08-06-2026, 10:31 AM
Chapter 12: The Bargain
The following week, a high-priority meeting was called in the main conference hall. The entire senior team, including Jay, Nikitha, Anjali, Sharmi, and other key members, was present. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and slight nervousness.
The Head of HR and the Director stood at the front, projecting slides on the large screen. They announced an ambitious new game project — a big-budget, high-profile title that could define the future of the Bangalore branch and significantly boost the company’s reputation in the industry.
“Jay has consistently delivered exceptional results over the past few months,” the HR Head said publicly, nodding toward him. “We have full trust in him to lead the core development of this project.”
There was a round of applause. Jay gave a small, confident nod, though his expression remained serious.
The HR Head continued, “And with Tharun’s strong guidance as Manager and Chief Consultant Engineer, we are confident this game will reach the next level.”
He looked directly at both Jay and Tharun. “We want the two of you to work closely together. Reshuffle the teams as needed, pick the best people available, and build a strong, dedicated unit. This is serious business. Deadlines are tight, expectations are high. We expect nothing less than excellence from this team.”
Both Jay and Tharun nodded solemnly. The meeting ended with clear instructions: they had to present the final team structure and project plan within two days.
Later that afternoon, Tharun called Jay into his cabin for a private strategy session.
The moment Jay entered and closed the door, the professional atmosphere from the meeting shifted into something heavier. They sat across from each other at the meeting table. Jay had already prepared a detailed list of employees, department-wise, with his personal ratings based on performance, skills, and reliability.
They began listing names for the new 10-member team — 4 core members (who would receive higher pay, special bonuses upon completion, and greater visibility) and 6 supporting members.
Tharun scanned the list Jay had prepared, his eyes moving down the names methodically.
Then his gaze stopped.
Nikitha Reddy – Gameplay Engineer
Tharun’s fingers paused on the paper. A slow, subtle spark of excitement flashed in his eyes as memories from the past few days flooded his mind — her soft arm in his grip, the deep cleavage when she leaned forward, and most vividly, the feeling of her round ass pressed firmly against his hard cock in the crowded lift.
He stared at her name for a long second, his mind already racing with possibilities.
He had already resolved in his mind: He wanted her. At any cost.
But he was still in the early stages — figuring out how to approach her, how to insert himself into her life. He knew she was married. A strange sense of morality pricked him.
Am I really doing this? Trying to seduce a married woman?
He also thought about his girlfriend back in Calicut — a doctor who trusted him completely. He was about to cheat on her.
But then he remembered the storage room incident on his very first day. Jay openly dragging Anjali inside. The casual culture that no one bothered. The whispers. The affairs happening all around.
If others can do it openly… why should I hold back?
Tharun leaned back, trying to appear professional.
“This new game needs a strong core,” he said. “Top 4 members will get significant bonuses. Let’s finalize them.”
Jay nodded and started suggesting names.
They argued for a while over skill sets, reliability, and workload. Tharun decided to subtly push for Nikitha to be in the core team. He decided to drag Anjali's name too, so Jay won't reject it.
Tharun leaned back in his chair, calm and composed. “So, for the core four — you and me are fixed. For the other two, I think Nikitha and Anjali would be the strongest choices.”
Jay’s expression changed immediately. He frowned.
“Anjali makes sense for art direction,” Jay said carefully, “but… Nikitha? She’s good, but she’s still relatively junior compared to some others. Sharmi or even Rajesh from backend would be safer for core gameplay.”
Tharun raised an eyebrow, his voice staying even. “She’s shown sharp insights in recent meetings. She learns fast. I think she can handle it.”
Jay’s suspicion grew instantly. He leaned forward, his expression hardening.
“With all due respect, sir… why are you stressing so much on Nikitha? There are other strong candidates. You’ve barely been here a week. How do you even know her capabilities that well?”
A heavy silence filled the cabin.
Tharun didn’t answer immediately. He tapped his fingers on the table once, then looked Jay straight in the eyes.
“Let me be honest with you, Jay,” he said, his voice low and controlled. “Yesterday… I saw what happened. You dragging Anjali into the storage room in the middle of office hours, right in front of everyone. Right in front of me.”
Jay’s jaw tightened.
Tharun continued, “I still have the power to escalate that incident. One mail to HR, and both you and Anjali could face serious consequences. Maybe even termination.
Jay intervenes, are you threatening me?
I’m not threatening you… I’m just reminding you of reality.”
Jay stayed silent, his fists clenched under the table.
Tharun leaned forward slightly. “Look, I’m a practical man. I expect the same personal space and freedom that people seem to enjoy in this branch. In return, I can give you the same. I want us to have an understanding. A man-to-man understanding.”
Jay’s eyes narrowed. He was starting to connect the dots.
