Mumbai mornings tell a story of their own. Lines of cars on the roads, the sound of horns, and the same question in everyone's eyes—how will the traffic be today?
Madhu was sitting in her white Creta on the Western Express Highway. Soft instrumental music was playing on her playlist; she didn't like too much noise during her morning drive. Her gaze shifted to the dashboard clock. 8:47 AM. Perfect. She had to reach the office by 9:15, and normally it took her 20 minutes. There was buffer time too.
But then, the car in front poured water over her plans. The signal had turned green, but that driver was so lost in his phone that he didn't even realize it.
Madhu honked. Once. Then a second time. A third time.
No response.
"Seriously?" she said to herself. Her fingers began tapping on the steering wheel—a habit she had whenever time was being wasted. And Madhu did not like wasting time at all.
Finally, when the BMW in front wobbled forward, Madhu immediately overtook it. Glancing sideways, she saw the driver—someone in a smart suit, laughing on the phone, completely carefree about the world.
Madhu took a long breath and focused back on the road. She didn't want to waste time arguing here. Today was an important day.
In a few minutes, the glass building of Metro Tech Solutions came into view—shining amidst the high-rises of South Mumbai. Madhu parked her car in the basement parking and looked at herself once in the vanity mirror. Hair perfectly set, minimal makeup, crisp white shirt, and tailored black trousers. Everything on point.
Today was her first day as Project Lead. After three years of hard work, she had finally gotten the position she had been waiting for. And Madhu only waited for things as much as was necessary—then she would spring into action.
On the 14th floor of the same building, Rishabh entered his cabin comfortably. Calling it a cabin was technically wrong—it was a cubicle, but Rishabh had decorated it in his own style. Mini plants in one corner, colorful post-its on the desk, and posters with funny quotes on the wall.
"Brother, you finally arrived?" Rahul asked, peeking over the partition. He was Rishabh's closest friend in the office—and probably the only guy who tolerated all his weird habits.
"Oh man, don't ask about the morning traffic," Rishabh said, throwing his bag onto the chair. "Plus, I had a fight with the coffee machine again. First, it gave plain water, then instead of sugar syrup... it dispensed something else entirely."
Rahul laughed. "You will never change. By the way, do you know what your scene is today?"
"What scene?" Rishabh sat on his chair and put his feet up on the table—his signature pose.
"Meeting with the new Project Lead. Madhu. Heard she is very strict, bro. The HR folks were saying she finished her last project two months before the deadline."
Rishabh raised an eyebrow. "Meaning another workaholic. Bro, why don't these people understand that creativity can't be forced? This isn't a timetable."
"That is your problem," Rahul said, sitting back at his desk. "You are very talented, but you never get serious. Your lucky charm is the only reason you somehow complete projects at the last minute. But sometimes it looks like you've come for a garden walk rather than to the office."
"Balance, Rahul brother, balance," Rishabh philosophized. "What do you get by taking stress in life? The work will get done, and it will be good. Just learn to enjoy the process too."
Rahul shook his head. They had had this argument fifty times.
"By the way," Rahul asked mischievously, "How is this Madhu? Has anyone seen her?"
"Must be professional, must be boring," Rishabh assumed. "All strict types are the same. Suit-boot, serious face, always chanting 'deadline, deadline'."
Rahul laughed. "Go and see. The meeting is at 10. And please, reach on time this time."
"Yeah, yeah, looking for my punctuality certificate," Rishabh said laughing.
9:55 AM. Conference Room B.
Madhu had arrived early. She had set up her laptop, the presentation slides were ready, and the handouts were printed. A neat notepad lay in front of her with bullet points written on it—the main points of discussion.
Slowly, the team members started coming in. There were twelve people on this project. Madhu had already memorized everyone's name—having asked HR for the list. Preparation was her strong point.
"Good morning everyone," Madhu said in a confident and clear voice once everyone settled. "I am Madhu, your new Project Lead. First, let me tell you a little about myself—I did my engineering from IIT, and I have been with this company for the last three years. My approach is simple: clear communication, efficiency, and deadline adherence. I believe that—"
Just then, the glass door of the conference room opened. A bit loudly. All heads turned in that direction.
And in walked a guy—tall, casual gait, a coffee cup in one hand which he was balancing precariously, and a completely guilt-free smile on his face.
"Oops, sorry sorry," he said, completely naturally as if this was a daily routine. "Traffic, you know. And then the coffee machine... long story. Anyway, I'm here now!"
Madhu temporarily paused her presentation and looked at him. At first glance itself, she realized—this guy is not serious.
"You?" she asked in a controlled professional tone, though the irritation was clearly visible.
"Rishabh," he said with a confident smile and started walking towards his seat. "Senior Creative Designer. In your team."
Madhu's gaze remained fixed on him. His shirt buttons were wrong, the collar was slightly upturned, and the way he held the coffee cup was completely careless—as if it would drop any moment.
"Mr. Rishabh," Madhu said wearing her professional mask, "this meeting was scheduled for 10 o'clock. And punctuality is a basic professional courtesy."
Rishabh sat in his seat and took a sip of coffee, completely relaxed. "You're absolutely right, Ms. Madhu. But honestly, creativity and clockwork never go together. In my experience, I've seen that the best ideas come when you are in the flow, not when you're stressed about time."
A slight awkward silence filled the room. Some people were looking at each other—this had become interesting on the very first day.
Madhu took a long, controlled breath. A strategy formed immediately in her mind—this guy clearly doesn't understand discipline, but confrontation shouldn't happen here. Must remain professional.
"Interesting perspective, Mr. Rishabh," she said, with a slight edge to her voice. "But this project will run on discipline. Creativity is important, but without structure, deadlines are missed. And I am not here to miss deadlines."
