Three
945 Words
Thankfully, he got a bus and arrived at the venue a few minutes before the time. This was a VIP company and public transports didn't park anywhere close to the company. So, Klein had to walk to the entrance.
Klein stood in front of the imposing towers of Skype company and a gasp escaped his lips. The buildings were much bigger and higher than he heard, imagined or expected. Not even in his wildest dreams did he imagine having an appointment in that company. But then, here he was… He smiled to himself and walked to the gates.
“Hey! Stop there,” one of the security guards snapped. All those who entered the Skype company premises through the gates were wealthy and drove luxury vehicles. No one ever walked into the place, worse still dressed like a beggar. Klein stopped in his tracks.
The security guard accessed him with a look of disdain on his face.
“I'm Klein and I'm here on…”
“What are you doing here? Does this look like a marketplace where beggars can walk in and out as they like? Get lost now!” he ordered.
“I'm here on an appointment, please,” Klein explained.
“Appointment you say? You must be out of your mind.”
Klein was putting on plain and cheap clothes. The security guard knew that the Skype company didn't do business with the poor and low life!
“Yes, appointment. I was called by a man and asked to come here in thirty minutes. I can…”
“Has the man no name? Wait. You are a thief, right? Are you here to tactfully get inside the company and make away with valuable goods? You must think I'm mad to believe such lies from you.”
Klein was struck dumb by the accusations. He could accept being called a beggar, he had heard that a lot of times but not a thief.
“You can't call me a thief. I didn't steal anything. I'm here on an appointment, and I'm not lying. I was asked to come to the top floor of the company.”
Before the man could respond, his colleague came out and whispered something in his ears.
“What's your name again, young man?” the security man asked after his colleague left.
“I'm Klein. Klein Edward.”
“Fine. You are lucky that I got the information that a visitor is expected. I'm only letting you in on probation. I know it's only a few seconds until we are called to throw you out. Then, I'll give you a good beating for troubling me. You better leave now if you are here to make trouble.”
After talking, the man held open the gates for Klein and he entered.
A very beautiful young lady was seated in the front desk, she was the receptionist. As she heard someone enter, she raised her face to greet. She had the usual professional smile on her face.
“Good day….” she kept mute and her face greased into a frown when she saw the person that entered.
“What are you doing here? Who let you walk in through the gates? Get out! Gosh!
“I'm here on an appointment. I'm Klein,” Klein mustered courage to say. The receptionist sized him up with her eyes in the most disrespectful manner.
“Mad people and people dressed in rags can't be on appointment. I believe you don't expect me to grant you entry when you are putting on rags. Listen, young man this isn't a place where you come in to c***k jokes, is that clear? Please, leave now or I'll get the security to throw you out.”
“But I have an appointment.”
“Do I call the security or you will get yourself out?” she snapped.
Although the receptionist had received a message and instructions about this visitor, Klein didn't meet up to her expectations and standards. The boss only entertained visitors of high class, not beggars like the one in front of her. She would not make the mistake of letting a beggar or a thief into the company. Never!
Klein's heart sank. He had spent his money on transport fare just to meet up with this appointment but on getting to the place, he was treated like a piece of trash and refused entry. He wondered if he had been a fool by believing the message and the caller.
Klein glanced at the beautiful wall clock that hung there and sighed as the time ticked away. He was now standing by the door. The receptionist didn't even bother offering him a seat, she sent him out without minding.
It was past the scheduled time he was asked to come now and the time had gone ten more minutes. No! There was no way he was leaving without meeting the man who had given him an appointment.
In a moment of desperation, Klein rushed towards the elevator in the speed of lightning. At the same time, a beautiful and well dressed woman was walking out of the elevator with a cup of coffee in her hands. Accidentally, Klein bumped into her, spilling the hot liquid on her and her dress.
“Ahhh! Are you insane?” she yelled as she stared at the damage caused by Klein.
“I'm so sorry ma'am. Please, forgive me,” Klein pleaded, bowing low.
“You disgusting piece of trash! Look what you've done. Do you know how much these clothes cost? In fact, I'm calling the police right away! You must be arrested!” she snapped.
- Writer
