Chapter 1
Daneen
Today marks a crucial moment in my career, which kept me awake throughout the night. I think I fell asleep around 4 in the morning and woke up at the sound of adhan. I quickly had a shower and offered my prayer. For my outfit, I opted for long tunics that gracefully extended below my knees, paired with a coordinated off-white ensemble that beautifully complements my dusky complexion.I draped my hijab. I prefer simplicity, so I selected a colour reminiscent of a gentle peach hue. I always opt for low heels with pastels and light-tones. I have never been a fan of make-up, but just for the sake of looking fine, I apply some concealer under my eyes that already have dark circles around them, blend it well and finish it up with some compact powder. I grab my hand bag that was gifted by one of my friends on the success of Mia’s. I totally love it.
I have a sandwich and a glass of orange juice for my breakfast. I give a final look before leaving.
With almond eyes and pointed natural lips, they always remind me of my mother.
The thick straight eyebrows, brown eyes and high and defined cheeks, I’m reminded of my father. Unlike my parents, my eyes exude intensity and radiate confidence, a quality I’ve often been complimented on. I like it though.
They also say that my eyes are difficult to read. And I love being a mystery. Always.
I leave my apartment and reach the location in no time.
Conversations, keyboards typing, phone calls, closing and opening of elevator doors.
I am excited to be here, yet I keep fidgeting with my bag’s keychain.
Yes, I am nervous.
It’s usually unlike me, but when it’s an important day of your career, it’s natural. I checked the time and it’s almost half-an hour since I’ve been here.
I didn’t want the first meeting to be late so I’m here on time. I’m sure Alia told me to visit this place and the guy in sweatpants and a T-shirt gave me the directions for the same place.
No, I’m not rude. I was just about to ask his name but he turned away and vanished in the crowds.
Mr. Anonymous.
Anyways, I was so excited that I skipped my breakfast, and I could hear my stomach rumbling. I’m about to call Alia and I hear someone taking my name.
I turn around to see the source of the sound and it’s the guy who was in sweatpants earlier. But now he is in formal office wear. I think he works here. I turn back my head and call Alia when suddenly Mr. Anonymous is standing in front of me with a wide smile on his face.
Why do people smile?
I’m about to excuse myself when I spot Mr. Malik in the distance. I walk past him without saying anything. I’m sure he thinks I’m rude even when he helped me get here.
‘Well, sorry Mr. Anonymous. I don’t mean to be rude, I just can’t wait for my meeting with Mr. Malik and the outcome of the same.’, I think mentally.
I have no doubt that he’s still staring at me murmuring how ill-mannered I am. The fact is, I don’t care what people think.
Mr. Malik is a man in his 50s, with a stubble on his face and a strong built personality. He has an aura that radiates positivity and confidence. I wait until he finishes his conversation with an employee.
“How may I help you?” he asks. I opened my mouth for my introduction that I’ve practiced so well last night, but I’m interrupted by the same man with a wide smile a few minutes ago.
“Miss Mirza, owner of Mia’s Artessa. I told you about the meeting last night, remember?” he asks.
I stare at him with anger in my eyes, I’m sure it’s visible.
“Oh yes, remember now,” he says turning to me “I’m sorry miss, I know I’m really late but give me 5 minutes I’ll wrap up some important paperwork and get back to you soon.”
Before I say anything, Mr. Anonymous cuts in, “No problem, I’ll show her the way to your cabin,” again with a smile. I stare at him for a full 5 seconds and turn back to grab my bag.
“Not that way, it’s upstairs” he calls from behind. ‘Whatever’ I murmured. This person is so irritating, he spoiled my ‘good mood’, ughhh I hate him.
I follow him to the elevator that leads us to the top floor. This place is silent and so calming compared to others. I make a mental note to have something similar to this in the future for my workplace. It has potted plants in every corner, beige walls, pale blue sofas and an uncluttered desk sits at the centre accompanied by comfortable chairs around.
I turn to the window glass overlooking the busy city. I’m sure this place has sound-absorbing panels on the walls and ceilings, because it is so peaceful here.
I turn my head to find a pair of brown orbs looking at me, I don’t know how long. I clear my throat and he immediately looks away. He gestures to me to sit on the sofa and leaves without a word.
What is it with this man? One minute he was so smiley and over-enthusiastic and now he was being so awkward.
After 5 minutes Mr. Malik arrives and leads me into his luxurious workplace. Yes, that’s what it looks like. More welcoming and relaxing. He asks me If I need anything to drink, and I politely decline.
“If you allow me to properly introduce myself to you…” he waves his hand at me.
“That is not needed Miss Mirza, I know you very well, winning ‘Ernst and Young Entrepreneur Award’ and now scaling up your business to another level. We truly need more enthusiastic achievers in this field. I am proud of you.
I can feel the hair on the back of my neck and forearm rise. This is too much. I have to say something but I can’t form any words. But I manage, “Thank you sir, that means alot to me, I feel humbled by your words.” I hope I didn’t sound nervous.
“My pleasure. Now let’s see what brought you to us” he says.
“Well…” I start off.
