THE APPOINTMENT LETTER

Sienna glanced at her watch every few seconds. Though it’s glass was cracked, it still did its job well. It was already two hours since all the other candidates had left.

She wrung her hands and contemplated if she should go and ask about it to the receptionist but she couldn’t gather enough courage.

She stole glances at the receptionist every now and then but she was engrossed in her work. Sensing Sienna’s stare on her the receptionist looked at her.

Sienna gave a weak smile and she was about to get up but the receptionist’s face scrunched up like she had seen something gross.

Sienna bit her lips and stared at the floor. She was on the verge of breaking down.

Click…click….click….

The sound of footsteps made Sienna look up. Her eyes met a slender girl who was dressed in a professional suit. Her light makeup accentuated her facial features making her look like she had stepped out of a magazine.

Her face contorted in disgust as she eyed Sienna sitting on the chair.

“Why do the guards let such people in. I guess I have to talk to them.” She muttered under her breath but as she was passing by Sienna, she could hear her clearly.

Sienna’s face burned with embarrassment. She wondered why people had to spew venom all the time. She let out a deep sigh and forced herself to look at the lady.

The graceful lady walked towards the reception desk and said, “Why is that waif doing over there? Anyway, don’t waste time over-explaining, here is the appointment letter Jamie sir had asked to prepare.”

Raina let out a deep sigh and said, “I don’t know what is wrong with sir….”

“Why?”

“Do you know why that girl is sitting there? She is the new data-entry operator.”

“Damn! How did this happen?”

“No idea, I didn’t tell her anything till now, hoping that Jamie Sir would realize his mistake and call me to cancel the appointment.”

“Did he call?”

“Sadly…no, madam…”

“Hmm…”

“Can’t you talk him out of it?” Raina said looking at her with expectant eyes.

“No way! I am not going to spoil my image over a beggar. He will realize his mistake on his own. I bet he will throw her out in a few days himself. Here is the letter, just give it to her. I don’t even want to meet her.” With that, the lady turned on her heels and strutted away.

Sienna felt her panic mount as she the two of them talk discretely. The desk was quite some distance away. So, she couldn’t understand what they were saying.

They threw a few glances her way. So, she guessed that they were talking about her.

Sienna couldn’t take it anymore. She got up from her seat and walked towards the reception but before she reached the desk the lady had turned to walk away. She contemplated if she should ask her why she was asked to wait. But, she decided against it. Asking the receptionist seemed like a better option.

“Ummm…. Madam….can you please tell me why I was asked to stay behind?” Sienna asked in a trembling voice.

“Because everyone in this office has gone mad! Here take this and get lost.” The receptionist said throwing the envelope at her.

Sienna opened the envelope with shaking hands. She couldn’t believe what she was reading. She re-read it again and again until she had memorized every word. Was this really an appointment letter or was it a joke?”

“Madam…. Please… is this an appointment letter?”

The receptionist just grunted in response.

“And is it for me?” Sienna asked her eyes still wide in shock.

Raina’s head snapped up. She glared at Sienna and asked, “Are you illiterate?”

“Ummm…. Sorry… I was…”

Raina raised her hand and said, “It is what it says. Sir has asked you to come by Seven O’ Clock tomorrow. Get lost now. Don’t pollute this office with your presence”

Sienna held the letter close to her chest and walked out of the office. She was so delighted that she didn’t even mind the receptionist's rude behavior.

She had no idea how she got the job but she was happy that her woes would finally come to an end.

***

The next day….

Jamie paced up and down his cabin. He looked at his watch. It was already Quarter past Seven.

He called up the reception and asked, “Raina, didn’t you tell our new data-entry operator to come early today?”

Riana was already in a grumpy mood because she was asked to reach the office an hour before the usual time. His question irked her further. So, she snapped, “If you appoint such people this is what you get.”

Then she banged the receiver and settled for a nap, lying on the table. She had canceled all her plans and come early like an idiot while that beggar didn’t even have the decency to show up on time even though it was her first day.

Raina’s reaction had him in knots. Had he appointed the wrong person for the job?

He picked up the file and checked the details. Her name was Sienna and her qualifications were decent just that she didn’t have much work experience. He was sure that she would pull it off with some guidance.

From the corner of the eye, he caught his boss walk in through the door. His heart sank and his heart pounded in his ears.

“Why did he have to come early today?” He muttered under his breath and rushed to greet his boss.

“How did the interview go? Have we found a new data-entry operator?” Alaric fired as soon as he pushed open the door.

“Yes, sir. I have already given her the appointment letter. She will be joining today.”

“Hmm… I hope she is punctual too. I don’t have any tolerance for people who don’t value time.” He said looking at the clock.

Then Alaric turned on his laptop and started working. He dismissed Jamie with a wave of his hand and got engrossed in preparing the report for an important meeting that afternoon.

Jamie got out of the cabin the moment his boss waved his hand. He sat down on a chair waiting for her to arrive. He would surely give her a piece of mind for being late on the first day!