Forever And Always ~ OS/TS Series ?

5. Monster Loves Orchids

The HR associate walked me around the 5000 sq ft office and introduced me to other employees.

The HR lady pointed at the best city view from one of the windows and grunted, “You would think you get a view of this from your desk? But you don’t. Only Manik’s office is conveniently located with a proper view of the city. Are you nervous?”

I was listening and smiling uncomfortably at her abrupt remarks. “Nervous and excited,” I said.

She quickly added, “I would be nervous too if I was sitting across the room from Manik. Don’t worry; he lets you out alive by the end of the day if you finish your projects two days before deadline”. She laughed and pointed at my cubicle.

“Once you are settled into your cubicle, go meet Manik. He called me twice looking for you. You will be reporting directly to him. Lucky you!” she laughed sarcastically and left me by myself.

What a weirdo.

I knocked on his door and was immediately summoned in. I smelled gardenias and then our eyes met in disbelief.

“What are you doing here?” yelled Manik.

“I am Nandini Murthy, the intern. Sorry, I didn’t know…”

I had yelled at my boss at the first day of work and now I had to remind him that he had hired me.

“So if you knew, you wouldn’t have opened that door for me?”

“No, I mean yes, I mean..”

Damn, he has already impaired my speech and I haven’t even started working with him yet.

He shook his head and ignored me for the next five minutes as he resumed working, and then finally turned towards me.

“I hate late comers and excuses. I want projects finished before deadline. I don’t give any time off unless what’s asked for has been delivered. I only talk business and don’t like being asked questions. So save it when you need it most. And yes, I hate pitying or being pitied at”

I gaped as he talked. I was still struggling to believe my bad luck.

“I want you to prepare a list of public relation activities conducted by our company in last 2 years and its impact on our growth. Graphs, data, spreadsheets, everything. Any questions, ask Cabir”

“You need it today?”  I asked and soon regretted.

“Which part of “Any questions ask Cabir” did you not get?” he asked.

“Yes, sorry. I will take your leave now,” I replied.

“Please do because I can’t stand you,” he said.

Is this man for real?

I went back to my cubicle and started organizing my thoughts. What a morning. Why on earth did I take this job? I could see how miserable it would get in the next one year. I sucked up all the bad thoughts and kept repeating in my head, “One year Nandini. Get your visa and experience, and quit”

I met with Cabir and others to collect the data and do the needful. I have seen this before; bad boss trying to harass and break his employee. Not letting this happen with me. I won’t let him win.  I worked incessantly and by 6 PM realized I was nowhere near finishing. The data entry took me forever. I asked Cabir if I could work late and come early tomorrow.