I walked out of the office building, my head spinning. I had done it. I had a job. The Ahmedabad sun felt warmer on my skin now, reflecting the excitement bubbling in my chest. I was an 18-year-old student with a foot in the professional door.
But as I reached the entrance, I noticed a boy standing near the shade of the building. He looked around my age, maybe a bit older, with a casual posture that contrasted with the stiff suits I had just seen inside.
He had been leaning against the wall, but he straightened up when he saw me.
"Hey," he called out, his voice curious.
I stopped, surprised. "Yes?"
"The interview," he said, nodding toward the office I just left. "How did it go? Did you get selected or not?"
There was something in the way he asked—not quite like a stranger, but like someone who knew exactly how tough that manager could be.
I blinked, a bit caught off guard by his directness. "I... yes, I think I did. He told me to start on Monday."
The boy's face broke into a knowing grin. He stepped out from the shade, and I noticed the badge on his lanyard. He wasn't just a random person—he was an Advisor for the firm. He was part of the inner circle I was so desperate to join.
"Impressive," he said, tucking his hands into his pockets. "The Manager isn't exactly known for being easy on people, especially students. You must have said something pretty convincing in there."
I felt a flush of pride. "I just told him the truth. I can handle the work."
"I'm sure you can," he replied, his eyes friendly but observant. "But being an Advisor here, I've seen a lot of people come and go. This place... it's a whirlwind. Since you're a morning student, you're going to be running on caffeine and pure willpower."
He took a step closer, lowering his voice slightly as if sharing a secret. "If you ever feel like you're drowning in the paperwork or if the Boss is being too 'himself,' find me. I know where all the shortcuts are."
I smiled, feeling a bit of the tension leave my shoulders. "Thanks. I'll remember that."
"See you Monday, then," he said with a wave, turning back toward the glass doors.
As I walked away toward the bus stop, I realized my life had just become a lot more complicated. I had a boss who made my heart race with nerves, and an advisor who seemed a little too interested in helping the new girl.