Never Before

Chapter 3

Veda

I was on time for my first interview. I was a nervous wreck but a few words from Baba and Aai's dahi sakhar gave me a little bit of courage. I have never faced a job interview. Even though I was doing something I liked and chose, I became tongue-tied in front of someone with more experience than me. It happened during my curriculum and now too. Rubbing my sweaty palms on my ironed black trousers, I tried to wash off some of my trembles.

Yesterday, I was at Nutan's place. As I talked about my interview, she frowned as if doing math. She was going to say something but stopped herself. What could it be? She said it was nothing important. Should I be worried or relieved?

The taxi's brake broke my thoughts. My neck would break if I tried to look at the building for more than 5 seconds. I opened my CV to check if everything was fine. Not like I had the possibility to go back and collect anything. I joined my hands, closed my eyes, and chanted "Ganpati Bappa Moraya". This gave me some more courage. Nutan's cafe was on the ground floor. I can see the hustle and bustle but I might run late if I chose to meet her. So deciding otherwise I went towards the elevator. The ride to the 15th floor felt shorter than predicted. Oh, the interiors were nice. Even though it was a one-floor office it stood out the most. It looked like they purposely took the hilt of the 16th and 17th floors and made their ceilings touch the sky.

Anyway, I jogged to the reception and gave my details. She politely directed me to the allotted rooms. I inhaled and puffed out some air. But it won't help. I was already sitting with the other 10 interviewees. The 3 men were in coats while me and another girl were in shirts and trousers. I should have worn a tie, shouldn't I? I looked around and my eyes fell on the glass window. This made me straighten my posture. I exercised those breathing exercises which were supposed to help me. As I was busy taking some air in, I might have completely missed the woman calling my name if not for the other girl shaking me. I stood up in haste as if they'd disqualify me if I would respond any second late. It took the attention of all those in the hallway. I awkwardly smiled at the other girl and she mouthed an "all the best" to me. I nodded at her and followed her.

The fresh breeze of purified air almost kicked me out of the room. It must be because I was nervous. She instructed me to sit comfortably and wait for them to arrive. The room had only two Chairs. One for them and one in the middle for me. I sat down placing my file on my lap. He was 3 minutes late. Wasn't I supposed to be late? according to the rituals?

He was the boss here. I should keep my tongue in check here. My Aai says 'Your tongue will get you into a blunder someday.' The door clicked open. I was going to stand up but he signed me to settle down. He already had a copy of my profile. The first thing I noticed about him was.....his glasses. He had glasses just like me. I have been acquainted with glasses since the 10th grade. Where I looked like a boiled potato, he looked no less than those runway models. If I made him stand in any of my product advertisements, I bet my product would be sold out at one glance.

Ok. Enough drooling.

"Miss. Kulkarni. Why should we hire you?"

Basic question. I didn't know those Instagram lessons on "how to crack an interview?" was true.

Why should they hire me?

I know good food. That sounded prideful.

After a 5-second interval, I dared, "From childhood, I was labeled picky in the case of food. My father let me know I was more sensitive to taste than anyone around. Which was a lie. And the products we make are a part of common people's daily life. I'm one of them. I believe I have a better answer to my questions when it comes to food. I make my food choices and the people around me love them too. I trust myself when I'm made available with limited ingredients, I believe I can still make something edible and nutritious." I gulped. That was more than what I had in mind. But since I spitted all my words it's useless now.