Apparently some new recruit in HR had been told to take care of the new batch of consultants. She—Yogita Kale—had organized a little trip to Jodhpur for all the recruits to network and get to know each other. Unfortunately my invitation letter was sent to campus and it was never seen or heard of again. (This explains that mysterious email from Vikram.)

Everyone except me and a girl from Calcutta made it to Jodhpur. And they were all handed their offer letters in person there. All of them signed theirs immediately. For the two of us, however, dear Yogita decided to mail the documents. To our campus addresses. Again! ‘The poor girl must have got so confused!’ Srikumaran said. I graciously told him that even though the consulting business is so cut-throat with little room for error or oversight he should treat Yogita’s mistake with mercy.

Nair said that I had nothing to worry about and that HR had the lowest attrition rate of any division in Dufresne Partners. He assured me that Yogita would call me back to take care of things.

I cannot tell you how relieved I am. Dad told me he always knew that Nair would set things right immediately.

12.15 p.m.

Yogita, on the phone, sounds remarkably like an angry Uma Thurman in Kill Bill.

She said she is sending me another copy of the offer letter to my home address and that my revised last date for acceptance will be 25 April. I remarked, in a very casual, cool and nonchalant way, that I would have loved to come to Jodhpur and meet up with her in person to avoid the entire confusion. Yogita said that I should have left a forwarding address at campus like everyone else, instead of adding to her workload in the coming week.

I apologized deeply to her for my mistake.

After we spoke I tried to create a mental picture of her in my mind.

Was she single? Did Dufresne let employees date each other?

There is so much I need to know. I am so excited, Diary.

4.20 p.m.

The first carton of clothes arrived by courier today. It has only bedsheets in it. And a light bulb. And one shirt with a huge aamras stain down the front.

6 p.m.

Gouri emailed!

She said she might stop by Mumbai en route to New York in May. And we could probably speak on the phone if she can squeeze a few minutes out.

Opportunity!

15 May 2006

8 p.m.

Outside the window the Arabian Sea gently twinkles under the moonlit sky. The lights of the bustling metropolis glimmer but the sounds are merely a whimper, muffled by the plush opulence of the rooms of the TAJ PALACE HOTEL AND TOWERS!!!

That’s where I am staying, Diary! And who’s paying the bill? Dufresne Partners … that’s who.

While the consulting lifestyle is supposed to be super comfortable I honestly had no idea the perks are so great! I just ordered Chicken Steak Diane from room service and a glass of their finest white wine. The guy on the phone sounded a little surprised when I confirmed a glass of the 1996 Chateau Latour.