Chapter 14: The Big Day

It was the day of Syntel placements. I had to do it this time no matter what.

The company intro went for two hours. The Aptitude Test was a cake walk. It was 90% English grammar-based questions which I finished in less than 15 mins as against the 2 hours allocated.

Something deep within me kept telling me that this was going to be my day.

Then came a new round: Essay Writing.

The topic given to me was: “The Need for Education”.

Oh English was one of my favorites. Essay-writing was another easy task for me. I kept telling myself: “Karthika, if you clear the technical round, you will definitely get placed in Syntel. HR round is nothing”

The next was the much awaited technical round. The interviewer asked me a lot of questions, 60% of which I answered right. He even asked me why I hadn’t done a mini-project while everyone else had one on their CV. I simply smiled and said I hadn’t done one ;) and he asked me no more on that.

No matter what I answered, I was determined to be confident, nothing more, nothing less.

Finally, we came to the end of the technical round. The interviewer asked me: “Do you have any questions for me other than whether you are selected or not?”

I smiled and replied, “No”

“Alright. Then please wait outside for your turn”

As soon as I came out of my tech round, I was asked to wait for my HR round!!! Wow!! I had done it

After almost 15-20 mins, my HR round happened. A series of dumb questions ensued, and finally he said, “You are selected”.

I called and informed my parents once the HR round was over.

But of course, I had to wait till everyone was interviewed and the official statement was made

My tactics of removing the mini-project had payed-off and I silenced all my valued critics. I too had an offer letter in hand.

Parents were very happy for me. There were sweets all around the house. Suddenly they were saying that I was far knowledgeable than Divya, that I was very special, that God had special plans for me in life, etc, etc. I only wish they had supported me better in crisis, but wishes are only to be wished, nothing more.