**Chapter 2: The Encounter**

Years passed, and Ashi’s journey led her to Chandigarh, a bustling city far from the peaceful hills of her childhood. Here, she joined a company, her culinary skills now honed and her confidence renewed. Among her new colleagues were Rafta Densi, the easy-going slacker; Oki Habi, the diligent worker; and Haari Kichiro, an approachable student from Chandigarh University.

“I’m exhausted... why does our company have so much work at the start of the year?” Haari muttered, slumping onto a wooden table in the hallway near a large glass window.

“Hey, here. Have a drink.” Rafta’s voice was casual, his tone relaxed as he offered a bottle from the vending machine. His demeanor was in stark contrast to Haari’s fatigue.

“Thanks, I’ll pay you back later,” Haari said, twisting the bottle open.

“Don’t stress over it. Work is endless; you finish one task, and another is already waiting. Just chill and enjoy your life.” Rafta leaned against the vending machine, his gaze drifting out the window.

“You always say that, and that’s why you haven’t been promoted yet,” Haari replied, amusement mixed with a hint of annoyance.

Rafta chuckled, eyes still fixed on the view below. “Standing on the second-top floor really puts things into perspective, doesn’t it?”

“How so?” Haari asked, curiosity evident.

“Looking down from here, it feels like the entire world is working under my feet,” Rafta said, his tone reflective as he surveyed the cityscape.

“And I guarantee those feet aren’t yours,” Oki interjected, her brisk walk punctuated by a frown. Her irritation was palpable.

Rafta pivoted toward Oki, a smug smile playing on his lips. “Don’t forget, you’re the one working under someone else’s feet. And if you keep up that imagination of yours, those feet might just kick you out of the building.”

Haari laughed, his face brightening with a grin. “Oki, Habi, she’s the most intelligent and disciplined worker in our group.”

“We still have a lot of work to do, so stop whining and get back to it,” Oki said firmly, her expression leaving no room for argument.

“Alright, alright. Are you trying to make my ears bleed? I came to give Haari some manly advice,” Rafta said, his tone light but carrying an edge.

“What kind of advice can a lazy person give?” Oki retorted, crossing her arms with a frown.

"You wanna know? It would be something you can’t handle. It’s only for men,” Rafta said, his tone serious but his eyes dancing with mischief.

Oki responded with a swift punch aimed at Rafta, who sidestepped with a laugh, his movements smooth and carefree. He glanced back at her, a playful grin on his face.

“What a bummer,” Rafta said, his laughter contagious. “Enough chit-chat. Now let's get back to work.”

“I won’t let you go that easily, Rafta,” Oki said with a firm tone as she handed him a bundle of files.

“I want you to arrange these files alphabetically in the system,” Oki instructed.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

“What? Alphabetically? And what are these files about?” Rafta asked, eyeing the stack with concern.

“These are bills from the management department. They’re claiming they didn’t receive enough funding for maintenance, so they want us to re-check the calculations,” Oki explained, her face set with determination.

“Why can’t they do it themselves?” Rafta asked, frustration creeping into his voice.

“Because it’s our job! Now get back to work!” Oki’s tone was sharp, her gaze intense.

“Haari,” Rafta called, turning to him.

"I can help," Haari said, standing up with a look of resolve.

“Thanks, buddy,” Rafta said, relief evident in his voice.

“No, Kichiro-san, go back to your own work,” Oki said firmly.

"But I can help him and then return to my own tasks," Haari argued, frustration tinging his voice.

“Actually, no. You don’t need to help him. He’s been slacking off, so this is his punishment—to handle all this work alone,” Oki said, her tone unyielding.

“Sorry, Rafta, but it looks like I have to get back to my own work,” Haari said, regret and frustration clear on his face.

“Great, just what I needed. I’m going to die today,” Rafta said, sighing dramatically.

“Habi-san, I finished my work. Do you need help with anything?” Ashi asked, appearing with a stack of papers.

“I need help,” Rafta said, his gaze hopeful.

“You haven’t even started yet,” Oki pointed out, her eyes narrowing.

“I’m just about to start,” Rafta protested.

“And as for you, go and help Kichiro-san with his work,” Oki said, directing her attention to Haari.

“Got it,” Ashi replied.

“What? But I need more help than him. So why isn’t it me?” Rafta’s tone was incredulous.

“Shut up, you’re not getting any help today,” Oki said sharply.

“Kichiro-san need any help?” Ashi asked.

“Yeah, but what about your work?” Haari asked.

"I already finished my work,” Ashi said confidently.

"Really? That was fast,” Haari remarked, surprised.

"You think so?" Ashi responded, slightly puzzled.

“In that case, I can help you with the data you’re working on,” Ashi offered.

“Alright. Let’s check it,” Haari said, nodding in agreement.

One hour later.

“I think some data is missing here,” Ashi said, looking over the documents.

“Yeah, you’re right. We should look into the files to fill in the gaps,” Haari said.

He headed toward the storeroom, a sense of urgency in his stride.

“Hey, where are Nicawa-san and Kichiro-san?” Oki asked, noticing their absence.

“I don't know. You told us to focus on our work, so I didn’t notice them leaving,” Rafta said, frustration in his tone.

“I need Nicawa-san’s help, but I don’t know where she went,” Oki said, her voice laced with exasperation.

"Hey, I'm working here. Could you stop bothering me?" Rafta said, irritated as Oki jabbed him with her elbow.

"Hey, what was that for?" Rafta exclaimed.

“Thanks for helping me, Nicawa-san,” Haari said, sifting through files with Ashi in the cluttered storeroom.

“No need to thank me. If we find the files together, it’ll be easier and quicker,” Ashi said, determination evident in her voice.

Half an hour later.

“I think I found the files,” Haari said.

“Where?” Ashi asked.

“Look up there,” Haari said, pointing.

“But it’s too high. I don’t think we can reach it,” Ashi replied, her concern evident.

“Last time I saw an articulated ladder around here. It must be somewhere,” Haari said, frowning as he searched.

“I don’t see it. Are you sure it was here?” Ashi asked, looking around.

“I’m sure. Maybe someone moved it,” Haari said, anxiety creeping into his voice.

“What should we do now? We need those files right now,” Ashi said.

“We don’t have anything to climb on, and we don’t know where the ladder is. How are we going to get the file?” Haari’s face showed growing concern.

“Kichiro-san, I have an idea,” Ashi said, her tone resolute.

“Really? That was quick. What is it?” Haari asked, intrigued.

“You don’t have to do anything. Just follow my lead,” Ashi said, her voice steady.

“Come here,” Ashi instructed.

“What are you trying to do, Nicawa-san?” Haari asked, confusion evident but compliance in his actions.

“Don’t ask any questions, just do what I say,” Ashi said, guiding Haari into position.

“Perfect. Now close your eyes and sit down,” Ashi instructed. Haari, feeling uneasy, complied and closed his eyes.

“What, Nicawa-san? Just tell me what you’re trying to do,” Haari asked, uncertainty in his voice.

“Didn’t I say no questions?” Ashi said, her focus unwavering. Haari settled into position as instructed.

“Now listen. I’m going to sit on your shoulder,” Ashi said firmly.

Haari’s eyes widened, but he didn’t open them. “What?”

“Then, you stand up slowly. When I reach the file, I’ll grab it, and then you can sit back down again,” Ashi said, trying to sound composed but with a hint of embarrassment.

“Are you sure this is safe?” Haari asked, still nervous.

“As long as you don’t open your eyes, everything will be fine,” Ashi reassured him.