The Interview - Story part 3/4

Okay, so I remember I promised I would complete the story in three parts, but somehow I couldn't just get enough time to work on this, so I'm having to post this in four pieces, plus this excerpt is a short one (only 446 words!) I'm sorry for this, but again, I'll try to return with the last part for this as soon as I can! I've tried to end this with a cliffhanger, do let me know if it actually seems like one Click here to read Part 1. Click here to read Part 2.

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For awhile I just stood there, looking remorsefully at my blemished shirt, wondering what I was going to do with it. Then I had an idea. I fished out a wet tissue packet out of my trouser pocket. It was just something I had slipped absentmindedly into my pocket, otherwise I rarely carry a wet tissue or even a normal tissue with me. I tore open the packaging and started rubbing it vigorously on the stain in a desperate attempt to do away with it. A minute later, the tissue had been reduced to debris while the stubborn stain remained untouched. The only difference was that it had become smudgier and had spread over a larger part of my shirt. I sighed.

I looked down at my coat, weighing out my options. Just then, I caught sight of the maroon tag stitched to its inside. Just Shirts, it read, and below it was written, in minuscule letters: Shop # 15, first floor, The Clifton Mall. I looked at it for awhile and then it struck me - why not go and buy a new shirt?! I had fifteen hundred rupees on me which would be sufficient for buying a decent shirt. The Clifton Mall was also nearby; I could reach there in less than five minutes if I hurried.

Filled with fresh energy, I started my bike’s engine and headed straight towards Rosewood Avenue where The Clifton Mall was located. I knew I must’ve been looking downright crazy right then, driving rash like I was, but then this was an emergency.

I violently dodged through cars and other vehicles and heaved a sigh of relief upon reaching there. I was lucky there wasn’t much traffic on the roads, otherwise I would have never arrived there on time. Not wanting to waste as much as a second of time, I swiftly got off my motorbike, locked it, and hurried into the mall building.

Inside, I sprinted up the stairs as quickly as I could. Upon reaching the first floor, I darted my eyes around for Just Shirts’ familiar blue sign board, and, upon locating it, dashed towards it. I nearly knocked into an elderly old man on my way, and - mumbling apologies - continued to run. I was determined to make it to the interview..maybe I couldn’t be there a bit before time to make a good impression, but at least I would reach there.

But my excitement and determination turned out to be short-lived. As soon as I turned round the aisle, I spotted what I was looking for, the Just Shirts sign-board. But underneath, on the glass door, there hung another sign. It read: CLOSED FOR INVENTORY.