He Hates Me Or Does He?

PART 4 JOB HUSTLE

“So Anika,” begins a man in his 50s, seated with quiet authority, “we at For the Brighteens aim to provide underprivileged teenagers with quality education and help build self-reliance in both them and their families. How do you think you could contribute to this mission, and what role would you see yourself taking on?”

Damn, I think. That was a whole paragraph. He could’ve just said, “How will you contribute?”

“Sir,” I begin, trying to keep my tone confident yet respectful, “I’ve always been drawn to understanding how society and systems work—why inequality exists and what we can do about it. I’ve long aspired to contribute meaningfully to those in need. As I’m also preparing for civil services, I want to stay connected to the ground, and this NGO seems like the perfect opportunity. I have a strong academic background, and I genuinely enjoy teaching and public speaking. I believe in showing more than telling—so I’d request you to give me a few days to prove that I belong here.”

I take a breath. It wasn’t perfect, but it was honest.

The man nods thoughtfully. “We’ve reviewed your qualifications. Since you claim to be a hard worker, you may join from Monday.”

“Oh… okay. Thank you, sir.” That felt way too easy. “If it’s alright, may I take a look around the NGO?”

They nod, and I begin exploring. The place is clearly understaffed. I wonder why so few people—especially women—opt to work in these setups, even when the pay is a respectable ₹20,000 for just one lecture a day. The societal mindset really needs to shift.

---

The Next Day

I wake early, pull on my best formals, and head to the NGO with a weird mix of nerves and excitement.

The students begin filing in, led by a fellow teacher. I step into the classroom and—just like that—all the hesitation disappears. I introduce myself, start the session, and for the next hour and a half, I feel alive. The kids are responsive. I’m speaking from the heart. It feels right.

I hope I can keep this energy going every day.

---

Five Days Later

It’s a scorching afternoon, and I’m savoring a hot cup of chai laced with ginger and cardamom—my absolute weakness. I’m chatting with Shobhita ma’am, enjoying the lull, when the peon arrives.

“Anika ma’am, headmaster is asking for you in the office.”

A nervous jolt hits me. Please don’t be extra hours. I really can’t afford to lose more study time.

Balancing this internship with 9 hours of UPSC prep is already cutting it too close. I’m only five days in and already stretched thin.

I knock twice on the office door.

“Come in.”

I enter. The headmaster is seated. Another man is standing across the room, back to us, scanning some files.

“Good noon, sir,” I greet.

“Anika,” the headmaster says, “we’ve received very positive feedback. It’s inspiring to see someone your age work so sincerely.”

“Thank you, sir,” I reply, still unsure why I’m here.

Then the man turns. Vihaan. In full “serious-business” mode.

“I’d also like to inspect some of the teachers’ classes,” he says crisply.

Of course. I knew he occasionally checked in here, but still—it’s so sudden.

He’s always so grim, so composed, like he’s allergic to laughing. I wonder what people think of him. His exes, if he has any, must’ve filed him under “Red Flag: Serious With a Side of God Complex.” Honestly, he gives more dictator than dreamboat.

Relax, man. It’s 2025. Even Aristotle would've voted for chill.

“Sure, sir,” the headmaster nods.

“Also, please inform your staff and others that my newly launched library and guest house are hiring. Interested applicants may apply.”

Oh really? Now that’s interesting.

The headmaster turns to me. “Anika, we trust you now and would like to offer you a two-month lock-in contract. If you agree, I’ll prepare the papers.”

“May I give you my answer next week, sir? I just need a bit of time.”

“That’s fine.”

I leave the room, still processing. Librarian. Hmm.

The idea intrigues me. I love the NGO work, but that library... that space is my dream zone. I’ll apply. It doesn’t mean they’ll take me—but why not?

---

Back home, I join the cousins for evening snacks.

“I’m wearing the red sharara today. The function must be fancy,” Sanjana di declares.

“Function?” I ask, catching up.

“It’s a cozy event Jiju planned for us youngsters. A fun little party,” she smiles.

“Will it only be us?” Aashna di asks, a little too casually.

“Yup, just us. And don’t worry Aashna—Bhaiya’s invited him too,” Sanjana winks.

“Shut up,” Aashna says, blushing. “I wasn’t talking about him. But just in case, I should look nice.”

Ah. So it is Vihaan she means.

I’ve known for a while that Aashna di’s got a soft spot for him. She’s been waiting for someone to love like that. And honestly, if they work out—I’ll be happy for her. I just hope… no one gets hurt. Cross-class romances aren’t fairy tales. I’ve seen too much reality to pretend otherwise.

As for me, I’m still carving my path—day by hard day. My father sees hope in me. That’s enough fuel to keep going.