ExcelLife

It seemed a dream come true for Asma when she opened the mailbox, receiving a mail from her cherished destination. She jumped in joy and felt accomplished. It was because she applied for this program two or three times before but got denied everytime.

' Gramps! Look! I managed to get into ExcelLife platform!'

Sitting on the chair, flipping pages from the newspaper was  Mr Richard Dawson, the only relative of Asma. After moving the newspaper down, he gave a bright smile and complimented her warmly.

" I know you could do it, my apple pie. So when's the departure?"

Asma quickly flipped the pages and when she came across the date, her heart sank in despair. It was today! and the bus would arrive shortly after 2 hours.

Her grandpa said plainly, " That place is not going to be a easy thing. You will have to face terrible situations that challenge your brain and combat ability. Just don't give up, apple pie."

" I will not disappoint you, Gramps." With that she hugged him for the last time.

Scene- the camp.

It was strange for the office of such lucrative program residing in a camp. Nevertheless, she waited at her designated spot for Levi Joson. The one who was going to be her instructor for her mission. Meanwhile, Asma looked around her surroundings.

Soft leaves rustled in rhyme with gentle breeze and vortex of colorful birds made their entrance much more cheerful. There were lot of other fellows in some other areas waiting by their specific number. It seemed that people with similar ambition goals were grouped under a mentor. She knew this as it was written on the forum alongside the letter of approval in the mail.

" You must be Asma Dawson."

Asma looked back, perhaps a bit startled.

There she saw a young man perhaps in mid twenties, of fair complexion. His emerald eyes captured her off guard as it mirrored her face. He bore a stern look.

" Yes, I am Asma. You might be Sir Levi that I..."

" Most certainly. I am going to be your mentor for your journey at ExcelLife."

" Is it just me or...?"

" No, a group must contain of 3 members ruled by the program. But, for now you will be working individually here. By passing your first level, then you will be able to start working with others."

Asma gazed at Levi. She didn't realize how much time passed he spoke. She was too nervous to say anything. All she did was to nod her head in approval.

" I have some questions to ask. Answer them honestly. "

" I will, you can ask me anything."

" What's your weight?"

Asma suddenly froze. A young man asking her weight! She was baffled as to why he asked such a weird question out of the blue.

" Uhm...uh it must be 67..or..yeah it is ..."

Levi killed her by giving a serious expression. How she thought her mentor would be a woman who would have cheerful looks.

" It seems you are not aware of your own weight. So your first task is to know your own weight."

Asma drowned in a sea of complexity. What was going on? She expected some serious tasks to be assigned to her but no, she has to find her own weight.

Well, she had no choice after all. The thing is crystal clear. You couldn't disobey your mentor here. It was also written in the forum.

Asma went to an infirmary where she would find the weight machine. The address was given to her by Levi. But it was still hard for Asma to find it as she didn't know the place at all.

There, while going forward, she met Jazan. A young boy perhaps her age, was carrying a pile of woods. Asma watched in admiration because he was able to hold such heavy masses. Asma went to him and asked about the infirmary.

" Oh, its in front of you already. Just keep going forward and you will see a banner writen, " Medics service."

" Thank you so much. "

" Are you new here? Then you will find the reception office most useful."

He told Asma additional information about the reception office where she could ask any help.

" Once again, thanks. I... am Asma."

" Its Jazan. Hope we meet again."

Asma felt warm. Her face turned red. She normally doesn't talk with anyone and keep much to herself. She wanted to say something more but it was too late. Jazan went back to his path. Asma felt bad for not asking why he was holding so many woods or where he was going. After all, she really was dumb.

But she had to finish her first task!

After sometime, Asma returned to Levi at the exact same spot.

" Sir, my weight is...72...." With that, she blushed and felt so bad being a chubby girl. She couldn't look at him straightly.

" It seems you will need muscle building."

Asma looked up, even more confused. Was he telling her to lose weight? Was that even needed for someone who just wants to have better communication skills?

" From now on, you will climb up the small hill behind you, 2 times a day,  run 30 minutes everyday. "

Asma now asked with all might and courage.

" But... as far as I am... concerned, aren't I supposed to be ...uh...learning skills for communication?"

" This is related to communication. So you will keep doing these tasks until your weight drops to 65."

Asma sighed. She really didn't like to exercise and be sweaty and all. But she knew this had to be done. With a deep breath, she said,

" Yes, sir Levi! I will accomplish these tasks as sooner as possible. Please have faith in me."

Levi's eyebrows straightened. The girl who was feeling so shy, in front of him just spoke clear as water.

He gave a smirk and whispered to himself. " She is going to be different."