we look at each other and we smile that smile like a secret we share we both know we've found what the whole world is searching for.
"THE FIRST TIME I SAW YOU, MY HEART WHISPERED: "THAT'S THE ONE"
...................................
AGASTYA MUKHERJE...
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I exhale and drop my shoulders. "Right. You can do this."
This is the opportunity of all opportunities. The Mukherjee press and media is the biggest conglomerate media empire in India and one of the largest in the world, with over two thousand staff based in mumbai alone. My fascination with journalism started in the tenth grade when I witnessed a car accident on my way home from school one day. Because I was the only witness, I had to give a statement to the police, and then when it turned out that the car was stolen, the local paper came and interviewed me. I felt like a rock star that day, and the shine never dulled.
I've been to college to study journalism and done internships with the best companies in India. But it was the Mukherjee press and media that I had my heart set on. Their stories are a cut above the rest; no other media company would do. I've applied for every position that has come up for three years and only recently got a callback. And even then, I went to six interviews before I was offered the job, and God, just don't let me screw this up.
take out my security card and put the lanyard around my neck, and I glance down at my phone.
No missed calls. Prakrit didn't even call me to wish me luck. Ugh, men.
I make my way to reception. The security guard at the front desk accepts my identification, and I am given a code to work the elevator. My heart is beating so fast as I get into the elevator with all the beautiful posh-looking people, and I push the button for the fortieth floor. I glance over at myself in the mirrored doors. I'm wearing a black pencil skirt that hangs mid calf, sheer black stockings with patent leather high heels, and a cream long-sleeved silk blouse. I wanted to look professional and elegant. I'm not sure if I pulled it off, but here's hoping. I pull my hand through my thick dark ponytail as the elevator flies higher and higher. I take a side glance at the others in the elevator. The men are all in expensive suits, and the women are ultra professional and wear full faces of makeup.
Damn it, I should have worn bright lipstick. I'll buy one on my lunch break. The doors open on the fortieth floor, and I stride out as if I don't have a fear in the world.
Faking confidence is my superpower, and today I'm totally faking it till I make it.
Or at least die trying.
" Hello." I smile at the kind-looking woman standing by reception. "I'm Saanvi dutta. I'm starting today."
She smiles broadly. "Hello,saanvi, my name is riya jain , and I am one of the floor managers." She steps over to me and shakes my hand. "Lovely to meet you."
Well, she seems nice.
"Come through, and I'll show you the desk." She walks off, and I peer into the huge office space. The tables are grouped into lots of four or six with partitions separating them from the others. "As you know, each floor of this building is a different arm of the company," she says as she walks. "We have internationals and magazines from floor twenty down. Floors thirty to forty are news and current affairs, and above forty are television and cable."