Actually I own a small enterprise business that sells modest clothing for young teenage girls who aspire to become better Muslims, scarfs, and all utilities for Muslim girls and women. But now I want to scale up my reach by introducing Abayas for the women and I’m also trying to make them customised according to their needs, occasions and use. I explain all these to him and after I complete he has a blank expression on his face. I can’t read it. I’m scared. I wait for him to say anything or something when there’s a knock at the door. I turn and my nervousness is mixed with anger.
Why does this man have to pop-up all the time? Doesn’t he have any work to do?
“You have a meeting in about 15 minutes, any update that I need to give them?” he asks. I stare at him anger boiling in me, ready to blast anytime.
“Postpone them to 12 noon” I jerk at the tone of Mr. Malik. It was so serious. I turn back hoping the man at the door leaves so that I can focus on the feedback but when I don’t hear the door close, I turn back. His face lies up with a smile and I can read his lips say ‘All the best.’ It isn’t audible but I’m sure he said that.
‘Thanks’ I return and turn back to the person in front of me. He laughs and I’m confused. I try to smile back but I’m too nervous. He eventually stops and drinks some water from his glass, sets it down and gives me a warm smile.
“I’m a good actor, I must say” he says. I wait. “Congratulations Miss Mirza, welcome to Malik’s Textura. I’m so impressed by your plans and goals and I can’t wait for them to come true. Normally, it’s difficult for anyone to impress me in the first meeting, but I have to say, you are very talented and aspiring. You may proceed with the paperwork that is required and my son, Mahir will help you with everything” he says assuring me. I stand up and thank him again for his kindness and support and leave the office.
It’s happening, ’I’m climbing my steps upward. I’m doing what I’ve always wanted. There’s a sense of accomplishment in me that is so warm. I’m so proud of who I’m becoming. I climb into the elevator and stop at the 1ST floor. I spot Mr. Anonymous talking to one of the employees with his hands moving in the air, like he is explaining something important to him.
The instant he sees me, he excuses himself from the conversation and rushes towards me. I obviously ignored him. I can’t stand this person anymore around me. I go to the receptionist who is a young woman with a warm smile talking on the office telephone.
As I reach there, she asks in a cheerful tone, “Good morning, miss. How may I help you?” I try to return the smile, but in vain.
“Morning, where can I see Mr. Mahir? Actually I just had a meeting with Mr. Malik in his office and he asked me to meet his son.” I say trying to sound calm.
She looks behind me, gives me a weird smile.
When I don’t turn back, she says, “Actually, ma’am he’s standing right behind you.”
I’m sure I didn’t hear her properly.
“Sorry?”
I gave a confused look and preferred not to look back.
Then she signalled me to look behind me. I reluctantly turned back, hoping this meeting, at least goes fine and I’ll be able to introduce myself properly.
She’s right, ofcourse. He’s right here. I know that’s not possible, I want this whole building to open up and swallow it with me. I start to look from the bottom. He is wearing nice polished shoes, definitely branded.
Okay, easy. I’ve got an uneasy feeling. I directly look at his face and boom. Life made a fool of me again! Let me tell you a fun fact. Mr. Anonymous= Mr. Mahir Malik, AKA the CEO of Malik’s Textura.
Drumrolls!
Ever since I saw him, he had a relaxed expression on his face. But now the look he’s giving me is killing me. I’m dying to read it, but I cannot. Blank eyes, lips together in a thin line and altogether it’s looking like he’s weighing his options, whether to give me this opportunity to collaborate with his company or to just simply kick me because of obvious reasons.
What feels after an eternity, I gather some courage and move my hand forward to offer a handshake. He seems to contemplate it and then finally our hands link to a firm handshake. His hand is big and fits perfectly together and I feel his hand really cold against mine.
“You’re cold” I say as a matter of fact.
He immediately retrieves his hand and gestures to me to follow him. I do.
He lists all the required documents that will be required from my side to be submitted. He explains the series of steps and procedures that have to be done. I noticed one thing, he is avoiding eye-contact. Even when I ask some questions, he keeps looking everywhere but me. It’s like he’s talking to the walls, not me. Anyways, it’s less annoying than before. After I’ve cleared all my doubts I stand to leave and thank him for everything he’s done since morning. He murmurs something like ‘My pleasure’ while looking at his mobile. Well, it’s off. I can see it from where I’m standing. Mr. Weird.
I leave the office and head to my car, a black Ford I could afford from my savings.
I decide to grab a quick breakfast and a coffee before heading to my home, my heaven, my workplace.
After I arrive, I call for an urgent meeting and discuss the successful meeting with my employees. Well not employees, my friends. They were my support system through my highs and lows. That’s one of the reasons I’m always eager and excited to be here, nothing to fear about. By the time I end the meeting, it’s already 12 noon and it slipped my mind that I still need to have my breakfast. I quickly completed my breakfast and coffee that I had to heat them again. Now I’m alone in my office with nothing to do. I stare in the air remembering how this all started, one dream of two people coming true without the other one present to see it. Sometimes I think that this is why and how I became strong and fierce. But most of the time I feel that life made a fool of me, and so I’m here, alone and broken.
