First Day Drama: Rules, Responsibilities, and Office Politics

“Oh no, what am I going to do now?” I panicked, clutching the empty space where the file should have been. Raj had drilled it into my head that this file was crucial for today’s meeting, stressing the “severe consequences” if anything went wrong. Determined not to mess up on day one, I held onto it like my life depended on it.

Now, just my luck—on day one, I’d managed to lose it.

And then came the real problem: Sofia, the manager. She’d had a strange air about her from the start, almost as if she was out to get me. Her expressions, her smirks, and now, she’d have even more reason to put me down.

Two Hours Earlier…

The car ride had been… tense. After that overly flirty call Raj received, a heavy silence filled the air. I’d cranked up the music in my earbuds, hoping to escape the awkward atmosphere, but the tension still hung thickly. Finally, we pulled up to Eclipse Fashion House and entered the private parking garage—a sleek space customized for Raj as CEO. Typical Raj, always with the VIP treatment.

As we stepped into the elevator, Raj turned to me with a serious expression. “The file I gave you is essential and confidential. Today’s entire top management meeting revolves around it. If anything happens to it… there will be consequences.” His piercing gaze held mine for a beat before he returned to his own thoughts. I clutched the file a little tighter.

We arrived at his office floor, and Raj strolled in, seating himself at his desk with the effortless authority of someone who owned the place—because, well, he did. In a single commanding word, he told his PA Alexa to “start.” Alexa immediately began rattling off his schedule: morning briefings, a department meeting, a board call, and time blocked out for reviewing project pitches. She barely took a breath as she outlined every detail, her efficiency impressive.

When she finished, Raj gave her a short nod, his gaze shifting toward me. “Take her,” he said to Alexa. “Explain her responsibilities. You know what to do.”

With that, he dismissed us, his focus returning to the stack of documents on his desk. Alexa gestured for me to follow, and I trailed behind, stealing a quick, final glance back at Raj.

We walked a short distance to a smaller, neatly organized office where Alexa took a seat across from me. Her warm smile eased some of my nerves as she formally introduced herself.

“Alright, Saira,” she began, sliding a file my way. “This outlines our company’s structure, values, and policies. As Raj’s personal secretary, your role is demanding but rewarding, as you’ll be working closely with him on high-level tasks.”

I nodded, eager to absorb all the information.

“Eclipse Fashion House has a few rules you should be aware of,” Alexa continued. “First, punctuality is key. Meetings, project updates, and deadlines are taken very seriously. Second, confidentiality is a top priority, especially given Raj’s high-profile projects. Discussing company business outside of approved channels is strictly prohibited.”

“Got it,” I said, trying to take mental notes.

“Good,” she replied. “Now, as his personal secretary, you’re not just managing his calendar and taking calls. Your responsibilities extend beyond the basics.”

Here’s what Alexa outlined as my main tasks:

Meeting Coordination: I’d need to prepare files, agendas, and summaries for Raj’s meetings, ensuring he has all necessary information ahead of time. “Raj dislikes being unprepared,” Alexa explained, “so you’ll be his main source for background information and updates.”

Travel Management: From booking flights to arranging accommodations and coordinating transportation, I’d be in charge of his travel logistics. “And for important events, like New York Fashion Week,” Alexa said, “you’ll also need to handle wardrobe coordination and press arrangements.”

Project Documentation: Organizing and updating project files is essential. Raj works on multiple projects at once, so keeping records up-to-date and easy to access will save him time and ensure smooth workflows. “He hates hunting for details,” Alexa added with a smile, “so keep everything labeled and in order.”

Communication Filtering: I’d screen his emails and calls, prioritizing the most critical messages and handling minor inquiries myself. “You’ll need to recognize which issues require his attention and which can be handled without him,” Alexa explained, emphasizing my role as a gatekeeper.

Internal Coordination: I would work with other departments, like marketing and finance, to ensure Raj had the latest updates on various projects. “Raj expects his secretary to be proactive,” she said. “If there’s an issue, address it or bring it to his attention before he asks.”

Event Planning: For events and meetings Raj hosts, I’d be in charge of venue bookings, guest coordination, and all logistical details. “Think of it as event management on a small scale,” Alexa explained. “You’ll be expected to handle everything smoothly.”

Confidential Document Handling: Files like the one Raj had given me earlier were often sensitive and confidential. “As his secretary, it’s critical to safeguard documents like these. Misplacing them could be disastrous,” Alexa emphasized.

She went on, providing detailed examples and tips for each area, making it clear that this was not a role for the faint-hearted. But there was something exciting about the challenge, about having such a central role in the company’s operations.

Then, she introduced me to Sofia, a manager who I would work with frequently. “She’ll be there to help guide you and answer any questions,” Alexa said before excusing herself.

I offered Sofia a polite smile, but she returned it with a look that could only be described as… well, chilly. As Alexa left, I asked Sofia where I might find the meeting room to prepare file copies. Her response was an unexpected, venomous smirk.

“Oh, you think you’re someone special now, don’t you?” she sneered. “Landed the personal secretary role and now expect to boss everyone around? Let me make one thing clear: this job is not as easy as it seems. And you’ll find out soon enough that you’re not cut out for it.”

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving me puzzled and wondering what exactly I’d done to earn her hostility. But there was no time to worry about that. My top priority was preparing the materials for Raj’s meeting and doing my best to live up to the expectations that came with this role.

Author's POV

Saira took a deep breath, flipping through the office structure guide Alexa had given her. Not only did it cover Eclipse’s policies and rules, but it also included a roadmap of the building—a total lifesaver in the maze of hallways and offices. As she traced her finger along the map, she located the boardroom and headed there, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement at handling her first big responsibility.

Upon entering the boardroom, Saira noted the room's intimidating setup: a large, polished table surrounded by high-backed leather chairs, each one meticulously prepared to host the company’s top minds. She felt a prick of anxiety but shook it off. Focus, Saira, she reminded herself, going about the task as Sophia had texted: arranging a copy of the crucial file at each seat, with the most pristine copy reserved for Raj. Saira followed each step carefully, checking the placement and reviewing the materials to ensure they were flawless. 

Just as she was smoothing out the last stack of papers, But before she could double-check her work, her phone buzzed, flashing with an insistent message from Sophia: “Meet me in my office. Now.” With a reluctant sigh, Saira glanced at the clock—she had barely enough time, but ignoring Sophia wasn’t an option.