ANIKA
Hii Anika Reddy,
Thanks for applying for the job role at our company.
We will reach out to you with the next steps if we feel that you are a good fit for the role.
Thanks,
[The Company Name]
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Ahh, I collapsed onto my bed after looking at the mail. This is the 6th job I applied for this week, and I haven't gotten a single callback from any company.
Exhausted, I opened my phone screen. Ohh, it's already 3 PM, and I haven't had lunch. With the exhaustion, my shoulders slumped as I stepped into the kitchen.
Opening one of the pot lids, I peeked into it and found rice, and in another bowl, dal curry. I exhaled loudly looking at them. This is the third time in a row I am eating the dal. If I ask for anything, all my mom says is, "Dal is cheap, and we are not rich to have different curries every day."
After eating, I went into my bedroom oh, I forgot, not my bedroom but the only bedroom in the house and slumped onto the bed. Looking up at the ceiling, my thoughts wandered into my life.
We are not a super poor family; we are a middle class family who spends a lot more than we earn. We have a decent home; even though it may appear rich-looking from an outsider's perspective, our family knows how much we suffer to pay the rent.
My mother works in a small school, which pays 10,000 rupees, meaning 160 American dollars per month, and my father died in an accident. Leaving us, but living, all he did was not work a day and fight with my mom for money.
I was born and raised in difficulties, and growing up, I saw this cruel world. But I ended up with no job, but I am sure one day I will be more than just an ordinary girl. I always felt like I was born to do something great.
Maybe if I had been born in another era, I might already be great. Because I have always been different from other kids. I see things differently; I see things from a different perspective. And I have always been aware of my differences and damn proud of it.
Maybe that is why I can't find a job in this era. My interests always change. One day, I am super interested in human anatomy, and then suddenly, I can get intrigued by things like aliens. I like learning practically.
I hate sitting in a class and learning about it. I like exploring things. Sometimes it feels like I should have been born in an era where there is no educational system and we can do and learn whatever we want.
But I was born in this era and have to live here. Maybe it's also a good challenge for me. Thinking about all this I slept. What can I do other than that?
At 5, I woke up with a headache and went into the kitchen to make some tea. I wasn't in the mood, so I got dressed and decided to go to my grandma's house across the street.
I stepped out of my house and looked at the street. Here come the neighborhood aunties and their stares. I live in a small town in India. It's a decent town, just like any average town in India. What I hate are these aunties who have no work to do except gossip about people.
But no one talks to me maybe because I look unfriendly. My friend once said I always maintain a poker face, which makes it difficult for people to approach me, and I'm glad for it.
I went into my grandma's house, and she was in the kitchen making tea. Walking into the kitchen, I said, "Maa, tea for me too."
Looking at me with irritation or maybe it's her here you go again eating my food and money look she said, "I knew you'd come, so I made some for you too," and handed me the glass of tea. I sat on the chair and started drinking.
Before I could take a sip, she said, "Are you going to live like this, or do you have any plans to get a job?"
Looking sharply at her, I replied, "I already told you I'm looking for a job. Do you think I want to live here like this?" Finishing my tea, I set the glass on the table and said, "I'm going. Mom will be home soon." She gave me a look that said, Running away from questions, you never change, and said, "Go. But find a job or at least get married."
This time, my anger got the better of me. "I know what I should do, so don't give me your suggestions," I snapped at her, then left the house and headed toward mine. This is my life a 24 year old Gen Z trying to find a job so I can look after my mom. Pretty ordinary and boring.
My mom, Kamala, was already at home. Looking at me, she smiled brightly and said, "Hey, dear, how was your day?" I went to her and, hugging her, said, "Same as usual boring."
I'm an average student with 65 to 75% marks because I hate sitting in a classroom and listening without any practical knowledge. I have many interests, like drawing, painting, cooking, playing chess very well, and being a nerd who researches random theories that vary from aliens and Earth's geography to psychology and criminal minds. I watch anime.
Maybe all these things are just an escape from reality. But these are the things no one wants nowadays, and I can't find a job with these skills. All people care about are marks.
I let her go and went into the bedroom. As I started crocheting, my mom came in and said, "Have you found any job?" Looking at her, I saw disappointment in her eyes.
Even though my father was useless, it was my mom who paid for my education. "I've applied for so many jobs and am waiting for the replies, Mom," I said. She nodded and left the room.
It was almost midnight, and I couldn't sleep. My mind was running with thoughts. After 1:30, tired, I drifted into sleep.
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The Dream
Where am I? What is this place?
I looked around my surroundings. All I could see was a thick purple fog, and I felt like I was in the middle of nowhere. It was hard to see anything.
Then I spotted a light far away. I started walking toward it and stopped, my eyes going wide at the sight of a beautiful woman with long hair. She turned and looked into my eyes. Startled, I took two steps back. Before I could run, she appeared in front of me.
"Hii, Anika." Taking two more steps back, my heart beating fast, I asked, "What is this place? Where am I? And who are you?" I pointed at her as I spoke. She smiled at me. It looked like a wicked smile, but I couldn't move from my place, no matter how much I wanted to run.
"I am your recruiter, here to give you a job. Welcome to the world of extraordinary things, Anika."
I woke up, gasping.