Chapter 9 I don't like to touch.

Hazel was shocked to listen to Rowen, as she never expected an apology from an expressionless person like him. So she has asked him the reason for his apology.

Then he replied, "Aanya told me that you have failed in your interview because of the report. As I was responsible for that, I felt guilty. So I want to apologise for that." He said these words casually. His eyes don't show any expression.

Hazel replied, "It's no way related to you. I have re written the report. I didn't get the internship because of my carelessness. I have submitted the spoiled report instead of submitting the report I have made again. So it's not your fault anymore.

Moreover your knowledge helped me a lot in knowing more facts. It will help me for sure in the future. So there is no need to feel guilty."

He was quiet for a moment. He never thought that she will not blame him. Any other person would have blamed him for the failure. So he didn't find words to speak in shock. Even she didn't find any reason to speak. So there was silence for a moment. He broke the silence by saying, "Do you come here regularly? The children look very close to you."

She replied him with a smile, "Yeah! I am habituated to come here since my childhood. I love the place and the people here. They give me the homely feeling."

He suddenly said, "If you are sad about the interview, don't take it to your heart. You have just lost your first opportunity. There are many more to come. If you loose your hope, you can't find what is beyond. So cheer up."

Hazel nodded with a smile as she didn't understand what to say further and never expected such words from him. So she stood up from the bench and called him, "come, let's play with the children. It freshens you and gives peace of mind" and stretched her hand to welcome him.

But he said, "I don't like to touch others."

He suddenly corrected, "I don't like playing. You can enjoy. I will watch from here." She doesn't want to force him and she didn't hear him clearly when he said that he doesn't want to touch others. So she didn't think about it and went to the children to spend time with them. Rowen was just watching them.

After nearly twenty minutes, she went back to Rowen and said, "I am leaving. Will you come or will you stay here?" He stood up and signalled her to move forward. She bid farewell to the children and came out along with him.

At the gate, when she was about to turn in the direction of her house to leave, he called her, "Hazel, when can I meet you to say the remaining few concepts?"

Hazel was startled to listen his question as she never expected that he could offer explaining her as Aanya told her that he doesn't like interacting with others.

But she replied calmly, "I have my exams in the following week. So I need to prepare for them. I will inform you once my exams are over. It's getting dark. I need to leave."

Then they left in their own directions. In nearly ten minutes, Hazel reached her home. She felt rejuvenated after spending her time with the children. She freshened up and ate some fruits. When she was about to open her book, her phone rang suddenly.

As expected, it was from Aanya. She called to check Hazel's mental status as she was little dull on the call earlier in the evening and felt relieved to listen her normal voice.

They are best friends since their childhood. They are more like siblings rather than just friends. They talked about many things and hung up the call after nearly one hour.

She started her preparation in order to distract herself from the feeling of rejection. After two days she got a call from her professor Chen. Professor asked Hazel to visit her. So she went to university to meet the professor.

Professor said, " I have read the report which you have made. It was very good. My friend works in the laboratory and is one of the members who have conducted the interview. So I have sent it to him. He was pleased with your report and is willing to recruit you."

She sighed and paused for a moment before continuing further, "But they have already notified the selected people about their internship. So some other officials didn't agree to appoint you.Then he came up with a solution. But it is not as easy as you think. Will you try?"

Hazel doesn't want to loose this opportunity which she has got out of nowhere. So she replied with confidence, "Yes ma'am. I will try to do any kind of task within my capabilities. Thank you for helping me in getting this opportunity again."

Chen gave her a paper showing few uncompleted research topics. When Hazel gave her a blank look, she explained, "If you can complete any of these research and submit the report within next two months, they are ready to recruit you."

Hazel's joy has no bounds at that moment. But the research topics are not so simple. But she has decided to complete that task successfully. So she thanked professor and took her leave.

Though opportunity doesn't knock the door twice casually, she got that chance. So she decided to use the opportunity well and achieve her goal by working hard.