[heygiwriter]

Chapter 10: Tharun’s Growing Obsession


As soon as the intercom announcement echoed across the floor, Jay took a deep breath and walked toward Tharun’s cabin. The entire office watched him with bated breath. Whispers followed him like shadows.

He’s done for…
New manager is strict…
That storage room stunt yesterday…

Jay entered the cabin and closed the door behind him.
Tharun leaned back in his chair, observing Jay silently for a few seconds with sharp, unreadable eyes. Then he smiled politely and gestured for him to sit.

“Take a seat, Jay. Let’s talk about the new module.”

For the next full hour, Tharun engaged Jay in a deep, technical discussion about project timelines, gameplay mechanics, team bottlenecks, and upcoming sprints. They reviewed code structures, resource allocation, and creative ideas. To anyone watching from outside through the glass walls, it looked intense — almost like a serious dressing down.

When Jay finally stood up to leave, Tharun’s tone changed. He kept his voice low but firm.

“One more thing,” he said, eyes locking onto Jay’s. “Don’t discuss anything we talked about here with anyone. And regarding yesterday’s event…” Tharun paused, letting the silence stretch. “If I see anything like that again — public personal displays during office hours — I will have no choice but to send a formal mail to HR. Keep your personal matters strictly outside the office. Am I clear?”

Jay nodded stiffly. “Crystal clear, sir.”
Tharun gave a small nod. “Good. You can go.”

---

That evening, Tharun was wrapping up late when he saw it again through his cabin window — Nikitha and Jay walking out of the office together and getting into the same car. Again.