Update 02
The next morning Sanjana woke up early and after sending the kids to college dressed up, took a print out of the resume and went out to meet Priya her long time friend and confidante. Vivek was glued to his laptop when she left.
“What’s the urgency now to look for any job, Sanju ?” Priya looked quizzically at her friend
“I think now we are desperate for a job. I am ok with anything that payed more than 50k per month” Sanjana replied
“I don’t see the point .. If you wait a bit longer your husband might just get a job. Your break of 4 yrs is a problem. I am not sure what good jobs will be there.. Why are you in a hurry"
Sanjana's eyes turned moist.
"Sanju, what is the problem ? You are hiding something from me"
Sanjana broke down. She calmed herself and told everything about Anand's proposal the day before.
There was a stoic silence for a minute.
Priya started
"Sanju, but why is Vivek not getting a job yet?"
"I think there has been a lot of bad-mouthing about the way he got fired from his last company. In the last couple of weeks, he has been selected to the final round in 3 companie and not offered. I am afraid he may be jobless for a long time. Even if he gets something it will not be at the same level he last worked"
"Ok, then why don't you just sell the damn house"
"The property is under dispute and it is going to be tough to sell it now. Even if we have the bank sell it, we will still have to pay some money back to the bank. Also in the last 3 months our credit card debts have swelled as well. You know that our parents are not that rich. I repent everyday for having spent all our money on this damn house.." Sanjana slammed her forehead.
"Hmm. Sanju don't take me wrong.. but why don't you meet Anand once. He may not be that bad a man. He is rich, very respectable in society. He even has a daughter almost your age. May be he will consider giving."
"PRIYA !!, He is a creep. How do you want me to MEET him" Sanjana fumed.
"Hey.. I am not saying to sleep with him. Why don't you just meet him? "
"NO !!!" Sanjana yelled.
"Ok. Ok.. drop it. How did Vivek take this proposal ?"
"Poor Vivek, he was very upset. He hit his friend black and blue for coming with the proposal.. And.."
"And ??"
"He loves me so much that yesterday after many months we did it.. " Even in this situation Sanjana blushed a little at the thought of the previous night.
"What you guys had sex after so much of turmoil ?" Priya asked surprised.
"Why are you surprised ? Is'nt that the purest form of expressing love ?" Sanjana quipped back
"Sanju, I some times feel you are too straight and proper to understand things related to sex. Somehow i feel your husband was aroused by this proposal. Otherwise, why initiate sex yesterday. You guys were going through tough times for many months now.. why not before and only yesterday? "
"No No.. Don't judge Vivek. He is not a pervert. Come on Priya.. you know him" Sanjana was defensive.
"I don't know Sanju.. it just did not feel right to me. Anyway lets start looking for that job for you.
"Yes that is the priority", Sanjana said.
They talked a bit about the profile and some changes to be made in that and also the companies where she can apply, etc.
All through that talk, in a small corner of her mind, a question was planted and it was haunting Sanjana.
"DID HE GET AROUSED BY THIS LEWD PROPOSAL ?" .
Four weeks passed since the conversation with Priya and Sanjana’s desperation to get a job grew stronger. But she was flatly rejected in any technical role due to the gap. Interviews were hard to come by ..
Vivek was growing increasing dull and was always in guilt and self pity. The atmosphere in the house was horrible. The intimacy they shared the other day extended for a couple more days. The intensity reduced drastically and after those 2 days sex was non existent again.
Sanjana was in no mood to complain as her focus was on getting a job
Sanjana was lost in her thoughts sitting on the couch when her phone rang
“Sanju, Priya here. Got something for you. Can you come meet me at the regular coffee shop”
“ Yes. In 30 mins ?”
“ OK. See you”
Sanjana was thankful that Priya was consistently helping her during this torturous times. Priya had short listed companies and arranged a couple of interviews as well. Nothing worked so far but Sanjana was happy that she had someone helping her.
