A Splash of Charisma

Today is a very important day for Veer. Why, you ask? Well, because he is going for an interview at a prestigious club for the position of swimming instructor. So he took the local train, which, by the way, was a horrible experience, from Goregaon West to Bandra East. Now, he is just walking towards the Otters Club. And even in a place like Bandra where residents are used to the celebrities walking down the street like a normal person, Veer was getting way more attention than any average celebrity just based on his charisma and charm which he really can't stop radiating even if he wants to. And Veer is not Rajveer who will shy away from unnecessary attention. He is the type of person who basks in it.

Every time a woman passed by while glancing towards him, he just flashes a charming smile to them, which was more than enough for the women to have a blush on their faces. While walking, he glanced towards the posters of the latest music video which is going in full rage, especially among teenage girls. Of course it's none other than 'Chudi' by Falguni Pathak, in which Rajveer acted.

It's been a week since Rajveer went to a modelling competition and if he wins the competition, he will get a chance to go further on international level. The competition will go for around two months. So Rajveer house more or less has become Veer's house. He has already created a fake identity for himself. It was very easy to forge the documents and to create a fake identity for someone like Veer who has done this countless times in his previous life, especially in this country where corruption is rampant and database management is full of holes. Well… it was Rajveer who is expert in all of this and he is just a clone but you get the point. This cloning ability of Rajveer's is truly special. All the clones are bound to him but we can do our own thing.

The debut song of Falguni Pathak was also released a few days ago and the reactions were fabulous, which is quite evident on the streets. The singer and both the actors have become an overnight sensation after the song came out. But it was Rajveer who was ruling the hearts of millions of young girls just by his presence in the music video. The photographer Rohit who took the Rajveer pictures for portfolio has been getting calls nonstop. He has already started selling pictures of Rajveer to various shops across the country for the posters. Of course with the permission of Rajveer and his manager.

He is also getting calls from all the publishers where he sent his manuscript of the space opera novel. Looks like Rajveer's trait luck is doing its thing and getting things done without any obstacles. Otherwise for a normal author, he'd have to face countless rejections before getting a decent deal. Well, Rajveer's novel was also very good, so its bonus point. His manager, Priya, has already started negotiating with these publishing companies and will likely take the best deal out of everyone as per Rajveer's wishes. Things are starting to look good.

The humid Mumbai air clung to Veer as he approached the imposing gates of the Otters Club near Bandra West. Palm trees swayed gently in the breeze, and the sounds of splashing water and muffled laughter drifted from within the high walls. Securing this interview had been a minor victory in itself, a testament to the lingering goodwill associated with Rajveer's late father. Now, it was up to Veer to charm his way into the job.

He straightened the collar of his crisp white polo shirt, a subtle confidence radiating from him. He'd taken the liberty of choosing an attire that hinted at athleticism while still possessing a touch of his characteristic flair.

A coastal breeze carries a tang of salt and chlorine as Veer walks up the stone paved path leading to the Otters Club's reception. He flashes a calm smile at the beautiful lady behind the desk.

"Good Morning. I have an appointment with Mr Braganza– swimming coordinator?"

The receptionist looked up to Veer and was momentarily dazed by how good looking he was. She has seen many beautiful celebrities while working here but the man in front of her was way more hot and charming than any of those celebrities. Veer knocked the desk twice to wake her up from daydreaming. He clearly knows the effect of his charm on other people, especially the opposite sex. She immediately apologised for her behaviour which Veer excused with a smile on his face. After making a quick call, she replied to Veer in a professional tone, "He's expecting you. Straight down, poolside office on your left."

Veer nods politely and walks toward the pool area, taking in the surroundings–well-maintained Olympic-sized pool, kids in beginner lanes, a coach shouting drills, an old man practicing a slow butterfly at the far end. Few others scattered across the pool. Looking at them, no one will be able to guess that they are of high status and wealth. He sat in the waiting lounge, mentally preparing himself for the upcoming test.

Moments later when he got called, he came face to face with a man in his mid-40s, stout and slightly sunburned, sitting at his desk scribbling notes. He doesn't look up when Veer knocks and enters.

"You are early. That's good. Sit." said Mr Braganza in a gruff voice.

Veer sits. Silent. calm.

The office was spacious and overlooked the shimmering expanse of the club's swimming pool. Mr Brazanga sat behind a large mahogany desk.

"So, Mr. Singh," he began, his tone direct, "your application for the position of swimming instructor cum lifeguard came highly recommended. The person who recommended you was a respected member here for many years."

"Indeed," Veer said, with a touch of respect. "He always spoke fondly of the club."

'Well… it was Rajveer who managed to get a recommendation through his IITs connection. But I know from where he got it, since we both share our mind palace.'

"However," Mr Braganza continued, his eyes unwavering, "while the recommendation opened the door for this interview, the decision will be based entirely on your qualifications and suitability for the role. This is a prestigious club with discerning members."

"Understood completely, Mr Braganza," Veer replied, his charming smile returning. "While I deeply value the opportunity afforded by my benefactor's name, I am confident that my skills and dedication will speak for themselves."

He then proceeded to outline his (fabricated) experience as a swimming instructor and lifeguard, weaving in anecdotes that highlighted his patience, his ability to connect with students of all ages, and his unwavering vigilance when it came to safety. He spoke with an easy confidence, his natural charisma subtly influencing Mr Braganza's initial reserve. He made eye contact, his voice smooth and engaging, injecting just the right amount of humor to keep the conversation flowing.

When Mr Braganza questioned him about his specific certifications and experience, Veer provided plausible, albeit slightly embellished, details, his quick wit and improvisational skills ensuring there were no inconsistencies. He even threw in a self-deprecating joke about once having to rescue a particularly stubborn poodle from the shallow end, eliciting a small, reluctant smile from the manager.

Finally, Mr. Braganza leaned back in his chair, his expression softening ever so slightly. "Your references check out, Mr. Singh, and your… demeanor is certainly engaging. However, the practical assessment is crucial."

"I am more than ready, Mr. Braganza," Veer said, his confidence unwavering. "Water is my element, and ensuring the safety and enjoyment of swimmers is a responsibility I take very seriously."

As he rose to follow Mr. Braganza towards the pool area, Veer allowed a subtle, almost imperceptible, wave of his inherent charm to wash over him. It wasn't a blatant manipulation, but a gentle nudge, a feeling of ease and trust that settled in the air around them. He knew, with a certainty that bordered on instinct, that the job was as good as his. Now, all he had to do was showcase his skills in the water.

-TO BE CONTINUED

Author Note: You can appreciate my work by rewarding my novel with stones. It will definitely motivate me to continue writing.