The Accidental Apprentice Read Free

assumptions. But the logic behind his rhetoric still eludes me. ‘Do you always take decisions based on whims?’
    â€˜Never underestimate the power of intuition. Eleven years ago, I bought a troubled factory in Romania called Iancu Steel. It was losing money every day. All my experts advised me against the purchase. They said I was throwing good money after bad. But I remained firm in my decision. I was attracted to the factory only because of its name. Iancu means “God is Gracious”. Today, fifty-three per cent of our steel revenues come from that factory in Romania. God is indeed gracious.’
    â€˜So you do believe in God?’
    â€˜Isn’t this proof enough?’ He points at the vermilion mark on his forehead. ‘The main reason I came to a temple to select my successor is because I wanted a devout like me. We are living in Kalyug, the dark age, full of sin and corruption. Religion is no longer in fashion. The youngsters working for me are consumed by consumption. They’ve probably not visited a temple to pray in years. I’m not saying they are all atheists, but their god is money, first and foremost. But you…’ He nods at me approvingly. ‘You seem to be just the pious, God-fearing candidate I was looking for.’
    â€˜Okay, I get it. You act on whims, and your latest whim tells you that I’m the chosen one. Now tell me: what’s the catch?’
    â€˜There is no catch. But there are some terms and conditions. You will have to pass a few tests.’
    â€˜Tests?’
    â€˜Don’t worry: I’m not taking you back to school. A school simply tests your memory. But life tests your character. My seven tests are rites of passage, designed to gauge your mettle and potential as a CEO.’
    â€˜Why seven?’
    â€˜In my forty years of running a business, I have learnt one thing: a company is only as good as the person who runs it. And I have whittled down the traits of a successful CEO to seven basic attributes. So each of the seven tests will focus on one of those seven traits.’
    â€˜And what exactly will I have to do to pass those tests?’
    â€˜Nothing that you wouldn’t do in your daily life. I will not ask you to steal or kill or do anything illegal. In fact, you won’t even be aware of the tests.’
    â€˜What do you mean?’
    â€˜My tests will come from the textbook of life. Doesn’t life test us every day? Don’t we make choices every day? I will simply evaluate your choices, your responses to life’s daily challenges. That will reveal the stuff you are made of.’
    â€˜And what if I fail any of those tests?’
    â€˜Well, then I will have to look for someone else. But my gut instinct tells me you won’t fail. It almost seems destined. The biggest lottery ticket of all time will be yours.’
    â€˜In that case my decision is quite clear. I’m not interested in your offer.’
    He seems astounded. ‘But why?’
    â€˜I don’t believe in lottery tickets.’
    â€˜But you believe in God. And sometimes God gives you much more than you ask for.’
    â€˜I’m not that greedy,’ I say, rising from the table. ‘Thank you, Mr Acharya. It was nice meeting you, but I really must get back to the showroom now.’
    â€˜Sit!’ he orders me. There is steel in his voice. I swallow hard and sit down like an obedient student.
    â€˜Listen, Sapna.’ His voice softens. ‘There are only two types of people in the world: winners and losers. I am giving you the chance to be a winner. All I ask in return is for you to sign this consent form.’ He gestures to Rana, who produces a printed sheet of paper from the inside pocket of his tracksuit and lays it in front of me.
    Since Alka’s death, I’ve developed a sixth sense about some things, a little warning bell that goes off in my head whenever a situation is not quite right. That bell is