They were sipping on coffee in 30 mins
“ Sanju, do you know MAS company ?”
“ Yeah heard of them but don’t know much”
“ Ok. They do software export and they are part of a bigger conglomerate. Their CEO is new and is need of a personal assistant for him. The person should have great organisational skills, communication and should have software background. The CEO needs help in preparing for client meetings, proposal reviews, etc. it’s a very important role though non technical”
Priya continued,
“I know a contact from the NGO we used to volunteer who is close to the CEO. He asked whether I could take it. You know I can’t get back to work now. So I have recommended your name. Interview is tomorrow morning 9 am “
Sanjana caught Priyas hands and her voice stammered
“Thanks Priya .. I will never forget this..”
“ Sanju, don’t be sentimental. First get the job and I am not sure about the package as well. Looking at the position the pay should be good. But thank me once you get them offer. Ok, see you tommorow after interview”
Sanjana went home happily
Sanjana knew it would be a very important day for her. She dressed in a saree, made her hair and made sure she looked professional. She doned some light make up and looked at the mirror.
“Good morning sir !!” she did a mock in front of thr mirror with a smile.
“OK. This is perfect. I will get the job today” she told herself and stepped out of the room.
Vivek was sitting on the couch with a worried look.
“ All the best Sanju. Come back with a good news”
“ Thanks Vivek. Take care of the kids. Food is on the table. I will call you after the interview” she hurried blowing him a kiss
MAS - the name board was huge in front of the 9 storey building. It was full of glass windows which reflected the sunglight giving a glow effect to the whole structure.
Sanjana said a small prayer as she stepped into the gate. She informed the
security about the interview and after the sign in formalities she was ushered into the lobby
Sanjana was sitting in the lobby fidgeting with her laptop bag for 10 mins now. The AC was very chill but she could feel a drop of sweat in her forehead. She closed her eyes to drive away the nervousness when she heard
“ Hello Mrs Sanjana ???” a sweet lady voice shocked her.
“ Yyes”
“ Hello Sanjana, I am Anitha from HR. How are you?”
Anitha was a bit short but was very beautiful and young resembling Alia Bhatt.
“I am fine Anitha. Thanks”
“ OK. Our CEO Mukesh is waiting to interview you. So we should rush up. Do you prefer coffee, tea or some soft drink during the interview”
“Water is good. Let’s meet Mr. Mukhesh”
Anitha guided Sanjana to the 9th floor and knocked at the door of the corner office before opening it.
They entered a tastefully decorated large room. The left side of the room had seating area with a brown leather couches and sofas. Atleast 8-10 people can sit and have a conversation there. There was a small coffee table with some magazines and company brochures.
The right side had a few cupboards, a fridge and 2 large screen TVs. There were a couple recliner chairs in front of the screens
At the center of the room was a large mahagony wooden table with intricate carvings. Looked like a piece of antique. Behind it, on the chait sat a heavily built Mukesh, the CEO of MAS Group of Companies.
He was looking seriously at the file on his table through his golden framed glasses.
"Give me a few minutes please" he said in an authoritative, firm tone.
"OK Sir" said Anita.
She showed a chair on the left side sitting area to Sanjana. Sanjana sat down. Anitha opened a bottle of water and placed it along with a glass on the table and walked towards the door, opened and left it.
There was pin drop silence in the room for the next 10 mins. The only sound came from some scribbling by Mukesh on the file and papers. Sanjana started to fidget a bit. She almost felt her whole life was dependent on this one interview.
Who would get opportunity to be interviewed directly by the CEO of such a big company. She was talking to herself, "Get this job, Get this job .."
"Sorry for making you wait Ms.. "
"Sanjana Sir"
"Yeah.. Sanjana, I am sorry you had to wait. Shall we begin the interview" Mukesh got up and walked to the sitting area of the room in a relaxed manner. He was huge and dark with a receding hairline. His stomach was pushing the shirt and suit he was wearing so hard that the buttons seemed they will pop any minute.
