"Good afternoon, thank you for the opportunity to interview today, My name is Jasmine Singhania and I am a third year major in Business Finance at Central University of Sydney"

I take a deep breath continuously memorizing my introduction. They say the first impression is the best impression and my introduction matters the most in this interview. I wanna give my best to be selected.

Today, I have a job interview for Reynold's co-operation. A real estate company in Sydney which is popular in property dealing, land selling, developing and many more. It's an interview for finance interns and luckily I fit all the requirements.

It's not like I need this job for money, it's for experience and a record in my resume for the future.

My father owns the biggest stay in hotel business, which spreads across many states in India. My brother is one of the CEO of the main hotel in Mumbai, my home city

I also need this job so that I can show my parents that I don't need a position in their company because of my blood, I need it because I have the confidence in my abilities and I could help my brother and father. If I get this internship at least for 3 months then it will be enough

I was over excited that I even gave my parents an ultimatum that I will get this job

The interview was scheduled in the morning but for some reason it's postponed to afternoon. Before I give this test I need some confidence boosting and the best thing for it is...

Cinnamon rolls!

When I came to Australia a few months ago for my studies, I knew I wouldn't be impressed by the foreign food but cinnamon rolls were lifesavers after tea. I just got totally addicted to them and I need them whenever I am happy, sad or nervous!

I am here at my favorite café, it's near our university and growing quite popular. Many students, working people and even families visit this place making it look lively

There are still a few people standing in front of me in the queue. My eyes glancing at the few last cinnamon rolls kept, my body moving, praying that others don't get their hands on it before me.

"Oh come on dude, you rejected her again?" A familiar voice grabs my attention, I turn to my side to see two guys talking to each other near the food display. Looking up closely I realize that one of the guys who just spoke belongs to my major. Loren?

Another guy stands beside him, dressed up in a black baggy jeans and a blue hoodie, his face covered due to a cap he wore. For some reason the cap grabs my attention because of the words 'champ' imprinted on it.

I narrow my gaze trying to recognise him, if he is with Lorenzo so he is also definitely from my major. As I am still new I am not familiar with their names but I know their faces very well

Oh

Wait

Is that the 'man in finance' guy?'

As the queue steps forward I get a better look of his face and nod, yeah! It's him. One of the most popular guy in business finance major because of his features being similar to the tiktok trend song 'man in finance'

He is studying business finance

He has blue eyes

He is approximately above 6,2

I steal a few glances at him, it would be a shame not to appreciate that handsome face. A perfect jawline, symmetrical face and soft features.

19th November 2023

I always remind myself this date whenever I feel attached to an Australian but still doesn't help-

These people are made different and have a magnet attached to them to attract everyone like metal

I heard a few girls around me talking about him and their crush on him but always mention him as the 'man in finance' guy, because of this I don't happen to know his name. My eyes fall on the chocolate cake that guy is holding, hm it looks delicious maybe I should order it next time. The two friends continue to talk about some kind of rejection and confession.

I shrug it off and move forward and place my order for two cinnamon rolls, I didn't have to wait much longer. They pack my rolls in a cute box and give it to me, I receive it with an excited smile and glance at the clock. Only sometime left, I gotta hurry and eat up

I look at the box in my hand as I walk out of the queue, many things going on in my mind about the food, interview, my family

"Hey! Watch out!" A voice calls out. My head snaps up and I look to my left from where the voice came from. My eyes widens as I see the scene happening in front of me in a slow mo?

Loren's hands move forward and the guy with him is launched at me, even his expressions showing he is caught off guard. Before I could react his body slams into mine and I close my eyes and the cinnamon rolls box drops from my hand

"Dude you okay?" Loren's voice comes to my ears and I open my eyes to see the guy who just slammed into me. His mouth slightly open and his eyes gazing upon my body, I frown.

