The Lost Thread

A Helping Hand

'What was that man going on and on about? Don't tell me he fancies you?' Richa asked sarcastically. Maya could barely suppress a smile thinking about the balding man fancying her. 

'He was telling me about a man who needs an assistant, someone who knows computers and good English. He is thinking of recommending me. It's good money'

Richa looked at Maya thoughtfully. Despite her jealousy, she still cares about Maya and always felt this ridiculous need to lookout for her. 

'Do you know this man who needs an assistant? Sounds silly, coming to the farthest corner of the Himalayas and start looking for an assistant. Why the hell did he not do that in the city?' Richa did not like the sound of it. 

'Maybe something urgent came up and the holiday turned into work' Maya too had her doubts, but she was a bit desperate to earn some more. Such opportunities are hard to come by in such places. 

'Just be careful. You are a beautiful young girl and the world is never safe for you.' Richa warned with a complete lack of drama that is characteristic of the girl. 

Maya nodded solemnly and turned to greet Pandeji who had come out with a slip of paper in his hand. It had a local number. 

Maya asked Richa to take care of the shopping and walked away a bit to make the call. The owner picked up after the 3rd ring. 

'Anush speaking. How may I help you?'

'Hi Anush. My name is Maya and I called to ask about the position of assistant that you told Pandeji about.'

'Oh hello Maya. Can you tell me briefly about your skills and experience?'

'I work at the local school. I teach English and computers. I had previously worked for a multinational company and  a NGO in administrative positions'

'Can we discuss this over a cup of coffee. You can consider it like a bit of an interview. Can you meet me at the cafe of Hotel Eden, say around 3:00 pm this evening?'

'That would be too late for me as I have to walk up the mountain on my way back home. Can it be 1:00 pm?'

'Oh no problem. Sorry, I forgot here the day goes quickly. See you then'

Maya looked at her phone and wondered if she is making a mistake. But as Kedar came running to her with a small toy car in his hand, and yet again she had to say no, she hardened her resolve. Her little boy needs more and she will provide for him. 

Back in the Hotel..

Anush knocked on the door and entered with caution. There is no telling what mood his highness will be in. Dhruv looked up from the file he had been reading with absolutely no expression in his face. This is when he is usually most dangerous. 

Anush gulped. 'Sir, we have got a few inquiries about the post. A few young boys from the college in the town nearby and a school teacher.' 

Dhruv closed the file softly and brought his hands together in front of him. 'Names?'

'Santosh, Vijay, and Maya. I am interviewing Maya in an hour'

Dhruv's heart beat a steady rythym. He had deliberately kept Anush in the dark so that no one suspected his true motives. He wanted, no needed, to know Maya and this was the best way.

'Set up the interviews and tell me how they did. If I like anyone, I will need them to start from tomorrow.'

Anush nodded and escaped quickly, before the explosive temper flared again. Dhruv, however, was feeling calmer than usual. This place was working its magic, with their lush green hills and the towering peaks beyond. There was something in the cool, fresh air, that was soothing his nerves a lot. His mind went back to the file. 

He picked it up and dug put Maya's picture. This face has been haunting him. A single mother, with no more than a penny to her name, might be ready to do more than work if he provided enough incentives. The good doctor did not have to know. After all, an unwed mother must have some loose morals somewhere to have a baby out of the wedlock. He shook his head and put the picture back in the file. Sometimes he wondered at his own villainy. He treats women with the same greed that women treat him with. Money is all that they understand, and money is all they are going to get.