He had very less hair which was black and white. He looked 50+. He took chair opposite to Sanjana as he was talking to her.
"No problem sir. We can start, please." she said.
"Good. What work did you do earlier Sanjana ?"
"I was a System Analyst for 6 years in XYZ company"
"Hmm.."
"Then i had a break for 4 years"
"Oh! why ?"
Sanjana felt a huge disappointment and thought she would be again rejected and said
"To take care of my kids sir"
"Oh ok! How old are they now ?"
"8 and 4 sir"
"Oh so they don't need you anymore ?"
"Not really. But our situation demands that I work sir"
"Hmm ok. I don't want to make judgements here but this position I am looking for needs commitment. I don't want somebody who will take the offer, work for sometime and then leave abruptly in the middle"
"No Sir !! I am commited to work. I will not quit my job again. This is very important to me" - Words poured out of Sanjana hurriedly. She has had enough with trusting the single income already.
" Ok ! If you are sure about that, then fine"
Mukesh got into the specifics and started asking numerous questions as part of the interview..
" What type of software contracts are you familiar with"
" WHat do you know about MAS ?"
"Do you know about."
"What will you do .."
"What is the .?
Sanjana answered them continuously. After 20-25 mins, Mukesh asked,
"How do you feel this interview went ?"
"I am not sure about the decision sir, but i feel i answered all your questions honestly"
"Hmm. That's a fair statement. You are not upto the level that suits this position. This is not a technical or development job. This is more business focussed and you need to assist the CEO. I am not sure how well you can do that. I am not sure if you can do everything that is reqruied to do that.
You may have to read software contracts for me and talk with CTOs if necessary .. at the same time you need to book the best Japanese restaurant in town for the Sushi loving client.." Mukesh added thinking deeply.
"Sir, like i answered honestly, I am sure I will be able to fulfill this role. I will have to learn a lot of things. But I am sure i will be able to learn them. I will not disappoint you."- Sanjana said in a firm tone. There was desperation on her voice and if she thought the firmness will hide it, she was wrong.
"You are smart and you will learn. I understand. There is a strong reference for you as well..Hmmm.."
Sanjana was thanking Priya within her.
"So.. fine I am ready to offer this position to you. You should be attending a training session for the first one month. We wil pay for your training. "
"The training will be month long. You may have to travel to our head quarters in the USA for a week at the end of the training" Mukhesh paused
Sanjana was stunned at the offer.
"See this is going to cost the company around 10 Lakhs. This is a high skill training.
"See this is going to cost the company around 10 Lakhs. This is a high skill training. We have 6 other executives taking this and I will add you in the list as well. It is conducted by a group from the top B college here in India."
Mukhesh paused again and then continued
"So you need to sign a bond for 2 years. If you leave us within that period you will have to pay us back the 10 Lakhs"
Sanjana hesitated for a moment. She did not know the salary and how could she commit for 2 years with such a huge cost involved.
"And by the way, your salary will be 24 Lakhs per year including a variable pay of 30%" Mukhesh concluded.
Sanjana could not believe her ears..
"WHAT 2 L PER MONTH ?? Really ???."" She cried to herself.
"Sanjana you seem to be lost in your thoughts? Are you willing to take offer ?"
"Sorry Sir.. I was just happy thats all. I will take the offer and will commit to 2 years bond period as well. When should i start ?"
"Good. Please meet Anita who will brief you about the other details. I will have to go for a meeting"
Mukhesh got up as he spoke the last words. Sanjana got up
"Thanks a lot sir !! This is a great opportunity"
Mukhesh extended his dark hands and shook her extended hands firmly. His heavy hands crushed Sanjana's soft hands making them pinkish.
"Don't mention it. I have strong reference for you. Hope you live up to that. Good luck"
"Sure sir. Thanks" Sanjana said and again started thanking Priya in her heart again.
Anitha entered the room with a knock and looked at Sanjana.
"Congratulations Sanjana !! Let me show you around our office and also arrange for the offer letter before you leave" she said escorting her outside the CEO's room.
