The medical team handling the case ascertains the survival chances for him are very bleak.

Guilt once again consumes me for I am indirectly responsible for the family's boundless sorrow. The victim's dependents are a daughter and son. I was most willing to help them but was informed the daughter who is older among the two siblings doesn't want any financial help from a stranger. Seems like she is a tough nut to crack. I wonder what the reason could be. It is not like her daddy pooled money for her and her brother for generations. She seemed to be more stupid in the cover of self esteem than a smart lass who would accept the money given willfully.

Nevertheless I have no time to bother about matters unconcerned to me. It was my duty to offer the victim’s family financial help which I did. If they do not want it, it is not my fault. 

****

My life went topsy-turvy within just a span of a month. Heavy work in the office followed by complications in the house makes my head go heavy. My body craves for an immediate release but staying in my dad’s house any sort of hunky-funky business was not possible. I couldn't grab a drink nor bring a girl to offload my stress. 

Dipping my head down over the sink in the washroom I sprinkle water on my tired face and look at myself in the mirror.  The person staring was a man much older than my age with red eyes, tired countenance and lines of worry marked on his forehead.

A couple of minutes later there was a knock at the door.  She was my receptionist informing me that the short listed candidates from the previous day's interview were waiting for my appointment in the waiting area. I forgot for a few minutes that I was still present in my office. I asked her to send the interviewees inside. Within a few seconds there was a tap at my door.  “Good morning sir I am...”

After half an hour of blowing my head with both the applicants, the result was - I wouldn't select either of them. 

Boiled to the core with the useless drill, I badly required an exit. I told my receptionist I would return shortly and entered the smoking zone. After smoking two cigarettes my mind was finally able to lift away some stress. 

I was on my way to return to my office when I found Rita arguing with a young girl. "What's the matter and how does this young lady enter my office without permission?" My voice went commanding to my receptionist. 

"Sir, this girl is here for the interview of the accountant. I was trying to explain to her, the interviews have finished but she wouldn't listen to me." Rita tells me in a tinge of disappointment but balances her tone swiftly back to being professional. 

Before I could speak she added fearing my anger in hastiness. "I will find out how she was directed here without giving her initial interview to Mr Brad?" 

"Call the front desk and inform the staff they should be in my office within the next ten minutes." I shot my words in irritation and looked at the young girl standing besides. Instantly there was something inside me which ignited. Before I could speak anything, she talked in an apologetic tone.  "Sir, your front desk staff was perfect in doing their duty. Actually it is my fault. I tricked them by taking the base of a lie.  I told them that I was a friend of your deceased brother and would wish to speak to you about something very important regarding him. That was why they allowed me inside. I'm hard pressed for money and in need of this job. Please allow me to give this interview."

I assess the girl carefully. It looked like she came from a decent family. Why would she indulge in such a huge lie? "Don't you know that because of your ignorant mistake many people would have lost their jobs here? My family and the enterprise are mourning the loss of my brother and you try to take advantage of his demise to enter this place. Shouldn't you feel sorry for what you have done? I hate liars and untrustworthy people and I am not running a charity here that I employ pitying your sorrowful state." I articulate a hint of my fake annoyance though there was something mysterious in me for the girl. 

Before I could speak further I noticed the girl's eyes trickle tears. She covers them in her dark tresses trying to make them unnoticed and sucks in her breath attempting to face me boldly. "Sir, I apologize for what I have done. I know I am late for the interview. I don't want any charity from you. Just give me a chance to prove myself."

I felt sorry for scolding her. This was something new happening in me about which I am even unable to fathom. I could see the genuineness behind the young lady's words and my instincts told me I was supposed to help her. On the other hand, I badly need an accountant. Why not try testing another candidate? "Get inside my cabin." I tell her in power trying to intimidate her and walk to my room.

Long black hair, dark gray eyes, beautiful and charming face - these are the first words that strike me gazing at her. She has been here for more than ten minutes, but this is the first time in my life that I became mute before a girl.  Stumped.

Guarding my reverie I come out of my smitten self. "Take a seat." I tell her in ascendancy, subduing her and stretching my hand to take the file out of her hands. 

"What are your qualifications?" I evaluated her file before she could speak. "You are only eighteen and not even a graduate, how could you think you would fit into this post?