10-06-2026, 07:11 PM
(This post was last modified: 10-06-2026, 07:14 PM by heygiwriter. Edited 2 times in total. Edited 2 times in total.)
Chapter 34: The Choice
Post-noon, the entire second floor buzzed with fresh energy. The HR Head and Managing Director had arrived in person — a rare occurrence that immediately signaled something big was coming.
The core team was called into the main conference room. The MD stood at the front with a rare smile.
“Congratulations,” he began. “In just 14 hours since launch, the game has received tremendous acclaim — far beyond our expectations. The response from players and media has been overwhelming. As a token of appreciation, we’ve decided to reward the core team.”
HR took over, announcing a handsome pay raise for all 15 core members. Then came the real surprise.
“Four of you are being promoted today.”
Arjun was the first — promoted to Lead Designer for his team.
Then came the big one.
HR placed two elegantly folded papers in the center of the table.
“Jay and Nikitha… both of you have shown exceptional dedication. Jay worked relentless hours on the backend systems, while Nikitha single-handedly fixed critical bugs across multiple teams even after completing her own work. Because of this, we’re giving both of you the opportunity to choose between two critical leadership roles that were previously handled by Tharun.”
The room fell silent.
One is Creative Head and the other is Business Expertise Lead. You may negotiate, but whoever touches the paper first locks in that role. No changes after that.”
I've written the roles in that paper, one on left is Business Expertise Lead, on Right is Creative Team Head. Whoever chooses first by touching the paper locks that role. You may negotiate before touching, but once you touch it, there’s no going back. One who take the role without even negotiation also allowed HR laughs depends on what one needs.”
Both looked at each other, Nikkitha and Jay didnt speak. Looking at them HR took initiative.
Senior Jay go ahead you speak your choice.
Jay spoke first, his voice confident.
“I’ve always dreamed of the Creative Head role. That’s where my real passion lies — gameplay systems, innovation, the heart of the game. I choose Creative Head.”
If Nikitha wanted this she can negotiate..
But Nikitha knows this was one of his dreams, so she decided to stay still enjoy the moment!
After few minutes silence
Jay reached forward slightly, ready to pick up the paper.
HR smiled and continued, “Before you finalize… let me explain both roles clearly. Creative Head will focus on vision and creative direction. Business Expertise Lead will be the main point of contact for clients, coordination, and travel. A lot of travel — other states, sometimes abroad — along with Tharun. Also business expertisee lead will be common point of contact for Creative team and business team.
Jay asked Tharun?
Oh Yea.. By the way, This should have been first announcement.. Tharun is being promoted to permanent Branch Manager. He’ll be traveling frequently for client meetings, and the Business Lead will accompany him most of the time.”
Creative Head High Pay
Business Expertise Lead , lot travels more clients contact. Though pay comparably small, they have more benefits and facilities.
Jay froze.
The thought hit him like a punch — Nikitha traveling alone with Tharun for days, staying in hotels, working closely every day…
His dream role suddenly felt far less important.
He pulled his hand back.
“On second thought,” Jay said, forcing a calm tone, “I think I’d be better suited for Business Expertise Lead. I’ve always liked travel and client-facing work. I’ll take that role.”
A small, knowing smile curved Nikitha’s lips.
She could clearly see the fear flashing in Jay’s eyes. Look at him… already imagining me traveling alone with Tharun, staying in hotels, getting close. His dirty, insecure mind was working overtime, she thought..
At the same time, a softer part of her didn’t want him to throw away his dream role for something like this.
She didn’t want him to make such a stupid move and call it sacrifice.
She know that he is just one step away from making a stupid move.
She didn’t hesitate.
Before Jay could take the paper, Nikitha rushed to the center of the table, and picked up the Business Expertise Lead paper.
Jay stared at her in stunned silence.
Nikitha turned toward him with a bright, almost radiant smile. For a fleeting second, her eyes softened with a silent message only he could understand: I did this for you too.
But Jay’s eyes were clouded with fear and jealousy. He couldn’t see her care — only the threat.
That misunderstanding made her smile even wider. Idiot… you’re really scared I’ll run off with Tharun? she scolded him in her head.
She enjoyed it. His insecurity felt like the sweetest punishment and the hottest revenge.
Two mangoes with one stone — she had given him his dream role and made him suffer at the same time.
She walked straight to Jay and extended her hand.
“Congratulations, Creative Team Head,” she said sweetly, loud enough for the entire room. “I look forward to working with you. I’ll act as a strong bridge between your creative team and the business side.”
I mean, i will be bridge between you and Tharun, she said seductively like only he can hear. Voice low
The room erupted in applause.
Sharmi ran over and hugged her, whispering, “Finally! You seem so happy you directly spoke to your crush.”
Nikitha lightly smacked her arm, blushing.
A moment later, Tharun approached her.
While everyone was congratulating the promoted members, he shook her hand professionally, then leaned in slightly so only she could hear:
“I would love to take you places… and reach destinations you’ve never seen before. the highs you never seen”
His voice was low, warm, and full of sexually layered highs, destinations take you places....
Nikitha’s breath hitched for a split second. She kept her composed public smile, but inside, a dangerous mix of thrill, guilt, and satisfaction swirled.
Jay stood there, frozen, watching everything, he didnt hear Tharun words, but he was stunned knowing the aftermath.
He tried to sacrifice his dream role to keep her away from Tharun.