.
Later that day,
Sanjana and Vivek were hugging and jumping with joy in the hall. The kids joined the fun not knowing why they were so happy.
The appointment letter was on the table. Vivek had read that letter atleast 10 times. He was flabbergasted.
"Honey, I still can't believe they would give this position, at this salary for you"
Sanjana was a bit irritated as this was the 10th time he was saying this..
"Don't you think, I am qualified ?" She asked with anger
"No darling, I know that but how did they know in such a short interview"
"Priya has put a lot of good word about me. I did not think Priya is this resourceful. I am going to meet her in the coffee shop in 2 hours. I need to thank her otherwise i cant sleep today".
"Yes. You should go and thank her. My God what a relief" Vivek sighed.
Sanjana was happy. She felt proud that she was able to save the day and even more happy to see Vivek relieved.
At the coffee shop,
Sanjana was hugging Priya. Tears were flowing from her eyes.
"I can't thank you enough"
"Hey, I just arranged the interview. You got the job"
"No. Mukhesh told that it was because of your reference that he is taking this risk of giving me the job"
"Sanjana, you are reading too much into this. Just relax. You deserve this and do a good job."
"I will Priya. I am totally devoted to this job which has saved me from disgrace.."
"Ok. Now go and enjoy this day with Vivek and the kids" Priya smiled at Sanjana.
The friends hugged again before Sanjana took off.
Priya was seated on the coffee table staring at Sanjana walking. The smile on her face slowly died and it started turning worrisome.
She took out her mobile phone and dialed hesistantly.
"Sir.. she has accepted the offer" she said on the phone
"Good! I know that" said a deep baritone voice on the other side.
"Sir.. she is a very innocent lady and has a sweet family."
"Priya, your part of the deal is over. You will get what we promised before sunset today. What happens from here is none of your business. Go home and be happy. Forget that we talked. Bye"
The line went silent on the other end. Priya knew he has disconnected. She took a deep breath and thought to herself,
"Everything will be ok" and got up from the chair and left the coffee shop.
“What’s the urgency now to look for any job, Sanju ?” Priya looked quizzically at her friend
“I think now we are desperate for a job. I am ok with anything that payed more than 50k per month” Sanjana replied
“I don’t see the point .. If you wait a bit longer your husband might just get a job. Your break of 4 yrs is a problem. I am not sure what good jobs will be there.. Why are you in a hurry"
Sanjana's eyes turned moist.
"Sanju, what is the problem ? You are hiding something from me"
Sanjana broke down. She calmed herself and told everything about Anand's proposal the day before.
There was a stoic silence for a minute.
Priya started
"Sanju, but why is Vivek not getting a job yet?"
"I think there has been a lot of bad-mouthing about the way he got fired from his last company. In the last couple of weeks, he has been selected to the final round in 3 companie and not offered. I am afraid he may be jobless for a long time. Even if he gets something it will not be at the same level he last worked"
"Ok, then why don't you just sell the damn house"
"The property is under dispute and it is going to be tough to sell it now. Even if we have the bank sell it, we will still have to pay some money back to the bank. Also in the last 3 months our credit card debts have swelled as well. You know that our parents are not that rich. I repent everyday for having spent all our money on this damn house.." Sanjana slammed her forehead.
"Hmm. Sanju don't take me wrong.. but why don't you meet Anand once. He may not be that bad a man. He is rich, very respectable in society. He even has a daughter almost your age. May be he will consider giving."
"PRIYA !!, He is a creep. How do you want me to MEET him" Sanjana fumed.
"Hey.. I am not saying to sleep with him. Why don't you just meet him? "
"NO !!!" Sanjana yelled.
"Ok. Ok.. drop it. How did Vivek take this proposal ?"
"Poor Vivek, he was very upset. He hit his friend black and blue for coming with the proposal.. And.."
"And ??"
"He loves me so much that yesterday after many months we did it.. " Even in this situation Sanjana blushed a little at the thought of the previous night.
