CHAPTER 25: THE UNEXPECTED CALL

Amna woke up feeling uneasy, her mind still reeling from the events of the previous day. She had decided to take a mental health day and skip work, hoping to recharge and gather her thoughts. As she lay in bed, she heard her phone ring. She hesitated for a moment before picking it up, hoping it wasn't work-related.

"Hello?" she answered, her voice still husky from sleep.

"Amna, it's Shahmeer. Where are you?" his deep voice boomed through the phone.

Amna's heart sank. She had been hoping to avoid this conversation. "I'm... uh... not feeling well, Shahmeer. I took a day off," she replied, trying to sound convincing.

"I don't care about that right now, Amna. You need to come into the office immediately. We have a crisis on our hands," Shahmeer's tone was firm and urgent.

Amna groaned inwardly. She had been hoping to avoid this exact situation. "What's going on, Shahmeer? Can't it wait?" she asked, stalling for time.

"No, it can't wait. One of our biggest clients is threatening to pull out, and we need you to help resolve the issue. Now, Amna. Please," Shahmeer's voice was firm but laced with a hint of concern.

Amna sighed, knowing she had no choice. She threw off her covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed. "Fine, I'll be there as soon as I can," she resigned herself to her fate.

"Good. I'll see you soon," Shahmeer hung up, leaving Amna feeling like she'd been summoned to the principal's office.

With a heavy sigh, Amna got out of bed, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios. She quickly showered and dressed, her thoughts consumed by the impending crisis at work. As she headed out the door, she couldn't shake off the feeling that today was going to be a long and challenging day.

Amna arrived at the office, her heart racing with anticipation. As she stepped out of the elevator, she was greeted by the sound of raised voices. A customer was standing at the reception desk, his face red with anger, shouting at poor Rachel, who looked like a deer in headlights.

"I demand to speak to your manager! This is unacceptable!" the customer bellowed, his voice echoing through the office.

As she approached the reception desk, the customer turned to her, his anger redirected. "And who are you? Another incompetent employee who can't get anything right?"

Amna took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "I'm Amna, the marketing manager. How can I assist you today?"

The customer snorted. "You're the one who's going to fix this mess? I doubt it."

Amna's eyes locked onto the customer's, trying to read his intentions. "Sir, please, let's discuss this in a calm and civil manner. I'm here to help."

The customer's face turned beet red, and he slammed his fist on the desk. "You'll help me? You'll help me? You'll pay for what you've done!"

As the customer's words trailed off, Amna felt a chill run down her spine. Something was off. This was more than just a disgruntled customer.

And then, everything went black.

To be continued...