Visa interview! what was that again?

Went to Mumbai for my B1/B2 US Visa on friday. That was one trip to remember. First, I had to wait for an hour outside the embassy before they let me in. Also, its not allowed to carry any electronic items including digital watches, mobiles as well as any zipped items (Wonder how they let in my Trousers :P), any sealed envelopes (remember envelope bombs), and any metallic objects (guess they meant scissors or knives). Anyway, as soon I entered, I was asked to pick a wooden block to carry inside. Also, I was asked to remove my belt and empty my pockets (I had a few rupees change). Finally, they took my interview form and asked me to stand in front of the cabin that had a fingerprint scanner. The girl there was too polite and explained me how to press my finger at the *right* place for the prints to come the *right* way like I was some dumb 10 year old. Then there was a long wait for my number for the interview.

Let me explain about the interview procedure a little bit. You have to stand in front of a bank teller type counter (which has bullet proof glass, ofcourse) with a telephone reciever (to talk, stupid). The interview can last anything between 2 min to 20 min, depending on how much you can mess it up. By the way, by my only experience, and another friend's, if you are a Guju by any chance, you will have a hard time.

Anyway,

So as I waited for my token number to be called (its called just once, btw), I saw numerous nervous faces, just as mine. Also, there were just two types of emotions from the people returning from the interview counters. Either that of jubilation, or, sense of dejection. The worst part is, even if you hide your emotions in case your visa is rejected, you can't hide it. Because you get your passport back! So, any guy with his passport while returning from the window tells you the whole story.

Finally, my turn came. As I picked up the phone, the aunt (lady as old as my mother was on the other side), quickly asked me, 3 questions in succession.

Q1. How long have you been in Persistent?

A. Umm, 2 years, sorry, more than 2 years, I joined on 1st July 03. [relief...]

Q2. Whats your annual salary?

A. [hmm.. Gross or net? What did I put in the form? What if I say something else.] hmm.. X.XX lakhs per annum.

Q3. Do you know the guy who was here for the interview, standing 2 places before you? He is from Persistent too.

A. [WHAT!!! which guy? What the fuck? Should I say yes! What if she asks me his name? Play safe, play safe] NO.

[Pause]....





[More Pause..]


2 min more of silence follows...

The interviewer looks from her rimmmed glasses. Picks my Passport and other documents and thumps them on her palm..

[I am thinking.. Should have had a haircut, shouldve had a haircut.. Why is she looking at me like a zombie?]

Suddenly, aunty says, Okay, I'll give you the Visa.....

[RELIEF...]

"Thanks"

That 2 mins were verrry long, trust me!!!

And I quickly slipped out of the embassy before she changed her mind :).

While going out, the gaurd asked me to give back the wooden block. I searched for it, found it, gave it. Then thought, what the fuck was the wooden block for???? To beat yourself up or what?


I am still wondering..