A Symphony Of Silence And Storm

What happens to Annika

Frustration simmered in Annika's veins. The Mittal Project report deadline had passed over a week ago, and she was at her wit's end with Shivay's constant changes. For two months, finalizing the report had been an exercise in futility. Shivay would nitpick minute details or simply disappear during crucial discussions. Today, Annika had reached her breaking point. She had pressing matters to attend to in the US for her own company, but the unfinished report kept her grounded.

Sitting in Shivay's office, she steeled herself for a final showdown. Unaware of her simmering anger and presence, Shivay strolled in, oblivious. He tossed his coat onto a chair and with a flourish, flung open the curtains. Light flooded the room, revealing – to his surprise – an empty chair. "Annika's running late today," he chuckled to himself, ready to tease her about it.

Before his playful banter could continue, Annika's voice cut through his obliviousness. Mr. Oberoi," Annika announced, her tone laced with barely contained irritation, "I'm already here. It seems you're the one who's late." Shivay, startled, whipped around to find Annika perched on one of his armchairs, her gaze fixed on him with a mix of exasperation and determination. The playful teasing died on his lips.

A beat of surprised silence hung in the air, punctuated only by the rhythmic tick of the clock on the wall. Annika held his gaze steadily, her posture radiating an air of quiet authority that contrasted sharply with Shivay's usual nonchalance.

Finally, Shivay cleared his throat, a hint of sheepishness creeping into his voice. "Annika," he began, attempting a casual smile. "You, uh... you surprised me there. Didn't see you come in."

Annika refused to be placated by his weak attempt at humor. "Apparently, I've been here long enough for you to monologue about my tardiness," she countered, her voice a low, controlled simmer. "Perhaps more importantly, the report deadline passed a week ago."

Shivay's smile faltered completely. He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous gesture that betrayed his usual confident demeanor. "Right, the report," he mumbled, avoiding her gaze. "Just a few minor details left to iron out, no?"

Annika's frustration bubbled to the surface. "Minor details? Mr.Oberoi, for the past two months, it's been one 'minor detail' after another. We discuss, we agree, then suddenly you want to revisit everything. This isn't productive anymore."

Shivay opened his mouth to protest, but Annika cut him off with a raised hand. "Let me finish," she said firmly. "This isn't a negotiation, Mr.Oberoi," she continued, her voice firm but laced with a weariness that spoke volumes of the past two months' frustrations. "I have pressing issues back at my company that demand my immediate attention. Those issues won't vanish into thin air just because the Mittal Project report remains unfinished."

Her gaze, unwavering and intense, held Shivay captive. "This," she declared, tapping a finger on the table for emphasis, "is my final ultimatum. Today, we finalize the report. No more revisions, no more excuses. We. Are. Done."

The weight of her words hung heavy in the air. Shivay, usually brimming with easy confidence, seemed to shrink under her unwavering gaze. A muscle ticked in his jaw, betraying the internal struggle.

Annika didn't wait for his answer. She knew the games he played, the last-minute changes, the convenient disappearances during discussions. This time, she wouldn't budge.

"Consider this your fair warning, Mr. Oberoi," she added, her voice dropping to a low, dangerous rumble. "If by the end of the day, this report isn't finalized, then Arnav takes over. Starting three days later, you'll be dealing with him on the remaining details. Because as of tomorrow, I will no longer be wasting my time here."

A sigh, heavy with defeat, escaped Shivay's lips. "Alright, alright," he conceded, raising his hands in mock surrender. "You win, Annika. Let's get this damn report done."