C12 A new leap

A year later, on 13th July 2014, Aastha’s happiness knew no bounds. She was thrilled as she would not be alone in the City of Dreams. Her sister would join her in her endeavors. Harlyn was coming to Delhi to pursue a course in Masters of Business Administration.

It is not one of the usual mornings for Aastha. She had to rush to the Airport to receive her sister. In no time, Harlyn gave her company. Sipping green tea, both sisters shared a great bond before they began their conversation.

"So, what are your plans, Harlyn?"

"Plans? What plans? I have come here from Kolkata only to enjoy with you. At the moment, that is the only plan I have".

"That is alright, Harlyn. But I wanted to know what plans do you have in mind regarding your future? Remember, I supported you throughout so that our parents send you here to study".

"I remember. I too have a plan. However, for the time being, I want to spend most of the time with my sister, Aastha".

"And? What else?" queried Aastha

"We will visit Parantha Gali, Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place etc., and go sightseeing all around Delhi, Harlyn remarked gleefully. "Oh…And I forgot. I also wanted to visit your Aim Law Institute?

"It is not my Institute," said Aastha

"But you work there right".

"I just work there. I am an employee. What will you do visiting the Institute?" added Aastha.

"I want to know what work do you do there? I also had something else in mind".

"Yeah..I got the hunch. May I know what else do you have in mind?"

"I want to work with you. As in, I want to do an internship in the Institute. I have heard a lot of good things about the Institute".

"But how will you manage your studies, Harlyn? Parents will never allow you to work. We will never allow you to work".

"Please. Can you introduce me to your boss?" requested Harlyn.

Okay, get ready. We will leave in about an hour"s time. Aastha hurried to another room when Harlyn interrupted.

"And?"

"And? What?" replied Aastha.

"And? Will we go sightseeing in Delhi? I want to go to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib on Barakhamba Road.

"Okay, we will go there as well. Now get ready soon", hurried Aastha.

Introducing Harlyn to Aim Law Institute, Aastha feels relieved as her financial burdens will give way to smiles. Steeping through the passageway, Aastha shows her the photos of the toppers, surrounded by some quotes from great thinkers like Swami Vivekananda.

"So, much for the inspiration, Di," said Harlyn.

"Hey, you never call me Di," interrupted Aastha

"It is a reputed Institute. So, I should also maintain a decorum".

"So much for your decorum." And they laughed.

"There is much more to offer in the Institute", continued Aastha. "Experience counts. Come, let"s go inside". Before they proceeded further, Mahadev Ji informs Aastha that Sir is eagerly waiting for her in the waiting room.

"Is he angry, exclaimed Aastha".

"A Little bit", Mahadev Ji seemed anxious.

"Then I should be a little careful," smiled Aastha.

"Come, let us leave," saying so, Aastha takes Harlyn to the waiting room.

"Sir, " she begins nervously. "You had called for me? Is anything serious?"

"Nothing is right here, Aastha. I had asked you to give me my schedule for the week? Where is it? And where is the final draft of the question paper for the students?"

"Sir, the final paper will be on your table within an hour, while I would require some more time for preparing your schedule."

"Why do you need time?"

"Sir, I was busy organizing classes for the students of the Common Law Entrance Exam batch. The students wanted your classes to be scheduled earlier."

"Then why didn't you tell this to me earlier? How much work will you manage? It seems you are overburdened with work. That is why it is all messed up. We need a manager for organizing and managing the various batches for Law entrance exam".

"Do something, Aastha. Shortlist some candidates for the interview ASAP".

"Sir, I have done that. Here is the list".

"How did you manage that fast? What is this? It is not the list that I wanted"

"Sir, this is the resume of the prospective candidate for the post of manager in your Institute".

"Call her in. I want to interview her".

Aastha calls her sister inside the cabin.

"I will take it from here, Aastha. Now bring me a copy of the recent judgments. Till then I will interview this girl". Saying so, he begins with his interview, his voice being loud and clear -

"So, what is your name, girl?"

"Sir, my name is Harlyn Sidhwani.

"Now tell me, why do you want to join this Institute?"

"Sir, I have heard a lot about the Institute and want some exposure and learning experience before I complete my masters in business administration".

"From whom did you know about this institute?"

"I have heard a lot from my sister, Aastha who works at your Institute".

"So, you are her sister" He smiled.

"Yes, Sir". Before she continued, there was an interruption at the door. It was Aastha.

"Sir, May I come in?" asked Aastha

"Yes, you may".

Turning to Aastha, he said -

I have fixed her internship for two months, after which if everything goes fine, I will make her a permanent employee.

Both sisters work hard and enjoy each other's company at the Institute. They become everyone's favorite. While everyone pampers Harlyn, Aastha is now a teacher's pet and a teacher herself! Both ascend the ladder of success.

"Who is she, Mahadev Ji? " exclaimed one of the new teachers at the Institute. ‘She is sweet," he added

"She is Aastha's Sister," replied Mahadev Ji.

Aastha took pride when she overheard the conversation and joined them.

"How are you doing, Mohit Sir?

"I was just saying that your sister is doing fine work. She has a sweet demeanor".

"Thank you for your appreciation. And how is your work going?"

"My work is going fine. However, my schedule at your institute is very hectic. I shall take your leave now as I am getting late for the class".

Months passed working hard for the Institute.

"Now that everything is going fine in my life. I miss him a lot. Should I visit the Learner Coaching Institute?" pondered Aastha once.

It was a Thursday when Aastha visited the Learner Coaching Institute, only to know that Parth wasn't there.

Moving up through the stairs of the Institute, she finds everything changed and new. The huge banner, though, had the same name inscribed on it "Learner Coaching Institute of Learning Pvt. Ltd.". Sweet reminiscences about the olden days at the Institute filled her with excitement when she meets Mohan.

"Hello, Mohan. How are you doing?"

"I am doing fine and how are you doing?" "By the way, I am in a hurry. I have to take a class. Why don't you join us for lunch".

"Oh. Thank you. I would be glad but I am getting late".

"So am I? Will see you later, bye"

"But…..Listen. Mohan. Err…How is Parth doing? Before she could speak further, Mohan resumed his class he had left midway.

Turning to the reception, Aastha begins –

"Hi, there. Leena. How is everyone at the Institute?"

"Everything is fine, Mam. How are you doing? Where are you working presently?" she queried

"Oh. I am working at the Aim Law Institute situated in the farthest corner of the nearby lane."

"And…" Aastha's eyes darted around warily.

"And what else, Mam".

"Have you seen Parth Sir anywhere? Is he taking a class?"

"No. He has stopped coming to the Institute".

"Why? Is he alright?"

"He is opening his venture. He is busy with that".

Hearing the news, Aastha's heart filled with joy.