Chapter 3
The day came finally.
Ayzel came by auto-rickshaw to Skinder Mansion. Even the auto driver was dumbstruck only upon seeing the gate of the Mansion.
He was wondering what reason had brought this girl here. She was not even looking like a poor maid who came here for a sweeper's job. But he did not voice out his thoughts. Ayzel paid him fare and went towards the gate.
There was very tight security. They checked her thoroughly. But they were giving her weird looks like she is an Alien.
Even a guard eventually taunted her.
"you are the first person and only candidate who bought an auto at the front of his mansion. "
Ayzel frowned. He was making fun of her state.
As she didn't know the drivers and servants here also owned the cars.
Asking the direction, she went inside. Every corner of this place was screaming wealth. Ayzel, first-time saw such a place in her life.
She joined all the other candidates in a room. They were a total of ten candidates, including her. 6 women and 4 men.
She saw car keys in the hands of half the candidates. Their dresses were telling that they have come straight from the laundry. The ladies were dipped in makeup from head to toe. They all were senior to her in both age and experience. She lost all hope inside her. She never faced such candidates even in her previous restaurant. She was extremely feeling out of the circle.
Other candidates also looked at her, as if she is beneath them. She had just applied light chapstick on her lips and was wearing a simple dress.
After half an hour, a not-so-much elderly woman came.
"Good morning to all of you. Myself Asma. I supervise all the workers here. Your test will begin shortly. Best of luck." she told with a polite smile to them. But Asma got startled for a second when she looked at Ayzel. A flash of memory hit her. But she shook her head and went from there.
Soon the competition began. They all were first asked to cut vegetables and fruits in front of Asma and Aliya Khanum. It was the test of skills. Only seven passed it including Ayzel.
Then they were asked to recognize the spice by looking at it. And at the end, they were blindfolded, to identify the ingredients, by sense of touch and smell.
Only Ayzel succeeded with all other correct answers. The other two females were selected along with her for the final round but didn't get perfect scores like her in the last round.
The final round was cooking breakfast for the family. And this time Zain, Burhan, and Zikria were also present.
Ayzel was worrying, what if they ask to cook something difficult? Zikria was also staring at her face like he was searching for someone's face. But Ayzel was feeling uneasy due to the intimidating and cold personality of Zain. He was observing all of them with intense eyes like they are some criminals and he is an investigator.
"Make an omelet with paratha, and some coffee," he ordered them. They'll get relaxed upon hearing it. The action began. The other females were passing looks at him during cooking.
But only Ayzel was passionate about breaking eggs and then scrambling them. There was a bright smile on her face, as she was immersed in her most favorite tasks.
One by one all of them serve their art. Others' cooking was good too, but Ayzel made breakfast was heaven.
Bubbles of flavors burst into their mouths. But her cooking brought tears to the eyes of Zikria.
" It taste's exactly like her." he thought.
"Just select this girl. I never knew an omelet can be tastier like this. And these parathas Oh My God. Her husband would be a lucky man". Burhan got enchanted by her cooking.
"While she was cooking, I could not take my eyes off her." Aliya Begum also added.
"She was not clever like other girls. She seems so pure and innocent. When I saw her, my heart said she will be the one. She excelled in all rounds. She truly knows all the kitchen and cooking things." Asma expressed her opinions.
"What's your decision son?" She asked Zain.
"It is too early to say something like this about a stranger. Innocent faces are the most deceiving ones. I want to have a word with her, then will give my final words." He went to his study.
Burhan frowned and mouthed to everyone, " What's his problem?"
"You know he won't trust anyone so easily and it's a matter of home." his grandmother spoke.
Asma sent away the other two and sent that girl to Zain's study.
The three girls were waiting in the same room, where they all gathered.
One by one, the other two girls were called by the time gap of ten minutes. But they never came back. Ayzel was alone in the room. She was sweating now. She did not want to be rejected at this stage. She had given her best. What if they reject her based on her resume? This thought was spinning her mind
Finally, her turn came. A maid took her to Zain's study.
She knocked on the door. On receiving the permission, Ayzel went inside.
" Sit." Zain pointed toward the chair in front of them. An expensive office table was distancing both of them. Zain's eyes were roaming over her C.V.
"According to your resume Miss Ayzel...." , before he could continue. Ayzel cut him.
" That I am poorly educated and have zero experience in culinary schools and restaurants. Sorry, but you are not eligible for this post. You are not matching with our requirements. That's what you want to say. I know."
She was fuming and panting at the end of it. Don't know what came to her. But she was done now.
Zain was still giving her a cold stare. Then he tore her printed C.V. into pieces.
Ayzel forgot to breathe.
"According to your C.V., you are not well experienced. But your skills are far beyond those of an experienced person." he completed now.
"Miss Ayzel I never judge people based on some piece of paper. For me their skills and true talent matter. Documents can be faked. And I do not like fake people and cheaters." he said in his dominating voice. Ayzel meekly nodded.
" Since now you are gonna work here, let me advise you never to judge someone before he speaks and does something. Use experience as well, but do not give final results before time."
"Am I hired?" she asked with widened eyes.
"Do you think I would waste my time joking with you?" he asked with narrow eyes.
Ayzel shook his head. " No, actually I just could not believe it.".
"let's discuss the terms and conditions.
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Your job contract consists of two years. In case of resignation before time, you have to pay back 3 months' salaries.
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you have to submit your original documents here.
3)you will be given free mess and accommodation.
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other than 3 meals, you have to make anything whenever asked.
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2 leaves will be allowed per month.
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In the case of negligence and poor performance you will be terminated from the job without any prior notice and there is no room for a second chance."
" And your starting salary will be 200 thousand rupees per month and an increment will be done on checking on your performance.
So are you in?" Zain finished.
The amount of salary, Ayzel never dreamt of.
The condition did not seem bad. If she will work with efficiency, then for the next 2 years she would not have to worry about a place to live. And soon she would be able to open her restaurant.
She thought and then said yes. And then signed the contract.
When she was leaving, Zain stopped her.
"One thing more Miss. Many people have come and gone from here. Only loyal, honest, and hard-working stay here. Many tried to fly high here, but they fell flat on their faces." he paused and then said his last words.
"If I ever find even an ounce of disloyalty and cheating from you, you will be done. Consequences will be worse," he said in a voice that made shivers run down her spine.
She nodded and left. When she reached the gate, she was thinking about how to go back. Because the road on the way was very empty. She could not find any auto rickshaw. And she could not afford a taxi right now.
She was lost in thoughts when a voice startled her.
" Waiting for your ride?" it was Burhan.
"No..actually I. I came by auto." she was embarrassed now.
He ordered the driver to drop her off and also pick her up tomorrow.
She was very appreciative of them.
In the orphanage, her farewell was celebrated. The whole night she thought about her job and how to manage there.
But little did she know, she was going to be trapped there forever.