“You want Nikitha in the core team,” Jay said slowly, his voice cold. “You’re not pushing for her because of her skills… are you?”
Tharun didn’t deny it. A small, almost predatory smile touched his lips.
“She intrigues me,” he admitted openly. “There’s something about her. The way she carries herself… her intelligence… her presence. I want to get to know her better. And working closely on this project will give me that opportunity.”
Jay stared at him in disbelief. “You’re asking me to help you get closer to her?”
Tharun shrugged lightly. I dont need your help, i know my way .. but here “I’m asking for your cooperation. You put her in the core team. You create an environment where we work late nights, travel for client meetings if needed, brainstorm sessions… just natural proximity. Nothing forced. In return, I’ll overlook yesterday’s incident. I’ll support you. I’ll make sure your performance bonuses are protected. And I’ll stay out of your personal affairs with Anjali. I have indeed suggested Anjali to be in, so when we work late hours, I won't look at your cabin. And you don't look here. A man to man help.!
Jay let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “You want me to help you chase my—”
He stopped himself just in time.
Tharun’s eyes sharpened. “Your colleague,” he finished smoothly. “Yes. That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
The tension in the room was suffocating.
Jay rubbed his face, mind racing. He was trapped. If he refused, Tharun could create serious trouble. If he agreed, he would be willingly pushing his own wife closer to another man — a powerful, attractive, dominant man who clearly wanted her.
After a long, heavy silence, Jay spoke through gritted teeth.
“Fine. Nikitha will be in the core team. But if anything goes wrong… if she gets even slightly uncomfortable… this understanding ends.”
Tharun raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk forming.
“Why are you so uncomfortable, Jay?” he asked directly. “Are you related to her in any way?”
Jay realized he had slipped. His heart skipped a beat. He quickly recovered.
“No, no,” he said, forcing a casual tone. “Anjali and Nikitha are completely different. It’s easy to approach Anjali. She’s open and flirty. But Nikitha… she’s a homely woman. Traditional. Not that type at all.”
He paused, then continued to sell the lie.
“You remember your first day? Anjali was focusing too much on you. That’s why I acted that way — to stop her and to warn everyone that she’s mine. I didn’t want unnecessary complications.”
Tharun listened quietly, then gave a slow nod.
“Fair enough,” he said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
“So you’re saying Nikitha is off-limits?”
Jay leaned back, trying to appear unbothered. He even forced a man-to-man smirk.
“Look, if you want to try your luck with her, that’s your business. She’s a colleague. Just don’t expect it to be easy like with Anjali. Nikitha is… different. More reserved.”
Tharun chuckled softly, the tension easing into something darker and more conspiratorial.
“Good to know,” he said. “I like a challenge. And between us… I prefer a woman who needs to be pursued. Makes the conquest more satisfying.”
Jay gave a stiff smile, playing along even though his stomach twisted.
Tharun continued i thought you and she are close in someway.. I saw how Nikitha looked at the storage room door, when you are with Anjali..and I’ve seen you both — you and Nikitha — leaving together in the same car multiple times. I thought maybe you two were related in some way or you have multiple affairs.
No no no , jay said.. We are not related at all.
Jay’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly composed himself.
“No, not at all,” Jay replied smoothly. “She lives on the upper floor of the same building. Sometimes I give her a lift, that’s all. Some people see us going together in the car, they get the wrong idea. But she lives with her husband.”
Tharun raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? What does her husband do? What’s his type — friendly guy?”
Jay hesitated for a split second. “I… I have not seen him much.”
Tharun tilted his head, a slight smirk forming. “What do you mean you have not seen him? You live in the same building, right?”
Jay quickly corrected himself. “No, no — I mean he lives abroad. He’s working there. She is here alone. My wife and her are good friends. My wife used to tell me about him.”
Tharun leaned back in his chair, a slow, satisfied smirk spreading across his face.
“So… she is alone,” he murmured, almost to himself. “Man, I’m getting a big hope now.”
Jay felt a sharp stab of jealousy but forced a neutral expression. “Don’t have big hopes, Tharun. She is not the type.”
Tharun asked with a smirk, “How do you say? Did you try?”
Jay said, “Yeah, I tried once… She was sweet, but she ignored me.”
Tharun chuckled. “Interesting. I love challenges.”
He then leaned forward seriously. “See, this is our agreement. I know both Nikitha and Anjali are talented. It won’t affect the project. Let’s use this team formation as an excuse. Let me try getting closer to her. I need your cooperation… or our deal goes down and I will send the mail I have already composed. Meaning — don’t expose our scheme to anyone.”
Jay gave a small, stiff nod and left the cabin without another word.
For the first time in years, he felt he had done something truly despicable.
He decided he would openly tell Nikitha about this dangerous pact the moment he reached home.
