Biting her lips, while pacing.
It's a well-known habit Meera does when she is scared or nervous.
Looking around the school corridor and premises, searching for a certain person but couldn't see her.
Sighing.
She was about to head inside when she heard her name.
She looked behind and saw a running Jiya heading her way with a big smile.
"I'm so sorry for being late"
"It's okay, but we have to go now. The hall is already filled up. We can't miss the announcement of the name" Meera said as they both headed to the hall.
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Murmurs and gossip pass between students in the hall.
Most of them talk about the company they wish to get selected in, and most pray they get matched in the same group.
"Ugh and I thought we were late" Jiya groaned
They bought and found a seat on the 6th roll before the last seats. The hall is filled with all 3rd-year C&B23 students.
Waiting for the Dean.
"We got here on time, which is good. We just have to wait and listen to the name announced, at least we get to know what we have to do and how the project will be executed" Meera said
"Ah! I just hope and pray. We work as a team in this project" Jiya wished,
Passing a sympathetic smile to Jiya. Meera gave an assured nod.
"And I pray we get to interview Mr Khan" Jiya giggled.
"Huh? Who is Mr Khan?" Meera questioned with a frown.
"His company is one of the best companies in India too. It's ranking the 3rd place. But I'm not talking about the position. Have you seen The Man? He is a Masterpiece" Jiya dreamily narrated, leaving a confused Meera to ponder on what she just stated.
'Is this girl crazy?
"Have you met him before?" Meera asked out of curiosity
You can only admire a man you've seen right?
"Well, I might have done a little digging yesterday night" she sheepishly replied.
"Yuvraj Khan, a Businessman and well-known Typhoon partly in a few Asian countries. He has chains of hotels spread in India, mainly branches here in Mumbai, close to 10 different and exclusive restaurants, and chains of clubs spread also in India and ruling his enterprise. He is remarkable " Jiya added drooling.
"A man has that much he is controlling?" Meera was astonished
"Yes. But he's not close to the A.M Empire. Arjun Madhav runs quite a huge number of businesses spread across Asia. The man is a walking God and also a walking time bomb" Jiya shrugged.
What does she mean?
"Arjun is devilishly Handsome, it's like God took his time to create him. But yet again, his anger issues are on a whole different level. I'm not surprised though. I mean what else you expect from a Mafia Lord!" Jiya right on time answered her thought.
Okay, maybe she might not pay much attention to Arjun, but she saw his face on TV and that was it. But the news of him being a mafia is what can't be hidden. She read articles about him online but never tended to look at his pictures.
For a man's name to put so much fear in a citizen, who dear to even look at his pictures.
What always confuses her is the fact that not one police is doing anything about it. It's like Arjun Madhav runs India in his claws.
The politicians and police are scared of him.
There was news that one politician took his case personally and wanted to put him behind bars.
It wasn't up to a week, they found him dead, along with his wife and 2 sons.
And his house was set on fire. No one survived.
Although Arjun didn't deny the accusation. Instead, he threatened to do it again if anyone crossed his part.
"Too bad all his handsome is going to waste. Girls admire him and are again Scared of him" Jiya's voice brought Meera back from her lost thoughts.
Who will admire such a devil? She wanted to ask, but immediately the Dean stepped in.
"May I have your attention" his voice passed through the microphone and echoed in the hall. Having the student's attention.
"Firstly, it is with great honor to have you all try your best to get into the 3rd year In this prestigious School. We must sharpen you all for the future and become the best in the sight of the Elite world. It's not easy but you all have proven your worth. Brilliant work!" The Dean praised and a round of applause from students echoed in the hall.
"Not to take much of you guys time. I will be very brief to discuss all about this important project" He announced
"This project, according to the rules is formed in groups with a maximum of 6 members. 1 group leader and 5 teams. Last year, we took it to our concern that all groups should go to the respective companies assigned to them and work in teams. But, not this year. It has got to the school's attention that it's unprofessional and ridiculous for the Company because most students do other missions aside from the one school has given and that led to penalties for them last year"
Jiya and Meera shared a look.
