2 hours ago
(This post was last modified: 2 hours ago by damien123456. Edited 1 time in total. Edited 1 time in total.)
update 41:
The car is moving at a normal speed, heading toward the highway. The morning sun shines brightly, its rays streaming onto the dashboard through the windshield. Ashwin is driving, while in the passenger seat sits Pooja, holding a file in her hand as they head to town for her interview. For the past 35 minutes, since leaving the house, they haven’t spoken. Ashwin glances at her from time to time, admiring her formal dress and the subtle nervousness she shows through her fingers gripping the file tightly and her feet moving back and forth. Her face reflects a mix of hope, doubt, confidence, and other emotions. Even in silence, Ashwin understands her well.
For a moment, Ashwin thought back to the events of yesterday. After speaking with Pooja and Radha, he decided to help her and called his friend Naveen in town.
Phone conversation:
Amit: Hi sir, how are you? He answered on the third ring, feeling happy and curious when he saw Ashwin’s name on the display.
Ashwin: Hey Amit, how many times have I told you not to call me sir? Call me Ashwin, okay? His tone was smooth and playful, yet carried a warning.
Amit: How can I do that, sir? You’re my senior and I owe you a lot.
Ashwin: Stop this sentiment, okay? He cut him off abruptly.
Amit: Okay, sir.
Ashwin: I’m calling because I need your help now.
Amit: Help? Sir, come on, just order me, I’ll do whatever you want.
Ashwin: Is there any vacancy for a fresh B.Com graduate in the office?
Amit: Sir, you know we don’t need to hire anyone right now. We have less work since you’ve been busy with the coir birth business, and I was even thinking of letting some people go to cut costs.
Ashwin: Don’t do that, Amit. It’s just temporary. Anyway, I need a place for a fresher girl in the office. Can you manage that?
Amit: Sir, it’s your office. You can do whatever you want.
Ashwin: Well, here’s the catch — I want you to act as the M.D. and top auditor of the office.
Amit: How can I do that, sir? I haven’t completed my CA; I’ve been stuck on my finals for years, you know that.
Ashwin: Don’t worry, Amit, just do as I say.
Amit: Okay, sir. Who’s the girl?
Ashwin: Someone special to me, that’s all you need to know, okay.
Amit: Understood, sir—his tone now a mix of mockery and obedience.
Ashwin: Tomorrow I will bring her to our office, and you will be the one to interview her at 11 in the morning.
Amit: Sir, I can’t do that alone. You know you’re always the one who handles the hiring in our office. I just sit beside you during interviews to learn and keep you company, so how can I manage that?
Ashwin: Relax, Amit. Tomorrow is the interview—just do as I say. I’ll send you the questionnaire on WhatsApp, and you should the instructions, Amit.
Amit: Okay, sir. With that, Ashwin ended the call.
After ending the call, Amit didn’t think much. He simply waited for the WhatsApp message, and once he received it, he began preparing for the next day’s interview. Amit is now overseeing Ashwin’s auditing firm, as Ashwin needed some time away from the office to focus on new paths he dreams of pursuing. Many in the office wanted to take over in his absence, but Ashwin chose Amit because he comes from a modest middle-class family, is very traditional, and values family above all. Ashwin had known him for quite long time—back when Amit struggled with his CA studies due to his weak English, Ashwin, who was three years his senior at the same CA institution, personally helped him. To Amit, Ashwin was not just a good friend but almost god-like, as he not only corrected his English but also taught him personally, which greatly improved his studies. When Ashwin became an auditor and was earning well, Amit once approached him for financial help to treat his mother. Without hesitation, Ashwin helped him, even though he was not in a strong financial position himself at the time. To help Amit, he made many efforts, and during those struggles, Amit stayed close, fully aware of what Ashwin had done for him and his family. Out of loyalty, Amit decided to remain by Ashwin’s side, helping him in his works and be a loyal friend. When Ashwin opened his office, he called Amit and gave him a position there.
