Single and the City

My first date with life

I was 16 and like every other teenager, I dreamt of life where I would play role of smart sophisticated girl, having an ambitious career, a rich boyfriend and all the happiness that life has to offer.

Wary of realities of life and how they bite, on my spree to move on the path of success, I came to the city of dreams in search of happiness. My first interview was with Global Fashion House for a position of an Assistant Buyer. While I was waiting for my turn to come, I lived and re-lived various stills from The Devil wears Prada. I prayed to GOD for an understanding boss who would nurture my career, so unlikely the boss in the movie and but of course who would help me grow and support me in my career aspirations. So finally when my turn came, I was introduced to this gorgeous young man who was division head and was going to interview me. The interest levels went high when he understood my profile, got to know of my aspirations, and as well participated in the conversation, talked about his experience, thus making the process interesting and easier.

I said to myself - There – was a single successful man, sitting right in front of me, on my first interview - and - whom was I kidding – I was in awe of him - instantly attracted to him.

As I walked out of that office, I prayed to get this job that, to me was obviously apt.

After a dozen of cappuccinos, some drinks and night outs with friends, an anxious week of awaiting a call from Global finally got over and I got a call confirming my meeting with them. With a tinge of nervousness and excitement, while I was praying hard to get this job, I waited for my turn to meet the man who could help me design my career in fashion.

I remember my growing years, where I was surrounded by fashion magazines, just being in awe of Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karen, Valentino, Jaun Paul Gautier and many more of those who managed to make their mark in the Fashion world and today are a globally recognized name. I looked at those magazines and always asked myself – when would I be one of them?? At an early age, I decided to follow them and in my pursuit to achieve my dreams, I completed my education in fashion and here I am today, attempting my first interview, making a beginning of life I had always dreamed of.

My friends always teased me – the kind of sensitivity and sensibilities that I carry, they assumed I would never be able to cope up with the stress the industry provides. My boyfriend insisted on us being married and live by the town, not disturb ourselves with too much competition and rather have a family and lives happily. But I was adamant on having a career in fashion and started moving in that direction. I came to the city with lot of dreams and aspirations, just struck by the glamour world – as if it is awaiting me.

I was asked to come in for a discussion and the same gentleman attended me. While walking towards his cabin, I started dreaming that one day I would have my own cabin, I would be interviewing aspiring candidates, would be discussing on marketing order, what to buy, how to place, how to present – I realized I was too much in awe of the place and the person.

I asked myself – is it natural to get so attracted to something and someone??
Am I correct in building up so many expectations for myself??
Is it wrong to dream, desire and long for a glamorous life – a life that every person on this earth dreams but only few can live it??

I was seated in his cabin and after the usual polite beginning, he suggested its better if we have one discussion outside office where he could give me feedback and answer all my queries. I quite liked and looked up to the guy so without giving much of a thought, I went ahead with the suggested idea and we decided to have lunch the next day.

What happened next couldn’t be more shocking – I was flabbergasted – we ordered for lunch and while we were having lunch I was trying very hard to participate in the conversation he was making. He thought I was not so great in the interview and had bleak chances of getting into the firm. I was heart broken but what came next – was an event one could never forget for a first job – he said he could oblige if I could oblige.

Without giving much thought to the subject, I walked away confused and thinking to myself –

Is this how I aspire a beginning of my new life??
What are the paths to destination that life has to offer??
Do I want to become that guy??
Lastly – to do or not to do??