28-06-2026, 11:51 PM
Chapter 76: The Business Trip & New Beginnings
The evening sun had begun to set when HR called for an urgent general meeting on the second floor.
The entire team gathered in the open workspace, whispers already spreading like wildfire. HR stood at the front, his face serious and disappointed.
“I will keep this short,” he began. “Recent events have shown a clear lack of professional conduct from some individuals. Personal matters should never interfere with work or the company’s reputation. Jay — your behavior today was unacceptable. A formal warning has been issued to you. Let this be a lesson to everyone: we will not tolerate jealousy, personal vendettas, or actions that harm team harmony.”
He scanned the crowd, eyes lingering for a moment on Tharun, Nikitha, and Jay.
“Consider this your final warning. Focus on work. That is all.”
The meeting dispersed quickly. People moved away in hushed conversations, stealing glances toward the three of them.
As soon as HR returned to his room, he called Tharun in privately.
Tharun entered and closed the door behind him.
HR sighed, rubbing his temples. “I’m sorry for how things turned out today. The mood between you, Jay, and Nikitha… it’s clearly strained. Should we postpone the business trip to top financier? I don’t think it’s wise to send you three together right now. It may take time to rebuild the natural bond you once had.”
Tharun looked at him for a brief, thoughtful moment. Then he spoke with calm confidence.
“I can take care of Nikitha. She is my best friend. As for Jay… you should speak with him. He is one of our best coders, but I understand the awkwardness if he joins. Still, I will remain professional in the meetings. I don’t care if it’s Jay or anyone else — business comes first.”
HR nodded slowly, then suggested, “Why don’t you take one more person from the Coders team? Preferably a woman. I’ve had enough scandals affecting the company’s image. Even if I have to stop Jay from coming, I cannot let you and Nikitha travel alone for weeks.
After a pause, HR Asked. How about Sharmi? The one who organized the refreshment program.”
Tharun remembered how close Sharmi and Nikitha always seemed. He also recalled seeing her share lunch with Jay. It could ease communication.
Tharun got a ray of hope.
He nodded. “She is a good choice. I’m comfortable with her. Book tickets for all four of us. I’ll talk with Sharmi, Jay, and Nikitha. Let’s not step back. Let’s finish the deal.”
HR patted his shoulder approvingly. “This is the spirit I like. You don’t carry baggage. I appreciate you taking responsibility to fix this.”
Tharun smiled and left the room.
At Coders Floor
Sharmi was still at her desk, staring blankly at her screen, when reality hit her. Why did Jay have to spoil everything? Her carefully crafted plan — the games designed to bring Nikki and Jay closer — lay in ruins. She had seen the spark between them during the tower-building game. Now, because of whatever selfish outburst Jay had shown, a formal complaint had been filed against Nikki? It didn’t make sense. Her entire vision for them had crumbled in a single evening.
Before she could process her frustration, Tharun appeared at her desk.
“Sharmi, Jay — please come to my cabin.”
His tone left no room for questions. Sharmi exchanged a startled glance with Jay, who had just stepped out of his workstation. Together, they walked silently to Tharun’s cabin.
Nikitha was already there, sitting stiffly, her face pale with shock. She didn’t speak. Jay’s eyes flicked toward her for a brief moment before he looked away, out the window.
Tharun closed the door and stood before them, calm and composed.
“I know this is awkward,” he began. “But management trusted us with something big long before today’s events. We have a real chance to pitch to one of India’s top financiers — someone who funds major gaming projects. None of our previous teams have been able to crack him. This is our opportunity.”
He looked at each of them in turn.
“I carry no personal feelings into this. It’s only business. I expect the same spirit from each of you. Set aside your ego, your hurt, your history — whatever it is. If we work together using our individual strengths, we can pull this off. I believe in what each of you brings to the table.”
The room was thick with tension. Nikki’s fingers twisted in her lap. Jay remained silent, staring outside. Sharmi’s mind raced — This trip could either destroy everything or… maybe fix it?
Tharun continued, his voice steady like a true leader.
“Take your time. By morning, let me know your decision. No matter who comes or doesn’t — I’m going. But this isn’t just about me. I want all of you in. Prove yourselves. Change the narrative we earned today. Let’s end this chapter and begin a new one — for our own good.”
People will celebrate one with success they don't care about personal, when you hit that success button. This is a blessing in disguise opportunity, I'm willing to use this clear the dirt painted on me. It should be same for everyone of us. Sharmi sorry to include you. But i believe you are the common friend. You can help them.
He gave them a small nod.
“You’re free to go. Think it over tonight.”
With that, Tharun dispersed the informal meeting, leaving the three of them standing in the heavy silence of unresolved emotions.
Sharmi lingered for a moment, watching Nikki and Jay carefully. The air between them crackled with everything unsaid. She wondered if they can unite again? Or whether it would break them completely.
but she saw a potential.. can this trip bring out their true love? she believed she can come up with a new cupid game. But will this work second time?
