Secretary to Mrs. Campbell

The Interview

Oh my my, Anika has an interview and she is already late! "Common Anika you need to hurry up" she pepped herself. She can be a morning person but let's just say she was so nervous about today's interview, she couldn't sleep properly, and now here she is struggling with chores. Anika reached the bus station just in time to catch a seat, but unfortunately, she was already 5 minutes late when she arrived at the hotel.

Campbell Hotel is one of the best hotels in the world. When Anika got selected for the interview, she was so excited and on cloud nine. The hotel's architecture, as well as interiors, is beautiful. Anika is in awe right now! She ran to the reception, "Good morning, I am Anika Gupta and I'm here for the interview." The receptionist coldly replied, "Your late miss. I hope Mr. Campbell is in a good mood. He hates latecomers. Go on the top floor and Mrs. Bridget will guide you from there" She smirked and faked a smile. Anika just ran towards the lift and pressed the top floor. As soon as the lift doors opened, she ran towards another reception, "Mrs. Bridget?" Anika asked. A cute, old chubby lady looked up and replied, "Yes. Oh, dear are you here for the interview? I've been waiting for you. you're 8 minutes late and Mr. Campbell doesn't like latecomers. Hurry up I'll take you to his cabin." Mrs. Bridget is so warm towards Anika compared to the Ice-lady downstairs. ‘Maybe my grandma would be the same as her warm and sweet. Anika don't go down that lane, it’s not the right time. We have an interview to excel. Anika you can do it, Anika is the best, Anika can do anything and everything' Anika chanted her mantra while following Mrs. Bridget to the boss’s cabin.

 ‘Mr. Campbell CEO’ engraved with golden ink on the door is where they stopped. Mrs. Bridget knocked on the door, a deep voice from inside said “Come in.” After going inside, Anika took in the interiors, it was more elegant than the rest of the interiors she has seen till now if that’s even possible. A large size teakwood table in the center of the room. The chandelier hanging from the ceiling, a big marble wall behind the table with a world map in the center, and bookshelves to the sides. The lush seating is set near the entrance with carpet below. The entire cabin is of wooden flooring. One wall is plain with art on it and another has full-height windows and that’s where stood tall figure with his back towards them.

“Mr. Campbell, Ms. Gupta is here for the interview,” Mrs. Bridget said. “Mrs. Bridget, you know I hate latecomers and I hate tardiness. Do you think she will be able to manage your work, seeing she is 10 minutes late for the interview?” Mr. Campbell replied coldly. They are talking as if Anika isn’t present and on impulse, she said, “I can and will manage her work. Sir give me a chance to prove myself. I.. Nathaniel raised his hand to stop her from saying anything further. “I’m not talking to you. Speak when spoken to. Mrs. Bridget kindly leave.” Mrs. Bridget nodded and left them alone. Anika is so nervous, that her palms are now being sweaty, ‘Anika you just ruined an opportunity to get this job, why did you open your mouth. Hay Krishnaji (Lord Krishna is a Hindu God) she thought. “Miss. Junta shall we start with the interview. You have already wasted quite a lot of my time; I hope it's worthy.” “It’s Gupta and not Junta, I mean sorry sir, I mean yes sir. It will be worthy.” Anika replied hurriedly.

When Mr. Campbell turned around Anika’s mouth hung open. ‘He is hot! I am mesmerized by his beauty. The photos in the magazines do not justify his handsomeness in reality. The grey and black pant and shirt with the tie makes him look more attractive. He is perfectly muscular at all right places, neither too bulky nor too lean just perfect. His hair nicely combed back; his perfectly trimmed jawline has proved to be a fatal attraction. His deep blue eyes are something I can keep staring at. His stubble beard and his perfect lips which are now smirking…wait What!? Anika’s eyes widened in surprise as she was just ogling my future boss. Oh damn.’ She thought.

“Do you have something to say? Shall we start with the interview miss? Aren’t you too confident that I’ll be your future boss.?” Nathaniel asked calmly. “I believe in hard and effective work. I’ll push myself to give this company my 200% to flourish this company more. Working here gives me a chance to work alongside you and acquire skills in business for myself to give you a healthy competition in the future.” Anika said with a small confident smile.

“This is not a college where you learn. I need an experienced person who has enough skill to work here and is capable to take pressure and responsibilities this position gives. Tell me why would I give you an opportunity to work here if you want to be my competitor, I would rather eliminate you.” With this said he raised an eyebrow giving her a somewhat curious look. Taking a deep breath, calming her nerves she replied, “I believe every person you meet in life teaches you something either good or bad it’s upon you how you take it positively or negatively. I may not have experience in business firms but I do have experience in working. If you are starting to eliminate me that means you do consider me a healthy competitor.” Anika wasn’t sure what to do next, she was being strong and confident from the outside but andar se toh fati padi thi yaar (But from inside she was anxious) Just then he replied rudely, “You may leave.” What!? “Did you just asked me to leave? Am I not appointed?” at this, he just shrugged. Anika was shocked beyond words, the nerve of this man to shrug, the least he could do is give an appropriate answer. Hay Krishnaji! She thought and stomped her legs on her way out and slammed the door as hard as she could. Mrs. Bridget gave Anika a pitiful look as she left. On her way out of the hotel, she thought about going on a job-hunting from tomorrow again.

This is the 1st chapter, Hope you liked it!

Stayed tuned for further chapters...