After going through the texts, he reached the last point Ashwin mentioned: not to act like or mention that it was his office and to tell their workers to do the same. Ashwin didn’t want the girl to know it was his office, and he even underlined this point so Amit would understand. Amit didn’t like Ashwin’s playboy character but never objected it out of respect and loyalty toward him. He wondered who the girl was and why Ashwin was acting like this, then decided, whatever it is, God, please help him find a wife and a family. With that prayer, he went to bed.
back inside the car
As the car was about to enter the highway, Ashwin slowed down to check the sides and the road for vehicles before merging. He had just fastened his own seatbelt and, while doing so, said, “Pooja, seatbelt.” His head was bent to hook his belt, so he didn’t look at her. When he raised his head, he saw Pooja wasn’t paying attention but was gazing out the windshield at the road ahead. Ashwin called her again, “Pooja,” but there was no response. He tried once more—still nothing, as her mind was lost in her own thoughts. To get her attention, Ashwin tapped the dashboard in front of her with a “thud.” “Hey, Pooja.” The sound snapped her out of her thoughts, and she looked at Ashwin, her eyes full of questions. “What is it?” they seemed to ask. “Put on the seatbelt, Pooja,” Ashwin replied.
Pooja: fastened her seatbelt and said, “Sorry, I forgot.”
Ashwin: “Hey, what is it?”
Pooja: “What?” she replied in an irritated tone.
Ashwin: “Well, this,” he said, pointing at her face.
Pooja: “What again?” she asked.
Ashwin: “The tension and nervousness on your face,” he said in a playful tone.
Pooja: “It’s my first interview, that’s why,” she replied angrily. Even though he was helping her, she thought he was teasing her.
Ashwin said, “Well, Pooja, nervousness is good as it sharpens your mind, but never let it take over, okay?” The car moved onto the highway, merging into the flow of vehicles. His eyes stayed on the road, but his words made Pooja glance at him for a moment. Before she could turn her head back, Ashwin continued in a caring tone, “I didn’t refer you because you need this job. I referred you because the office I chose for you needs someone like you.” His words, smooth like honey, sank deep into her.
Pooja: What made you think like that? The words slipped out of her mouth without her control, as she was drawn to him.
Ashwin: Why not you? You’re gifted, talented, focused, ambitious, hungry to achieve something big, and so beautiful—so why not, Pooja?
Pooja: What if I fail you in the interview?
Ashwin looked at her for a moment, turning his head and saying, “Not in a million years, Pooja. I know you—maybe you’d reject them, not the other way around.”
The mood in the car lightened, the tension eased, and this time, she smiled for real.
She turned her head, and he too shifted his gaze back to the road, knowing deep down he had scored. They continued like this for a few kilometers until Ashwin noticed they were approaching a hotel.
He broke the silence, “Mmmhhh, Pooja, don’t just go into the room and answer everything they ask, okay?” Pooja looked at him with questioning eyes, and Ashwin explained, “I want you to act like yourself.” She asked what he meant, and he continued, “Answer their questions, but not all of them in full detail. Sometimes giving too much brings more questions, and some interviewers don’t like being challenged by a fresher like you.” His words sank in as he went on, “I want you to show eagerness to learn. You’re not here to earn; you’re here to learn and excel, okay?”
Pooja, with a smile, said “Ok, Ashwin,” her tone so relaxed and natural, as if she were chatting with friends—something Ashwin wished she would share with him too.
Ashwin: Hey Pooja, have you ever tried aloo paratha in the morning, especially at that hotel? It was so good and tasty there. Ashwin points to the hotel just a few yards away.
Pooja: No, I haven’t.
Ashwin: What? Have you ever tried it? Then try it now. His tone is encouraging and full of enthusiasm.
Pooja: No, I mean not now. We’re going to the interview.
Ashwin: So what?
Pooja: I mean, why don’t we eat it after the interview? Ashwin understands now.
Ashwin: Hey Pooja, your confidence and energy won’t work on an empty stomach. We’re going to have breakfast. With that, he parks the car in front of the hotel.
Pooja: do not act like Radha.
Ashwin: Like who, Pooja?
Pooja: Nothing. He says, “Come on, you’re the one who started it. Like Radha?”