The evening sun had begun to set when HR called for an urgent general meeting on the second floor.
The entire team gathered in the open workspace, whispers already spreading like wildfire. HR stood at the front, his face serious and disappointed.
“I will keep this short,” he began. “Recent events have shown a clear lack of professional conduct from some individuals. Personal matters should never interfere with work or the company’s reputation. Jay — your behavior today was unacceptable. A formal warning has been issued to you. Let this be a lesson to everyone: we will not tolerate jealousy, personal vendettas, or actions that harm team harmony.”
He scanned the crowd, eyes lingering for a moment on Tharun, Nikitha, and Jay.
“Consider this your final warning. Focus on work. That is all.”
The meeting dispersed quickly. People moved away in hushed conversations, stealing glances toward the three of them.
As soon as HR returned to his room, he called Tharun in privately.
Tharun entered and closed the door behind him.
HR sighed, rubbing his temples. “I’m sorry for how things turned out today. The mood between you, Jay, and Nikitha… it’s clearly strained. Should we postpone the business trip to top financier? I don’t think it’s wise to send you three together right now. It may take time to rebuild the natural bond you once had.”
Tharun looked at him for a brief, thoughtful moment. Then he spoke with calm confidence.
“I can take care of Nikitha. She is my best friend. As for Jay… you should speak with him. He is one of our best coders, but I understand the awkwardness if he joins. Still, I will remain professional in the meetings. I don’t care if it’s Jay or anyone else — business comes first.”
HR nodded slowly, then suggested, “Why don’t you take one more person from the Coders team? Preferably a woman. I’ve had enough scandals affecting the company’s image. Even if I have to stop Jay from coming, I cannot let you and Nikitha travel alone for weeks.
After a pause, HR Asked. How about Sharmi? The one who organized the refreshment program.”
Tharun remembered how close Sharmi and Nikitha always seemed. He also recalled seeing her share lunch with Jay. It could ease communication.
Tharun got a ray of hope.
He nodded. “She is a good choice. I’m comfortable with her. Book tickets for all four of us. I’ll talk with Sharmi, Jay, and Nikitha. Let’s not step back. Let’s finish the deal.”
HR patted his shoulder approvingly. “This is the spirit I like. You don’t carry baggage. I appreciate you taking responsibility to fix this.”
Tharun smiled and left the room.
At Coders Floor
Sharmi was still at her desk, staring blankly at her screen, when reality hit her. Why did Jay have to spoil everything? Her carefully crafted plan — the games designed to bring Nikki and Jay closer — lay in ruins. She had seen the spark between them during the tower-building game. Now, because of whatever selfish outburst Jay had shown, a formal complaint had been filed against Nikki? It didn’t make sense. Her entire vision for them had crumbled in a single evening.
Before she could process her frustration, Tharun appeared at her desk.
“Sharmi, Jay — please come to my cabin.”
His tone left no room for questions. Sharmi exchanged a startled glance with Jay, who had just stepped out of his workstation. Together, they walked silently to Tharun’s cabin.
Nikitha was already there, sitting stiffly, her face pale with shock. She didn’t speak. Jay’s eyes flicked toward her for a brief moment before he looked away, out the window.
Tharun closed the door and stood before them, calm and composed.
“I know this is awkward,” he began. “But management trusted us with something big long before today’s events. We have a real chance to pitch to one of India’s top financiers — someone who funds major gaming projects. None of our previous teams have been able to crack him. This is our opportunity.”
He looked at each of them in turn.
“I carry no personal feelings into this. It’s only business. I expect the same spirit from each of you. Set aside your ego, your hurt, your history — whatever it is. If we work together using our individual strengths, we can pull this off. I believe in what each of you brings to the table.”
The room was thick with tension. Nikki’s fingers twisted in her lap. Jay remained silent, staring outside. Sharmi’s mind raced — This trip could either destroy everything or… maybe fix it?
Tharun continued, his voice steady like a true leader.
“Take your time. By morning, let me know your decision. No matter who comes or doesn’t — I’m going. But this isn’t just about me. I want all of you in. Prove yourselves. Change the narrative we earned today. Let’s end this chapter and begin a new one — for our own good.”
People will celebrate one with success they don't care about personal, when you hit that success button. This is a blessing in disguise opportunity, I'm willing to use this clear the dirt painted on me. It should be same for everyone of us. Sharmi sorry to include you. But i believe you are the common friend. You can help them.
He gave them a small nod.
“You’re free to go. Think it over tonight.”
With that, Tharun dispersed the informal meeting, leaving the three of them standing in the heavy silence of unresolved emotions.
Sharmi lingered for a moment, watching Nikki and Jay carefully. The air between them crackled with everything unsaid. She wondered if they can unite again? Or whether it would break them completely.
but she saw a potential.. can this trip bring out their true love? she believed she can come up with a new cupid game. But will this work second time?
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