanding presence. Not out of ego—but out of control, discipline, and expectation. And yet… just as quickly, he would step back, think, and understand. He always understood. That was the part Amit respected the most.
Ashwin never judged blindly. Even now… despite his irritation, he had listened. He had seen the intention behind Amit’s decision. And in the end, he acknowledged it—openly.
A faint smile formed on Amit’s lips as he let out another quiet breath.
This wasn’t new to him.
He was used to Ashwin’s highs and lows—the sudden intensity, the commanding tone, and then the calm clarity that followed. To him, it was just how Ashwin functioned. A man who demanded precision, but also valued intention. But today was different. He never thought Ashwin would get tense in the presence of others. The moment Pooja left the room, Amit realized something wasn’t right. He hadn’t expected that not informing the workers, as Ashwin had wished, would cause such irritation to him. Amit took a deep breath and decided that Pooja must be someone special to Ashwin. With that thought in mind, he went back to his work.
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