Rudra:

I entered my office, greeted by my PA's urgent voice.

"Sir, the collector rejected our apartment construction application."

I raised an eyebrow. "Reason?"

"Unknown, sir. Even the Minister's recommendation didn't sway her."

My curiosity piqued. "Did the collector provide any clarification?"

"No, sir. We received a call from the Collectorate, requesting your presence. Perhaps she's seeking something."

I frowned. "If our project meets all requirements, she should approve it. I won't encourage corrupt practices."

My PA suggested, "We can apply pressure, sir. She'll have no choice but to grant permission."

I countered, "I'll meet her first. Rumors say Collector Swecha is honest and sincere. I'd like to understand her concerns."

Upon arrival at the Collectorate, Swecha summoned me to her office.

"Hello, madam. I'm Rudra, MD of Rudra Constructions and Interior Designers," I said, shaking her hand.

"Hello, Mr. Rudra. Please, take a seat."

"I'd appreciate clarity on the permission delay. Our project aims to provide free housing for underprivileged and abandoned senior citizens. If you expect anything, you can say that directly to me," I began, but her piercing gaze halted me.

"Yes, Mr. Rudra," Swecha said, her voice firm. "I did expect something, which is why I denied permission."

Her words caught me off guard. Was she corrupt, or was there more to the story?

"I expect the public's welfare, and it's my duty to protect them," Collector Swecha stated.

"I didn't get you," I admitted.

"Mr. Rudra, the site you've chosen has a history of river flow. In the event of flooding or unforeseen circumstances, the building would collapse. I cannot approve such a project," she explained.

Her words stunned me. How could I overlook this critical detail?

"Thank you for this information, madam. Sorry for wasting your time," I said, rising to leave.

"Mr. Rudra, I've heard about your reputation and company," Swecha said with a smile. "If it weren't you, I would have issued an arrest warrant for selecting such a site. But considering your standing, I chose to address this personally, suspecting someone within your company might have misled you."

Her words struck a chord. I had misjudged her.

"Not every officer is corrupt," she added.

"I apologize, madam. I'll investigate this matter," I vowed.

"If you find a safer location for the apartment, you'll have my full cooperation," Swecha offered.

I nodded and hastened back to my office. My PA approached as I meticulously reviewed the land details.

Collector Swecha was right; an ancient river had once flowed there, now dried up. Yet, predicting natural disasters was impossible. I couldn't risk lives.

I called my PA and immediately fired him, settling the pay he had earned up to that point and giving him an extra month's salary. Though I know he tried to misguide me, I don't want his family to suffer while he looks for another job. I could give him the extra salary for free, but I can't afford to keep him in the company because I can't trust people after betrayal—whether in business or life. It doesn't matter if it's my PA or Sanjana.

"Find alternative land for the project," I instructed my secretary.

As I left the Collectorate, I couldn't shake off the feeling of admiration for Collector Swecha. Her poise and composure were striking, especially considering I had misjudged her as corrupt. My initial skepticism now seemed misplaced.

Regret washed over me for jumping to conclusions. Swecha's calm demeanor and genuine concern for public welfare had dismantled my preconceptions.

"I was wrong about her," I thought, impressed by her integrity.

Swecha's parting words echoed in my mind: "Not every officer is corrupt." Her subtle smile had conveyed a deeper message – that honesty and dedication still existed within the system.

My encounter with Swecha had not only resolved the project's issue but also taught me a valuable lesson: don't rush to judgment.

Two days later, I went to my brother's son's birthday party. While having a drink, I noticed Collector Swecha there and felt the need to thank her for her help.

"Excuse me," I said, and Swecha looked at me.

"Thank you, madam," I said.

"Sorry, I didn't catch that," she replied.

"Madam, I’m thanking you for carefully checking the application and pointing out the issue. I couldn't have forgiven myself if anyone's life had been affected by my carelessness," I said.

"It's my job, Mr. Rudra. There's no need to thank me."

We continued talking, and my sister-in-law Tanvi came over.

"Hey, Swecha and Rudra, what are you doing here? Do you know each other already?" Tanvi asked, and we both nodded.

"Swecha, this is my brother-in-law Rudra. And Rudra, this is my best friend from training, Swecha," Tanvi said, giving me a mini heart attack. Tanvi and my brother have been trying to introduce me to her friend for a long time because they want me to marry her. But I didn't know she was Collector Swecha. I need to get out of here as soon as possible because these two are capable of arranging my marriage right here and now. How can I make them understand that love isn't my cup of tea.

The party was over, and I had managed to keep a safe distance from my sister-in-law and her friend throughout the evening. As I started my car, I noticed Swecha standing beside hers, her driver attempting to repair it.

"Madam, I am sorry. I didn’t check the condition of the car," the driver apologized.

"It's okay. No problem," Swecha replied. "I am just trying to book a cab, but cabs are unavailable. I will find a way to go home. You too go home now in an auto or something. You can get it repaired tomorrow."

I drove my car up to the gate but stopped when the rain started pouring down. I hesitated, wondering if I should offer Swecha a ride.

Should I drop her at home? How would she manage to get there alone at this hour? Was it necessary for me to intervene?

After a brief moment of contemplation, I decided to drive back to where Swecha was waiting.

"Is anything wrong, madam?" I asked, noticing her struggles.

"My car has some issue. I am trying for a cab," Swecha replied.

"It's too late and the weather is bad too. If you don't mind, I will drop you at your place," I offered.

"No problem. I can manage," Swecha said.

"Then that's okay," I replied, turning to leave. But the rain intensified, and I saw Swecha getting drenched.

I quickly opened the car door. "Get in faster. You can trust me or share your live location with your close ones until you reach home."

Swecha nodded and settled into the passenger seat. I dropped her at her home.

"Thank you," Swecha said, smiling.

I smiled back and left.

The next morning, my friend's call jolted me awake.

"Dude, check the newspaper," he urged.

I opened the paper, shocked by the headline:

"Rudra, MD of Rudra Constructions and Interior Designers, with Collector Swecha. Are they in love? Are they getting married? The romance in the car on a romantic night says it all."

Our photo accompanied the article.

"What the hell?" I exclaimed. "How can they print whatever they want?"

I tossed the paper aside, but it landed on Swecha's face as she entered my home.

Why was she here? What would she think of my behavior? This was a disaster.

Hi readers, how is this episode and their meeting? Do you like their characters? Comment and let me know your views. If you like the concept, comment your views. Thank you.