Chapter four

                                                "Heading for a fall"

 “Mahra”

I lay there on my bed, staring at the ceiling as a flood of thoughts dashed through my brain.

Work, new boss, cousin’s engagement. And again Work, new boss, cousin’s engagement. These thoughts replayed in my brain like a ticking clock.

Yesterday, I didn’t have some quality time to sit by myself and organize my thoughts or may be these new changes needed more than just one day to get settled in my brain.

When I came back home my mother had yet another news to break down to me. My cousin ‘Sara’ who is three years younger than me, just got engaged. Now, how great is that? And you know how mothers are, she didn’t really say it to my face but most of whatever she was saying, indicated to ‘Me getting married’ as soon as possible.

“May Allah bless her!” She said at dinner. “That’s what every girl’s fate is. After all, a woman only looks good in her husband’s household.” She eyed me. Arrggh!! I probably heard that more than ten times yesterday. Thankfully my sister, Maha had gone back to her husband’s house or else yesterday would have been at the top of my ‘Worst days list’.

Please God, give me some patience for the upcoming two months until she gets married. I know I will be the one to bear the consequences of Sara’s decision. Couldn’t she wait a little, she’s barely out of her teens.

I sighed deeply not knowing why this reminded me of my father. I wish he was here today to support me. I am sure he would’ve understood me. He had always encouraged my independent thinking. He wanted me to take care of myself and have an open mind. “Minds are like parachutes,” he had always said, “If you don’t open them..it’s deadly.”

 Aside from him, the only other person who I felt had understood and encouraged my independency was Mr. Waleed, but unfortunately he left too.

I recalled the conversation I had with him two days ago, in my office. I had complained about how devastated the news of his departure had made me. I still remember the smile he wore when he looked at me. ‘We only part to meet again.” His words had made me laugh then, but what did he really mean?

The way he’d come to personally see me off meant more to me than anyone could imagine. I always felt amazingly close to him like he was family or something. I hadn’t known him up until a couple of years ago when I had begged my father to get me a job because I didn’t want to complete my studies. So he had ‘talked’ to one of his friends and then Mr. Waleed had called me for an interview. Without caring about what degree I held, he employed me. Sometimes your parents’ friends can come with fringe benefits.

After about two weeks, I learned from him that he and my father had been very close friends back in the days and they hadn’t seen each other for quite some time. And it was my job that got them back to that old friendship.

Mr. Waleed had always been there for my family, even after my father passed away, he kept in touch with Hamad and paid us visits, occasionally. To me, he felt like an important person in my life.

His son had made a great deal of changes in our work environment in just about two days, which was something I didn’t like. Unbelievably today, I went to work dragging my feet unsatisfied. It has been this way since the last couple of days. I have been disapproving the new changes, new rules and the new BOSS.

Apparently, Mr. Zayed had asked to have a meeting with all the heads of the departments and their managers. I hoped this meeting had something to do with the staff promotion announcement, because I couldn’t wait to get my promotion and a higher salary. Even though I knew that the competition I had was tough, because we had Noora and Abdullah eyeing the same position I did.

It made me a little insecure, I was concerned about ‘Noora’ because I knew she was good. I saw her work passionately every day. She even, unlike me, had a college degree. As for Abdullah, well I was darn sure that he stood no chance when compared to me and Noora.

Once in the building, I went over to the Head of the HR department, Mr. Faisal’s office. I was excited for some reason. May be because, part of me was sure that I would be the one who gets the promotion. I had people telling me that the others had no chance.

I knocked the door twice and entered. A smile brightened his face up when he saw me.

“Good Morning, Sir.” I greeted, walking towards him. He nodded and greeted back, gesturing me to have a seat.

“How are you doing? I hope you don’t have any complaints for me this morning!” He joked. I grinned and shook my head. Being at the position where he was, it’s almost impossible for us to have such a good relationship with our seniors, but with Mr. Faisal it’s always different.

“Actually I had a few complaints I wanted to make,” I said, sitting on the chair opposite him. “But now I think you don’t want to hear them.” I replied, smiling. He laughed at my comment which put me at ease. I sank deeper in the seat and put one leg over the other, making myself comfortable.

“Okay,” He said, “Let’s hear what you have to say?” I became anxious, my guard was up again. What was I gonna say to him? That I didn’t like my new boss. That’d be…nonsensical!

I straightened up and sighed, “It’s just been a tough week!” Mr. Faisal cringed his forehead. It would be more than just weird if I sit here and tell him how I feel.

“Is everything alright?” He asked, concerned.

“Yeah, everything’s fine.”I appreciated his concern, I really did, but telling him about my cousin’s engagement, my broken car and my unsettled feelings was beyond crazy.

“I have been thinking about the postponement of the announcement.” I changed the topic.

“What announcement?”He frowned.