Why is he looking there

My eyes follow his direction, a loud gasp escapes my mouth when I see the black stain on my new perfect white shirt "I didn't mean-" he says but stop himself when he starts panicking "Oh my God, What did you!" I groan but try to keep my mouth shut knowing if I get angry I would say many things without realizing

He quickly grabs a few tissues from the counter and forwards his hands trying to wipe it, I slap his hand away when it gets near my stomach. His eyes widened and he curses under his breath realizing what he was doing.

He raises his hands in defense and the tissues fall down on the floor. I sigh and bend down to pick them up but he does it too, making our heads bump into each other making us groan in unison "what are you doing!" I say getting annoyed and he steps back but his cap falls down because of our bump and the plate in his hand crashes on the floor grabbing everyone's attention

The whole café goes silent and looks at us in confusion and curiosity. I glance at the guy and notice the change , his face goes from apologetic to panic?

He quickly bends down and grabs his cap, wearing it again on his hat he rushes off somewhere. I glare at his actions not realizing what just happened

Did he just leave?

Without apologizing?

That Sneaky being!

"Hey you okay?" Loren steps forwards and asks politely. I look at him with the same annoyance and frustration "Do I look okay? I had an interview and this-" I press my lips together to prevent the words. My eyes flickering across my ruined shirt

Stay calm

Stay controlled

Okay?

I take a deep breath and nod. He looks at me concerned "I am really sorry about that, he didn't mean that I just pushed him-" as Loren was explaining the situation the manager of the café comes forward "is everything alright?"

Loren sighs and grabs his wallet "yes, i apologize for the mess" he says gesturing to the shattered piece of the plate at my feet. I look at the exit from where that guy slipped away without any explanation or apology

Is one sorry that hard?

Manners don't exist here I guess

I grab a tissue and rub the stain but it only gets smudged further. Thinking of no other option I quickly call Stella, my best friend and also roommate. This is definitely a fashion emergency and she is the best help I could get as she is a fashion major

My head hung low as I stand in front of the mirror, regretting all my attempts to get this satin off

Within a few seconds she walks inside the bathroom, her expressions worried and impatient about what happened. The way I talked to her on the phone might have certainly panicked her

She got here as soon as possible. I am relieved for that at least

"Hey you okay?" She asks, I look at her. My face is red and puffy not due to crying but because of anger. I lower my gaze to my body at the stain and she gasps "How?" Her eyes flickering on my shirt and face

"Some guy threw his chocolate cake at me!" I cry out in frustration recalling that incident. I am never gonna forget that fox's face! I grab a few wet wipes and rub it across the fabric "I have been trying to clean this but it doesn't seem to go!" I whine

"I have an interview, what am I gonna do?" I say with a slightly trembling voice. She steps forward "I thought it was in the morning?"

I shake my head "no, they postponed it to evening"

"Should we go back to the dorm? We can get you changed-"

"It won't work, I am already late." I hold my head and start pacing around the restroom in anxiety. If I hadn't come here for the cinnamon rolls then this wouldn't have happened. Wait, why am I blaming it on my babies? It happened because of that Sneaky being

Sneaky fox

"Do you want to swap clothes with me ? That way you won't get late" Stella suggests, I stop and scan her outfit from head to toe. She is wearing a black trousers and complementing it with a black jacket and white tank top underneath. It is the best and comfortable outfit for a hangout but not for an interview

"It's not appropriate" I comment and go back to pacing while biting my thumb nail

My bad habit!

I groan and crouch down , my breathing getting heavy and hands slightly trembling. Oh God, I can't miss the first interview of my life. My parents have hopes for me and I can't just give up! "Maybe you can wear my jacket?" She asks, looking at my panicked state. I shake my head in denial

That won't cover it and it looks totally opposite my attire

Stella steps forward and rubs my arms holding me in a comforting embrace "we will figure out something, calm down" she assures rubbing my back. I take deep breaths and calm myself after sometime "this is all because of that fox!" I shout in anger

"who?" She asks in confusion and a bit surprised with my sudden outburst

"That guy who threw his cake at me"

She opens her mouth to say something but suddenly the restroom door swings open and a girl walks in holding a bag, her clothes indicating that she words here

She looks at us and smiles at me, making me feel confused about the sudden expressions. She hands me the bag making me even more unclear I glance at Stella but she is looking at me clueless too

"Why are you giving me this?" I ask the girl

"A guy asked me to pass this to you" she replied in a polite manner. I peeled inside, a blue coloured dress kept inside it neatly. My face lights up in relief "was he wearing glasses?" I ask her and the girl nods

"Is he still there?"

