“Some people worship me, some hate me,” Lavanya thought, staring at her reflection as she fastened the clasp of her earrings. “And both kinds of people are not wrong in doing so.”

She smiled—a sweet, green-flag kind of smile that made her doe-brown eyes glow with innocence. To anyone else, she was an angel. But angels had wings for a reason: to rise above everyone else.

Her voice was warm, almost playful: Hello, I’m Lavanya, and I suppose you came to explore me. My writer will be your guide. Please, be seated. It will be a rollercoaster of questioning.

The Writer’s Warning

A whisper of narration brushed through the air, a voice that wasn’t hers:

There are three rules to stay safe around Lavanya.

Don’ts:

• Don’t provoke her.

• Don’t interfere with her.

• Do not try to talk to her.

Do’s:

• Be silent.

• Stay out of her situations.

• Do not respond to her.

Women can be devils, they say. Can they? Only time will tell.

Morning Rush

“Ugh,” Lavanya yawned, pulling on her jacket. “I hate work… but work is my worship. Still, why do they make us wear those stiff suits? Today I’m picking comfort.”

She checked the time and gasped. “Oh no! I’ll miss the morning bus.”

Humming to herself, she raced out the door, her melody breaking when she bumped into someone. A grocery bag tumbled, scattering apples across the pavement.

“Oh no, Miss Evelyn, I’m so sorry!” Lavanya crouched instantly, her tone dripping with guilt. “Your groceries—this is all my fault. I’m so clumsy, let me help.”

The elderly woman smiled kindly. “Child, it’s completely okay. You’re clearly late for work, darling. It happens.”

Lavanya’s hands moved quickly, picking up the apples one by one. “No, no, Miss Evelyn, today let me help you. Please.”

Behind her sweet tone, a thought flickered: If I play the saint, she’ll remember me as the perfect neighbor. No one ever doubts perfection.

The Store Stop

Later, hopping off the bus, Lavanya slipped into the corner store. “Let’s buy some ramen and kimchi to snack on,” she muttered, grabbing her favorites.

At the counter stood Rohan, the young clerk with the kind of smile that begged for attention. Lavanya leaned on the counter, batting her lashes.

“Hey, Rohan,” she teased, “did your eyes get extra beautiful today, or have mine been blind all this time?”

He chuckled, scanning her ramen. “There’s my favorite girl. As usual, Buldak Curry Ramen. My eyes have always been beautiful, but unlucky—they’re only for you.”

“So,” she tilted her head, the corners of her lips tugging up, “can you add me to your to-do list today?”

Rohan winked. “Done. That’ll be 180.96 rupees.”

She paid, brushing his fingers deliberately as she passed the bills. Men are easy, she thought. A word here, a smile there. All of them, mine if I want them to be.

Workplace Halo

The conference hall buzzed with anticipation. The manager stood at the podium, smiling.

“This year’s best employee is…”

Lavanya’s teammates whispered among themselves.

“It’s gotta be her,” Lisa said. “Lavanya’s kind, charming, flirty, dedicated… her presentations are wild, in a good way.”

“She’s an angel,” Lina sighed. “Those doe-eyes make me melt. Innocent, kind, helpful. Total green flag.”

Rishabh leaned forward. “You know she’s writing a novel? I’ve read her drafts. They’re addictive—her inner monologues are dark, though. She sees shadows in everyone. Her imagination is… crazy.”

The manager’s voice rang out: “Lavanya!”

Cheers erupted. Lavanya rose gracefully, her smile radiant. Compliments poured in:

“Congrats, favorite girl!”

“We knew it would be you!”

“How are you so dedicated while we just survive on cafeteria food and coffee?”

Lavanya lowered her gaze shyly, though her chest swelled with something far less humble. “Thank you, guys, but slow down—I can’t hear all of you at once.”

Lisa pouted. “I’ll never be you. I just binge dramas at work.”

Lina yawned. “And I just sleep here.”

Rishabh grinned. “Your book has fire dialogues. Seriously lit.”

Lavanya nodded, thanking them softly. But inside, her thoughts curled sharp and hungry:

What if they’re all mine to rule? What if I owned this company? I’m so tired of being admired. I want to be obeyed. I want to rule.

And for a moment, the angel’s smile curved like a blade.