Rhythm of my life

Chapter 4

Rachel dressed herself in formals for the interview. She reached the office before schedule.

She came across few experienced candidates for the same, this was diminishing her spirit.

The responsibilities ahead in life shook her up, she composed herself. Rachel had decided to give her best irrespective of what holds ahead. She recalled her father's words that accelerated her confidence level, "Failure is never the end but a learning opportunity in life."

She was brought to the present by the receptionist. "Rachel please proceed inside," she alerted.

Rachel moved inside to be greeted by Mr. Mohit Agarwal, the Managing Director. He was a handsome, medium build man in his mid-thirties.

The interview commenced with few rounds of basic questions that put her at ease.

"Miss. Rachel, you are inexperienced for this job! You will have to travel with me at times to distant places and there will be late sittings too. Why do you feel I should hire you for this post?" quizzed Mr. Mohit.

Rachel was feeling all lost, she wasn't getting words to support her stand. She uttered "Sir, I very well know I'm inexperienced for this post. I want to put in my best effort and master this skill. It will happen with sheer hard work and perseverance, which I'm willing to invest. These positive qualities in me, hold a chance for me to be hired."

Mr. Mohit was impressed by her sincerity and confidence. "You can take a leave. It was nice meeting you, will let you know if selected."

"Thank you, sir. It was my pleasure."

Rachel was happy for the fact that she made it to her first interview, which itself was a great achievement. She made up her mind to look out for few more openings in small firms. Since experience was the key to success, she couldn't expect to catch a big fish in her first attempt.

***

"Lucy one more bite, that's like my good girl," insisted Daisy while feeding her.

The aches and pains were still holding her in bed. Being overweight added to its discomfort. Her vital parameters were within normal range but doctors warned her to follow a strict diet. Lucy was eager to get back home within a few days.

"Daisy, I'm more worried about Rachel. Hope she understands things in life. James was her support system, my child has been so quite ever since he left. Please look after her when I'm not around, she will have to carry huge responsibilities at this tender age," pleaded Lucy in between sobs.

"Oh Lucy! Don't worry, she's a wonderful child. We are always there by her side. It's Gods will, she'll have to bear the load. This will shape her up to a stronger and better human being," assured Daisy.

"James left behind 25lacs for Rachel, which I haven't revealed so far, as per his condition. We want her to be accountable for her life. If she gets a hint about it, she may lose her focus in life and will never strive to achieve anything. You too keep this within you, until I'm gone or else, I'll reveal at the time of marriage."

Just then, Rachel rushed in, "Hello mama, hello Aunty, finally done with the interview. It's a 6 floor posh building, with beautiful interiors. I will be the Secretary to the M.D, if appointed. An ways, I was relieved after getting out from that building till then I was feeling so suffocating. I'm not keeping high hopes of cracking it."

"Relax, hope for the best. Did you eat anything.?" enquired Daisy.

"yes Aunty, sandwich! Mama, how are you doing? Did you do your exercise?"

"Yes dear, the physio was around here. My back is aching with all this."

"It's just a matter of few days. Don't give up so soon. We'll have to continue doing physio once home."

"hmm."

"Rachel, I had a word with the head nurse this morning, for an in-house full time nurse. They agreed to provide someone, because it will be difficult for you to handle her, once on job. They have agreed to give some discount on their charges," briefed Daisy.

"Hope I get some time with mom before taking up a job."

"You don't worry dear, I'll be with both of you, till things are settled. Derrick too feels I should stay back for few weeks," said Daisy.

****

Rachel excused herself and went to the lobby to make a call.

"hi, I'm back from the interview. It was ok, just keeping my fingers crossed."

"Let's hope for the best. Rachel when are you going to disclose about our relationship to your mom. Last time, you agreed to talk to your dad about us, but unfortunately that didn't work out. I'm already being pressurized from home to get married."

"Please give me some time, mom is just recovering and I still have to establish my career. At such a juncture, I can't reveal all this. If, dad was around....."

"Relax, I'll try to extend this up to 6months max, beyond that I'll be helpless. Being the only child, my parents want me to settle down at the earliest. You will have to seriously think about it. Let's catch up some day, if possible," explained the caller.

Rachel was in a confused state, at this stage she couldn't think of marriage. Her mother was her prime responsibility. Things were different when they first dated: Her father was alive then and she was leading a carefree life, but now her mom was her priority and she had to take care of the finances too.

She had made up her mind and was looking forth to meet him at the earliest, to convey her decision.