PART 2
Jeevika slowly took the seat as Viren offered her one, while placing the files on the table and let out a silent sigh to calm herself down before she could actually talk.
Jeevika: Thank You; my department head was Victor was scheduled to meet you but due to an emergency, I am replacing him to discuss about our new software launch.
Viren: Yes ofcourse! Umm...can I get you any coffee or refreshment of some sort before we begin?
Jeevika: No thanks!
Soon the conversation became all about the new software launch, project details, designs, etc and they failed to notice how 2 hours just flew by. Viren leaned back on his chair while Jeevika noted down the final details and packed her stuff in the laptop bag. Standing up, she managed to muttered a "bye" and left the cabin as fast as she could. She almost raced to the elevator before its doors closed and it did not take her long enough to get to her car in the parking lot either. She pressed the car's accelerator and her sleek black BMW zipped through the streets; "thank god, it stopped raining", she thought as she drove exceeding the speed of 100km/hr. At the same time back at Agilent software Company, Viren recalled what just happened while spinning on his chair.
"Jeevika- Jeevika Chaudhary, we meet again", he thought to himself and a smile automatically formed up on his face. He drifted back to the time when he had seen her the last, thinking how she had changed in all these years, emerging as an elegant and even more beautiful career woman. He still could not believe that she was back in his life again or that he would meet her like this suddenly after all these years; the receptionist had only told him that Ms. Chaudhary was here to see him, only if he had known it was Jeevika! He was amazed how they both conducted this 2 hour meeting as complete strangers!
On the other hand, Jeevika was back in her cabin and everything that happened in last 2 hours began to sink in. She could not believe it; she had finally gotten over him and this sudden exchange of meeting just unravelled all those emotions and flashbacks. She tried to push her thoughts away by absorbing herself in work, but her mind kept drifting back to those flashbacks. She leaned back on her chair and closed her eyes as those flashbacks came running back to her.
*FLASHBACK- Viren & Jeevika's first meeting*
The seminar hall of Simon Fraser University was packed with an audience of about 500 people and amongst those 500 was Jeevika Chaudhary who was completing final year of her Masters degree in Software Engineering. The seminar was organized by the University who invited various speakers from the field of IT to address their students on various issues regarding employment and co-op placement opportunities upon their graduation. The speakers also provided in-depth detail regarding potential IT jobs, the job market, new technological advances, etc. Jeevika being interested in the seminar could not afford to miss it any cost especially knowing it could lead her to potential job; she sat amongst first few rows near the podium to gain clear view of everything. She jotted down notes while listening to each speaker ensuring she did not miss anything important; the seminar was concluded after few hours and the ground was open for students to visit various information booths as part of the exhibition. Each booth had various employers from IT companies across the globe, providing information to their potential employees.
Jeevika went from one booth to another, judging what could be best for her while scanning various pamphlets in her hand. Just as she was trying to manoeuvre her way through the crowd of people, she felt an abrupt push on her shoulder which caused her pamphelets to scatter on the ground. The figure opposite her, wearing black coat and dress pants, bent down to help her gather those belongings on the floor as he offered an apology.
" I am so sorry"! He said in a soft tone.
Jeevika stood up fixing her hair and gathering her belongings and looked upto the figure standing across her.
"Its okay, no worries", replied Jeevika with a slight smile on her face indicating she is really fine.
After exchanging these cordial words, both made their way to their respective direction but leading to same destination- the booth across the hallway with the banner of Agilent Company. However, the difference was that Jeevika stood in front of the booth while Viren stood behind the booth as a representative of that company. Jeevika smiled seeing a familiar face across the booth while picking up the information pamphelets of that particular company. Viren removed his coat and placed it on the chair nearby; revealing his black dress shirt with a purple tie underneath. He let the figure across him study the pamphelets before starting the conversation.
Viren (offering his hand): Hello, I am Viren Vadera- a recent employee at Agilent and representating the company at today's exhibition.
Jeevika shook his hand and introduced herself with her full name Jeevika Chaudhary and elaborating the introduction to desbribe herself as a student who is on the verge of completing her masters and is now seeking job opportunities.
Viren: Nice to meet you, Jeevika and I am sorry about earlier; it gets a little challenging to make your way through such big crowd without banging into few of them.
Jeevika (smiled): Oh no worries, I understand and nice to meet you too.
They further engaged in the conversation regarding the company, job positions, and all the other details which Viren was explaining to Jeevika, who listened very carefully to each and every word of his.
Viren: As a new employee, I won't be able to tell you much about the work enviornment etc just yet, but I can definitely say that the experience so far has been a very smooth one so you could consider looking into it as your potential employer.
Jeevika: Yea, I mean I have heard about this company before and all this information looks very promising, and with your good word, I would def consider this offer and apply for the job position. Thanks for giving an extensive information on it!
Viren: Don't mention it, I am here just for that! Glad to see that you are interested in it and I wish you all the best with your job search. Here is my card with all my contact information, incase you need to be in touch or you get called in by our company, feel free to contact me.
Jeevika: Sure, I will & Thank you! I must get going now!
Viren: You are welcome! Take care, bye!
Jeevika: Bye!
**FLASHBACK ENDS**
A knock on the door interrupts Jeevika's train of thoughts- more so train of memories! Her department head Victor walks in for briefing regarding the meeting. Jeevika explained him all the details and ensured him that everything went well- atleast on the work front, thought Jeevika to herself. Victor left after a short while only to call back Jeevika with a breaking news.
Victor: Hey Jeevika, I just had a chat with our head office regarding your meeting that you had at Agilent earlier and there is a good news for you!
Jeevika: Is it really? And what exactly is that news, Victor?
Victor: Well Agilent Company contacted our head office stating that they would love to continue this project with you being our representative as a software analyst since you did a remarkable job at the meeting today. So, basically I am out and you are in!
Jeevika was shocked hearing this; working with Agilent meant she would have to work with Viren!!!!
Jeevika: But Victor, how is that possible? I recall it being your project, so how can I?
Victor: Yes I know but it is not entirely my decision, the head-offices of both the companies are now involved with this. Plus, I have enough share of my workload that I can give this a miss and since I was not there today, you were brilliant as a replacement. And, here comes another bonus- head office might consider you for the next promotion after the success of this product launch.
Now, Jeevika was confused; she definetely did not want to lose this opportunity as she had been looking forward to the promotion but at the same time, would it be all worth it- thought Jeevika. She did not want to face what she had faced earlier in the day; she could barely stand herself in his cabin for 2 hours, how can she work with him for next few months if she were to take this offer?
Victor: Hello? Jeevika...are you there?
Jeevika: Uh yea sorry Victor, I cannot take this offer, I know it has its perks but I can't!
STAY TUNED & DO COMMENT :)
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