"No he looked like he was in a hurry" the girl replied "than I will take my leave" she says and turns her heels leaving us alone

"Is it the same guy?" Stella asks me noticing my expressions. I quickly go inside the small separate room which seems for the staff but i have to use it. I quickly start removing my clothes and wear that blue dress "yeah I think so , he was wearing glasses" I reply to her

I know it's from him, but why would he give this to me after rushing off suddenly?

I walk out of the room wearing that navy blue dress which reaches my knees. It's a plain one and looks appropriate for an interview. It's a bit tighter near my chest and waist but i gotta manage

"You look gorgeous!" Stella compliments me admiring my open hair. I Chuckle and give her a small twirl for a better view "at least he has a good taste" she adds making my smile drop "but he didn't apologize to me!" I grunt. It's not about the ruined dress but about manners and respect which he forgot about

"Well he gave you this dress as a apology" Stella tries to calm me with her words but it doesn't help

I cross my shoulders "But there's a difference between a sincere verbal apology and excusing your action while showing off your money." I huff

She palm slammed her forehead, showing that she is done with my holding grudge attitude "you should get going, you are getting late" she says to me, I glance at my watch and gasp "aare jaldi chalo" I yell and pull her out

(Translation - let's hurry)

Stella brought her car and gave me a lift to the company saving so much of my time. I reached the floor by time, there were already many candidates sitting outside the room. Everyone dressed formally, for a second I felt a bit overdressed but I noticed a few more girls around my age who wore brown, white and blue attires too

I sigh in relief and sit on the seat waiting for them to call me accordingly to our alphabetical order

My leg bounces on the floor feeling anxious about what's going to happen inside. One by one each person goes inside and comes out after a few minutes. Few are taking long and few are just coming out.

The tension in the room making me feel suffocated and the room freshener mixed with air conditioner makes my stomach grumble. I don't know if it's hunger, tension or my stomach is actually upset

I wanna get selected and make my parents proud

I can do it and I will do it

The most important thing is confidence and I have it

The sound of heels clicking on the marble tiles makes me snap at the direction, I see a young woman in her 20's walking towards this direction. The employees greeting her with respect and smile at her. Which looks forced for sure.

She passes by me but stops two steps away, her heels turn and she looks at me with narrowed eyes. Her gaze lingered on my outfit with an intense expression. I sit on my place looking at her back calmly

"Get up" she orders, her voice authoritative which makes me frown. "Get up" she says again. I sigh and get up, by this time everyone's eyes were on us. I stand in front of her facing her direction but her eyes don't leave my dress

What's wrong with her

"Do you know you are not allowed to wear this?" She glaring at me. I glance at myself and back at her. What is she talking about? "There wasn't any dress code given for the interview " I reply in a professional tone

She scoffs "you are wearing a dress designed by my rival!"

Rival designer?

God this is confusing

She notices my blank face, Stepping closer she keeps her face annoyed and angry "this dress is designed by NYX! How can you wear it in my father's company!"

My eyes widens hearing the name. NYX? Really? I have heard about it from Stella many times but I didn't realize I was wearing a dress designed by them . Stella didn't notice it?

Moreover how did that fox get his hands on this thing

"You cannot give the interview, leave immediately" She says crossing her arms. I raise my eyebrow amazed by her attitude "there were no rules or restrictions about who's designed dress I wear. I am here for an interview-"

She cuts me off "now it's restricted" she snaps her fingers at someone behind me. In a few seconds a woman comes to us and that girl starts rambling about all this, she doesn't even allow me to put my view of the story.