Pooja: Like my sister Radha. She also never lets me leave without eating.
Small and comfortable, their budding relationship continued to grow. With that, they headed to the hotel, enjoyed breakfast, and then set off in the car again. Ashwin phoned Amit to let him know he’d be at the office within the next two hours.
************************************************************
After carefully maneuvering through the city traffic, which Ashwin hates most about city life, he entered the main gates of the 14-storey building. The watchman saluted him and allowed his car through to the building. He parked in his designated spot and took Pooja to the 11th floor, where his office was located, via the elevator. Inside, he noticed her hands and neck were sweating, and her fingers on both hands were twisting and clasping, clearly showing her tension and nervousness.
Ashwin: Hey Pooja, what’s wrong?
Pooja: Nothing, just feeling the heat.
Ashwin: Heat? We’re in an air-conditioned elevator, Pooja.
Pooja: Oh.
Ashwin: Hey, relax a bit. This is just an interview, not your final semester or a public exam from college. Just relax.
Pooja: I understand, but as the time gets closer to the interview, I get nervous and panic.
Ashwin: Okay fine, look me in the eye. They both turn to face each other, away from the lift doors, and lock eyes. Ashwin continues, “Just take a breath in and breathe out.” He moves his hands to emphasize his point—bringing them to his chest while saying “breath in” and moving them away while saying “breathe out.” He lets her follow along for a while, then says, “Just relax, Pooja. You’re thinking about how to handle the interview, but I’m thinking about the interviewer who has to manage interviewing the smartest and prettiest girl I know.” Pooja’s cheeks flush slightly, showing a mix of shyness and she is enjoying his words, but before he can continue, the elevator doors open. They step out and walk down the corridor toward Ashwin’s office. Ashwin stops near the name board by the lift, points to one of the names, and says, “Look, this is where you’re going to work in a few days.”
Pooja: “Fintegrity Audits—sounds good,” she says with excitement. After taking two right turns and one left turn, they reached the office door. Ashwin opened it; the time was 10:45. The office was in full swing—employees were busy working, and trainees were discussing the audit scheduled for today. As Ashwin entered, the front office girl noticed him, stood up, and said, “Good morning, sir.” Before she could continue, he interrupted, “Hello, madam, I’m here to meet your MD, Mr. Amit,” gesturing for her to sit down. Pooja, walking behind Ashwin, was unaware of his gestures or facial expressions meant to keep the receptionist acting normal and silent. “Is he here, madam?” Ashwin asked. “Yes, sir, he is,” she replied. “Fine, madam, inform him about me. Remember my name—it’s Ashwin,” he said, then turned and signaled Pooja to follow him to the lounge to wait. A few minutes later, the girl returned to tell Ashwin the MD was free and wanted to see him. Without wasting time, Ashwin stood and left Pooja to meet Amit in his cabin. Pooja’s eyes wandered around the office, taking in its aesthetics, the men and women at work, and trainees moving from place to place carrying files. She imagined herself among them, not knowing that in a few months, she would be their boss.
Ashwin said, “Hey Pooja, come on, he’s ready. You’re ready, right?” She nodded yes. Then he added, “Just relax and answer the questions. Don’t go too high or too low—brief and neat answers are enough. I know you’re going to make it. If you get tense during the interview, just imagine I’m the one interviewing you.” With that, he guided her to the cabin door where Amit awaited. Ashwin stopped a few steps before the door. As she was about to open it, she looked back at him. He gave her a thumbs-up, and she smiled before entering the room. “May I come in, sir…” But here Pooja made a mistake—she didn’t notice the changes in the office environment. Everyone’s eyes turned to Ashwin, who had gone unnoticed until a trainee spotted him and called out, “Hey guys, look who’s here—it’s Ashwin sir!” The whole office fell silent. Ashwin realized Amit had failed to tell them to act normal during his visit. After making sure Pooja was inside and handling the interview, he went over to chat with the employees and trainees.
