Dastaan Jo Likhun

Ch 13.2. Tailoring Ties - PART II

Time: 10:35 am

[Break after round 1]

DA private academy

Parking Lot

Frustrated, he walked out to the parking lot and the passenger side of his car. His somber mood at almost losing face during the interview cloaked his face in a dark shadow.

The aftermath of the interview played like a relentless loop in his mind, each cringe-worthy moment adding to the weight on his shoulders.

"Sure-sure ke alawa kuchh bola nahi ja rha tha?," he muttered to himself, berating his embarrassing recovery. "Kya soch rahe honge sab ?," he mumbled to himself as he remembered his mutism, wincing.

He prided himself for never losing his composure... never. At least in the professional setting.

'Maa sahi kehti hain... mujhe araadhna [prayer] me aur dhyaan lagana chahiye!' Brushing his hair with restless fingers, he winced at the harsh tug on a few strands.

Cursing his fate, he revisited the moment when he faltered mid-answer. He felt the goosebumps rise across his collar when he heard the song... similar to one he heard in his dreams.

Same as the one he heard from t̶h̶e̶ his charm... or atleast he imagined coming from it.

'Sapno tak to thik tha... ab yeh kya roz hota rahega ?,' he lamented, rubbing his face with his weary palms. All alone in his car, his meltdown was a secret.

His father who had accompanied him, had gone inside for his 'rendezvous' with the Dean, "the oldest investor."

'At the very least, unki disappointed shakal to nahi dekhni padegi!,' he mused, attempting to shake off the weight on his shoulders.

Breathing a reluctant sigh of relief, he steeled himself for the impending second round.

Leaning back into his seat, he directed his gaze towards the entrance of the side building, where the interviews were being conducted. 

Observing the body language of those exiting, he engaged in a silent calculation, attempting to gauge his chances at a passable experience.

Some of them around his age appeared even more morose than him, while others displayed a noticeable spring in their steps. But... 

Only one came out jumping, like a burst of vibrant energy, holding her file to her face. Her infectious laughter radiating across the courtyard... intriguing him with her bubbly innocence.

'Achha gaya!... thank you thank you thank you sooo much Kanha ji,' jumping and dancing she exited the building, kissing her id card in her enthusiasm.

Laughing as she ran up to hug her mother, who was waiting for her outside in the seating area, her smile radiating towards her. "Mumma!!!!!," exclaiming as she circled around her in joy. 

"Achha gaya na!," Sirat also circled along with her, chuckling along with her. 

"Achha nahi... bahut achha," she loudly exclaimed, but was immediately shushed by her mother, who took her aside. Looking sheepishly around her, she bowed in apology for disturbing the other waiting parents. Worried for their own children.

Sirat was worried too, but seeing her daughter smile so gleefully brought a smile to her face as well. She handed her a bottle of water along with the refreshments she brought along with her.