Meherya SS...Divine Intervention CH5 08/18 pg11 -SUSPENDED - Page 7

Chapter #4

...Interview her, you fool.

Determined to make a better go of this, now that the chaos of the kitchen work, and more specifically, he had cut short Mahdev's visit, Shaurya once again, sat across from his prospective Head Chef. Needlessly shuffling the papers in front of him, he attempted to collect himself as best as he could, so that he could finally proceed, professionally, with the true purpose of this meeting. As Mahdev had rightly declared he had to come to a conclusion based on reason now.

"Mr. Khanna, I do hope that things haven't changed now."

He raised his eyes to meet hers across the table. "How so Chef Sharma?"

"My connection with Rajiv Uncle and his family; to Mahdev... My hope is that this will not factor in your decision whether or not I am suitable for the position here at White Chilies."

Shaurya leaned back and tapped his fingers together as he smiled indulgently. "One would expect most people in your position would emphasize the connection and press the obvious advantage of being so closely associated with someone who has a history with the restaurant, not to mention has been a great influence on me... not request that such is dismissed."

"I'm not most people," she stated succinctly. "I would rather my achievements be of my own making."

Shaurya studied her, in agreement with her feelings, but curious as to the derision in her tone. "Nor am I the sort to base any important decision solely on others' opinions," he retorted. He stared at her intently before continuing.

"Trust me: nothing has changed... I still want you Chef Sharma...very much."

A charged silence hung heavy between them after he made this announcement. "That is to say," he corrected, in response to the faint blush that had come to her cheeks at his choice of words, "I believe, that under the right conditions, that you could be a good fit here at White Chilies." He looked down at her resume. "Your educational background and experience following your graduation, is quite extraordinary for one so young. Whereas a chef just out of culinary school is fortunate to garner the attention of one renowned mentor, you have worked with several elite chef's in the U.S. each of who are very complimentary to you in their recommendations...most lament your leaving their establishments but wish you the very best. I expect that had you remained in America that any of them would have loved to have kept you on, and you could have gone very far in your career: perhaps further than it will be possible here in Delhi. In fact, in comparison to some of the establishments you have worked at: to you, White Chilis could possibly seem quite rudimentary."

She straight out laughed. "You say that as if to infer that White Chili's is some run of the mill eatery, which if nothing else, today's kitchen install belies. However, even if it were to be, the provision of innovative yet delicious food to one's cliental is a challenge no matter the venue or the customer or the style of food... It's all I've ever wanted to be able to do."

She looked eager to speak some more on the subject, so Shaurya nodded encouragingly. "Bolo, Chef Sharma...continue..."

What followed was an enthusiastic oration of her passion for cooking and her never-ending quest for new skills and knowledge, that held Shaurya's attention and convinced him even more that he needed her and only her at his side to revamp the restaurant and take it to even higher heights than before. The only problem was that he was seeking permanence in a Head Chef, which was difficult to achieve at the best of times. And with someone of her caliber, Shaurya would expect the same to be an issue. While he commended her constant effort to learn new methods, her proven tendency to flit from one position to another was definitely a concern in this case. Would she be contented, or would he be taking a risk in hiring her. Still, her talent and enthusiasm was a mark in her favor. He listened intently as she continued and when she finished speaking, he again took the lead.

"You have said everything that a potential employer would wish to hear, but still the question I have ask is, given the variety of opportunities afforded you, why India at all? You have grown up in America, I suspect with far more freedom than would be afforded a daughter here. Remaining behind to further your career, if not expected, is something I don't doubt you could have accomplished, yet you have come here instead. Do you believe that you can be happy here in India at all?"

Annaliese wondered how she could go about explaining things. Not many would understand the situation she was in and how her nonstop quest for learning had been in preparation when she was able to fulfill her insatiable desire to come to India someday. Truthfully, it had been better just to let everyone believe that it was entirely her mother's wish that was being fulfilled in returning. Not to say that it wasn't, but there had been far more to the decision to relocate than just that. However, her reasons were extremely personal, and something Annaliese would rather keep to herself for now.

"Above all, my family means most to me, Mr. Khanna, and the feeling is completely reciprocated. Any decision that is deemed... best for anyone of us, is one the rest of us will consider with an open mind. The move here was one such choice, and I am happy to have made it. Furthering my career is important to me, but I know I would be unhappier doing so without my family near." She waited for his reaction, knowing that her answer had been a reasonable cop-out, but far better than explaining that coming to India was a fixation of hers that she hadn't been able to let go of.

"For family," he said with an empathetic smile. "That I can understand. Family is the very reason, that I am striving for White Chilis to be even more of a success than it once was." He stood suddenly and motioned her to come along. "Come with me, there is something I'd like to show you. I need you to also understand why I, myself must make the best decision for my restaurant."

She had followed Shaurya downstairs, and through the kitchen to a side area where he led her to a small safe. Unlocking the steel vault, he withdrew a book of all things. He smiled and held it out so she could see it.

"This volume has been in White Chilies practically since its inception. White Chilies initial menu was based on these recipes. Actually, there's a bit more to that story, but basically, the foundation of this restaurant was built around her recipes: Meera Sharma, my great-grandmother." He flipped the book to display the image of the woman whose memory her clearly revered. "White Chilies is more than just a restaurant to me. It's a legacy that I must honor, and the only way I see that happening, is to find the right people to help me. I anticipate it to be quite the task, but a worthy challenge all the same. Are you the one I am looking for, Annaliese Mehek Sharma?"

*******

Some ten minutes later, Shaurya escorted his potential chef outside where her driver awaited. As he studied the immaculate liveried chauffer, he grasped that there was still a lot more to discover about the newly relocated young woman. As if she read his mind, she faced him with an explanation. "Mother's insistence, until I get the lay of the land. She would ensure my safety before anything."

"A wise decision," Shaurya responded. He walked her to the car and opened the door to the back seat.

Annaliese stalled for a minute, holding the door from being closed. "I hope hear from you soon, Shaurya...I truly think we can work well together."

The use of his given name, as well as the earnest tone he heard brought pause to him turning back to the restaurant.

"I will just need a day or two." He then offered her a glimmer of hope with his next words. "No longer than two days. Any longer, and I suspect that you may be unavailable for the post."

Annaliese nodded, with what she hoped was a non-committed smile that did not betray her nervousness for the situation. With what he had just shown her, she was even more determined for the position on offer to the extent that she would cancel the upcoming interviews she had slated at other restaurants. She still might, she thought "Well, you have my contact details. I look forward to hearing from you, Shaurya."

He nodded and closed the door for her.

Exhaling at last when the car pulled away Annaliese focused on her shaking hands while fighting the temptation to turn around and stare back at the restaurant. She had come to India hoping for some clarity, but hadn't expected any to come so quickly nor in such a direct fashion. It was clear to her that her answers lay in White Chilies. She was even more anxious now that the biggest biggest mystery of them all had been solved when Shaurya Khanna showed her the much- prized book of recipes.

"Meera Sharma," she whispered to herself, her stomach still flipping over the discovery of the name of the woman who had visited her dreams for as long as she could remember.

Chapter5