![[Image: pooja_kashyap_photo.jpg]](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v546PIDF0T0/X9A-drtjVLI/AAAAAAAASjc/lsPwLaWJ8ScfwADAQqQkcwy-bW9y5JLuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/pooja_kashyap_photo.jpg)
The car is moving at a normal speed, heading toward the highway. The morning sun shines brightly, its rays streaming onto the dashboard through the windshield. Ashwin is driving, while in the passenger seat sits Pooja, holding a file in her hand as they head to town for her interview. For the past 35 minutes, since leaving the house, they haven’t spoken. Ashwin glances at her from time to time, admiring her formal dress and the subtle nervousness she shows through her fingers gripping the file tightly and her feet moving back and forth. Her face reflects a mix of hope, doubt, confidence, and other emotions. Even in silence, Ashwin understands her well.
For a moment, Ashwin thought back to the events of yesterday. After speaking with Pooja and Radha, he decided to help her and called his friend Naveen in town.
Phone conversation:
Amit: Hi sir, how are you? He answered on the third ring, feeling happy and curious when he saw Ashwin’s name on the display.
Ashwin: Hey Amit, how many times have I told you not to call me sir? Call me Ashwin, okay? His tone was smooth and playful, yet carried a warning.
Amit: How can I do that, sir? You’re my senior and I owe you a lot.
Ashwin: Stop this sentiment, okay? He cut him off abruptly.
Amit: Okay, sir.
Ashwin: I’m calling because I need your help now.
Amit: Help? Sir, come on, just order me, I’ll do whatever you want.
Ashwin: Is there any vacancy for a fresh B.Com graduate in the office?
Amit: Sir, you know we don’t need to hire anyone right now. We have less work since you’ve been busy with the coir birth business, and I was even thinking of letting some people go to cut costs.
Ashwin: Don’t do that, Amit. It’s just temporary. Anyway, I need a place for a fresher girl in the office. Can you manage that?
Amit: Sir, it’s your office. You can do whatever you want.
Ashwin: Well, here’s the catch — I want you to act as the M.D. and top auditor of the office.
Amit: How can I do that, sir? I haven’t completed my CA; I’ve been stuck on my finals for years, you know that.
Ashwin: Don’t worry, Amit, just do as I say.
Amit: Okay, sir. Who’s the girl?
Ashwin: Someone special to me, that’s all you need to know, okay.
Amit: Understood, sir—his tone now a mix of mockery and obedience.
Ashwin: Tomorrow I will bring her to our office, and you will be the one to interview her at 11 in the morning.
Amit: Sir, I can’t do that alone. You know you’re always the one who handles the hiring in our office. I just sit beside you during interviews to learn and keep you company, so how can I manage that?
Ashwin: Relax, Amit. Tomorrow is the interview—just do as I say. I’ll send you the questionnaire on WhatsApp, and you should the instructions, Amit.
Amit: Okay, sir. With that, Ashwin ended the call.
After ending the call, Amit didn’t think much. He simply waited for the WhatsApp message, and once he received it, he began preparing for the next day’s interview. Amit is now overseeing Ashwin’s auditing firm, as Ashwin needed some time away from the office to focus on new paths he dreams of pursuing. Many in the office wanted to take over in his absence, but Ashwin chose Amit because he comes from a modest middle-class family, is very traditional, and values family above all. Ashwin had known him for quite long time—back when Amit struggled with his CA studies due to his weak English, Ashwin, who was three years his senior at the same CA institution, personally helped him. To Amit, Ashwin was not just a good friend but almost god-like, as he not only corrected his English but also taught him personally, which greatly improved his studies. When Ashwin became an auditor and was earning well, Amit once approached him for financial help to treat his mother. Without hesitation, Ashwin helped him, even though he was not in a strong financial position himself at the time. To help Amit, he made many efforts, and during those struggles, Amit stayed close, fully aware of what Ashwin had done for him and his family. Out of loyalty, Amit decided to remain by Ashwin’s side, helping him in his works and be a loyal friend. When Ashwin opened his office, he called Amit and gave him a position there.