"What you guys had sex after so much of turmoil ?" Priya asked surprised.
"Why are you surprised ? Is'nt that the purest form of expressing love ?" Sanjana quipped back
"Sanju, I some times feel you are too straight and proper to understand things related to sex. Somehow i feel your husband was aroused by this proposal. Otherwise, why initiate sex yesterday. You guys were going through tough times for many months now.. why not before and only yesterday? "
"No No.. Don't judge Vivek. He is not a pervert. Come on Priya.. you know him" Sanjana was defensive.
"I don't know Sanju.. it just did not feel right to me. Anyway lets start looking for that job for you.
"Yes that is the priority", Sanjana said.
They talked a bit about the profile and some changes to be made in that and also the companies where she can apply, etc.
All through that talk, in a small corner of her mind, a question was planted and it was haunting Sanjana.
"DID HE GET AROUSED BY THIS LEWD PROPOSAL ?" .
Four weeks passed since the conversation with Priya and Sanjana’s desperation to get a job grew stronger. But she was flatly rejected in any technical role due to the gap. Interviews were hard to come by ..
Vivek was growing increasing dull and was always in guilt and self pity. The atmosphere in the house was horrible. The intimacy they shared the other day extended for a couple more days. The intensity reduced drastically and after those 2 days sex was non existent again.
Sanjana was in no mood to complain as her focus was on getting a job
Sanjana was lost in her thoughts sitting on the couch when her phone rang
“Sanju, Priya here. Got something for you. Can you come meet me at the regular coffee shop”
“ Yes. In 30 mins ?”
“ OK. See you”
Sanjana was thankful that Priya was consistently helping her during this torturous times. Priya had short listed companies and arranged a couple of interviews as well. Nothing worked so far but Sanjana was happy that she had someone helping her.
They were sipping on coffee in 30 mins
“ Sanju, do you know MAS company ?”
“ Yeah heard of them but don’t know much”
“ Ok. They do software export and they are part of a bigger conglomerate. Their CEO is new and is need of a personal assistant for him. The person should have great organisational skills, communication and should have software background. The CEO needs help in preparing for client meetings, proposal reviews, etc. it’s a very important role though non technical”
Priya continued,
“I know a contact from the NGO we used to volunteer who is close to the CEO. He asked whether I could take it. You know I can’t get back to work now. So I have recommended your name. Interview is tomorrow morning 9 am “
Sanjana caught Priyas hands and her voice stammered
“Thanks Priya .. I will never forget this..”
“ Sanju, don’t be sentimental. First get the job and I am not sure about the package as well. Looking at the position the pay should be good. But thank me once you get them offer. Ok, see you tommorow after interview”
Sanjana went home happily
Sanjana knew it would be a very important day for her. She dressed in a saree, made her hair and made sure she looked professional. She doned some light make up and looked at the mirror.
“Good morning sir !!” she did a mock in front of thr mirror with a smile.
“OK. This is perfect. I will get the job today” she told herself and stepped out of the room.
Vivek was sitting on the couch with a worried look.
“ All the best Sanju. Come back with a good news”
“ Thanks Vivek. Take care of the kids. Food is on the table. I will call you after the interview” she hurried blowing him a kiss
MAS - the name board was huge in front of the 9 storey building. It was full of glass windows which reflected the sunglight giving a glow effect to the whole structure.
Sanjana said a small prayer as she stepped into the gate. She informed the
security about the interview and after the sign in formalities she was ushered into the lobby
Sanjana was sitting in the lobby fidgeting with her laptop bag for 10 mins now. The AC was very chill but she could feel a drop of sweat in her forehead. She closed her eyes to drive away the nervousness when she heard
“ Hello Mrs Sanjana ???” a sweet lady voice shocked her.
“ Yyes”
“ Hello Sanjana, I am Anitha from HR. How are you?”
Anitha was a bit short but was very beautiful and young resembling Alia Bhatt.
