Suman entered the big gate with anticipation. 

“Who doesn't like extra earnings?"  She thought. 

She worked as a customer care executive with a BPO. The payment was ok, but so was the work. Not that she didn't like it, but it wasn't exciting too. Her manager was strict, and the client was the worst. Her promotion was delayed as it seemed the client did not have time to interview her.

“What? Is he a king or something, that he doesn't have time to meet us?”  She kept complaining to deaf ears.

Her friend recommended her as a tuition teacher for a fourth grader. She loved teaching, especially teaching kids. She looked forward to a good interview and better pay for her teaching skills.

As she entered the gate, she saw a middle-aged man sitting on the grass and clearing the weeds. Must be the gardener, Suman thought. She was right. He escorted her inside and asked her to sit on the couch.

“Can I have a glass of water please?” Suman requested.

“Ji”. He said and disappeared into the kitchen.

Meanwhile, Suman took in the big house. She wondered how tastefully the lady of the house had decorated it. Everything was in its place. The curtains were of a beautiful ocean-green shade, reflecting bright sunlight inside the room. 

The water came in a tray, and so did the tea and biscuits. Suman sipped the hot tea and relaxed. Just as she was about to pick a biscuit, the Dad, Mr...God knows who…was in front of her with a big smile.

“Hi, I am Shekhar, Riya’s dad.”

“Hello, I am Suman. I was referred for Riya’s math tuition by Soma, my friend.”

Shekhar always kept a big, knowing, mischievous smile on his face as he interacted with Suman, which freaked her out.

 “I work with DigiTech as a CCE, but I love to teach”.

 “I know”, said Shekhar, to Suman's surprise. 

 “Maybe he does his homework.” Suman thought as she smiled uncomfortably to herself.

 “I also know you are up for a promotion, and the mean client of yours does not have time right?”

Shocked, Suman had no words.

 “Suman, You may not recognize me, I am Shekhar Dutt. DigiTeach belongs to me. I am the client who does not have time for your interviews. But no, I am not a king. I lost my wife a few months back, and I take care of Riya by myself. Hence no time”.

Suman had never been so embarrassed ever in her life. To her rescue, the fourth grader appeared and ran straight to her Dad. 

 “Riya, meet your new math teacher, and Suman, this is Riya.” Shekhar introduced them both.

Suman looked towards Shekhar, who was busy speaking to his daughter. She could not take her eyes off them. Just then, Shekhar looked at her and smiled. They both knew a new chapter was about to start.