You are not qualified even for an interview in this company, leave about getting the job. The minimum qualifications required for applying to this post is, a post graduation in commerce and accounting along with a minimum of ten years experience." I lean back on my leather chair crossing my fingers and guard her emotions.

She bites her lip looking at her file on my desk and there was a thump in my heart. I arrest the stupid feeling and tell her softly like I was speaking to a kid. "Study well. You have got good grades. If you want any financial help here is my number you can call me...." 

She wouldn't let me complete it. "Sir, I am not a charity case. Like I told you earlier, I am here to seek employment.” She tells me assertively. I gaze at her absolutely bemused. I have never seen a girl of her age so poised and self possessed. Feisty and brave another two admirable qualities of her that I record in this short span of time.

She gulps inaudibly meeting my eyes trying to show some confidence and mutters. "Sir, please don't judge me by my age and the qualifications I am yet to acquire. As you have noted I have got good grades in my previous years of study. You can ask me any number of questions and I am confident I will be able to answer them well." 

I raise my brows looking amused about the positive spirit and the confidence she upholds for herself and ready to challenge my decision about her. Damn, I'm the CEO of Clandevis group of Industries. There never arose a situation earlier where I had to prove myself to make a judgment. When nobody dared to even look into my eyes she was trying to expunge my opinion about her. The girl was unique and she picked my interest in studying her. I decided to not let her spirits die though there was no way she would be absorbed in my firm. 

A little smile draws on me as I speak to her, placing a file on the table. "I wouldn't be putting any questions to you but considering your positive attitude I wish to give you a chance. This is the monthly statement of one of the branches of our company. The entries here aren't posted in the right manner. You will readjust them, make ledger accounts and prepare the balance sheet. I give you one hour of time. If your entries are accurate, this job will be yours. See yourself in the visitor hall outside. Rita will help you with all the necessary stationary required for your work." I tell her tenderly, keeping aside all my professionalism and power so as to not to frighten her. There was no use arguing with a kid and I am not a monster to hurt an innocent child.

A few hours later Mr Brad knocks on my door with a huge smile on his face holding a couple of papers in his hands. I was slightly curious about his grin and asked him to take a seat. Leaning back on my leather chair I give him my complete attention. His eyes were directed to the papers in his hands with an unflagging admiration. "Sir, this girl seems to be a genius. She has the talent which none of our expected candidates had." He tells me in a blithe. 

"I hope she is absorbed in our concern." I took the file from his hands and studied the papers. A smile tugs my features. My vision about the tot wasn't wrong. The only thing I hadn't perceived was that she would be employed in my company so soon.

Mara's POV

I was devastated after I heard the news about the death of my mother from the doctor. Sucking in my tears I moved to my father's bed. Holding his feeble hands in mine I spoke solemnly. "Dad, I lost my mom but I am not letting you go. Things may go up and down at times, because you were taking care of us till yesterday and I newly came to your position. But I promise I will stay the course and get you back from the clutches of death." 

Bringing his hand to my lips I kissed his fingers and softly cried. “I know you're listening to me and will always be there for me, boosting my morale whenever I go weak.”

The next morning I woke up with sun rays beaming from the window. My eyes were red and puffy with excessive crying and my feet wouldn't allow me to stand as my body was cramped everywhere sitting motionless beside the bed of my father. But with the willpower of a soldier and a determination in my mind to win my battle by any means I rose to the occasion to meet the doctor who treats my dad. 

I asked him the details of the treatment and the cost of surgery for my father. The police came and asked for my statement. They registered an FIR for imposition of charges on drunk and drive treaty after taking my signatures.

A couple of hours later I got a call from Dr Travis. The man who was responsible for my parent's accident seems to be from an influential family. Dr Travis told me, the family was ready to offer support to my brother and me. Also they would help us with any amount of finances my dad would require for his treatment if I would take back my case.

Going home I told my brother everything about the accident that our parents suffered because of a negligent youth. “Mom is no more Vance.” I hugged him tightly and allowed him to cry till his tears dried out but did not let a drop of water fall from my orbs. I need to be brave for my family and for my brother. I will become the pillar that they badly require to hold on.