“I am fine Anitha. Thanks”
“ OK. Our CEO Mukesh is waiting to interview you. So we should rush up. Do you prefer coffee, tea or some soft drink during the interview”
“Water is good. Let’s meet Mr. Mukhesh”
Anitha guided Sanjana to the 9th floor and knocked at the door of the corner office before opening it.
They entered a tastefully decorated large room. The left side of the room had seating area with a brown leather couches and sofas. Atleast 8-10 people can sit and have a conversation there. There was a small coffee table with some magazines and company brochures.
The right side had a few cupboards, a fridge and 2 large screen TVs. There were a couple recliner chairs in front of the screens
At the center of the room was a large mahagony wooden table with intricate carvings. Looked like a piece of antique. Behind it, on the chait sat a heavily built Mukesh, the CEO of MAS Group of Companies.
He was looking seriously at the file on his table through his golden framed glasses.
"Give me a few minutes please" he said in an authoritative, firm tone.
"OK Sir" said Anita.
She showed a chair on the left side sitting area to Sanjana. Sanjana sat down. Anitha opened a bottle of water and placed it along with a glass on the table and walked towards the door, opened and left it.
There was pin drop silence in the room for the next 10 mins. The only sound came from some scribbling by Mukesh on the file and papers. Sanjana started to fidget a bit. She almost felt her whole life was dependent on this one interview.
Who would get opportunity to be interviewed directly by the CEO of such a big company. She was talking to herself, "Get this job, Get this job .."
"Sorry for making you wait Ms.. "
"Sanjana Sir"
"Yeah.. Sanjana, I am sorry you had to wait. Shall we begin the interview" Mukesh got up and walked to the sitting area of the room in a relaxed manner. He was huge and dark with a receding hairline. His stomach was pushing the shirt and suit he was wearing so hard that the buttons seemed they will pop any minute.
He had very less hair which was black and white. He looked 50+. He took chair opposite to Sanjana as he was talking to her.
"No problem sir. We can start, please." she said.
"Good. What work did you do earlier Sanjana ?"
"I was a System Analyst for 6 years in XYZ company"
"Hmm.."
"Then i had a break for 4 years"
"Oh! why ?"
Sanjana felt a huge disappointment and thought she would be again rejected and said
"To take care of my kids sir"
"Oh ok! How old are they now ?"
"8 and 4 sir"
"Oh so they don't need you anymore ?"
"Not really. But our situation demands that I work sir"
"Hmm ok. I don't want to make judgements here but this position I am looking for needs commitment. I don't want somebody who will take the offer, work for sometime and then leave abruptly in the middle"
"No Sir !! I am commited to work. I will not quit my job again. This is very important to me" - Words poured out of Sanjana hurriedly. She has had enough with trusting the single income already.
" Ok ! If you are sure about that, then fine"
Mukesh got into the specifics and started asking numerous questions as part of the interview..
" What type of software contracts are you familiar with"
" WHat do you know about MAS ?"
"Do you know about."
"What will you do .."
"What is the .?
Sanjana answered them continuously. After 20-25 mins, Mukesh asked,
"How do you feel this interview went ?"
"I am not sure about the decision sir, but i feel i answered all your questions honestly"
"Hmm. That's a fair statement. You are not upto the level that suits this position. This is not a technical or development job. This is more business focussed and you need to assist the CEO. I am not sure how well you can do that. I am not sure if you can do everything that is reqruied to do that.
You may have to read software contracts for me and talk with CTOs if necessary .. at the same time you need to book the best Japanese restaurant in town for the Sushi loving client.." Mukesh added thinking deeply.
"Sir, like i answered honestly, I am sure I will be able to fulfill this role. I will have to learn a lot of things. But I am sure i will be able to learn them. I will not disappoint you."- Sanjana said in a firm tone. There was desperation on her voice and if she thought the firmness will hide it, she was wrong.
"You are smart and you will learn. I understand. There is a strong reference for you as well..Hmmm.."