"But this year, we have strict the rules. As we all have it, it's going to be six members in the group,1 leader, and 5 teams going to the company. Now it's just going to be the leader only" He said and the hall proceeded into murmuring.
"Yes, yes. I know you all have questions. But it's for the reputation of the school and also to avoid crowds. Each leader will be selected due to their academic performance and it determines the level at which company they will be assigned to. Now here are the clear project instructions" he paused staring at each student, then proceeded
"All the team in one group, will come together and create your interview questions that will be asked to your Interviewer. Make sure, it's all professional, it is strictly prohibited to ask for personal information. All must be related to Business and work. The leader will only be the one to go and ask these questions. The answers given will be your project results. Gather and get as much information as you want."
"The project will take place for a month and your interview will be 2 times a week, Mondays and Thursdays. It's a total of 8 days in one month for the interview. On the 8th day, a casual event occurs" The murmurs between students again increased.
"Wow! It's strict this year. Just one person?" Jiya whispered to Meera
"Didn't see that coming"
"....so now, I will call on the list of students in a group. You can check the School announcements chat to know which company you belong to" This peaks Meera's anxiety as she crosses her fingers.
"I pray we are on the same team" Jiya murmured crossing her fingers too.
Just then, a professor came in, which Meera and Jiya recognized as Mrs Tiwari, and passed a printed sheet to him.
"Ahem!.. here are the names..."
'Here we go'
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Clenching the side of her cloth was enough to say she is in a disturbed mood.
Just then, Jiya rushed to her.
"Meera, it's okay. You don't-"
"No it's not-" she replied in a whisper almost on the verge of tears.
"Meera I know how you feel, but why don't we talk to Mr Kapoor first? Perhaps he could help to...adjust?" Jiya tries to console her disturbed friend.
Unfortunately, her name was announced, although Jiya got a different team and she is also a leader there.
At first, Meera was happy to be the leader, but all that happiness went to the bottom pit after she saw the company she was going to.
A.M Empire...
"A-Are you sure?. Will he be able to"
"Of course he should, you are not comfortable with the results, voicing out is the only option now. Thank God you are a leader, it will be easy to swap a leader for another " Jiya assured her.
Even if she is not 100% sure about the change, she still wants to believe there is hope, just for Meera's sake.
They both head to the Dean's office.
"I will wait for you here. Go talk to him" Jiya encouraged as she took her seat on one of the awaiting seats close to the Dean's office.
Taking a deep breath, Meera approached the door and gave a gentle know.
She heard a gruff 'Come in'
Here goes my one and only Hope!
Opening the door, she met with Mr Kapoor who seemed to be looking at her too.
"Miss Meera, is there a problem?" He asked
"I'm having a bit of trouble with the company I'm listed under" she nervously stated as she stepped inside shutting the door behind her.
"Why is that?" Mr Kapoor tilted his head in confusion.
"Um-m sir, I got selected as a leader-"
"Yes Miss Meera, I know that, is there a problem with that?" he slightly frowns still puzzled.
"No! No.. not at all, sir" she stuttered
"Then what is?"
"The company sir, i-i got selected to go to A.M Empire" she called the name in a whisper, although loud enough for Mr Kapoor to hear.
"Okay?" He asked yet again.
"I-i..d-dont- Is there a chance to change company, sir? I-i don't want the current choice" She asked, her eyes begging Mr. Kapoor.
Mr Kapoor on the other hand, was a bit shocked by her request.
"A.M is the best company in the country and I also believe it's best for you. Even if you don't want it, like I said back in the Hall, your academic performance gives us the right company perfect for the Company that will be assigned to you. You are one of the best students in your set, you rank top and the authorities believe you are perfect for the Company. You might be lucky and get retained. And it got me thinking as to why you want to change that Miss Meera" He explained.
