CHAPTER 16
1235 Words
CHAPTER 16
Anjali
I took out the tissue papers out of the roll swiftly and wiped the tears off my face. Why am I crying? This is something I always wanted, to work in Malhotras Industries. Why am I not happy? I am just minutes away from getting my dream job. Walk into the interview room, flaunt my smartness and I will be hired. How difficult that could be? But, why does the thought brings tears to my eyes?
“Anjali....” called Sara who entered the ladies rest room.
I immediately pulled my bag and began to search something. “Touch up.” I said holding the lip gloss in front of her.
Sara smiled and walked towards me.”Not much competition, Anjali. I checked the other candidates. No one looks smart.” She said. “I am sure you will get this.”
Am I sure that I want this?
Sitting in front of the HR I was trying the least to impress her. Fidgeting fingers, checking time often, not making eye contact, well, even I will not hire me. Strangely, that made me happy.
“So, you were already working with one of our bosses?” she asked
“Yes.” I said monotonously. Though Arav was not actively involved in business, he held major shares along with his brothers.
Some wordless conversation transpired between the main person and other man sitting beside her after which the man said, “We will get back to you through mail, Ms.Sharma.”
I thanked them and walked out quietly. If months ago anyone had told me I would be dormant in an interview with Malhotra Industries, then I would have laughed at them. I was a complete dork. Now, even I don’t understand what changed. Does my job with Arav is more important and interesting than working here?
“How was it?” asked Sara excitedly
“Good.” I answered
“Good? Just good? Come one show more interest, Anjali.” She cribbed
“Sara, my head is aching. I want to go home. I will call you if I get any response from them, okay?”
I didn’t let Sara engage me in talk any more. I wanted some alone time for me to think.
As I stood near the gate, waiting for an auto or taxi, a bike stopped in front of me. “Will drop you at office just for 500 bucks.”
I hit him with the file and said,”Duffer, whose bike did you steal?”
Rishab lifted the helmet and looked at me offended. “Hey, this is my friend’s bike.”
“Whatever.” I said climbing behind on the bike.
I had already messaged Arav I will not be coming to studio. I had decided to spend time clearing my mind. I am really glad that Rishab is here. He always knew how to cheer me up. As first thing, we both decided to feed our greedy stomach.
“Why did you attend the interview if you are not interested in the job?” he asked
“What? Why would I not be interested?”
“Sharmaji, don’t lie. I remember the ruckus you created when you thought you got an opportunity to work for Malhotra Industries before you realized it was offer to work with Arav Malhotra. Now you are sulking as if someone is forcing you to work in Antarctica alone.” He said
“Shut up. I am just nervous that is all.”
“I am your brother; give me some credits, okay. I know how the nervous you look and the confused you look.”
I looked at my brother genuinely looking at me concerned.
“Awww!!!Look at my baby brother trying to talk all grown up.” I said placing my hand on his cheek.
“I always want you to be happy, sister. That is why I am making biggest sacrifice of my life for you.” He said dramatically
“What?”
“I am leaving Goa forever.”
I chocked at the piece of Roti I was eating and looked at him surprised
“What? Why?”
“You remember my senior Amit? He is starting a club here and wants me to join.” he said. “As a partner.” He added
I shrieked exited making him close my mouth with a paneer.
“I am so happy for you, Sharmaji.” I said hugging him. “Now, we will be here in Mumbai together.”
“Well, just in Mumbai not together.” He said
“Why?” I asked narrowing my eyes at him
“You know, I am an innocent young boy and I cannot encourage you bringing your boyfriend home. So, it is better we stay separately. “
“Drama queen.” I said hitting his head. “I am not like you. I don’t even have a boyfriend.”
“Really! Then who was the poor guy who came running after midnight to your house just because you were crying.”
His words bought back various memories and sudden wave of gloom hit me. If he cares for me so much, then why doesn’t it bother him that I might stop working for him?
“Oye! What happened?” he asked
“Sharmaji, stop proving that you are a duffer.” I said. “He is not my boyfriend. He is not even going to be my boss anymore if I get this job.”
“Whatever makes you happy.” He said shaking his head. “Anyway, on a serious note, I will be staying with my friend Amit only, so that we can work on the business easily. Let the club gets started and I start to see money, then we will buy a flat and bring mom and dad also here.” He said
“Did you tell dad about the club?”
“Not yet. You don’t tell him anything as well. I will talk to him when we go home for Diwali*.” He said
“Fine.” I agreed
“So, this is what happening in my life. What’s up with yours, Sharmaji?”
“You know everything, Sharmaji. Why are you asking me?”
“Do you remember when I wanted to go to Goa and work as DJ instead of doing MBA and dad was against it? You told me I should follow my heart and do whatever I want no matter it is big or small?”
“Yeah, but why are you telling me this now?”
“If you want to continue what you are doing, you should do that. It doesn’t matter even if what you are letting go is something bigger and better.” He said
“I always wanted to work in a company as challenging as Malhotras’” I said
“And now?”
Before I could answer my phone beeped with a mail and I checked it to find that I have been selected to work for Malhotra Industries. Does my answer matter now?
BONUS
Whatsapp conversation between Anjali and Arav soon after interview
- How did the interview go?
- Good
-Okay
-Okay
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*Diwali - Festival of lights in India
- Writer
