23-04-2026, 11:05 PM
Chapter 3: New Rules, New Players
The next morning, VeeR Group Headquarters was buzzing like a disturbed beehive. Whispers filled every corridor — “Shekar sir is critical…”, “Who will run the company now?”, “Will the share price crash?” The uncertainty was palpable on every floor.
Bhaskar, however, saw opportunity. He had already arranged a grand welcome for Malavika — or so he thought. Without consulting anyone, he called for an urgent board meeting to push her into a powerful executive role. Shekar is gone, he told himself smugly. Now is the time to strike.
He dropped Malavika at the grand marble lobby.
“Wait here,” he said, already walking away. “I’ll call my team for a proper welcome. Sit nicely and look presentable.”
Malavika nodded quietly and sat on the plush sofa, her maroon saree from last night replaced by a crisp cream blouse and navy pencil skirt that hugged her full breasts and slender curves. She felt exposed, nervous, and completely out of place.
A few minutes later, a tall, strikingly handsome man in a sharp black suit walked in. Broad shoulders, sharp jawline, confident stride. He sat on the sofa directly opposite her, legs crossed, exuding quiet power. Malavika glanced at him once, then looked away.
The receptionist approached. “Sir, who are you here to meet?”
“Darmendra sir,” the man replied in a deep, smooth voice. “I’m joining today.”
Malavika’s ears perked up. Another new joiner on the same day as me?
She noticed a cleaner mopping the floor near her feet and stood up to move aside. At the exact same moment, the man turned back after speaking to the receptionist. Their bodies collided.
Malavika stumbled. Strong arms instantly wrapped around her waist, catching her firmly. For a split second, her heavy breasts pressed against his hard chest. She could smell his clean, masculine scent.
She pulled back sharply, face flushing with anger and embarrassment.
“Take your hands off me!” she snapped. “You are just joining today and already trying your luck with women? Have some shame!”
The man’s eyes narrowed, a flash of cold rage passing through them, but he said nothing.
Before the situation could escalate, Dharmendra himself walked into the lobby with quick steps.
“Ah, Vikram! Welcome,” he said warmly, shaking the handsome man’s hand. “Come with me.”
Malavika froze. Dharmendra… personally coming down for a new employee?
She watched them disappear toward the elevator, her heart beating fast. Who the hell is this man?
Minutes later, Bhaskar returned, looking tense and irritated.
“Some new bullshit rules,” he muttered. “They didn’t even inform us. Now every new appointment needs clearance from higher-ups. Come.”
He dragged her to the boardroom.
The moment they entered, the atmosphere was thick. All eyes turned toward them. Dharmendra sat at the head, calm and composed.
Dharmendra wasted no time.
“To maintain stability after Shekar’s unfortunate accident, I have brought in fresh talent. Sorry i could not make him meet you all here, the client is pushing hard, he straight away started his work for us. His name is Vikram and he is our new Project CFO. He will handle all major operations and the critical projects Shekar was overseeing. Any deal, any decision of importance, will now go through him.”
Sharma shot up. “How can such an important decision be taken without consulting the major shareholders? This is unacceptable!”
Bhaskar’s face turned red with fury. “We weren’t even informed!”
Dharmendra smiled calmly. “We have a multi-million-dollar business running. We cannot afford even one day of delay while Shekar is in hospital. I reviewed Vikram’s profile personally — his track record is outstanding. He will manage operations for now. The rest of you can coordinate with me.”
A few investors raised concerns, but most eventually nodded. Andrew, attending online for Rana, only cared about one thing: “How much commission will he take? Will it affect our dividends?”
The resolution was passed.
Vikram was now the new CFO.
Bhaskar was seething.
Later, when Sharma and Bhaskar introduced Malavika to Dharmendra, they pushed hard.
“Give her the CEO position,” Bhaskar demanded. “Or at least something powerful. Convince the board to vote for her.”
Sharma said is this is not a help we do to our old friend Mukesh her father..
im not asking for permanent CEO, let her be acting until Shekar comes.. Shekar will feel proud too.. See i have 20, you have 10, Malavika has 10, Shekars cannot be counted, we can form a resolution..
Dharmendra shook his head. “Too risky right now. Let her start as Senior Business Analyst. It’s a natural role for someone aiming high. She can learn operations properly.”
He paused, then added with a small smile:
“But even this appointment needs final clearance from the new CFO. Malavika, please meet Vikram in his office. He’s expecting you.”
Bhaskar rolled his eyes. “Fine. Go meet him. I’ll wait here.”
Malavika’s stomach twisted as she walked toward the CFO’s office. Everything felt odd — too fast, too calculated.
She knocked softly and entered.
“Excuse me…”
The large leather chair was turned toward the wall. She could only see the back of the man.
The chair slowly swivelled around.
Malavika’s eyes widened in shock.
Sitting there, looking at her with calm, piercing eyes and a faint, dangerous smile, was the same handsome man from the lobby — the one she had scolded and pushed away just thirty minutes ago.