"I just don't want it"
"Why?"
"Arjun Madhav" She whispered and realization struck Mr Kapoor and he smiled.
Standing up, he took a calculating step towards Meera.
"Miss Meera, I guess you didn't go through the paper passed in your department huh?" He assumed
'Huh? What's the point? It's clearly stated in the group that she is going to A.M Empire'
Truly she didn't wait to get the paper, due to frustration and fear. She was disturbed after getting the news she was going to the A.M Empire. I mean who wouldn't?
It's like receiving a special invitation to hell!
Mr Kapoor sighed and searched for something on his desk, pulled a printed sheet. He scanned it and forwarded it to her.
She collected it and gazed up at Mr Kapoor.
"I will advise you to check on information before proceeding to the steps you want to take, Miss Meera" Mr Kapoor uttered and headed towards the door turning the doorknob.
Taking the sign, she clenched the paper and took a calculating step out not before passing a glimpse at Mr Kapoor.
"To make you feel better, Arjun Madhav is not the one to interview but Mr Siddhartha Madhav, his brother, and your names and other students' names have been sent. Sorry, there can't be a change. Take the opportunity Meera" He passed an assured smile to her before closing the door.
And just like That, Meera was left in her thoughts.
'His brother? Siddhartha Madhav?'
'How is that any better? Aren't they all in the mafia?'
'God! I know I always pray for perfect grades, but right now, I wish I didn't have the perfect CG.p'
"Meera!" She look over her left shoulder and saw jiya heading her way.
"So? What did he say?"
Meera sigh and gaze down at the paper Mr Kapoor gave her.
"Well there is a good news and a bad one"
Jiya furrowed her brows.
"There is no change and according to Mr Kapoor, it's not changeable. And our names has been sent. The other news is that, im not actually interviewing Arjun Madhav"
"Huh? Then who?"
"Siddhartha Madhav"
"Arjun Madhav's brother" Jiya eyes widen and meera nodded
"Meera? I think that's better"
"How is that?"
"Siddhartha Madhav, According to my research is Arjun brother, but not in the mafia. The title is actually inherited and roams in their bloodline, I heard how nice and friendly Mr Siddhartha Madhav is. He is also working at the A.M Empire and a Chef executive officer (Ceo) but Arjun is the Owner. I believe you will do just fine"
"Jiya, I don't think you should believe everything we see on the internet"
"So we should not believe Arjun Madhav is a mafia king?" Jiya crossed her arm arching a brow
"Not the point" she sigh.
"You have no idea the amount of fear thats in me jiya"
"I might not know, but I'm sure Siddhartha is better. Even if you don't believe, just give your best and stay away from trouble, I'm sure you will be fine" Jiya encouraged nudging meera playfully to lighten her mood.
"So help me God" She prayed
"Amen" Jiya laughed and hold onto Meera's arm, pulling her towards the school exit.
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"...Siddhartha is actually a cool person" Veda shrugged staring at her worried sister.
They both were laying on the bed.
"Why is everyone saying that? Didn't it occur to you guys that the Madhav Family is run with the bloodline of Mafias? How is he any different?" Meera questioned
"That's because it's passed to the heir, di. You need to sleep, You sound really stressed. You are going to A.M Empire tomorrow remember? You need the energy, not wake up and having migraine" Veda said
"Ah! I suppose" she sighed.
"Besides, you are one strong woman di, you are intelligent and brave. You will do just fine. I believe so" Veda smiled, moved closer to her sister and hugged her.
She side gazed her little sister and patted her head with her other hand.
Meera gazed up, her eyes staring at the opened window where the moon was in view.
'Lord be with me, you only knows what holds tomorrow ' meera whispered.
Staring at the moon, took few minutes for her before sleep over took her.
Awaiting for what tomorrow has for her.
........
I hope it's not that bad.
I meant the story... if you really like it, please share to your friends and follow me here, pleasessss ð
Love you all.