Upon the conversation I get to know that this girl is the president's daughter and runs a clothing line which competes against NYX. Yet I never heard of it

Not wanting to be rude but it's clear she started it as a fun activity

"Ma'am we are sorry but we cannot allow you to proceed further" the other girl says politely and that president's daughter smirks at me. I Clench my fist fuming in anger "But i-" she cuts me off "I apologize but you are requested to leave or we may call the security" the girl says in a slightly warning tone

I look at her and notice the pleading expression, I can clearly notice that she and other employees are scared of her because of her father. I sigh and nod, I give her a last glare and walk away

My hand gripping the file so tightly in a crushing grip. Everyone looked at me with pity or mockery. This felt so humiliating when I didn't even do anything wrong.

This whole day has gone worse!

And everything started since I met that dark fox!

....

I sit on my bed looking at my phone, hesitating what to do. I have to call my parents and inform them about this, but i don't have the courage. What should I do ?

I am still wearing that dress, it's so beautiful yet so unlucky for me. My face grumpy and annoyed because of those two people who woke up to shake my life

The door opens and I could feel that Stella has come back. She looks at with a soft smile, I know she understood that my interview didn't go well

"What happened my puffer fish why do you look so grumpy" she pulls my cheek playfully

My jaw clenches thinking about it again, I huff and don't look at her. She sighs releasing my cheek "did the interview didn't go well?"

I scoff "I don't know because I didn't even give the interview"

She looks at me surprised

"What do you mean you didn't give the interview? I literally dropped you on time"

"Don't you think this dress looks similar?" I get up and stand in front of her. She looks at my dress carefully trying to understand "I don't know exactly " she mumbles

"let me help you . This dress belongs to one and only NYX collection" before i finish properly she chokes on air hearing my words

She steps closer to take a better look "there's no way" she pulls the collat of the dress lightly and gasp at the tag on it. Even I noticed the NYX signature by Emily Carter on it after coming back to the dorm

I could feel Stella's hands shaking "Oh my I can't believe I am touching the dress made by Emily Carter" she screams in excitement and disbelief. I couldn't help but smile at her behavior. I know how much if a fan she is off Emily Carter'

I should give this dress to her actually

I sigh and pull myself away, she looks at me and realised that she went off topic

"But how does this relate to your interview?" She asks

"The Company which I applied for , the president's daughter runs a clothing brand in competition with NYX and when she saw me wearing this dress she got so furious that she kicked me out" I explain the whole situation and she looks at me dumbfounded

I sigh and lay on my bed

"This all happened because of that fox , first I thought he was handsome then when he threw the cake at me and didn't even apologize I thought he was a jerk but when he sent me this dress I thought ok he is a gentleman but now I think he is a devil" I screamed punching my pillow then shoved my face in it. Throwing a tantrum like a child

"What am I gonna say to my family? I was so confident that I may get the job " I whine kicking my feet in air.

Stella makes me sit and gives me a glass of water. I quickly gulp it down, the cold water spreading through my body and head like relief

"It's okay, why don't you try some more companies? You know success comes with stories of failure" she says encouraging me. I couldn't help but feel grateful towards her words and support

She is right

How can I cry over a small failure when I have a whole life filled with huddles for me?

No, i won't let this hold me back

I will try again and again

"I need some fresh air, can I borrow your car?" I blurt out. I don't have a car so sometimes I use hers as i recently got a driver's license. I could see Stella hesitate and glance at the clock.

I know it's nigh and might rain due to unstable weather. And she worries about me too much but she is aware of my stubborn behavior. At last she gives up and hands me the keys

I beam at her thanking her for allowing me "don't worry I will bring your car back without any scratch" I say playfully and run off

"I just want you to come back without any scratches" I heard Stella say to me. A feeling of warmth fills my heart at her concern

Even in this foreign country I found someone who cares about me