Story revolving around the relevance of values in the changing world
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As a young man who had just graduated from college, Aman was really looking forward to beginning his career. He had so many ideas, so many plans and so many dreams that he could barely wait to get started. Being proactive by nature, he started applying for jobs while he was still in the final semester. He scoured the dailies for suitable posts. The rest of the Sharma household would have to read a newspaper full of red sketch pen markings, but they did not object to it. It was a very small thing to bother a grown up son about, a son who was a few interviews away from landing his first job.
A month after his finishing his studies, Aman realised that the ‘few’ had turned to ‘many’ interviews. Each application began with hope and ended inevitably, in utter dismay for one reason or another. Twice he was rejected because he did not ‘look’ old enough! It was beginning to worry him. He knew that his parents had spent a lot on his college education and that he ought to help them repay the loan.
The bad thing about being in America was that education was very expensive, but the good part was that even if you do not have a proper job, you could still do odd jobs and earn a bit. That is when his uncle suggested driving a taxi. He was worried about hurting Aman with his suggestion, but he just had to share his thoughts. Aman was a little taken aback with the idea, but quickly recovered and promised to give it a serious thought.
A week later, he was driving his first passenger to the airport. He knew the city like the back of his hand. The passenger was running late and panicky. Aman weaved his way through the narrow alleys and got to the airport just in time. The man was so relieved that he gave Aman a considerable tip. Thrilled, Aman waited for more such passengers. He drove many people around, but none were as generous as the airport man. Cash did flow in, but very, very slowly. He did not want to ask his parents for money, especially not at a point when he was supposed to be earning!
It was a gloomy Thursday, when a lady rushed towards his cab.
‘123, 7th Avenue, ‘, she instructed him, quickly shoving in her bags into the car. She seemed to be carrying too many bags to be a regular office-goer, for when her phone rang, she had trouble figuring out where exactly it was. The phone rang quite a few times before she found it buried in one of the bags.
‘Yes, I am already on my way. Can you keep them busy if I get a wee bit late?’ she pleaded.
Aman understood that she was in a tearing hurry. May be it was his lucky day again! He asked her if he could take the shortcut, off the main streets. She readily agreed. In no time, they were in front of a huge building. As the lady paid him and got off, his eyes wandered up the building. The company’s name and logo looked promising. He decided to ask if they had any vacancies.
The receptionist was a polite girl, who gave him all the details that he was looking for. He was to come back the next day, with a copy of his resume. He walked out, with hopeful steps. As he neared his car, he spotted a bright blue folder lying on the back seat. ‘It must be the lady’s’, he thought.
As he bent to grab it, he found a wallet on the floor. Opening it, he found a driver’s license, some credit cards and cash. Taking both the things, he went to the receptionist. She dialed a number and called someone, presumably the lady. She then turned to Aman, thanked him and asked for his number.
Later in the evening, Aman’s phone rang. It was the office lady. She asked him to come to the office the next day if it wasn’t much of a problem. Aman told her that he was going to be there anyway, for the interview.
The next morning, Aman came face to face with the same lady. The interview lasted less than two minutes. Only one question was asked- when could he join work. Tremendously impressed by his concern for others’ deadlines and his honesty, the lady was certain that he would make a great team leader and was hired instantly. That was the end of his job search and the beginning of an eventful career, full of anecdotes, but that is another story!