Tangled Beliefs

Chapter-3: Interview

Opportunities are like doors; sometimes you have to step through them before you realize where they lead.

The sun peeked through the blinds, casting stripes of soft light across Manik's room. He rose early, his routine precise and swift as he dressed in a sharp charcoal-gray suit, adjusting his cufflinks in the mirror with practiced ease. His gaze was focused, reflecting the intensity and discipline he carried into every part of his life.

After a quick breakfast with his parents, Raj and Neyonika, filled with the usual warmth and light-hearted exchanges, he grabbed his briefcase and headed out the door. The familiar drive to Malhotra Industries felt different today, tinged with the knowledge that significant changes were on the horizon. His assistant, Tanya, would soon be leaving, and he'd need a new personal secretary-someone capable of managing his demanding schedule and understanding the intricacies of his work.

Upon arriving at the office, Manik stepped out of his car and strode purposefully toward the sleek glass doors of Malhotra Industries, his movements confident and assured. As he entered, staff members greeted him with respectful nods and polite smiles. The air was thick with the usual morning hustle, but it seemed to quiet slightly as he passed, his presence a commanding one.

He was barely settled at his desk when Tanya knocked lightly on the door, stepping in with a tablet in hand. "Good morning, Mr. Malhotra," she greeted him.

"Morning, Miss Tanya," he replied, giving her a nod. "So, when is the interview for the personal secretary position scheduled?"

"It's scheduled for tomorrow, Friday," she replied, swiping across her tablet to pull up the details. "I've shortlisted candidates and arranged for back-to-back interviews in the morning. I'll also be wrapping up my responsibilities and handing over all necessary files to the new secretary."

Manik gave a thoughtful nod. "Good. And make sure all the pending reports are submitted to me before you leave. I don't want any loose ends."

"Of course, sir," she replied, jotting a quick note on her tablet. "Your schedule for today is fairly packed, though. First up, you have a meeting with the marketing team to review next quarter's strategies. After that, there's a conference call with the overseas clients regarding the South-East Asia project."

Manik leaned back in his chair, considering the day's demands. "Sounds like a full day," he murmured, then looked back at her. "All right. Let's get started."

The marketing team was already assembled in the conference room when Manik walked in, his presence instantly commanding attention. Charts and digital presentations were ready on the large screen, and as he took his seat at the head of the table, the team's director, Mr. Kapoor, began the presentation.

"Good morning, Mr. Malhotra," Mr. Kapoor began with a respectful nod. "Today, we're here to discuss our strategies for the next quarter, specifically focusing on market expansion and targeted ad campaigns."

Manik listened intently, his gaze sharp as he assessed each slide. His mind whirred as he absorbed the numbers, projections, and creative ideas the team had come up with. After a few minutes, he raised a hand, signaling for Mr. Kapoor to pause.

"This strategy for digital marketing... I see the potential, but these projections are conservative," he noted, his tone firm. "Our brand has the leverage to aim higher, to push for greater visibility. Let's consider increasing the budget here by 15% to amplify outreach on social media platforms. I want us to dominate the space."

Mr. Kapoor nodded, quickly taking notes. "Understood, sir. We'll adjust the budget accordingly."

The rest of the meeting continued smoothly, with Manik offering insights, giving detailed feedback, and occasionally challenging the team to think bigger and bolder. By the end, his vision for the next quarter was clear: aggressive expansion and a heightened digital presence. He stood, signaling the end of the meeting, and gave a brief nod to the team.