Dark skies loomed over the huge infrastructure building of Niramai Holdings. Light rain drizzle fell from the skies – an aftermath of a torrential rain that's not uncommon for the month of October. Today, Phasuk couldn't fathom if luck is not on her side because she got drenched on the way to work. Dragging her drenched figure towards the company's entrance, she couldn't help but wonder and be worried about her younger brother, who, just like her, was drenched as they travelled their way to work and school using their family's worn-out motorcycle.
'Hope he arrived safely on his campus.' Phasuk thought to herself
Ideas and decisions clouded her mind as she walked on the cobbled walkway. She thinks it's about time to take a new loan and get her brother a decent car. The family's motorcycle could need a break; it's been with them ever since she could remember. It's time to consider getting a new ride, just like how their life is starting a new restart.
'I think I can manage to get a new loan after paying the last installment for the family's debt. My brother deserves a reward for being admitted to the prestigious engineering school in the city. Albeit a few years later since his freshman year, a car would be a perfect gift for him.'
As she entered the office building with her company ID in hand, she saw a group of secretaries and managers scurrying in a state of chaos in the spacious company lobby.
"Phasuk! Here! Come here, quick!" said one of the secretaries who works closely with Phasuk's department. Phasuk couldn't even remember the name because of the huge number of secretaries working under Niramai Holdings.
"What's going on? It's still 7:40 am, why is the company already bustling with affairs?" she asked, confused whether there was a sudden notice she had failed to read before coming to work.
"The CEO is coming to the main branch. I heard that she successfully elevated the company's prestige overseas after signing a billion-dollar contract. Niramai Holdings is surely going global now. I thought everyone would be given a holiday break and a bonus from what I've heard, but the atmosphere is tense right now," the secretary replied, not forgetting to share the recent office gossip.
"Perhaps there were mishaps with the team overseas?" asked an equally confused Phasuk.
"No, from what I've heard, it went perfectly. But I've heard from a secretary who went with the group overseas that the CEO was supposed to stay and celebrate there; however, she suddenly flew back to the country, leaving everyone, including the foreign investors, behind. It was as if the company were on the brink of bankruptcy; she hurried back as if her life depended on it. In short, the CEO came back pissed and hurried. P-I-S-S-E-D!!!" the secretary relayed exaggeratedly with magnified movements and facial expressions.
'Pissed?' Phasuk just stayed silent.
It never really mattered to her. What she deemed important was that she could continue working here in the company. She's been working under Niramai Holdings for two years already. She was fortunate to be endorsed by a kind university professor to work here when the company had several vacancies, as they had laid off a large number of employees that year. From what she could gather, the employees were sitting on pins and needles at that time; the CEO's seat was not yet warmed, however, a huge reform was made in the company. A month later, who could have wondered – Phasuk is now one of the employees walking on a thin thread, working every day. Though working here is never easy, all workers are well compensated, and the benefits and welfare are premium and world-class.
The murmurs and gossip continued to echo within the lobby. At exactly 8:00 am, it's as if a switch was turned on – the crowd suddenly went quiet and cold. And a perfectly straight beeline of workers was created.
Footsteps echoed on the marbled floor. One calm and poised, the other, with hurried footsteps. The one leading exudes a commanding presence, as if commanding everyone in the room. Her gaze, albeit sharp, nestles in perfect harmony with her beautiful face. She truly embodies the modern-day female alpha.
"Ma'am, here is the list of positions suitable for Miss Thira. I've talked with various departmental heads already, and they are honored to welcome Miss and aid her to the best of their abilities," said the male chief of staff as he trails after the female CEO.
"I never said she would work under other managers. I want you to provide her with her own office in the secretarial department and give her light work. Have the most capable secretary aid and monitor her. Let the secretary be strict with her attendance, but never let the miss tire herself," the CEO replied as she stopped her steps and turned sideways, flipping through the file contents handed to her by her trusted secretary.
She returned the file and continued on her way to her personal elevator, greeting the crowd of managers and secretaries in the lobby.
DINGED
As the door to the exclusive private elevator closed, the small crowd dispersed as quickly as they had assembled. It feels like they can finally breathe a sigh of relief, without the CEO looming over them.
Phasuk also went together with other secretaries on her floor. The gossip continued inside the small elevator room. Amidst the noise, Phasuk was in her own little thoughts. She's not even concerned about office gossip; just the thought gives her additional worries. Everything that does not concern her, her work, and her younger brother is beyond her control. She just wants to work in peace, pay off what remains of their family's debt, and earn extra to let her brother live a comfortable life.
She just wished the day would be over, hoping she could finish her work and enjoy a relaxing time afterward. She hopes she can get out of work on time to celebrate with her brother tonight at their favorite diner, which serves authentic food from their province. A taste would be a great reward for the hard work she had this week.
She also hopes to surprise her brother with the news of getting a new car, it would be a double celebration for her brother's another year in the university. Their family's motorcycle is old news and should be disposed of already. Thinking of the motorcycle, memories suddenly resurfaced in her mind. Treasured memories that she almost couldn't remember but couldn't forget.
'It's all in the past, I've moved on, and that's all there to it,' Phasuk reminded herself once more. She went directly to her desk, cleaned the station a little, and said her usual morning prayer before starting any official work.
She prayed that Friday would come fast, as she dreaded this Monday, which was canonically the same as other people's in every workplace.
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Yothasira Thanachai – CEO
The obsidian plaque with vermillion-colored letters, inked and engraved on the surface, practically screams power, prestige, and dominance. A name and title that is worthy of the female sitting behind the two-meter blackwood desk.
The tranquility of the office was broken by a sharp ringing from a mobile phone.
RING – RING – RING
"Hello?"
"Grumpy?! I've been up since last night cleaning up the mess you've made."
"I don't want to hear any word from you for now. And please could you distance yourself from Su. You've always been a bad influence on her."
"Me?! What do you think I'm doing? I'm doing the best things that I can to help and guide her."
"Stop. Stop. Let's talk when we can. I don't think both of us are up for a proper discussion at this moment."
"Yes, I'll set up a schedule. Let's get together soon. Su has been bugging me for weeks, but I got stumped with work, maybe that's how you crept your presence on her these past few days."
"Okay, I'll send her a message. See you and take care."
After the call ended, Yothasira walked towards the huge glass window. Surveying the crowd and traffic, she thought of the earlier call. Who would have thought that a simple hello would almost turn into a full-blown war?
However, that is what always has been. It was always like this, as Yothasira could still remember what had happened for the past 3 years.