After going through the texts, he reached the last point Ashwin mentioned: not to act like or mention that it was his office and to tell their workers to do the same. Ashwin didn’t want the girl to know it was his office, and he even underlined this point so Amit would understand. Amit didn’t like Ashwin’s playboy character but never objected it out of respect and loyalty toward him. He wondered who the girl was and why Ashwin was acting like this, then decided, whatever it is, God, please help him find a wife and a family. With that prayer, he went to bed.
back inside the car
As the car was about to enter the highway, Ashwin slowed down to check the sides and the road for vehicles before merging. He had just fastened his own seatbelt and, while doing so, said, “Pooja, seatbelt.” His head was bent to hook his belt, so he didn’t look at her. When he raised his head, he saw Pooja wasn’t paying attention but was gazing out the windshield at the road ahead. Ashwin called her again, “Pooja,” but there was no response. He tried once more—still nothing, as her mind was lost in her own thoughts. To get her attention, Ashwin tapped the dashboard in front of her with a “thud.” “Hey, Pooja.” The sound snapped her out of her thoughts, and she looked at Ashwin, her eyes full of questions. “What is it?” they seemed to ask. “Put on the seatbelt, Pooja,” Ashwin replied.
Pooja: fastened her seatbelt and said, “Sorry, I forgot.”
Ashwin: “Hey, what is it?”
Pooja: “What?” she replied in an irritated tone.
Ashwin: “Well, this,” he said, pointing at her face.
Pooja: “What again?” she asked.
Ashwin: “The tension and nervousness on your face,” he said in a playful tone.
Pooja: “It’s my first interview, that’s why,” she replied angrily. Even though he was helping her, she thought he was teasing her.
Ashwin said, “Well, Pooja, nervousness is good as it sharpens your mind, but never let it take over, okay?” The car moved onto the highway, merging into the flow of vehicles. His eyes stayed on the road, but his words made Pooja glance at him for a moment. Before she could turn her head back, Ashwin continued in a caring tone, “I didn’t refer you because you need this job. I referred you because the office I chose for you needs someone like you.” His words, smooth like honey, sank deep into her.
Pooja: What made you think like that? The words slipped out of her mouth without her control, as she was drawn to him.
Ashwin: Why not you? You’re gifted, talented, focused, ambitious, hungry to achieve something big, and so beautiful—so why not, Pooja?
Pooja: What if I fail you in the interview?
Ashwin looked at her for a moment, turning his head and saying, “Not in a million years, Pooja. I know you—maybe you’d reject them, not the other way around.”
The mood in the car lightened, the tension eased, and this time, she smiled for real.
She turned her head, and he too shifted his gaze back to the road, knowing deep down he had scored. They continued like this for a few kilometers until Ashwin noticed they were approaching a hotel.
He broke the silence, “Mmmhhh, Pooja, don’t just go into the room and answer everything they ask, okay?” Pooja looked at him with questioning eyes, and Ashwin explained, “I want you to act like yourself.” She asked what he meant, and he continued, “Answer their questions, but not all of them in full detail. Sometimes giving too much brings more questions, and some interviewers don’t like being challenged by a fresher like you.” His words sank in as he went on, “I want you to show eagerness to learn. You’re not here to earn; you’re here to learn and excel, okay?”
Pooja, with a smile, said “Ok, Ashwin,” her tone so relaxed and natural, as if she were chatting with friends—something Ashwin wished she would share with him too.
Ashwin: Hey Pooja, have you ever tried aloo paratha in the morning, especially at that hotel? It was so good and tasty there. Ashwin points to the hotel just a few yards away.
Pooja: No, I haven’t.
Ashwin: What? Have you ever tried it? Then try it now. His tone is encouraging and full of enthusiasm.
Pooja: No, I mean not now. We’re going to the interview.
Ashwin: So what?
Pooja: I mean, why don’t we eat it after the interview? Ashwin understands now.
Ashwin: Hey Pooja, your confidence and energy won’t work on an empty stomach. We’re going to have breakfast. With that, he parks the car in front of the hotel.
Pooja: do not act like Radha.
Ashwin: Like who, Pooja?