The following week, a high-priority meeting was called in the main conference hall. The entire senior team, including Jay, Nikitha, Anjali, Sharmi, and other key members, was present. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and slight nervousness.
The Head of HR and the Director stood at the front, projecting slides on the large screen. They announced an ambitious new game project — a big-budget, high-profile title that could define the future of the Bangalore branch and significantly boost the company’s reputation in the industry.
“Jay has consistently delivered exceptional results over the past few months,” the HR Head said publicly, nodding toward him. “We have full trust in him to lead the core development of this project.”
There was a round of applause. Jay gave a small, confident nod, though his expression remained serious.
The HR Head continued, “And with Tharun’s strong guidance as Manager and Chief Consultant Engineer, we are confident this game will reach the next level.”
He looked directly at both Jay and Tharun. “We want the two of you to work closely together. Reshuffle the teams as needed, pick the best people available, and build a strong, dedicated unit. This is serious business. Deadlines are tight, expectations are high. We expect nothing less than excellence from this team.”
Both Jay and Tharun nodded solemnly. The meeting ended with clear instructions: they had to present the final team structure and project plan within two days.
Later that afternoon, Tharun called Jay into his cabin for a private strategy session.
The moment Jay entered and closed the door, the professional atmosphere from the meeting shifted into something heavier. They sat across from each other at the meeting table. Jay had already prepared a detailed list of employees, department-wise, with his personal ratings based on performance, skills, and reliability.
They began listing names for the new 10-member team — 4 core members (who would receive higher pay, special bonuses upon completion, and greater visibility) and 6 supporting members.
Tharun scanned the list Jay had prepared, his eyes moving down the names methodically.
Then his gaze stopped.
Nikitha Reddy – Gameplay Engineer
Tharun’s fingers paused on the paper. A slow, subtle spark of excitement flashed in his eyes as memories from the past few days flooded his mind — her soft arm in his grip, the deep cleavage when she leaned forward, and most vividly, the feeling of her round ass pressed firmly against his hard cock in the crowded lift.
He stared at her name for a long second, his mind already racing with possibilities.
He had already resolved in his mind: He wanted her. At any cost.
But he was still in the early stages — figuring out how to approach her, how to insert himself into her life. He knew she was married. A strange sense of morality pricked him.
Am I really doing this? Trying to seduce a married woman?
He also thought about his girlfriend back in Calicut — a doctor who trusted him completely. He was about to cheat on her.
But then he remembered the storage room incident on his very first day. Jay openly dragging Anjali inside. The casual culture that no one bothered. The whispers. The affairs happening all around.
If others can do it openly… why should I hold back?
Tharun leaned back, trying to appear professional.
“This new game needs a strong core,” he said. “Top 4 members will get significant bonuses. Let’s finalize them.”
Jay nodded and started suggesting names.
They argued for a while over skill sets, reliability, and workload. Tharun decided to subtly push for Nikitha to be in the core team. He decided to drag Anjali's name too, so Jay won't reject it.
Tharun leaned back in his chair, calm and composed. “So, for the core four — you and me are fixed. For the other two, I think Nikitha and Anjali would be the strongest choices.”
Jay’s expression changed immediately. He frowned.
“Anjali makes sense for art direction,” Jay said carefully, “but… Nikitha? She’s good, but she’s still relatively junior compared to some others. Sharmi or even Rajesh from backend would be safer for core gameplay.”
Tharun raised an eyebrow, his voice staying even. “She’s shown sharp insights in recent meetings. She learns fast. I think she can handle it.”
Jay’s suspicion grew instantly. He leaned forward, his expression hardening.
“With all due respect, sir… why are you stressing so much on Nikitha? There are other strong candidates. You’ve barely been here a week. How do you even know her capabilities that well?”
A heavy silence filled the cabin.
Tharun didn’t answer immediately. He tapped his fingers on the table once, then looked Jay straight in the eyes.
“Let me be honest with you, Jay,” he said, his voice low and controlled. “Yesterday… I saw what happened. You dragging Anjali into the storage room in the middle of office hours, right in front of everyone. Right in front of me.”
Jay’s jaw tightened.
Tharun continued, “I still have the power to escalate that incident. One mail to HR, and both you and Anjali could face serious consequences. Maybe even termination.
Jay intervenes, are you threatening me?
I’m not threatening you… I’m just reminding you of reality.”
Jay stayed silent, his fists clenched under the table.
Tharun leaned forward slightly. “Look, I’m a practical man. I expect the same personal space and freedom that people seem to enjoy in this branch. In return, I can give you the same. I want us to have an understanding. A man-to-man understanding.”
Jay’s eyes narrowed. He was starting to connect the dots.
