When Disaster Meets Perfection

Ch-21 The End of the Beginning

The next day, Annika arrived at the office with a resolute determination to submit her resignation. She had made up her mind to leave the company, no matter what. As she walked in, she steeled herself for any potential attempts to persuade her to stay. She was prepared to resist any pleas or enticements that might come her way, knowing that she had made the decision to move on.

Annika anticipated that Tanya, in particular, would not take her resignation lightly. She expected Tanya to try and make the process as difficult as possible, to "torture" her one last time. But Annika was undeterred, her mind made up. She was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that she was doing what was best for herself.

With a sense of conviction, Annika headed to the HR department, her resignation letter in hand, prepared to formally submit her notice and begin the process of leaving the company behind.

Annika knocked on the door and entered the HR department, greeting Miss Neha with a professional smile. "Hello, Miss Neha, I'm Annika Trivedi from the designing team."

Neha, who was typing away on her computer, looked up at Annika with an air of arrogance. "Miss Annika, you're very late. Because of you, my work is still pending."

Annika's confusion was evident on her face. She wondered why Neha was waiting for her and how she knew she was coming. Before she could voice her thoughts, Neha continued, her tone impatient. "Since so much time has been wasted, let's not waste more. Sit down quickly and fill out the form you've decided to choose."

Annika sat down, perplexed. "Form? Choose? I don't understand what you're saying."

Neha's irritation grew. "Haven't you checked your email? The new temporary CEO has made some changes in employee allocation across various teams. You're given two options: either move to the team she's assigned you to or leave the company. So, decide what you want to do."

Annika's shock turned to curiosity. She wanted to know what Tanya had planned for her. She opened her email and searched for the office communication. As she read the contents, her blood began to boil. Tanya had assigned her the lowest position in the company, a role that was five levels below her current position when she first joined.

The realization hit Annika like a slap in the face. Tanya's move was a clear attempt to humiliate and demote her, a cruel twist of the knife. Annika's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with the implications of this decision.

Annika's eyes scanned the email again, her anger growing with each passing second. She couldn't believe Tanya's audacity. How could she stoop so low? Annika's mind flashed back to all the times she had stood up to Tanya, all the times she had refused to back down. This was Tanya's revenge, a petty and vindictive move to crush Annika's spirit.

Neha's voice cut through Annika's thoughts, her tone still irritated. "So, Miss Annika, what's it going to be? Are you going to accept the new role or leave the company?"

Annika's eyes locked onto Neha's, her voice firm and resolute. "I'll leave the company."

Neha's expression didn't change, but Annika detected a hint of satisfaction in her voice. "Very well. Please sign this form, and your resignation will be processed."

Annika took the form, her hand steady as she signed her name. She felt a sense of liberation wash over her, a sense of freedom from the toxic work environment and Tanya's tyranny. She stood up, her eyes never leaving Neha's face. "I'm done."

Neha nodded curtly. "Your resignation will be effective immediately. Please return your ID card and any company property to the reception desk."

Annika nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. She knew she was walking away from a toxic situation, and she was ready to start anew.

Ceo Office

Tanya savored every sip of her coffee, reveling in the plush CEO office. She spun around in the high-backed chair, feeling an overwhelming sense of triumph. Her dream had finally come true – she was the temporary CEO, and she wouldn't waste this opportunity.

A sly smile spread across her face as she thought about those who had underestimated her. She would make them pay for belittling her, for not treating her as an equal. And she had already taken the first step – allocating her critics to different teams, stripping them of their influence.

The knock on the door broke her reverie. She straightened her posture, adopting a commanding tone. "Come in."

Neha entered, carrying a stack of papers. "Ma'am, these are the lists of employees who resigned from the company after your allocation of them to various teams."

Tanya's eyes sparkled with interest as she took the papers. "Okay, thanks. You may go."

As soon as Neha left, Tanya scanned the list, her grin widening. Out of 25 employees reassigned, 10 had resigned – a satisfying number. Her eyes scanned the names, and her smile turned triumphant when she saw Annika and her team on the list.

"Annika, you thought you could complain about me to Vishal and have me fired?" Tanya's voice was laced with venom. "But look who's leaving the company – you, not me. This will teach you who's superior."

Tanya's smirk deepened. "You think you're free from me? Think again, baby. I'll make sure you struggle to find a job in any other reputable company."

With a wicked glint in her eye, Tanya dialed a number and began speaking in hushed tones, plotting her next move to ensure Annika's professional downfall.

Tanya's voice was laced with malice as she spoke to the person on the other end of the line. "Yes, I want you to spread the word about Annika's unprofessional behavior. Make sure it reaches the top recruiters and HR managers in the industry... No, I don't care how you do it, just get it done."

She paused, listening to the person's response before continuing. "And make sure to emphasize her 'difficulty' in working with colleagues, especially women. I want her reputation to precede her, so no one dares to hire her... Yes, that's right. I want her to suffer."

Tanya's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she hung up the phone. She felt a sense of vindication, knowing that Annika would soon realize the true extent of her power.

Just then, her assistant knocked on the door. "Ma'am, you have a meeting with the marketing team in 15 minutes."

Tanya nodded, smoothing her hair. "Very well. I'll be there."

As she walked to the meeting room, Tanya felt a sense of confidence she had never felt before. She was the CEO, and she would stop at nothing to maintain her position.

The marketing team greeted her with nods and smiles.

The meeting began with Tanya dominating the discussion, her tone condescending and dismissive. The employees shared exchanged uneasy glances, sensing the toxicity emanating from their new CEO.

As the meeting concluded, Tanya felt a sense of accomplishment. She had asserted her authority, and her message was clear: cross her, and you'll suffer the consequences.

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