Chained Heart: RuShan

Rudra was still staring at the strange doll without uttering a word, as if he was waiting for the doll to respond to his thoughts. " I'm just glad you're here in front of my eyes..., with me. It doesn't matter if you remember me or not? I wish we could have at least been friends," he murmured sadly eyes the doll.

Rudra lay down on the bed, his legs dangling over the edge, still clutching the doll in his hands. He whispered again, "Can we be friends?" As always, there was no response from the doll. With a deep sigh, he placed it on his chest and closed his eyes, lost in thoughts of someone.

The Next Day

Shantanu arrived at the office much earlier than usual and started working diligently. After a sleepless night, he had spent hours brainstorming about new designs and studying old designs to find inspiration.

It was 10 AM in the morning and everyone in the office was doing their work.

"In ten minutes we have a meeting. Everyone, get ready," Vivek announced as he entered the block.

"Oh no! The meeting... I can barely breathe there," Pari groaned dramatically like she was going to die.

Shantanu gave a confused look "Why? What happens there?"

"You haven't met our seniors yet, have you? They so rude and arrogant. I wonder what they think of themselves" Pari said, making a sour face like she ate something bitter.

Vivek rolled his eyes at pari ranting and retorted, "Stop gossiping and focus on your work."

"What did I say wrong?" Pari snapped, annoyingly. Turning to Shantanu she warned him "Just stay cautious around those people."

Shantanu nodded at her warning like an infant "Who attends the meetings?" he asked curiously fixing his eyes at pari.

Pari thought for a moment before replying, "It depends on the type of meeting. For example, today's meeting is about our brand's sales, so the brand models, chairman, and fashion designers will be there."

"Got it. So, I might have to attend too," Shantanu muttered softly and nervously. It's too much for a new employee to attend a meeting just second of joining the company.

"Since you joined just yesterday, it's okay if you skip it. Until you complete your assigned tasks, you won't be involved in any company projects. Your position in the company depends on your designs," Pari explained.

Shantanu felt relieved with information."So, I can stay here and work?"

"Yes, but you have to ask Vivek about it " Pari suggested on which shantanu nodded positively with enthusiasm.

Ten Minutes Later (Meeting Room)

Everyone was already seated, waiting for Rudra to arrive. Seniors were on one side of the table, juniors on the other. Rudra entered the room in a gray three-piece suit, his face as usual expressionless. As soon as he walked in, everyone stood up from their seats and greeted him with respect "Good morning, Sir." Rudra ignored the greetings and took his seat without any response to the employees.

He glanced around the room and asked in rough voice "Is everyone here?"

Pari looked at Vivek, who stood up and replied, "Sir, Shantanu our new fashion designer, is working on his tasks so he couldn't make it here. He joined just yesterday."

A girl sitting next to Rudra smiled sarcastically and mocked "Joined yesterday and is already skipping meeting... Impressive."

Another senior added, "Not everyone can be as committed as us." With smirk.

Ignoring the comments, Rudra looked at Vivek and commanded in his stern voice, "Go and get him here."

Within five minutes, Vivek returned with Shantanu, and the meeting began. Discussions ranged from comparing past and current sales to profit and loss analysis. Later, the conversation shifted to new product ideas and strategies to boost sales.

Shantanu sat in the junior section but ended up sitting next to Rudra. When shantanu came then the attention from everyone made him extremely nervous, and sitting so close to his boss only worsened his anxiety. His heartbeat fastened and his palms became sweaty. However, not wanting to draw more attention, he silently occupied the nearest empty seat.

A little while later when everyone was busy in discussion, Rudra silently slid his water glass toward Shantanu. Nervous Shantanu quickly grabbed the glass as his throat was really dry because of all the mess and drank the water without noticing who had handed it to him.

Rudra addressed the room, "Any new ideas to increase our sales? "

The attendees exchanged nervous glances. Meanwhile, Rudra picked up the same glass Shantanu had used, filled it from the jug, and started drinking water without any hesitation.

Mustering his courage, Shantanu raised his hand.

"Shit," Pari whispered under her breath. Everyone widened their eyes and looked at shantanu like they saw a ghost.

Rudra gestured for Shantanu to speak.
Vivek, sitting nearby shantanu nudged him and shook his head negatively, but Shantanu didn't understand the cue.

"May-Maybe we can promote our designs through dramas and movies. I mean..." Shantanu began, but before he could finish, the girl next to Rudra interrupted him harshly "Do you think these dramas and movies can afford our brand ? Do you even know the cost of a single piece from our collections? "

"Now new kids are going to teach us how to work..," another senior mocked.

Shantanu was about to respond, but Vivek stopped him. Pari apologized on his behalf, "Sorry seniors, Shantanu is new and doesn't know much yet."

"Better teach him how to behave with seniors," another senior remarked arrogantly.

Rudra's commanding voice broke through the chatter. "Meera, give a sales-boosting idea." Meera, caught off guard and froze for a moment.

Rudra turned to another senior. "You too" he ordered coldly. One by one, Rudra asked three seniors for ideas, leaving each of them speechless.

"You have 72 hours to come up with the ways to boost sales. If not then prepare your resignations," Rudra declared coldly, instilling fear in everyone.

Finally, Rudra looked at Shantanu, his tone softening slightly compared to earlier "Shantanu you continue"

"Yaa yes yes Sir.." Shantanu stammered, because he got terrified after witnessing the scene. Rudra pushed his water glass toward him again and said, "Take your time." Rudra's voice was soft which was never heard before.

Shantanu drank the water in one gulp, took a deep breath, and spoke "So far, our designs have only been promoted by models. There many dramas and movies depict wealth and luxury. If they use our brands, it could benefit us because audiences often get inspired by what they see on screen. Moreover, if we endorse a major superstar, their massive fan following will likely be our boost sales. Many fans want to twin with their idols, wearing what they wear."

_______________________________________

Will Rudra approve of Shantanu's idea? Will Shantanu face more challenges because of his boldness?

Stay tuned to Chained Heart: RuShan

This story revolves around Rudra and Shantanu, a BL couple. If you're not into gay romances, please refrain from reading, as I don't welcome hate comments.

How was the chapter? Did you enjoy it?

I hope you're not bored.

Please support my book.

Like, comment, and share my story.

Thank you!