Sanjana was thanking Priya within her.
"So.. fine I am ready to offer this position to you. You should be attending a training session for the first one month. We wil pay for your training. "
"The training will be month long. You may have to travel to our head quarters in the USA for a week at the end of the training" Mukhesh paused
Sanjana was stunned at the offer.
"See this is going to cost the company around 10 Lakhs. This is a high skill training.
"See this is going to cost the company around 10 Lakhs. This is a high skill training. We have 6 other executives taking this and I will add you in the list as well. It is conducted by a group from the top B college here in India."
Mukhesh paused again and then continued
"So you need to sign a bond for 2 years. If you leave us within that period you will have to pay us back the 10 Lakhs"
Sanjana hesitated for a moment. She did not know the salary and how could she commit for 2 years with such a huge cost involved.
"And by the way, your salary will be 24 Lakhs per year including a variable pay of 30%" Mukhesh concluded.
Sanjana could not believe her ears..
"WHAT 2 L PER MONTH ?? Really ???."" She cried to herself.
"Sanjana you seem to be lost in your thoughts? Are you willing to take offer ?"
"Sorry Sir.. I was just happy thats all. I will take the offer and will commit to 2 years bond period as well. When should i start ?"
"Good. Please meet Anita who will brief you about the other details. I will have to go for a meeting"
Mukhesh got up as he spoke the last words. Sanjana got up
"Thanks a lot sir !! This is a great opportunity"
Mukhesh extended his dark hands and shook her extended hands firmly. His heavy hands crushed Sanjana's soft hands making them pinkish.
"Don't mention it. I have strong reference for you. Hope you live up to that. Good luck"
"Sure sir. Thanks" Sanjana said and again started thanking Priya in her heart again.
Anitha entered the room with a knock and looked at Sanjana.
"Congratulations Sanjana !! Let me show you around our office and also arrange for the offer letter before you leave" she said escorting her outside the CEO's room.
.
Later that day,
Sanjana and Vivek were hugging and jumping with joy in the hall. The kids joined the fun not knowing why they were so happy.
The appointment letter was on the table. Vivek had read that letter atleast 10 times. He was flabbergasted.
"Honey, I still can't believe they would give this position, at this salary for you"
Sanjana was a bit irritated as this was the 10th time he was saying this..
"Don't you think, I am qualified ?" She asked with anger
"No darling, I know that but how did they know in such a short interview"
"Priya has put a lot of good word about me. I did not think Priya is this resourceful. I am going to meet her in the coffee shop in 2 hours. I need to thank her otherwise i cant sleep today".
"Yes. You should go and thank her. My God what a relief" Vivek sighed.
Sanjana was happy. She felt proud that she was able to save the day and even more happy to see Vivek relieved.
At the coffee shop,
Sanjana was hugging Priya. Tears were flowing from her eyes.
"I can't thank you enough"
"Hey, I just arranged the interview. You got the job"
"No. Mukhesh told that it was because of your reference that he is taking this risk of giving me the job"
"Sanjana, you are reading too much into this. Just relax. You deserve this and do a good job."
"I will Priya. I am totally devoted to this job which has saved me from disgrace.."
"Ok. Now go and enjoy this day with Vivek and the kids" Priya smiled at Sanjana.
The friends hugged again before Sanjana took off.
Priya was seated on the coffee table staring at Sanjana walking. The smile on her face slowly died and it started turning worrisome.
She took out her mobile phone and dialed hesistantly.
"Sir.. she has accepted the offer" she said on the phone
"Good! I know that" said a deep baritone voice on the other side.
"Sir.. she is a very innocent lady and has a sweet family."
"Priya, your part of the deal is over. You will get what we promised before sunset today. What happens from here is none of your business. Go home and be happy. Forget that we talked. Bye"
The line went silent on the other end. Priya knew he has disconnected. She took a deep breath and thought to herself,
"Everything will be ok" and got up from the chair and left the coffee shop.
