THE ROLLERCOASTER RIDE

PART-14

BONUS!!!! TODAY'S SPECIAL DAY! ENJOY!!

    Aanand's hands clasped behind his back, his eyes boring into Rudra's skull like a drill sergeant's glare. "Since you have made the mistake, you have got to face the consequences."

    Rudra's face faltered, confusion etched on his features. His eyes, once bright with confidence, were now clouded with uncertainty. He looked at his father in anticipation, his heart beating with speed of light.

    "You are demoted to the software engineer post, effective immediately." Aanand announced, his voice devoid of any emotions, filled with authority.

    Rudra's face contorted in shock. "WHAT!? No? You can't do that! I'm the CTO!" The words tumbled out, a desperate protest, a child's wail against an unjustified fate.

    Aanand's expression turned amused, a hint of sarcasm dancing on his lips like a cruel smile. He gently brushed Rudra's hair off his forehead, a gesture that belied the venom in his words.

     "Oh, son, I can do far more than that. So, be glad I didn't demote you to entry-level, huh?" His voice was soft, a velvet wrapped razor, cutting deep into Rudra's pride.

    Rudra's face fell, his eyes flashing with a mix of anger, hurt, and betrayal. He took a step back, his mind reeling like a punch-drunk boxer.

    The demotion was a blow, a public stripping of his power and status, a humiliation that seared his soul like a branding iron. He felt like he'd been flayed alive, his emotions raw and exposed.

    "You can't do this!" Rudra protested, shaking his head in stunned denial. "You can't just demote me like this! I've always made you proud, Dad! I've always been among the toppers of my class, from school to engineering to my MBA. My achievements have never brought shame to my family." His words tumbled out in an impassioned torrent.

    Aanand looked straight into his eyes and spoke in authoretive tone. "Mistakes have consequences, Rudra. As my employee, you will face them regardless of our family ties."

    He paused to take a good look of his rebellious son and then continue. "In this company, you are just another staff member, not my son. No special treatments, no favors."

    Rudra's jaw clenched, eyes blazing with fury. His rigid postures and clenched fists screamed defiance. "No one gets demoted from CTO to software engineer overnight. It's not fair." His voice low with indignation.

    Aanand's expression remained firm. "Your recent decisions have put the company at risk. This demotion is not just a punishment but a chance to re-evaluate your priorities."

    Rudra stood unwavering, his gaze locked onto his father's defiance burning in his eyes like a challenge. The tension between them was palpable. "I've earned this place with my achievements and abilities, not because of your name."

    "And, the company's losses aren't mine to bear alone." He asserted, his voice steady and firm. A hint of indignation creeping into his tone. His jaw clenched, emphasizing the sharp angles of his face, a mirror image of his father's resolute expression.

    Rudra took a deliberate step forward, his eyes narrowing. "What about the rest of the team? The executives, the manager, the hierarchy? Were they all sleeping at the wheel?" His words dripped with skepticism, implying on Aanand's leadership qualities.

    Aanand's expression didn't weaver, but a flicker of irritation danced in his eyes, betraying a deeper concern. His lips compressed into a thin line, a subtle sign of restraint.

    "And what about you, sir?" Rudra pressed on, his voice laced with a hint of sarcasm. "You're the chairman, the CEO. Ultimate responsibility rests with you." He paused, his gaze piercing. "Were you too busy to oversea, too distracted to intervene?"