Vikram.
The next morning, VeeR Group Headquarters was buzzing like a disturbed beehive. Whispers filled every corridor — “Shekar sir is critical…”, “Who will run the company now?”, “Will the share price crash?” The uncertainty was palpable on every floor.
Bhaskar, however, saw opportunity. He had already arranged a grand welcome for Malavika — or so he thought. Without consulting anyone, he called for an urgent board meeting to push her into a powerful executive role. Shekar is gone, he told himself smugly. Now is the time to strike.
He dropped Malavika at the grand marble lobby.
“Wait here,” he said, already walking away. “I’ll call my team for a proper welcome. Sit nicely and look presentable.”
Malavika nodded quietly and sat on the plush sofa, her maroon saree from last night replaced by a crisp cream blouse and navy pencil skirt that hugged her full breasts and slender curves. She felt exposed, nervous, and completely out of place.
A few minutes later, a tall, strikingly handsome man in a sharp black suit walked in. Broad shoulders, sharp jawline, confident stride. He sat on the sofa directly opposite her, legs crossed, exuding quiet power. Malavika glanced at him once, then looked away.
The receptionist approached. “Sir, who are you here to meet?”
“Darmendra sir,” the man replied in a deep, smooth voice. “I’m joining today.”
Malavika’s ears perked up. Another new joiner on the same day as me?
She noticed a cleaner mopping the floor near her feet and stood up to move aside. At the exact same moment, the man turned back after speaking to the receptionist. Their bodies collided.
Malavika stumbled. Strong arms instantly wrapped around her waist, catching her firmly. For a split second, her heavy breasts pressed against his hard chest. She could smell his clean, masculine scent.
She pulled back sharply, face flushing with anger and embarrassment.
“Take your hands off me!” she snapped. “You are just joining today and already trying your luck with women? Have some shame!”
The man’s eyes narrowed, a flash of cold rage passing through them, but he said nothing.
Before the situation could escalate, Dharmendra himself walked into the lobby with quick steps.
“Ah, Vikram! Welcome,” he said warmly, shaking the handsome man’s hand. “Come with me.”
Malavika froze. Dharmendra… personally coming down for a new employee?
She watched them disappear toward the elevator, her heart beating fast. Who the hell is this man?
Minutes later, Bhaskar returned, looking tense and irritated.
“Some new bullshit rules,” he muttered. “They didn’t even inform us. Now every new appointment needs clearance from higher-ups. Come.”
He dragged her to the boardroom.
The moment they entered, the atmosphere was thick. All eyes turned toward them. Dharmendra sat at the head, calm and composed.
Dharmendra wasted no time.
“To maintain stability after Shekar’s unfortunate accident, I have brought in fresh talent. Sorry i could not make him meet you all here, the client is pushing hard, he straight away started his work for us. His name is Vikram and he is our new Project CFO. He will handle all major operations and the critical projects Shekar was overseeing. Any deal, any decision of importance, will now go through him.”
Sharma shot up. “How can such an important decision be taken without consulting the major shareholders? This is unacceptable!”
Bhaskar’s face turned red with fury. “We weren’t even informed!”
Dharmendra smiled calmly. “We have a multi-million-dollar business running. We cannot afford even one day of delay while Shekar is in hospital. I reviewed Vikram’s profile personally — his track record is outstanding. He will manage operations for now. The rest of you can coordinate with me.”
A few investors raised concerns, but most eventually nodded. Andrew, attending online for Rana, only cared about one thing: “How much commission will he take? Will it affect our dividends?”
The resolution was passed.
Vikram was now the new CFO.
Bhaskar was seething.
Later, when Sharma and Bhaskar introduced Malavika to Dharmendra, they pushed hard.
“Give her the CEO position,” Bhaskar demanded. “Or at least something powerful. Convince the board to vote for her.”
Sharma said is this is not a help we do to our old friend Mukesh her father..
im not asking for permanent CEO, let her be acting until Shekar comes.. Shekar will feel proud too.. See i have 20, you have 10, Malavika has 10, Shekars cannot be counted, we can form a resolution..
Dharmendra shook his head. “Too risky right now. Let her start as Senior Business Analyst. It’s a natural role for someone aiming high. She can learn operations properly.”
He paused, then added with a small smile:
“But even this appointment needs final clearance from the new CFO. Malavika, please meet Vikram in his office. He’s expecting you.”
Bhaskar rolled his eyes. “Fine. Go meet him. I’ll wait here.”
Malavika’s stomach twisted as she walked toward the CFO’s office. Everything felt odd — too fast, too calculated.
She knocked softly and entered.
“Excuse me…”
The large leather chair was turned toward the wall. She could only see the back of the man.
The chair slowly swivelled around.
Malavika’s eyes widened in shock.
Sitting there, looking at her with calm, piercing eyes and a faint, dangerous smile, was the same handsome man from the lobby — the one she had scolded and pushed away just thirty minutes ago.
Vikram.
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