2. LOST IN LUXURY

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I had chosen a casual outfit for today's interview baggy blue jeans, a pink t-shirt, with some accessories and my favorite (jhola) tote bag.

I had chosen a casual outfit for today's interview baggy blue jeans, a pink t-shirt, with some accessories and my favorite (jhola) tote bag

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Rushing through my morning routine in just 15 minutes I decided to skip breakfast. Jani Maa who was quite clever, had already packed my breakfast and took pride in her efficiency teasing me about her smarts with a grin. After seeking her blessings I left in a hurry to hail a taxi.

Sitting in the taxi anxiety about the interview set in. I took a deep breath and started eating my breakfast from a box finishing it in just three minutes. Soon enough, I found myself stuck in traffic erasing my time buffer. By 9:25 my plans were all but shattered and I was filled with tension about whether I'd make it on time. Finally, at 9:30 I arrived at my destination a massive luxurious campus that occupied huge acres. A campus that combined the official company, a hotel on the right, and an industry at the back a display of unimaginable wealth. their rapid growth is accompanied by immense profits. People of such affluence do indeed exist. This is the live example

I couldn't help but wonder if my outfit met the standards of this opulent company. As I entered from the parking area I noticed all the staff wearing a professional and elegant uniform with a combination of two shades. They welcomed me with nods and hand gestures making me feel like a guest. I was truly impressed by their professionalism and appearance. The company had multiple entrances and I was unsure which one to take.

After wandering for about five minutes I approached one of the staff members to guide me to the entrance. I tried to strike up a conversation asking her about her job satisfaction and how long she had been working there. She responded with a smile and gestures me to the entrance and it felt a bit awkward, as if I were speaking to a mute person.

I finally reached the entrance where a security guard conducted checks. The most striking feature was the automatic sensor door that opened widely after the security checks for specific individuals, and it felt a bit odd. The interior was unlike anything I had ever seen a beautiful and classy lobby area with people working professionally. Receptionists conversed with employees some engrossed in paperwork and others sat on couches waiting patiently.

As I approached the receptionist, I couldn't help but feel insecure about my outfit and myself. I introduced myself as Mannat and mentioned that I was here for an interview for the position of Product Marketing. She nodded and asked for my full name.

I provided my name and she looked it up on the computer. After what felt like an eternity, she asked about the position I was interviewing for. Nervously, I replied, Product Marketing, my hands sweaty and my forehead perspiring. She stared at the screen and my heart sank as she uttered disappointing words.

She said, "I'm sorry, but you are no longer eligible for the interview." My confidence plummeted. My eyes welled up with tears and I felt a surge of nervous energy coursing through me. Hesitantly, I asked her to double-check suggesting that maybe she had mistaken my name or looked in the wrong folder. She agreed to check again and after a thorough search said, "Sorry mam, you were 20 minutes late and another candidate took your place for the interview. It's already underway and we can't do anything."

My confidence was now six feet under and I was left in a state of disbelief and disappointment. I left speechless unable to convey my request clearly as I asked her to reschedule the interview. I pleaded, "Please could you help me? I'm prepared and willing to give my best. Let me speak with your HR it's my last chance, it's just a matter of 20 minutes." The job was crucial for my survival. The receptionist warned me that I wasn't eligible anymore, even threatening to call security. I begged for a meeting with HR or just 5 minutes. Eventually, she agreed and I hoped the current candidate would falter granting me an opportunity.

Sitting on the waiting couch for 30 minutes hope began fading. I mustered courage to ask the receptionist who seemed burdened by my presence. She regretfully informed me that the candidate had been selected leaving no chance for an interview. Disheartened, I blamed fate and the unfolding tragedy.

In a fleeting moment, I collided with a man and the papers in his hands scattered. Swiftly I gathered them up and handed them back realizing he was no stranger. I'd seen him often with the company's COO - he was the secretary of Mr Reyan. A glimmer of hope emerged within me. I apologized and passed him the papers he accepted them graciously, offering a warm smile in return.

My inner voice urged me to confide in him about losing my job. Returning his smile I asked for a favor. "How can I help you miss?" he responded. I proceeded to recount the details of my job loss. After hearing my story he responded dramatically "Hmmm so that's the story" before agreeing to help I enticed my promise of a treat. With puppy eyes, I finally got his agreement in nod and he said, "Come with me."

Shockingly, I questioned "Where?" He motioned for me to follow, disregarding the receptionist who observed our conversation with cruel unseen expressions. Ignoring her I followed him.

In a spacious elevator with a prominent mirror I indulged in admiring the company's luxury, lost in my thoughts. Without even looking at me the secretary remarked, "Get out of your imaginary thoughts. I know you're praising the company's luxury." Astonishment hits me, I asked how you knew. He replied, "Your face is easily readable." Curiously I inquired about our destination. With a smirk he revealed, "To get you a job."

As the elevator doors opened on the ninth floor I couldn't contain my astonishment and reacted childishly, both hands flying to my mouth with a loud "woaahhhh" that can easily attract anyone's attention. The secretary calmly reassured me, "Calm down lady, this is nothing. I know you're now a fan of this company." I quickly retorted, "No I'm not a fan but I'm a huge admirer of your company." I couldn't believe my own words the surreal experience was overwhelming.

A few steps further we stood before the COO's office. My heart raced uncontrollably meeting Reyan was beyond belief. I secretly pinched myself, hoping this was a dream. Yet, the reality was undeniable I stood before his office. The secretary gestured for me to follow but my feet felt glued to the ground I couldn't move.

Internally I pleaded, "God, I asked for a chance to see him but this is unexpected. I'm not ready to face him not prepared to encounter him up close. I can't do this if he asks me anything I won't be able to respond." It felt as though everything I'd prepared for this moment had vanished into thin air. Lost in my thoughts, I was abruptly pulled back when the secretary emerged from the room and said, "Do you want this job? If yes then come in he won't eat you." It seemed this man could read minds or faces as he bluntly laid bare the truth.

Hehe, I'm so excited for their real encounter. How will Reyan react? Will Mannat pass this interview? is secretory really a magician or what?

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