Yes, I Ran Away! (Now Available on Amazon)

Chapter 3- The Job

—The Job—

I was quite anxious, I haven't received any response to my job application yet. Okay, it has only been 4 days and I know companies usually take a week to respond but I can't wait. I am really excited and nervous. Who wouldn't be, really?

And honestly, after all the hard work I have put into acquiring a work visa for here, I don't really want to waste even a single day of it. 

I am anticipating a new work environment, new people, new culture and a whole new world open for me to explore. Everything is just so exciting to me right now.

Though there are also things which are slightly less exciting, like shopping with Amber for her wedding and it is no fun. Not at all. If anything, it is a torture. Pure agonizing torture. Maybe I am exaggerating a bit but it is still a torture.

She is going crazy and I am having a mixed bag of feelings, you name it and I probably have it. Anxiety, jealousy, guilt, regret, happiness, excitement, nervousness; I am a complete mess with no job to take my mind away from all the shit happening with and around me.

I was never a fan of shopping trips, especially wedding shopping trips. They are a headache. I don't understand how people get through the fittings without flipping out.

I don't want to ruin it for Amber, but somehow I just can't bear it, especially with the nostalgia of doing it back at home. It is difficult to deal with. But I can't let it dampen her mood. Just because marriage is not my thing, does not mean it can't be others. Just because I threw it away, does not mean I have to resent everyone who decides to keep it.

I am a good friend and I will plaster a fake smile on my face if that makes Amber believe that I am fine; because the number of times she has looked at me with concern is seriously making me feel bad for her.

After I was done shopping with Amber for the day, I decided to get myself some coffee before going home.

I was sitting at the coffee shop near my new home. I discovered it three days and back and since then I am visiting this place every day at almost the same time. I usually just sit, enjoy my cup of coffee, have some snacks and head back home. I love their coffee and pastries. I like to think of myself as a regular now because I now know the name of the owner. Maria is a nice middle-aged lady with a very adorable countenance.

Maria is beautiful inside out and happily married to her husband Mr. Johnson. He got the lower part of his body paralyzed in an accident, from what Maria told me. He is usually sitting at the cash counter, but today he was not there. Instead, there was a very tired looking Maria.

"Hi, Maria." I smiled, while paying my bill.

"Hello love, how are you?" She asked smiling, giving me my change back.

"I am fine but you look really worn out. What's the matter? And where is Mr. Johnson?" I asked curiously.

And no I am not nosy, I just like other's business more than mine.

"He is not well, so I have to do his work too. It is quite tiring to juggle things between home and The Wedlock." She smiled sadly. 

And oh, did I mentioned the coffee shop's name? It is The Wedlock Cafe. Weird right? Yeah..right! My life can't be more ironic at this point, even if I want it to be. The universe is definitely trying to do me dirty here.

"I am sorry. I hope, he will be fine soon." I tried to smile reassuringly and then an idea came to me like a soothing blow of cool breeze. "You know I can work here in his place, temporarily to save you this double workload? I am looking for something to do anyway." I could work here to pass the time, and I will help Maria too.

I am a genius! No, not really but never mind. 

"You sure? I think I can manage, it is only a matter of a few days.." She was hesitant. Honestly, who wouldn't be of a customer who just started coming to your cafe only 3 days ago?

"It's okay, I can help you here...till Mr. Johnson is back." Please just accept the help already!

"In that case, I think you can work here. Don't worry I will pay you for your services." We both smiled and she gave me a brief account of what I have to do at the counter. It was not the most interesting work in the world, but at least it was some work.

And I won't lie, it is quite fun to work with Maria and other staff at The Wedlock...would be more fun, only if I could change the name of this place.

*~*

So, 6 days and counting...Why can't the damn company just respond to me already?! 

The good thing is I get to escape Amber's wedding shopping spree because of the cashier's job that I have taken up. It is not like I am heartless or a bad friend but I am just not into shopping, especially wedding shopping. Or weddings. Or shopping. You get the point right? I don't need to repeat everything now, I hope.

I am enjoying working at this cafe, but I still need a job as per my qualification. I was at the counter talking to Tia, one of the baristas. I am making friends quickly here. It is all going well, but not exactly according to my plan. But when do my plans work anyway, ha!

She was telling me about the Culinary classes she attends, and it was quite interesting, only I am not a good cook, if my dinner of instant noodles every day is not proof enough. She was telling about how she learnt to draw a bunny from the cream when we were interrupted by a male voice. 

"Excuse me? Can I have one Espresso ?" I turned around to look at the man and I was shocked to see it was Axel, the blonde guy I met during my flight. I doubt if he still remembers me. I seriously hope not.

"Yes,  sure." I smiled and Tia left to prepare his order.

"Did you forget me?" He asked with a small cute smile on his face.

"No, I remember you, Axel." I emphasized his name to prove my point.

"That's good because if you didn't I surely would have gotten hurt." He smiled a little. And I just let out a chuckle. Why the hell he has to be so damn cute? If he continued being cute, I will surely embarrass myself by doing something awkward.

He smiled a little more and was going to say something when luckily, at the exact same moment Tia returned with his order. I definitely owe her one for this! "It is $5 please." I smiled and he paid the amount.

"So, you work here?" He asked and for the first time, I noticed that he was well-dressed in a branded suit. He sure has a good white-collar job. He looked really professional too. And handsome, I just can not ignore that aspect of him.

"Yeah..but just temporarily," I said and cursed myself mentally for giving out the extra information. He was about to say something when his mobile phone began ringing. He turned his back towards me, talked to whoever was on the phone and again turned his attention towards me.

"Sorry I gotta run, but you do have my number." He winked and exited without having his espresso. What a waste of money and coffee...sinful.

I worked till 5 in the evening. The moment I got home I was surprised to see that I had a mail. My application got selected and I got a call for an interview in 3 days! Gosh! Yes! That's what I was waiting for.

I excitedly called Amber to give her the good news, and she gave me an hour-long lecture on how to give an interview. She went on and on about things a company wants in an employee. I think she forgot it is not my first job but in my happiness and hers, I did not think to interrupt her. 

Her constant instructions were a welcome relief. 

I was so happy! I can't believe I finally got a response. I was quite confident about getting the job. I've nailed some interviews back home and I am sure I can nail this one too. 

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Hello!

Do you think Ruchi will be able to nail the interview?

This is just a filler chapter, next chapter will have some action. So stay tuned!

This chapter is not edited so point out any mistakes. Thanks!