Like every other day, I freshened up and got ready for college with my best friend, Megha. The morning passed in a blur of lectures, notes, and mundane conversations. After our classes ended, a sudden buzz spread through the classroom. Whispers and excited murmurs filled the air, catching my attention.

Two girls sitting nearby were deep in conversation, their voices barely hushed as they discussed something that had clearly shaken the entire class.

First Girl: "Did you hear? Our college just received an internship offer from Raghuvanshi Enterprises!"

Second Girl: "Oh my God, yes! I thought it was just a rumor, but it's true!"

First Girl: "And the craziest part? They're offering a ₹50,000 stipend during the internship!"

Second Girl: "Fifty thousand?! That’s insane! Most internships barely pay at all!"

Megha, who had been casually scrolling through her phone, tilted her head, intrigued. Her brows furrowed slightly. "Raghuvanshi Enterprises?" she muttered. "Isn't that the company owned by Ashtram Raghuvanshi? The ruthless, intimidating businessman everyone’s afraid of?"

I nodded absentmindedly, my ears perking up at the mention of the stipend. Fifty thousand rupees? That was a lot for an internship. My mind instantly started racing with possibilities—what kind of work would they make us do for that kind of money?

Turning to Megha, I met her curious gaze. "Fifty thousand just for an internship? Sounds too good to be true," I murmured, an odd feeling settling in my gut.

Megha leaned in closer, her voice barely audible over the lively chatter in the courtyard. “Niru, we should totally apply for this internship! The salary is insane—50,000 a month! Can you believe it?” Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she held up her phone, showing me the announcement.

Raghuvanshi Industries—one of the most prestigious companies in the country. Securing an internship there wasn’t just about the money; it was a career-defining opportunity. Every student in our college dreamt of stepping into its grand offices, working under the best minds in the industry.

Hearing Megha’s enthusiasm, I felt my own excitement grow. I needed a job, and this was the perfect chance. “Yeah, we should definitely apply,” I agreed. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Let’s go to the college office together and submit our applications before everyone else does.”

Megha grabbed my hand, practically dragging me toward the administration block. “Come on, Niru! We can’t waste time. Spots will fill up fast!”

I couldn’t help but smile at her eagerness. “Relax, Megha. It’s an internship, not a concert ticket.”

She shot me a playful glare. “An internship at Raghuvanshi Industries is way more exciting than any concert! Imagine the exposure, the experience—this could be our big break.”

After completing the application process, we stepped out of the office, exhaling in relief. I turned to her and said, “I really hope we get selected.”

Megha nodded, clasping her hands together as if making a wish. “Me too, Niru. Just imagine—working in such a big company! And, oh—have you heard about their CEO? Ashtram Raghuvanshi?”

I frowned slightly. “I’ve heard the name, obviously. But why?”

Megha’s eyes gleamed mischievously. “Because he’s drop-dead gorgeous. I just want to see him once in person.”

I rolled my eyes. “Megha, we’re applying for an internship, not a dating show.”

She giggled. “You’ll understand when you see him. He’s not just good-looking—he has this aura. Tall, intense, and his eyes—ugh, they can make any girl weak in the knees.”

Laughing, I nudged her playfully. “Let’s get selected first, then you can daydream about your handsome billionaire all you want.”

Later that afternoon, we headed to the college canteen. As we entered, Megha’s phone rang, and she stepped aside to take the call. I walked ahead, finding an empty table and settling down.

Just as I was about to take a sip of my juice, someone slid into the chair across from me. My body tensed the moment I saw who it was—Rocky, my senior. His smirk sent an unsettling feeling through me.

Before I could react, he reached across the table and grabbed my wrist. “Where are you going, baby girl?” he drawled, his grip firm.

My stomach twisted in discomfort, but I kept my expression neutral. “Let go,” I said firmly.

He chuckled. “Why so cold? I just want to have a little chat.”

Before I could wrench my hand away, a loud smack echoed through the canteen. Megha stood beside me, eyes blazing with anger. She had just slapped him—hard.

Rocky’s grip loosened instantly, his face turning red with embarrassment and fury. He clenched his jaw, glaring at Megha.

“This is the last time I’m warning you,” she said, her voice low and dangerous. “Stay away from my friend, or next time, I won’t stop at just a slap.”

For a moment, Rocky looked like he might retaliate, but the murmurs and stares from the other students made him hesitate. Megha grabbed my hand, pulling me up from my seat. “Let’s go, Niru.”

As we walked away, my heart was still pounding. “You didn’t have to do that, Megha,” I murmured.

She scoffed. “Of course, I did. He had no right to touch you. Next time, don’t hesitate to slap him yourself.”

A few days later, the much-awaited email from Raghuvanshi Industries arrived. My hands trembled as I opened it. The moment I saw our names on the list of selected candidates, I gasped in disbelief.

“Megha!” I shrieked, turning to her. “We got in!”

She let out a squeal and threw her arms around me. “We did it, Niru! We’re actually going to work at Raghuvanshi Industries!”

Overwhelmed with joy, I folded my hands in silent prayer. “Thank you, Mahadev,” I whispered. This was more than just an internship—it was the start of something life-changing.