"Fair enough," Rishabh said shrugging his shoulders. "Now proceed with the presentation. I am attentive, promise."
Madhu continued the presentation, but every little while her gaze drifted to Rishabh. He was taking notes—surprisingly detailed notes—but his entire body language was so casual it was irritating. Sometimes he sipped coffee, sometimes he tapped the desk with his pen, sometimes he looked out the window.
When Madhu was explaining the timeline—"Week 1 concept finalization, Week 2 design drafts, Week 3-4 development"—Rishabh raised his hand.
"Yes, Mr. Rishabh?" Madhu asked.
"Isn't this timeline a bit... rigid?" he said casually. "I mean, the creative process isn't linear. Sometimes the best concepts come late, sometimes early. If we follow this strictly then—"
"If we follow this strictly, the project will be completed on time," Madhu said firmly. "Flexibility is important, I agree. But that doesn't mean there shouldn't be a plan. Planning leads to execution."
Rishabh gave a smile—not aggressive, just amused. "Sounds like you've got everything figured out."
Was he being sarcastic? Madhu couldn't confirm. But there was something in his tone that was... challenging.
After the meeting ended, people slowly started leaving. Madhu was organizing her papers when Rishabh approached her.
"Look," he said genuinely, "I know we got off to a wrong start. But trust me, I never disappoint in work. Just... my style is a little different."
Madhu closed her laptop and looked at him. Up close, his eyes were quite expressive—mischievous, yet genuine too.
"Mr. Rishabh," she said maintaining professional distance, "I don't care about style. I want results. With quality. On time."
"Done deal," Rishabh said confidently. "But a friendly suggestion—smile once in a while. Life doesn't run only on Excel sheets and Gantt charts."
Shock and irritation appeared simultaneously on Madhu's face. This guy... was giving her life advice? In the first meeting?
"Thank you for your... concern," she said with barely controlled sarcasm. "But I can manage my life perfectly."
"I'm sure you can," Rishabh said raising his hands in a surrender pose. "You're the boss. Whatever you say will happen. But the offer remains open—chill sometimes during the coffee break."
Giving a wink—actually a wink!—he exited the conference room.
Madhu stood there, completely baffled. Who was this guy? So casual, so... annoying, and yet so confident.
She checked her phone. 11:30 AM. The next meeting was at 2 PM. There was time for lunch.
In the office cafeteria, Madhu took a salad and green tea and sat at a corner table—a spot that usually remained quiet. She took out her iPad and started reviewing project notes.
"So, how was the first encounter?"
Madhu looked up—her colleague and sort-of friend, Neha, was standing there with a tray.
"Sit down," Madhu said. "And first encounter? What first encounter?"
"Oh come on, the whole floor is talking about it," Neha said laughing. "Madhu and Rishabh's classic clash. Discipline versus creativity. Punctuality versus flow. This was a popcorn moment!"
Madhu rolled her eyes. "Gossip spreads so fast here."
"But tell me truthfully," Neha asked curiously, "how did you find him?"
Madhu thought for a moment. "Irritating. Unprofessional. And... confusing."
"Confusing?"
"Yes. I mean, he came late, was casual, yet the team members respect him. He was taking notes too, surprisingly detailed. And..." Madhu said hesitantly, "his points weren't completely foolish."
Neha smiled. "Rishabh is just like that. I've been watching him for the last two years. He's a procrastinator, messy, but when he delivers, everyone gets shocked. His creativity is next level."
"But what will creativity do without discipline?" Madhu said logically.
"And what will discipline do without creativity?" Neha countered. "Look Madhu, you are very good at your work. But sometimes... you get a bit rigid too. Maybe Rishabh is a good balance for you."
"Balance?" Madhu asked, confused. "I am talking about a professional relationship, Neha. This isn't a philosophy session."
Neha gave a mysterious smile. "Yes, yes, professional. By the way, he is handsome too, admit it."
"Neha!" Madhu said with irritation. But she noticed—her cheeks had become slightly warm.
At 6:30 PM, Madhu was sitting in her car heading home. Mumbai traffic was at its peak, but today her attention wasn't really on the roads.
The day's conversations were swirling in her mind. Rishabh's casual entrance, his carefree smile, and that confident 'chill during coffee break' comment.
Stopping at a traffic signal, she called Priya—her best friend since college.
"Yes, speak, workaholic," Priya gave a cheeky greeting.
"First day at the new position," Madhu said.
"Oh! How was it? Was everyone impressed?"
"There was a guy in the team," Madhu started hesitantly. "Name is Rishabh. Completely opposite to me. Casual, unpunctual, carefree type."
Priya went silent. Then she said, "Wait. Madhu is voluntarily talking about someone? About a guy who is against her work ethics? Interesting."
"Don't read too much into it," Madhu said defending herself. "I am just... concerned for the project."
"Yeah yeah, project," Priya teased. "Is he handsome?"
"That's irrelevant, Priya."
"Meaning he is handsome. Look Madhu, you stay very serious in life. I've been seeing it since college. Loosen up a bit. Maybe this guy will add some nice color to your life."
"I don't need colors. I need structure."
"And maybe," Priya said philosophically, "structure needs a little color."
The signal turned green. Madhu ended the call, but Priya's words remained in her mind.
After reaching home, while eating dinner, while sitting in front of the laptop reviewing the project timeline, while falling asleep—one face kept coming to her mind.
That carefree smile. That relaxed body language. That dialogue: 'Life doesn't run only on deadlines.'
Rishabh.
Madhu closed her eyes. 'What is happening? Why am I thinking so much?'
But no answer came. Only that smile kept being recalled—which was irritating, confusing, and something else too that Madhu couldn't define.
The next two months were definitely going to be interesting.
Very interesting.