And she had deliberately taken it — just to hurt him. and this is how his mind reads!
Post-noon, the entire second floor buzzed with fresh energy. The HR Head and Managing Director had arrived in person — a rare occurrence that immediately signaled something big was coming.
The core team was called into the main conference room. The MD stood at the front with a rare smile.
“Congratulations,” he began. “In just 14 hours since launch, the game has received tremendous acclaim — far beyond our expectations. The response from players and media has been overwhelming. As a token of appreciation, we’ve decided to reward the core team.”
HR took over, announcing a handsome pay raise for all 15 core members. Then came the real surprise.
“Four of you are being promoted today.”
Arjun was the first — promoted to Lead Designer for his team.
Then came the big one.
HR placed two elegantly folded papers in the center of the table.
“Jay and Nikitha… both of you have shown exceptional dedication. Jay worked relentless hours on the backend systems, while Nikitha single-handedly fixed critical bugs across multiple teams even after completing her own work. Because of this, we’re giving both of you the opportunity to choose between two critical leadership roles that were previously handled by Tharun.”
The room fell silent.
One is Creative Head and the other is Business Expertise Lead. You may negotiate, but whoever touches the paper first locks in that role. No changes after that.”
I've written the roles in that paper, one on left is Business Expertise Lead, on Right is Creative Team Head. Whoever chooses first by touching the paper locks that role. You may negotiate before touching, but once you touch it, there’s no going back. One who take the role without even negotiation also allowed HR laughs depends on what one needs.”
Both looked at each other, Nikkitha and Jay didnt speak. Looking at them HR took initiative.
Senior Jay go ahead you speak your choice.
Jay spoke first, his voice confident.
“I’ve always dreamed of the Creative Head role. That’s where my real passion lies — gameplay systems, innovation, the heart of the game. I choose Creative Head.”
If Nikitha wanted this she can negotiate..
But Nikitha knows this was one of his dreams, so she decided to stay still enjoy the moment!
After few minutes silence
Jay reached forward slightly, ready to pick up the paper.
HR smiled and continued, “Before you finalize… let me explain both roles clearly. Creative Head will focus on vision and creative direction. Business Expertise Lead will be the main point of contact for clients, coordination, and travel. A lot of travel — other states, sometimes abroad — along with Tharun. Also business expertisee lead will be common point of contact for Creative team and business team.
Jay asked Tharun?
Oh Yea.. By the way, This should have been first announcement.. Tharun is being promoted to permanent Branch Manager. He’ll be traveling frequently for client meetings, and the Business Lead will accompany him most of the time.”
Creative Head High Pay
Business Expertise Lead , lot travels more clients contact. Though pay comparably small, they have more benefits and facilities.
Jay froze.
The thought hit him like a punch — Nikitha traveling alone with Tharun for days, staying in hotels, working closely every day…
His dream role suddenly felt far less important.
He pulled his hand back.
“On second thought,” Jay said, forcing a calm tone, “I think I’d be better suited for Business Expertise Lead. I’ve always liked travel and client-facing work. I’ll take that role.”
A small, knowing smile curved Nikitha’s lips.
She could clearly see the fear flashing in Jay’s eyes. Look at him… already imagining me traveling alone with Tharun, staying in hotels, getting close. His dirty, insecure mind was working overtime, she thought..
At the same time, a softer part of her didn’t want him to throw away his dream role for something like this.
She didn’t want him to make such a stupid move and call it sacrifice.
She know that he is just one step away from making a stupid move.
She didn’t hesitate.
Before Jay could take the paper, Nikitha rushed to the center of the table, and picked up the Business Expertise Lead paper.
Jay stared at her in stunned silence.
Nikitha turned toward him with a bright, almost radiant smile. For a fleeting second, her eyes softened with a silent message only he could understand: I did this for you too.
But Jay’s eyes were clouded with fear and jealousy. He couldn’t see her care — only the threat.
That misunderstanding made her smile even wider. Idiot… you’re really scared I’ll run off with Tharun? she scolded him in her head.
She enjoyed it. His insecurity felt like the sweetest punishment and the hottest revenge.
Two mangoes with one stone — she had given him his dream role and made him suffer at the same time.
She walked straight to Jay and extended her hand.
“Congratulations, Creative Team Head,” she said sweetly, loud enough for the entire room. “I look forward to working with you. I’ll act as a strong bridge between your creative team and the business side.”
I mean, i will be bridge between you and Tharun, she said seductively like only he can hear. Voice low
The room erupted in applause.
Sharmi ran over and hugged her, whispering, “Finally! You seem so happy you directly spoke to your crush.”
Nikitha lightly smacked her arm, blushing.
A moment later, Tharun approached her.
While everyone was congratulating the promoted members, he shook her hand professionally, then leaned in slightly so only she could hear:
“I would love to take you places… and reach destinations you’ve never seen before. the highs you never seen”
His voice was low, warm, and full of sexually layered highs, destinations take you places....
Nikitha’s breath hitched for a split second. She kept her composed public smile, but inside, a dangerous mix of thrill, guilt, and satisfaction swirled.
Jay stood there, frozen, watching everything, he didnt hear Tharun words, but he was stunned knowing the aftermath.
He tried to sacrifice his dream role to keep her away from Tharun.
And she had deliberately taken it — just to hurt him. and this is how his mind reads!
![[+]](https://xossipy.com/themes/sharepoint/collapse_collapsed.png)