Digging the Past

Elliot and Sally were budgeting out their finances for beginning the biggest business ever; having all the estate agents, chefs, marketers, editors, engineers, lawyers, doctors, story editors and writers for magazines; financers, sponsors and other supporting staffs. Both families had good financial status and well established companies for getting the above fulfilled for their future son-in-law and daughter-in-law. After a good number of years, finally their wish had come true. Their skills turned them into the most powerful dictators and the finest ones in terms of entrepreneurship. It was years ago talk where their parents were triggered for having a poor strategy and presentation in business but today you see maximum newly graduated youths getting employed in the ‘Hansen Industry’.

It was a proud moment for everyone collaborating and initiating; blending to the concepts that kept transforming and the level of energy required was extreme. The nights and days put up, the rejection, the malfunctioning, the clash of ideologies; but the togetherness had overcome all of these small futile issues.

It was New Years Eve; a special citation was read for Sally and from Sally to Elliot and from them to everyone. Another party with another year to develop and grow; youth that waits for the recruitment.

The interviews were commonly taken by Sally but since she was facing a packed schedule, she had to request Elliot to carry forward.

The first candidate appeared confident, her qualifications excellent and her sense of creation different. To check her ability and potential, Elliot purposely placed three twisted questions instead of recruiting directly which Sally does. With a serious look on face though prettier to admire; his stare not less scary to nervous and fumble anyone he asked, “Why do you prefer us?”

The candidate replied nervously while fidgeting with her finger ring, “Your Company outshines the others… Sir, I’ve been living for this moment… your company has a united staff, the one that will stand for each other no matter what. The people working here are experts and they don’t live up to staying loyal only to the income being deposited to them.” Elliot was having a constant stare at her while she was talking and when she was over with answering; he stood up with the candidate’s file in hand, kept flipping the papers as if examining those again he put up the next question, “You worked at ‘Darla’ before… hmm… Tell me… why did you leave that job? They rank second all over…”

She blinked and smiled and then said, “Sir, I didn’t leave that job I was removed… for inappropriate handling of data… they had a great loss but I helped them to sort that out.”

He smiled and said, “Honest answer! I know you were removed. Allen, you have done fair however you don’t have me convinced… answer my last question… maybe that can help? So answer me which is supreme, love or responsibility?”

The candidate took a minute to think over and after analyzing hard she answered, “Responsibility”.

Elliot who was standing leaning his table walked towards the cabin door and gestured her to step out. The interview was over and the results were to be told past the lunch time. The candidates fanaticized themselves at the company’s canteen; as lavish the canteen was depicted so were the delicacies to mouth in.

Later in a common room all the candidates were seated.

Sally entered with the results and said, “The results aren’t appealing as thought of… I wish I could help or do something for the rest not chosen… my deep condolences to them… Lazar, Henry, Simon and Allen are qualified and are required to fill in the details for the further formalities. The remaining six don’t feel disappointed, we keep recruiting new members, you can try next time; all the best for your future!”

After a while

Elliot and Sally wanted to spend some time at the restaurant to relax. They comforted themselves near the pool side, ordered wine and talked about Elliot’s time at interview.

“Elliot, you rejected 6 out of 10… quite a number! Mind me asking you why?” asked Sally.

“Good you asked me! The reason behind their rejection will get disclosed only when you answer that same question, tell me… Which is supreme, love or responsibility?” Elliot replied with a question.

Sally kept silence and Elliot who was waiting for her point of vision, looked at her, and broke her silence by saying, “I see… the smartest one too flopped at this question!” he chuckled seeing her think deeply.

Sally gave a weird look and said, “I am smart but the one who asked this question is smarter than me…”

He said nodding his head and moving his pointing finger, “Darling, I know what you’re thinking… unfortunately it isn’t me… You remember this girl, junior to me in my college?”

Sally in question, “Which girl?”

Elliot continuing in a lower tone, “The one whom we had… we had tried to rag”

Sally in tangent thought, “There were many! Who specifically are you talking about?”

Elliot in intense voice, “I don’t remember her well… but I still remember her somewhat because she was a crooked mind!”

Sally in agreement, “Oh! That question was put up by her! That girl was really geez! She used to keep buzzing around you like a bee.”

Elliot in disappointment, “It wasn’t she… it was me who loved messing around her! You know I used to call her ‘Crook’ and she used to give me a deep disgusted look.”

Elliot dwelled in those long forgotten moments so much so that he missed on his fiancée's jealousy filled vibes. Sally had stood up and moved out of that area. When Elliot was disturbed by the waiter for the payment, he then noticed that Sally had walked out.

He paid the bill and rushed to his car parked in the basement. Sally was seated in his car beforehand; he opened the door and got in.

Elliot spoke with concern, “Sally, it was long time ago… You shouldn’t feel anything because I wasn’t in relation with her and you know that… then why this?”

Sally looked at him, tried to seduce and pull him closer but before she could do anything he said, “Sally, you’re drunk… I think you had one glass of wine right?”

Sally smiling slyly, “Elliot didn’t you check on the bill? Why will you, you were in some dreamland with that dork!”

Elliot questioned in frustration, “Why do you get pissed at me when I recall her? She was friends with you too. We both know what we did to her and what she gave in return was fair.”

Sally in frustration, “She had put drugs in your bag, Elliot! If you remember her being a friend of yours and mine, then don’t you dare forget that! You might have forgiven her but not me. You spoiled my mood… Now drive me home. I don’t want to talk much about her.”

The two had no idea what change was going to happen in their life. Their past was approaching near and these were least bothered.