The Confrontation
The next morning, Jyoti was summoned to the manager’s office. Holding her baby close, she trembled. She knew what this meant.
“Jyoti!” barked Mr. Vargas, the manager. “How dare you bring a baby here? That’s illegal! You’re a disgrace to this company!”
Tears rolled down Jyoti’s cheeks as she clutched Anaya tighter.
“Sir, please… I have no one else. I can’t leave her alone. I’m doing my best.”
Vargas sneered and snatched at her attendance file. “I don’t care! From now on—”
The door suddenly swung open.
Arjun stepped in — no longer in disguise, dressed sharply and radiating quiet authority. The room fell silent.
“From today,” he said evenly, “no one in this company will ever threaten a worker again.”
Vargas stammered, “S-sir… Director Mejía… I didn’t realize—”
Arjun ignored him and turned to Jyoti.
“I saw everything last night — your sacrifice, your courage. I won’t let it go unseen.”
He placed a sealed envelope on the desk.
Then, facing Vargas, his tone hardened.
“And you, instead of understanding, chose to humiliate a woman fighting to survive. As of this moment, you’re dismissed.”
Gasps filled the room. Vargas stood frozen, pale and speechless.
