Durga | ✓

06. The Interview

"Ramaiah have you given the draft for advertising?"

"Yes Sir." said Ramaiah in a cool tone.

"Then why isn't anyone coming?"

"Sir, I think not many people prefer archaeology... they prefer going to science or commerce. Also many people prefer government job. Ours is a private firm."

Rudra was about to say when they heard a knock.

"Come in," said Rudra.

Durga opened the door. She came inside and looked at him and Ramaiah nervously. Her long slender fingers were fidgeting. Few strands of her jet black hair escaped her braid. She tucked in the strands of hair behind her ear.

She looked at Rudra and said, "Good morning Sir, I am Durga Rao. I have come here for the interview."

Rudra stood up slowly. Ramaiah knitted his eyebrows. He had never seen his friend getting up to greet someone.

Rudra cleared his throat and said, "I am Rudra Shetty, owner of this company."

Durga smiled slightly.

Company? It is a small office... so Durga you might be working under an ambitious man...

Rudra signalled Ramaiah to go out of the room. Ramaiah went out of the room. Meanwhile, Durga scanned the room. It was a small room. A huge bookshelf was placed in front of the door. It had many historical books which reminded Durga about her father's room. To the right of the bookshelf, was a big wooden table. There were many books, papers and pens on the table. It was scattered which was exact opposite of Akshad's table. It would be neatly placed. Durga looked at Rudra who was now looking at her, with his narrow eyes.

Indrajeet would look at me in the similar manner... whenever I disobeyed him... why is he looking at me like that...

Durga gulped. Rudra spoke, "Have you checked the room properly? Do you think there is any problem?"

Durga said, "No, no, I was just looking at the room. Nice room Sir. If you would keep your work space clean then it would be the best room."

Durga looked at him. She knitted her eyebrows and pressed her lips to a thin line. Devi Shakti what have I done... Durga you lost your job.

Rudra looked at her and smiled. Durga heaved a sigh of relief. A string of words came in Rudra's mind.

Durga can sometimes be direct... very direct... but she is never rude... nor she wants to insult anyone... it is her nature... Rudra if she comes here for job then do give her.

"I have been told this by many people. But old habits die hard, isn't it?" joked Rudra.

Durga smiled. "I am sorry Sir. I am sometimes too direct."

"That's perfectly fine. So Durga Rao can we see your qualification."

"Yes Sir." said Durga handing over a file. After scrutinising the file, Rudra was lost in some thought.

Durga has studied till 17 years. She has completed her basic education. But she has immense knowledge of history... he had told me this... before that let me test her confidence

"Durga you have studied till twelfth standard. You are not an archaeologist. Still you want the job?"

"I had some personal reasons for not pursuing further studies. I think people should be given jobs on the basis of knowledge and not merely qualifications."