Artistic Attraction

I was seated in the auditorium of the National Museum of Art. Two years of hustle was really worth it after all. The facilitator was taking an orientation of the new faculty team consisting of people like me who went through endless exams and interviews and finally made it here. I was so happy to be here.

"So now freshers, you all may feel free to explore the museum. After all, you have to deal with the visitors after this day, so enjoy today!" The facilitator made sure the atmosphere was light and the newcomers didn't feel tense or nervous.

As I was getting up from my seat, I noticed how the facilitator was observing me. It made me uncomfortable but I brushed it off. I made my way to the gallery.

The gallery was already crowded with the freshers. They were either in groups or on their own. Some observed the paintings while some of them discussed them.

Me, being the introvert I was, decided to explore the paintings myself alone and I was really happy to do so.

As I observed the portrait paintings, I noticed something strange. The faces in the portraits looked familiar or rather, I would say, I had seen people in real life with the exact same faces.

I started connecting the dots now. The foundation of this museum had actually attended the orientation and that's why it didn't take me time to realise that the museum director looked like the Girl with a Pearl Earring, the exhibition designer looked like the man from The Laughing Cavalier, the public programmes coordinator looked like Napoleon Bonaparte and the facilitator himself looked like Dr. Gachet. There were many people I couldn't recognise but was familiar with.

As I was about to draw my conclusion, suddenly, the facilitator, or rather Dr. Gachet, appeared out of nowhere, held me by my arm and started dragging me across the gallery, most probably, taking me somewhere.

"Sir, what are you doing?" I asked impatiently, still adjusting to his grip, as he still continued to drag me.

"Miss, please have patience." He replied in a formal and polite tone.

"Sir, you may be polite in your tone but your actions aren't. Please leave my arm and we can walk to the place you want me to go to." I said in a polite voice laced in annoyance.

He stopped and looked at me apologetically.

"I'm sorry miss. It's just that it's very urgent. The museum director wants to have a word with you and has summoned you ASAP in her cabin." He informed me.

My eyebrows furrowed but I masked it quickly. I nodded and then started following the facilitator.

"May I come in?" I asked for permission while the facilitator decided to stay outside the cabin.

"Yes." The confident and firm voice of Ms. Director permitted me to come in.

"Please have a seat." The director gestured toward the seat across her study. I took my seat immediately.

"Is there any way I can help you, ma'am?" I asked politely.

"I have an offer to make. Are you willing to take the position of Museum Educator?" She asked with a raised brow.

"But ma'am-"

"The payment is handsome though. Anyways, what's your say?"

"I'm just a fresher who was still exploring the museum. I don't have the required experience."

"We know that and we believe in you. We know you can do your job well."

"Ma'am, thank you so much for believing in me but I still need time to think about it."

She looked reluctant to give me time to think but agreed anyway. She gave me time till the next day.

It seemed like the ex-educator left in a hurry without a proper reasoning and the director needed a replacement. Me, being that replacement , was certainly odd. Nevertheless, I thanked her and exited her cabin. I bid my farewell to the facilitator waiting outside the cabin and made my way to the gallery.

As I walked, I noticed my reflection in the decorative piece of glass beside the portrait of Mona Lisa and realized the reason behind the director's offer.

I, indeed, looked like the Mona Lisa.