Short Story By: RANJIT SINHA ROY

Swati climbed to the first floor. A dimly lit long corridor went from one end to the other, with name boards of different offices hanging above the doors. The building, a five storeyed block was located in city’s commercial area. Usually the place would be crowded. But today being a Sunday, there was hardly any one around and most doors were locked.

In the corridor Swati took out the call letter and checked with the name boards. The office was at the far end. The door was open and she went in. It was exactly ten in the morning. She was happy to report in time. It was her first interview. Inside two girls were waiting. One office boy was sitting on a stool by the side of a chamber door. Swati handed over the call letter to him, sat beside other girls and waited.

After silently waiting for sometime, she enquired with the girl by her side and was told that the Director was yet to come.

Swati was tall, about twenty-two with a pretty face and an attractive figure. She was a commerce graduate, done a basic course in computers and knew typing. She met the advertised requirements for the position of Commercial Assistant to the Director, except that she did not have any previous experience.

Swati looked around. The office was well furnished and modern. It appeared the company was doing well and possibly would pay a good salary. She hoped to be selected.

After about half an hour one tall gentleman entered the office. The office boy stood up, saluted and opened the chamber door. He went in without looking either side. He must be the Director, Swati thought. A couple of minutes later the buzzer sounded and the office boy went in with the call letters. He came out a few moments after and sat in the stool. He had left the call letters inside. The girls waited.

After about ten minutes the buzzer sounded again. The office boy opened the door a few inches apart and put his head inside. Withdrawing he called a name. One girl went inside and came out in few minutes. She walked out. The office boy then signaled the other girl to go in. Swati knew that it would be her turn next and before she could think any further the girl came out and left. The office boy indicated Swati to go in.

Entering the chamber she stood in front of the Director’s table and said “Good morning, Sir.”This being her first interview she felt a little nervous and did not know what she was supposed to do next. The Director was watching her from the moment she came in. He looked at her from head to foot and then asked her to sit down. He was a robust man with a thick black moustache and dyed hair. He looked above fifty and had a resonant bass voice. For a minute he silently observed Swati as though assessing her. Then asked for the certificates and went through them before asking questions.

Initially she was little shaky but gradually became steady. There was hardly any question she could not answer. The gentleman maintained an assuring smile and put her at ease. She felt relaxed. At the end of every answer he would say, “Okay, good, now you tell me………” then ask the next question. He continued to observe her keenly. He watched her more than listening.

The Director maintained a smiling face and did not remove his eyes from her. As time passed Swati was feeling uneasy. His eyes were fixed on her face and mid-portion. It was not unusual. Swati was used to that kind of stares, particularly from middle aged persons. They seemed to be more sex starved than younger people. But he was old enough to be her father and might be her future employer. Possibly she was wrong. She tried to shake it off her mind.

Questioning over, the Director explained her the job responsibilities. She would maintain vital accounting records and report directly to him. It would be her responsibility to help him in day-to-day work. It may sound very big and difficult. But the company was small and she could handle things easily. He smiled and informed that she could consider herself selected for the post and the formal appointment offer would follow in a day or two. He then told her the salary being offered. It was far beyond her expectation. Swati was very happy.

“Thank you very much Sir.” She said with a broad smile.

“So, when can you join?” He asked.

“Within a day or two of receiving the offer.” She was eager to join early.

They sat silently for a minute or so. He returned the certificates and she was busy putting them back in her side bag. Looking up she saw him watching her. Instinctively she arranged the dupatta (scarf) and covered herself to the extent possible. He gave a knowing smile and then asked about her family. Smilingly she answered all questions. That her father was in a private organization with comfortable salary and the family would not depend on her. No, she was not married yet, though her parents insisted her to get married. Swati was happy that the Director showed so much interest in her personal matters.

He listened with an amused smile, and then pressed the buzzer. The office boy came in and the Director ordered him to get some coffee. They waited for coffee and he continued to look at her. Swati felt uneasy and looked around to avoid his gaze.

The chamber was small but tastefully decorated. The table was of latest design and shelves of the side rack had a few technical and some taxation books. There was a photo stand with the photograph of a grave lady and a smiling young girl. The girl was of same age as Swati’s and appeared to be quite smart. The lady must be the wife and the girl his daughter. He followed her gaze and remarked, “My wife and daughter.”

