Manik Malhotra

Nandini Murthy

Navya Malhotra

Cabir Murthy
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"Have you shortlisted the applications? You know I don't have time for a long interview day. Send only those who you consider as deserving."

I stir my finger pointing at Ruhi.

"Yes Ma'am I sent you the list please check your mail."

She confirms. She is a hard-working girl. I like her. In fact, I only prefer those who never neglect their work. Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Nandini. Nandini Murthy. In 22, I am a renowned interior designer. I have my own architecture and designing consultancy farm, ELYSIAN by Nandini. Though my brother Mr Cabir Murthy is not at all happy with my decision. He wanted me to join our family business Murthy Creations. I know after our parent's death he was the one who brought me up as a child. But I had my dreams and I always follow my heart and my dreams. As I go through my mail I notice an envelope lying on the ground, just the place where Rubi was standing. Must be something she dropped. I think and get up from my chair to pick it up. It is an application letter of some Manik Malhotra. 26 yrs. 2 yrs work experience. Worked in 7 different companies as chief architect.

" Interesting...why didn't Ruby shortlist him. I want to take this interview."

My lips get the curve in amusement.

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"Please Navu...listen to your brother...take the medicine. After that, I have to go somewhere. But I promise...I will take you for an evening walk to the park. You like it...right?"

Navya bobs her head to listen to my words. I smile and forward my palm to her. She doesn't deny further and swallows the pill. God knows for how long she has to live her life on these medicines. 2 yrs back my sister lost her vibrant life. Tears prick my eyes.

"Don't go outside...okay! Shanta will come and feed you. Be a good girl. I will be back in the evening."

She again tilts her head in consent. I pick up the file and get out. "Today I am going for an interview in ELYSIAN Company. Oh..sorry...I haven't introduced myself yet. I am Manik. Manik Malhotra.26 yrs old. An architect. Currently jobless. During the last 11 months, I have changed approximately 7 jobs. All credits go to my short-temper. I can't control my anger sometime. Sometimes I want to leave all these and lead a peaceful life. But I know it is not possible. I have the responsibility of my sister Navya. Since she has lost her mental stability I have become her brother as well as father. And one more thing which keeps me focused...the search of that person who is responsible for this condition of hers.

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For the last 45 minutes, I have been sitting in this lavish waiting room of ELYSIAN Company. I came a little earlier as I didn't want to be late. I need this job. I need money for Navya's treatment. I look around again. The room is adorned quite aesthetically, however, the selection of the wall paintings can't satisfy me. I know these are very expensive but that's it. They lack meaning and purpose. I wobble in disapproval.

"Mr Kashyap..."

The receptionist calls and a guy ages near around me immediately gets up to head the CEO's cabin. I sigh being bored. I heard that some Nandini Murthy owns this company. She must be very experienced matured mid 50's lady. These kinds of ladies are very strict about her employee's discipline. God knows how long I can manage to follow this discipline. I am like a free bird. I don't like to be caged in rule regulation. But I need this job. I purse my lips.

"Mr Malhotra. Please go inside."

Finally, the receptionist shows some mercy on me.

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I glance at the list. There is only one candidate left. That Manik Malhotra whom I added to the list. Most of the other candidates failed to impress me. They know only nod to their boss's words. Nothing but a 'YES BOSS' employee. They don't have their own perspective and thought. I need people who should have their own creative mind, who can correct me if I go wrong in any place. I recline on the chair. It is my lunchtime but today I will have it a little later. I just want to finish this interview matter. After stretching my arms to regain the energy I pick the extension line up.

"Natasha, I think only one candidate is left. Send him in and tell Ayesha to arrange my lunch. After this last interview, I will have my lunch."

I hang up the call and open the CV of Mr Manik Malhotra on my laptop. In a moment I hear a knock on my door.

"Come in..."

I command.

The person who enters makes me bewildered for a minute. I measure him from top to bottom within a second. He is a handsome guy of mid-twenties. Tall around 6 ft. Well built and has an attractive face. His brown orbs have something which engages me the most. His sharp jawline concealed behind the stubble indicates his rigid nature. I forcefully shift my eager eyes from his face.

"Please be seated.."

I request.

"Thank you.."

He mutters and pulls the chair to sit.

"Well.. Let me introduce myself first. I am Nandini Murthy. (He nods with a smile)I have gone through your CV and won't ask you the stereotypical questions like why did you leave your previous job and why do you want to join this company?..Blah..blah...blah... I know that can't evaluate your ability. I just want to ask you... what flaws did you find about this office during the time you were waiting in the room?"

My question brings a nonchalant smile on his lips. Well, my question will judge him in both ways. How creative he is and does he have his own thought?

"There are lots of."

He says. His eyes don't have any hesitation.

"Interesting...care to explain which are they?

I intentionally sound hard just to make him alert. I want to know does he have the courage to criticise the company which is probably going to hire him?

"Well...I think this company spends money on brands rather than the worth of that piece of thing. For example, the waiting room has some wall paintings which are expensive and made by renowned painters. But unfortunately, I didn't find them worth buying. They are only increasing the crowd in the room."

I smile in my mind to listen to his answer.

"So what should this company do to rectify this flaw?"

He didn't notice my wacky tone.

"This company should invest in aesthetic rather than the brand name."

He opines bluntly.

"Hmmm...anything else?"

My mood is to linger the topic.

"Choose some theme which can soothe the mood of the people who wait in the room. Like instead of abstract art choose landscape. They will emit more positivity."

He continues with the flow without noticing the mirth in my eyes.

"And I think the sofa...they shouldn't be in a dark colour. They subside the beauty of the paintings. White or light bright colour would enhance their visibility."

He finally stops and looks at me for my reaction. I hardly can hide my amusement. Still hold the poker face expression.

"In your opinion, I should change the entire interior of the waiting room. Thank god you didn't visit the other rooms of this office. Otherwise, I will have to change the entire decor of this office."

He is taken aback by my tone.

"Sorry...I think I shouldn't have been so judgmental. I upset you."

He keeps mum for a minute.

"Do you think I am upset with you?"

I arch my brows. He doesn't answer.

"I only asked you to tell about the drawbacks and you did it without any fear and hesitation. I liked it. You have your individual thought which this company needs."

He gapes at me for a while.

"That means you are hiring me?"

He sounds unsure.

"Did my words mean something else?"

I show my teeth. A wide grin appears in his face.

"He has an innocent smile, unlike his hot appearance."

I frown at my inner Goddess.

"When can I join then?"

He asks enthusiastically.

"Our company will mail you about all the details."

I assure and glance at my wristwatch. It is almost 2 pm. I am quite late for lunch.

"You may take leave now. Nice meeting you."

I greet him. He gets up holding his file and nods with a bright smile. However, he turns back standing on the threshold.

"Can I tell you something?"

He abruptly asks. His eyes are dancing with delight. I nod.

"Before entering this room I assumed you as an old mid fifty's lady with lots of attitudes with whom I will have to compromise a lot. But thank god to prove me wrong. It is a pleasure to have you as my boss. You are charming as well as beautiful."

He grins brightly and without waiting for my reaction exits the room leaving behind a dumbfounded me. Was it flirting? I crunch my eyes. If yes then I liked the way of his flirting. I blush at the thought.

Author's note: Please do inline comments.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏♥️♥️♥️♥️