05/07/2016
5th July, Mumbai Consulate!
VISA status: APPROVED!
The VO was too good! An elderly looking soft guy... Spoke even softly!
VO: Good morning son, how are you?
Me: (Smile touching my ears) Good Morning sir, I'm fine! How are you?
VO: Great!
Makes me wait for a while....
VO: So, lets get started! The documents please! Hmm... Which School?
ME: University of California, Irvine sir.
VO: Why irvine?
ME: Firstly, the course is interdisciplinary and gives me the FLEXIBILITY...
VO: (Cuts me halfway and nods) No, no, no, Irvine does not offer a program more flexible than any other college in USA! I don't want those kinda answers from Internet and recruiters and stuff. Like this was the only University that accepted yiu, or your family is there... These are the genuine reasons.
YOU ARE DONE!!
ME: Umm.. Sir... But Secondly..
VO: No you my friend are done!
ME: (sorry, confused, frightened yet smiling face) Sir?
VO: I need honest answers.
Wait... Now i'll ask you a few more questions... I WANT you to be nervous and think about what you will say carefully and then speak, ok!
ME: Sure sir!
VO: Who's funding you?
ME: My parents, sir
VO: How will you pay?
ME: Told (parents savings bla bla..no loans)
VO: See, that could have been a reason.. U r goin to Irvine because your parents can afford it.
ME: Smiling.. Yes sir!
VO: Do you have any siblings?
ME: No, sir.. M the only child!
VO: Again, that could be a reason.. Single child parents are more keen on sending them abroad!
ME: little laughing by now... You r right sir, my mom's more enthusiastic than me!!
VO: Well, Irvine is a verrry nice place, safe and warm the weather is great...
ME: Yes, i have heard a lot from the seniors too!
VO: That could have been a reason... That seniors gave you a positive feedback!
ME: Smiling even more... Yes i was about to say that sir!
VO: (Takes my passport) You know what happens when the VO takes your passport right?
ME: yes!!!!
VO: What am I doing now?
ME: Approving my VISA?
VO: Yes! Well, you look a well mannered kid, confident, well dressed answered very well! Iam sure you'll do well there!! Come back after studying!
ME: Sure, sir my familys here and Id like to get back to them asap
VO: I know you will!!! Is anyone waiting for you outside?
ME: Yes, my mom!
VO: So, you'll take her to lunch now?
ME: Most probably sir!
VO: Well you should... Go celebrate im approving your visa! And tell everyone outside that the VO was mean!
ME: Thank you so much sir!!!!
Danced my way out....