Swati smiled and said, “Your wife looks dignified and daughter is quite pretty.”Director flashed a pleased smile. He had a soft fatherly expression. No doubt he loved his daughter very much.

“My daughter graduated in Computer Science. Now she wants to go for a job. We have told her number of times that she need not. Rather we shall look for a suitable boy. But she will not listen.”Swati smiled, “Same as me.”

While waiting for coffee, the Director casually asked,“You said you are not married,” he had an amused smile, “but you must have a boy friend?”Swati blushed and shook her head. “No.”

Director appeared surprised. He silently observed her for a minute then said,“Strange, for a beautiful girl like you. I thought you must have scores of admirers.” Then after a pause,“Do you have experience?” His eyes twinkled.“Experience! What experience!” She could not follow what exactly he meant. “I have already told you that I am a fresher without any experience.”The Director had a hearty laugh. He said, “I did not ask about your work experience. I meant something else. Let me ask you straight. Are you still a virgin?” He was keenly observing her.Swati blushed to the root of her hair and did not answer.

Coffee came and while sipping he looked at Swati over the brim of the cup and said,“Oh, there is one more thing I forgot to mention.”Swati looked at him with apprehension.See, I frequently go out on business trip. Usually it is for three or four days. I need someone to assist and help me during the tour. I would like you to accompany me. We shall put up in hotels and book two separate rooms, if you are so particular.” He gave a reassuring smile.“My previous assistant used to accompany me. She resigned after marriage. Now you are to replace her in all respects.”

When Swati remained silent he said, “Okay, think about it, but remember it is a must.” He did not elaborate further. Coffee finished, they sat silently for sometime. Swati wanted to go away and was about to get up when he said “Come, I shall show you something.” He got up and walked to a door on the sidewall. Reluctantly Swati followed.

He opened the door to a small air-conditioned anteroom. It had a settee for two and a comfortable divan and a full-length mirror. There was a door on the opposite wall, probably to his personal washroom.

The Director entered and asked her to come in. She did not and stood on the doorway. She was scared. He requested once again, but she did not move. He then came out and walked back to his seat. Swati wanted to go, but he asked her to wait for a minute. He had something to tell. He was silent for a minute. Then clearing throat he said,“You have seen the anteroom. That is where I take rest after lunch and also whenever and need to relax. But there is one more purpose.”

He paused and keenly watched for her reaction. Swati was apprehensive. She looked steadily at him. He continued,“On some Sundays I come to office. Not for any office work. I come alone. Even the office boy will not come. Only my assistant, now you, will be here. You shall have to come whenever I ask. I can assure youthat you will enjoy the whole thing and it will be perfectly safe. Even at this age, I boast to be a very capable person. My previous assistant, used to appreciate my powers.”He paused and looked at Swati. He had a cunning smile. Then said,“I hope you agree. I can double your salary if you so want. What do you say?”

Swati sat speechless for sometime. How could a man, old enough to be her father, make such dirty proposals? How could a person, doing well in business, apparently a happy family man, act in this manner? Impossible. Swati was dumb and stared at him without batting a lid.

“So, you agree to the proposal? Now you tell me how much salary you want. I can offer you any amount for the extra services.” He had a leering smile. Swati had a feeling that his piercing eyes could see through her clothes and was mentally enjoying her body.

Swati could stand it no more. Enough of it. She stood up glaring. Furious her eyes glowed, but the voice was low and clear, mincing every word she uttered.

“Look Mister…. I do not know your name. I am not interested also. But I know that you are a lecherous debauch person. You are a middle-aged family man with a daughter of my age. You said she wants to go in for some job. She must be attending interviews. Now, would you relish if some characterless rogue like you proposes her to sleep with him? Would you want her to agree? I would suggest you to engage a street girl, as your assistant. She will gladly oblige you. Never be after girls from good families.”

She was surprised at her own courage and happy to give vent to the accumulated anger. This obnoxious man deserved it. He was going too far. Taking advantage of helpless candidates. She wanted to tell more, but stopped short. This much was enough for this debauch, she thought.

Face pale the Director sat motionless staring at her. Swati walked to the door. Then turned just before going out.“You need not take trouble of sending the appointment offer. It will not be accepted.”

Swati felt relieved and happy.She walked out. The door slowly closing behind her. Director sat speechless.