“Thank you,” Akash said, meaning it. “This all looks amazing.”
“You haven’t seen the best part yet,” she said with a smile, leading him toward the back of the house. “This is your sunroom.”
He paused the moment he stepped into it, his heartbeat accelerating as he took in the huge space. Aaliya had shiftedthe kitchen to the opposite wing, leaving this side of the house open. She had extended this space further, taking up a portion of the eastern side of the lawns, thus creating an exquisite space enclosed in glass on three sides, with sunlight pouring in unobstructed through the roof. Beyond this, an infinity pool stretched out seamlessly, devoid of water as of now. But once ready, it would look spectacular.
“It’s exactly what I wanted,” he said in quiet awe.
Aaliya smiled, pleased. “I thought you’d say that.”
She pulled out her iPad and showed him the final furniture selections she’d made for this space. Neutral tones meant to let the light do the work. Akash barely hesitated before giving her the go-ahead. He trusted her judgment beyond a doubt.
He looked back into the vast space, imagining himself enjoying breakfasts in the stillness of early mornings, swimming in the pool. He could imagine this house becoming his. The thought filled him with a rare, almost boyish excitement. This home, his business, all of it would one day become a legacy that he’d pass down to his children at some point.
Aaliya spoke more on the renovations, and finally they walked back outside, toward their cars.
“How long are you here for?” he asked.
“A few more days,” she replied. “Then I’ll be back once it’s ready for handover. My assistant, Tejal, will be here to help you with anything you need, in the meantime.”
“That sounds great.”
She gave him a warm smile. “You look good. Being the MD of Sehgal Media suits you.”
“Thank you.”
“But tell me honestly, how’s it going?”
He exhaled slowly. “It’s been… good so far. But it’s a lot to take in.”
“I’m sure,” Aaliya said kindly. “But you will get past this. Just stay strong and walk the path you were meant to walk. It will all fall into place.”
He nodded, his gaze drifting around the lawns. “I’ve been checking the cameras. There haven’t been any more trespassers. Looks like it might have just been a homeless person after all.”
“I’ve been monitoring it too,” Aaliya said. “Still, now that the sunroom is complete, we should get cameras installed there as well.”
“I’ll handle it,” Akash said without hesitation. “I’m also thinking of adding a few along the trees on the lawn. There are still a few blind spots.”
Aaliya gave an approving nod. “That would be wise.”
He exchanged a few more details about the renovation with her before parting ways. He got into his car and drove off, his mind already shifting to the demands of the day ahead.
A few hours later,he stood by the glass wall of his office, watching the newsroom in motion below. The second live panel discussion of their three-day investigative series on political funding and corporate influence was already on air, the red lights glowing as cameras rolled and the debate unfolded in real time.
The live broadcast echoed through his office from the large TV screen mounted opposite his desk. From where he stood, he could hear every exchange while watching the actual telecast happening on the newsroom floor below.
Today, a former compliance officer at a major infrastructure firm was on the panel to discuss corporate accountability.Mohan Shetty was a seasoned professional and a compelling speaker. Very impressive to watch.
So far, the debate was sharp but measured. From his vantage point above the newsroom, he could see the control room screens flickering with live analytics. The numbers were strong… stronger than expected for a weekday slot. If yesterday’s viewership was any indication, the series was already a hit. Social engagement had spiked, advertisers had held steady, and the digital clips were performing above projections.
This was bold, relevant programming. Shauna had greenlit the concept two weeks ago. She’d pushed for a sharper editorial angle and argued for digging deeper into the nexus between politics and corporate money when others had suggested a safer theme. He had questioned the risk at the time. She, however, had stood her ground, and he had allowed it.
Looking at the screens now, he couldn’t deny it. She had been right.
Sighing, he turned to the television screen in his office, which was playing the same show being filmed downstairs. Two weeks had passed since he’d walked into this building as its new head and watched an entire organization recalibrate around his presence. Two weeks since everyone had started looking at him differently. With respect, yes, but also with caution. Wondering whether he would succeed or falter.
Failure wasn’t an option. Those expecting him to stumble didn’t know him well enough. He’d always thrived on pressure, on being tested, on proving himself where it mattered most. And this was the most important challenge of his life.
Akash leaned against his desk, pressing a hand to the back of his neck. He hadn’t had a moment to breathe since he’d taken over. GVN. The studios. SEHVA. Legal approvals. HR escalations. A dozen senior managers wanting ‘just fiveminutes.’ His days were packed with meetings stacked in relentless succession, and he was loving every second of it.
