She is the storm
* In the conference hall of Navi innovations*
"Is everyone clear with their duties for the event?" An authoritative voice asks.
Everyone nods.
"Great! Now, let me assign the duty to the receptionist. Where's Ms.Priya?"
The owner of the voice scans her eyes around the hall and spots no sign of the receptionist, Ms.Priya.
"Ishani, where's Priya? Go and bring her work laptop and check if she's already sent the invitation mails and drafted the thank-you mails."
"Yes, ma'am." An 8-month pregnant lady, who is the Manager, stands up at the words of the authoritative CEO of the company, Ms. Vaishnavi.
She returns with I laptop of Ishani and keeps the laptop on one of the tables and scrolls through the documents to check the documents and then looks afraid at the CEO, who was already waiting for her reply.
"Ma'am, ma.."
"What is it, Ishani?" She keeps her worried gaze on the laptop, as if already knowing what her manager has to say.
"There are no notes of thanks drafted, and the invitation card is made but not sent."
Vaishnavi lets out a deep sigh." Mr. Verma, have you received any leave mail from Ms. Priya's side?"
Mr. Verma nods his head no, afraid of what was going to follow.
"Alright, Mr. Verma. You know what you have to do now, right? And along with that, it's your part of the work now to ensure that all the invitation mails are sent by tonight, and the notes of thanks are drafted to be sent after the end of the event. I need a report by 10 AM tomorrow. No delays expected."
"Yes, ma'am. I will do the needful in the stipulated time and..Ms. Priya.."
"Yes? Any doubts regarding that?" A stern expression follows his doubtful words.
"No, ma'am."
"By the end of the day and on a priority basis, get my signatures for her termination letter."
"Yes, ma'am."
"The meeting is over. Everyone is expected to do their tasks on time and in a proper manner. If any of you face any problem, contact Ms. Ishani on a priority basis. Thank you." With these words, Vaishnavi storms out of the conference room and heads straight to her cabin.
Vaishnavi's pov:
"Calm Down, Vaishnavi! Calm down. It's okay. We're still good to go. All is set. But that irresponsible employee, huh! No mistakes forgiven. It's such a big and important meeting, no mistakes allowed. There's a need for utmost scrutiny here," she says these words to herself while sitting in her executive chair and gulping water to calm her nerves. Breathe in, breathe out.
Cool, let me check the data. I get lost in checking the files.
Ishani knocks on the door after one hour. "Come in."
"Ma'am, we have made all the arrangements and everyone has already given me the updates, deadlines are all set, logistics team is set to bring all the stuff by tomorrow's morning and the creative team has already shown me the designs, and will finish the work by estimated 5 pm tomorrow and you'd be able to supervise everything by maximum 6 pm. No work hours extended. No overload on any employee. Everything's managed according to your instructions, ma'am."
"That's great, Ms. Ishani. Thank you." I say as I feel a sense of relief.
"But ma'am"
"Yes?"
"Ms. Priya,"
"What about her, Ms.?" My calm, relieved expression changed instantly to a stern one as soon as I heard the mention of a careless employee.
"It's... It's just that it's her first mistake. I know, ma'am, how important this meeting is, but..."
"But what, Ms. Ishani. You already know, it's a very strict policy of our company, not to allow any chance of carelessness. No second chance given." I say calmly, as I could not let the pregnant lady take the stress.
"Yes, ma'am"
"She can and would come to collect her termination letter, no disrespect, but no respect either. Our company takes care of the employees, so the employees must take care of their duties. No exceptions made here!"
"Yes, ma'am, Sorry."
I look at her and give her a tight smile, and go back to checking the files and the data. I was so busy that I didn't notice that it was already 10, and when I stood up from i chair and moved out of my cabin, I saw the office was already empty with only Mr. Verma and Ms. Ishani there in the office. I go to Ms. Ishani first and ask, "What happened? Why are you still here? You should have slept by now."
"Ma'am, I was there in the common room, resting."
"Alright! But why are you still in the office, and have you had dinner?"
"Yes, ma'am. I'm here to check on her updates and if Mr. Verma would need some more help."
"Mr. Verma, are you still drafting the mails?"
"No..yes, ma'am. Actually..."
"Are the invitation mails sent?"
"Yes, ma'am, already done that. Just, just some editing."
"No problem, Mr. Verma, you can draft the thank you mails by tomorrow afternoon. It's late. You should head home now. I could already see the surprise on his face at my soft words."
Yes, yes ma'am. Thank you.
He starts packing his stuff when I say, I appreciate your dedication and efforts. I could sense his smile and teary eyes with happiness. He just nodded in response, and I knew why he couldn't say anything.
I, too, leave when they both leave for their place.
My home:
"Papa! You're still awake! It's 11 already."
"Yes, it's 11. Beta, try to get some good sleep, and you haven't even had your dinner."
My eyes fill with tears as I smile. I sit at the dinner table.
Vaishnavi's mom," Lemme heat the food for you."
"Ma, it's ok, I'll do that, please sleep, it's late."
"Oh, please, child! I'm your mom. Sit quietly and let me serve you food."
My parents love me and care for me so much. And I'm sure they're the only ones in this whole world who care. The rest of the people are just here to serve their own plates.