Pooja: Nothing. He says, “Come on, you’re the one who started it. Like Radha?”
Pooja: Like my sister Radha. She also never lets me leave without eating.
Small and comfortable, their budding relationship continued to grow. With that, they headed to the hotel, enjoyed breakfast, and then set off in the car again. Ashwin phoned Amit to let him know he’d be at the office within the next two hours.
************************************************************
After carefully maneuvering through the city traffic, which Ashwin hates most about city life, he entered the main gates of the 14-storey building. The watchman saluted him and allowed his car through to the building. He parked in his designated spot and took Pooja to the 11th floor, where his office was located, via the elevator. Inside, he noticed her hands and neck were sweating, and her fingers on both hands were twisting and clasping, clearly showing her tension and nervousness.
Ashwin: Hey Pooja, what’s wrong?
Pooja: Nothing, just feeling the heat.
Ashwin: Heat? We’re in an air-conditioned elevator, Pooja.
Pooja: Oh.
Ashwin: Hey, relax a bit. This is just an interview, not your final semester or a public exam from college. Just relax.
Pooja: I understand, but as the time gets closer to the interview, I get nervous and panic.
Ashwin: Okay fine, look me in the eye. They both turn to face each other, away from the lift doors, and lock eyes. Ashwin continues, “Just take a breath in and breathe out.” He moves his hands to emphasize his point—bringing them to his chest while saying “breath in” and moving them away while saying “breathe out.” He lets her follow along for a while, then says, “Just relax, Pooja. You’re thinking about how to handle the interview, but I’m thinking about the interviewer who has to manage interviewing the smartest and prettiest girl I know.” Pooja’s cheeks flush slightly, showing a mix of shyness and she is enjoying his words, but before he can continue, the elevator doors open. They step out and walk down the corridor toward Ashwin’s office. Ashwin stops near the name board by the lift, points to one of the names, and says, “Look, this is where you’re going to work in a few days.”
Pooja: “Fintegrity Audits—sounds good,” she says with excitement. After taking two right turns and one left turn, they reached the office door. Ashwin opened it; the time was 10:45. The office was in full swing—employees were busy working, and trainees were discussing the audit scheduled for today. As Ashwin entered, the front office girl noticed him, stood up, and said, “Good morning, sir.” Before she could continue, he interrupted, “Hello, madam, I’m here to meet your MD, Mr. Amit,” gesturing for her to sit down. Pooja, walking behind Ashwin, was unaware of his gestures or facial expressions meant to keep the receptionist acting normal and silent. “Is he here, madam?” Ashwin asked. “Yes, sir, he is,” she replied. “Fine, madam, inform him about me. Remember my name—it’s Ashwin,” he said, then turned and signaled Pooja to follow him to the lounge to wait. A few minutes later, the girl returned to tell Ashwin the MD was free and wanted to see him. Without wasting time, Ashwin stood and left Pooja to meet Amit in his cabin. Pooja’s eyes wandered around the office, taking in its aesthetics, the men and women at work, and trainees moving from place to place carrying files. She imagined herself among them, not knowing that in a few months, she would be their boss.
Ashwin said, “Hey Pooja, come on, he’s ready. You’re ready, right?” She nodded yes. Then he added, “Just relax and answer the questions. Don’t go too high or too low—brief and neat answers are enough. I know you’re going to make it. If you get tense during the interview, just imagine I’m the one interviewing you.” With that, he guided her to the cabin door where Amit awaited. Ashwin stopped a few steps before the door. As she was about to open it, she looked back at him. He gave her a thumbs-up, and she smiled before entering the room. “May I come in, sir…” But here Pooja made a mistake—she didn’t notice the changes in the office environment. Everyone’s eyes turned to Ashwin, who had gone unnoticed until a trainee spotted him and called out, “Hey guys, look who’s here—it’s Ashwin sir!” The whole office fell silent. Ashwin realized Amit had failed to tell them to act normal during his visit. After making sure Pooja was inside and handling the interview, he went over to chat with the employees and trainees.
![[+]](https://xossipy.com/themes/sharepoint/collapse_collapsed.png)