When Disaster Meets Perfection

Ch-22 Defying the Odds

2 months later

Annika's eyes locked onto Ishana's, her face etched with anxiety and panic. Ishana, oblivious to her friend's distress, focused on the laptop screen, her fingers flying across the keyboard.

"Annika, are you sure you don't want to see the results?" Ishana asked, her voice gentle. "You just want a yes or no?"

Annika's voice trembled. "Ishana, if I see the results, I'm sure I won't be selected. You know it's my last chance. If I don't get this job, I'll have to leave the city."

Ishana's expression turned reassuring. "Annika, I'm positive you'll get it. Worst-case scenario, if you don't, we'll figure something out. I'll talk to your parents."

Annika's laughter was laced with desperation. "Ishana, you know them. They'll convince you instead. Just stop talking and tell me – did I make it or not?"

As Ishana's fingers danced across the keyboard, Annika's mind wandered back to the past two months. After resigning from her previous company, she had assumed finding a new job would be effortless. But reality had been cruel.

She had reached the final round of interviews multiple times, only to be rejected without explanation. The pattern had left her baffled and demoralized. It wasn't until she overheard whispers in a bathroom during an interview that the truth began to unravel.

The rumors about her were spreading like wildfire, and she knew exactly who was behind it – Tanya. Tanya's vendetta had reached the highest echelons of the industry, poisoning Annika's reputation and sabotaging her chances.

One day when Annika was talking to her parents on the phone she accidentally mentioned that she lost her job. Her parents were surprised and asked her what happened. Annika was hesitant to share the details, but her father's questions led her to reveal the truth.

Her parents were concerned and they immediately decided that she should return to their hometown and open a boutique. They assured her that they would manage the expenses and that she wouldn't have to work hard in a company. However, Annika was resolute in her determination to stay in Mumbai and find a job in the fashion industry. She refused to give up and let Tanya win.

Her father, frustrated with her stubbornness, gave her an ultimatum: find a job in the fashion industry within a month, or return to their hometown. He warned her that if she didn't comply, he would come to Mumbai to escort her back home, and if she still refused, he would disown her and remove her name from the family registry.

With no other choice, Annika reluctantly agreed to her father's terms. She began applying to smaller companies, hoping to escape the rumors that had sabotaged her previous chances. However, somehow, the rumors had spread, and even these smaller companies were wary of hiring her.

Now, with her deadline looming, Annika's last hope rested on this one company. If she didn't secure a job here, she would be forced to return to her hometown, defeated and humiliated. The thought of Tanya's triumph was unbearable, and Annika steeled herself for one final attempt to prove her worth.

Annika's thoughts snapped back to the present as Ishana's eyes met hers, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

"Annika, take a deep breath," Ishana said softly. "The results are in."

Annika's heart skipped a beat, her fate hanging precariously in the balance.

Ishana gazed at Annika with tears brimming in her eyes, her expression a mix of empathy and concern. Annika, sensing the unspoken words, burst into sobs, her body shaking with despair.

"I know it, I'll get rejected again," Annika wailed, her voice cracking. "Mumbai has shattered my dreams, my heart. Oh God, how could you let this happen? Wasn't my prayers enough? How can you make that sly Tanya win and make me lose? Now I have to go back to Shimla. Why does this happens to me? Why God? Why?"

Ishana rushed to Annika's side, wrapping her in a warm embrace. "Annika, oh my god, stop crying! You're assuming things again. You don't have to go back to Shimla. You got selected, Annika! You got the job! Congratulations!"

Annika's tear-stained face lifted, her eyes filled with skepticism. "You're making fun of me, telling lies to console me."

Ishana shook her head vigorously. "I'm not lying! Look at the results yourself." She handed Annika the laptop, and as Annika scrolled through the screen, her expression transformed from despair to disbelief.

With a shriek of joy, Annika leapt from the bed, embracing Ishana tightly. "Ishana, I'm selected! I'm not going back! I won!" The two friends bounced up and down, their laughter and tears mingling in a cathartic release.

As they broke apart, Annika asked, "Why were you crying, then?"

Ishana smiled sheepishly. "Happy tears, stupid! I was about to share the news, but you started talking before I could."

Annika grinned, wiping away her tears. "Sorry! but I was tensed. You wait,  I'll call my parents now." She dashed to her room, leaving Ishana beaming with pride.

Ishana messaged someone, sharing the news, her heart full of joy for her friend. The past two months had been a rollercoaster, watching Annika's motivation dwindle with each rejection. This moment made it all worth it.

A few minutes later, Ishana entered the room carrying a tray of snacks and drinks, a warm smile on her face. Annika was still on the phone, wrapping up her conversation.

"Okay, Mom, bye-bye," Annika said, her voice still laced with a hint of irritation. "And you will tell Dad about the news. Okay. I'm still angry with him. How could he give me an ultimatum like that? I won't talk to him till he consoles me properly."

As Annika hung up, Ishana shook her head good-naturedly, amused by Annika's childish banter with her parents. "Celebration time!" Ishana announced, setting the tray down. "I brought your favorite snacks – samosas, chaat, and cold drinks."

Annika's face lit up, her annoyance momentarily forgotten. "Yay! Thanks, Ishana!"

Ishana chuckled, handing Annika a plate. "You're still mad at uncle, huh?"

Annika nodded, popping a samosa into her mouth. "He should apologize for being so harsh."

Ishana smiled knowingly. "He loves you, Annika. He just wants the best for you."

Annika rolled her eyes, but a smile played on her lips. "I know, but still..."

Annika grinned, and the two friends spent the evening basking in the glory of Annika's triumph, their laughter and chatter filling the room.

Meanwhile, Ishana's message had reached its destination – a certain someone who had been rooting for Annika from afar. A smile spread across their face as they read the news, feeling a sense of pride and satisfaction.

The rollercoaster ride was finally over, and Annika's future looked brighter than ever. Little did she know, this was just the beginning of a new chapter in her life, one filled with challenges, opportunities, and growth.

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