Damage Control

Gauri

"Please have a seat Gauri" Alex's father asked me to sit and I obeyed.

"Gauri, first of all, I am sorry if you feel offended by my son's act" I was right, he called me to apologize for his son's mistake.

"He is not a bad boy Gauri" I looked up to meet his blue eyes.

'Yeah, every parent feels like that Mr. Miller before they get to know what their son has actually become' I replied in my mind.

"Don't judge him so early" I was little uncomfortable with the conversation.

'Why would I judge him? Who is he to me? He is just another rich brat for me' I fumed from inside.

"Okay leave that, I came here for a professional reason" I was all ears on hearing that.

"Ramesh was telling me that you are looking for a job. He has also told me that you are multilingual. I am looking for an interpreter and a personal assistant. Would you like to join?"

It was really a golden opportunity but I couldn't do any full-time job. I was about to refuse when he interrupted me.

"It is a part-time job and in case of Alex, I can assure you he will not interfere in your work" he somehow read my mind.

'Gauri, this is your chance. A part-time job in an embassy can give you work experience and good money. Go for it girl' my innerself encouraged me but my father would not allow me for this job.

"I have to ask my father" I replied softly.

"Okay let's talk to your father then" he pressed the call bell and sent the attendant to call my father.

My father entered the cabin after a few minutes. He looked at me and then his gaze landed on Alex's father. He instantly dropped his eyes and lowered his head. I didn't felt right because he always used to talk to everyone with full confidence.

"Hello Mr. Sharma, I am James Miller" Mr. Miller greeted him and stretched his hand for a handshake but my father pulled his hands together and did a Namaste (Indian custom to welcome or greet people). Mr. Miller greeted him back.

"Baba ye Mr. James miller hai, Alex k papa. Wo ladka jisne meri madad ki thi (this is James Miller, Alex's father. The guy who has helped me)" I approached my father and explained him.

Baba nodded in understanding but kept his head low all the time. I told Mr. Miller that my father couldn't understand English that's why I was talking in Hindi.

"Baba ye mujhe part time naukri de rahe hai, Dubhashiye ki (he is giving me a job of an interpreter)" I was beaming with joy while informing the job proposal to my father.

"Beta tum sach mein naukri karna chahti ho, tumhari padhai ka kya hoga (child, do you really want to do a job, what will happen to your studies)" Father asked me very gently and I understood his concern.

"Baba main manage kar lungi (Father, I will manage)" I tried hard to convince him.

"Thik hai beta lekin agar tumhe koi bhi dikkat hui toh (okay child but if you will have any problem)" I knew he has still not recovered from that incident. I took his hands in mine and softly caressed them.

"Main apka dar samajh sakta hu Mr. Sharma, main bhi ek beti ka bap hu (I can understand your fear Mr. Sharma, I am also a father of a daughter)" I was shocked with the perfect Hindi of Mr. Miller.

I looked up to see my father's reaction but he was calm and composed. There was no trace of surprise on his face. My father did a Namaste again and left the cabin in haste.