“You want Nikitha in the core team,” Jay said slowly, his voice cold. “You’re not pushing for her because of her skills… are you?”
Tharun didn’t deny it. A small, almost predatory smile touched his lips.
“She intrigues me,” he admitted openly. “There’s something about her. The way she carries herself… her intelligence… her presence. I want to get to know her better. And working closely on this project will give me that opportunity.”
Jay stared at him in disbelief. “You’re asking me to help you get closer to her?”
Tharun shrugged lightly. I dont need your help, i know my way .. but here “I’m asking for your cooperation. You put her in the core team. You create an environment where we work late nights, travel for client meetings if needed, brainstorm sessions… just natural proximity. Nothing forced. In return, I’ll overlook yesterday’s incident. I’ll support you. I’ll make sure your performance bonuses are protected. And I’ll stay out of your personal affairs with Anjali. I have indeed suggested Anjali to be in, so when we work late hours, I won't look at your cabin. And you don't look here. A man to man help.!
Jay let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “You want me to help you chase my—”
He stopped himself just in time.
Tharun’s eyes sharpened. “Your colleague,” he finished smoothly. “Yes. That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
The tension in the room was suffocating.
Jay rubbed his face, mind racing. He was trapped. If he refused, Tharun could create serious trouble. If he agreed, he would be willingly pushing his own wife closer to another man — a powerful, attractive, dominant man who clearly wanted her.
After a long, heavy silence, Jay spoke through gritted teeth.
“Fine. Nikitha will be in the core team. But if anything goes wrong… if she gets even slightly uncomfortable… this understanding ends.”
Tharun raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk forming.
“Why are you so uncomfortable, Jay?” he asked directly. “Are you related to her in any way?”
Jay realized he had slipped. His heart skipped a beat. He quickly recovered.
“No, no,” he said, forcing a casual tone. “Anjali and Nikitha are completely different. It’s easy to approach Anjali. She’s open and flirty. But Nikitha… she’s a homely woman. Traditional. Not that type at all.”
He paused, then continued to sell the lie.
“You remember your first day? Anjali was focusing too much on you. That’s why I acted that way — to stop her and to warn everyone that she’s mine. I didn’t want unnecessary complications.”
Tharun listened quietly, then gave a slow nod.
“Fair enough,” he said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
“So you’re saying Nikitha is off-limits?”
Jay leaned back, trying to appear unbothered. He even forced a man-to-man smirk.
“Look, if you want to try your luck with her, that’s your business. She’s a colleague. Just don’t expect it to be easy like with Anjali. Nikitha is… different. More reserved.”
Tharun chuckled softly, the tension easing into something darker and more conspiratorial.
“Good to know,” he said. “I like a challenge. And between us… I prefer a woman who needs to be pursued. Makes the conquest more satisfying.”
Jay gave a stiff smile, playing along even though his stomach twisted.
Tharun continued i thought you and she are close in someway.. I saw how Nikitha looked at the storage room door, when you are with Anjali..and I’ve seen you both — you and Nikitha — leaving together in the same car multiple times. I thought maybe you two were related in some way or you have multiple affairs.
No no no , jay said.. We are not related at all.
Jay’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly composed himself.
“No, not at all,” Jay replied smoothly. “She lives on the upper floor of the same building. Sometimes I give her a lift, that’s all. Some people see us going together in the car, they get the wrong idea. But she lives with her husband.”
Tharun raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? What does her husband do? What’s his type — friendly guy?”
Jay hesitated for a split second. “I… I have not seen him much.”
Tharun tilted his head, a slight smirk forming. “What do you mean you have not seen him? You live in the same building, right?”
Jay quickly corrected himself. “No, no — I mean he lives abroad. He’s working there. She is here alone. My wife and her are good friends. My wife used to tell me about him.”
Tharun leaned back in his chair, a slow, satisfied smirk spreading across his face.
“So… she is alone,” he murmured, almost to himself. “Man, I’m getting a big hope now.”
Jay felt a sharp stab of jealousy but forced a neutral expression. “Don’t have big hopes, Tharun. She is not the type.”
Tharun asked with a smirk, “How do you say? Did you try?”
Jay said, “Yeah, I tried once… She was sweet, but she ignored me.”
Tharun chuckled. “Interesting. I love challenges.”
He then leaned forward seriously. “See, this is our agreement. I know both Nikitha and Anjali are talented. It won’t affect the project. Let’s use this team formation as an excuse. Let me try getting closer to her. I need your cooperation… or our deal goes down and I will send the mail I have already composed. Meaning — don’t expose our scheme to anyone.”
Jay gave a small, stiff nod and left the cabin without another word.
For the first time in years, he felt he had done something truly despicable.
He decided he would openly tell Nikitha about this dangerous pact the moment he reached home.
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