Hi All, I am back with the update as promised, Sorry for the delay. If you have missed the previous chapter, here is the link.
Chapter 3 : Decisions
"Oh, hello Jiju, Good morning. What a pleasant surprise.", Arnav's face broke into smile as he walked up to place near staircase where Aman and Shyam stood talking to each other. Arnav gave a side hug to Shyam as he was holding laptop bag in other hand and started moving towards his cabin with Aman following the duo slowly. "I had some work to finish here", Shyam explained while sitting on chair opposite to Arnav while Aman chose to stand.
"As you like it Arnav, coming straight to the point, I would like you to go through this letter, it has come today morning addressed to you", Arnav took the envelop from Shyam's hand and started reading the letter. Emotions on his face were flickering from amusement to shock to anger as he glanced through the letter. Aranv did not need to keep his emotions at bay in front of his Shyam and Aman as they both knew him too well.
"What the hell is this?", Aman flinched a bit as Arnav roared and looked up to Aman with scrutinizing gaze. "I am sure you have more to say here, Aman", Arnav snapped.
"Khushi Kumari Gupta is bright student when I inquired about her in college. Graduated with distinction. Smart, Intelligent and Confident. She is not like those girls who stammer or hesitate when they are caught in an off-guard situation. Rather she is someone who will face the situation with full dedication. She was also publicity head for technical festival organization committee in her college", Aman finished as if implying on how she possesses all qualities that ASR prefers in his employees.
"So, is she trying to use the publicizing strategy to grab a job in AR at the expense of accusing AR's PR team's ability?", Arnav said with his voice dripped in sarcasm.
"It seems like she desperately needs job", Aman filled in, kind of defending Khushi's behavior. Arnav raised an eyebrow and gave Aman why-can't-she-get-a-god-damn-job-if-she-is-so-smart look.
"The hiring for freshers is almost negligible due to recession", Aman said slowly.
Recession's wave had hit everyone. Still, Arnav did not believe in lay-off as he couldn't think of asking his existing loyal employees to leave. However, AR had taken a decision put up a hiring freeze for a while.
"There is a hiring freeze in AR as well", Arnav stated with finality in his voice as if to dismiss the topic. Aman looked at Shyam for help who was only looking at Arnav and Aman till now as they were having almost heated argument.
"Arnav, I understand that there is a hiring freeze. However, Miss Gupta's idea is really good for which we should give a shot. This will become crucial for AR's success in coming years.", Shyam tried as much as he could. "Probably, one technical interview may not do much harm", Shyam knew Arnav would always consider his words of advise. Arnav got up from the chair and ruffled his hand over his hair while thinking hard.
"Call up Jay Malhotra and arrange for telephonic interview. But we will take the next step only if she is really worth it.", Arnav instructed. "I have got a conference to attend, Jiju. I will take your leave", Arnav said while picking up the file and left for conference room. Aman let out a sigh of relief and rushed to follow Arnav for the conference. He turned back as he reached the door knob and gave Shyam a grateful smile to which Shyam replied with his warm one.
Jay Malhotra was working rather owning software consultancy agency. He was 2 years senior than Anjali and was a family friend. He would have been the best person to conduct the interview for Khushi and give detailed write-up about the interview for Arnav to decide on the next steps.
Khushi was restless since morning for reasons unknown to her. She got startled as she heard the shrill ring of telephone. She got up to pick up the phone and was shocked to know it was from AR corporation informing about the telephonic technical interview setup on same day afternoon, She thanked the person on call.
You have got an email from Jay Malhotra, message popped up on Arnav's phone and Arnav quickly moved his fingers to read the message. "strong analytical and logical reasoning skills, strong hold over technical and programming skills, confident and good at communication, would like to recommend her for next round.", Jay's short and to the point message made Arnav's resolve go stronger.
** next day **
Arnav was observing Khushi from the other meeting room which was showing him the live telcast of the interview going on. She was answering the questions thrown at her by AR's HR team. She was doing a good job so far, Arnav guessed it from the expression of people on panel. That was it. He went inside the meeting room where interview was being held. To say that everyone was shocked at Arnav's sudden appearance would be an understatement.
Khushi looked around nervously as she came face to face with the man to whom she had written the letter. His body was stiff and eyes were trained on her. His piercing gaze made her more uncomfortable than ever. "You mentioned that there is no work which is of less importance. It depends on one's dedication to give it meaning and worth.", Khushi was not able to understand where this conversation with Arnav was heading to.
"Let's make a deal then. You work for me as an assistant for 10 days and in that period try and impress me with your work & abilities. Then I would take a call to hire you for the job of web designer for AR." No one gets away that easily after hurting the ego of Arnav Singh Raizada.
How could he do that? She was software engineer and not general secretary. Is this his way of getting back at her due to her letter fiasco?, Khushi wondered to herself.
"That's my last offer. Take it or leave it.", Arnav told Khushi in calm tone.
Khushi needed the job. Also, AR would give her green field project to start from scratch with loads of learning opportunities. She was not going to leave all that because of an intimidating Boss. She was strong and she can do this. Arnav observed expressions changing on her face from disbelief to confusion when a look of determination finally took over.
"Yes, I will take it", he heard her speak in loud voice and he got up instructing HR to go ahead with next procedures.
"Bhai, What was that for?", Akash questioned who was standing with Shyam outside. "You asked me to give her a chance and I am giving the same", Arnav uttered with noncommittal shrug while looking at Shyam. "Bhai, You know what Ma taught us", Arnav's footsteps halted as he heard Akash speaking. Akash and Shyam walked towards Arnav. "She taught us that we should not bother anyone without a valid reason", Akash waited till Arnav's expression changed as his words' meaning sink in and then they turned on their heels to walk away leaving behind stunned Arnav.
That's all for now. Please let me know how you find it. Please like & comment if you like it. Constructive criticism is appreciated. Your replies however small inspire me. So please be generous.
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