“The staff’s promotion.”  I told him like I was blaming him for forgetting such a thing.

“Oh yeah, that. Well don’t worry. I think you, out of all people, you have nothing to worry about.” Mr. Faisal said it so confidently that I felt like there’s no chance they will even think of someone other than me. But who knows we have a new boss now. Right?

“You think so, sir?” I asked, hesitant. He nodded.

“Yeah, definitely.” He paused and then after a moment’s thought he said; “Well, I am not promising you anything but I think you have the most chances of getting the job.”

“What makes you say that?”

A ghost of smile appeared on his lips, “Instincts,” he said pointing to himself.

I laughed remembering a rumor that had spread three months ago, that Mr. Waleed himself had personally suggested my name for the job. I wish whatever he said comes true.

***

 We were sitting in the meeting room again, fortunately this time there were enough seats to be seated. Khalifah my manager and Mr. Faisal’s nephew sat next to me. The guy was way too friendly, something I didn’t like.

Mr.  Perfect, I mean Mr. Zayed still wasn’t here. Where is he? Oh where can he be? Probably intimidating some poor people with his overly ‘charismatic’ character. I didn’t take him to be the unpunctual kind. We’ve been waiting here for hours, no, not really, since he’s been like five minutes late?

I know you’re thinking that I am not being nice and fair to the poor man. Well, I suggest you stop blaming me. I have had enough this week, enough surprises and stress that I can’t handle. 

I turned around as the door opened and in walked in...No not him. It was Fatima, my friend. She smiled and walked up to me. The chair on my left was free so she settled down. We whispered some (How are you)’s and (where were you)’s, which she was about to answer when the door opened again.

It was him this time. Our new boss.

Naturally, everyone turned towards him. But even in other circumstances I am sure it takes him no effort to engage everyone’s attention.  Mr. Zayed walked over to take his seat where his father usually sat.

There was something about the air around him, his presence and aura which was so strong and captivating that I felt like by the end of this meeting I would be affected by it.

I think that was the only advantage of having a young leader because they make you feel fresh and confident whenever they are around.

Mr. Zayed sat down and apologized for being late. He didn’t look like he was sorry at all. Just did it as a formality. I leant a little towards Fatima; “He doesn’t look like he’s sorry.” I whispered to her. Then Mrs. Miller, the Scottish woman, walked up and put some papers in front of him. Of course, because he couldn’t carry them himself!

“The files must be really heavy, Huh?” I mumbled again but this time Fatima nudged me to shut my stupid commentary up.

The room was deafeningly silent which was weird seeing the number of people in it. The only source of voice aside from my whispering was the ruffling of papers as Mr. Zayed flipped through the files in front of him. 

He looked up and engaged to the heads of all departments. And that was how the meeting started.

Throughout the whole meeting I noticed how continuously in charge Mr. Zayed looked. He was setting an impression on everyone. I could see the instant change of perspective in everybody’s eyes.  He was endearing everyone he spoke to. And I hate to admit it but even ‘I’ was a little impressed.

Mostly this meeting was “part two” of the last meeting. We discussed the projects that the company currently held and all the project managers explained what strategies they were using in them. Our boss would ask questions every now and then. He had every right to, but somehow that annoyed me. The fact that he was rechecking and in a way questioning the management of this company bothered me. But what could I possibly do than to just surrender to the situation, unwillingly.

**

Two more days passed, as I waited on my tip-toes for an answer. I prayed for myself and asked my mom to do the same thing.

As we sat on the dining table; “I have a feeling they are going to announce it today.”I said. With the amount of stress on me I didn’t realize that I had said that out loud.

“Announce what?” Hamad asked. I had told him about it before. How can he forget?

“What else will I worry about, the staff’s promotions announcement.” I asserted.

“Allah yowafgich, (May Allah guide/bless you)” Mom and Hamad said in unison. It bothered me that they weren’t as nervous as I was. 

Without eating a proper breakfast, I went out to my car and then remembered something and got back inside.

“Hamad,” I called from the entrance door.

“Ha, what?” He called back from the dining room. I knew he wasn’t gonna come to me nor was I in a mood to go to him so we’d just communicate in a high pitch.

“I need your car.” I shouted, listening to the echoes of my voice. This time I didn’t hear a reply.

“Hamaaaad!” I yelled again.

“Ha? Ha? What do you want?” I heard him say in a normal tone as he walked out of the dining room and headed towards the door as well.

“Can I take your car today, please?” I pleaded. He noticed the sudden change in my tone and laughed.

“Ya’l Maslahchia, (Greedy) and what about your car?” He questioned walking away. I followed him.

“I am going to take it to the insurance company to fix it. I take her everywhere with a popped eye. Haram. Please Hamad, Just today.” I begged.

“And what am I going to drive if you take my car?” He kept walking, for a moment I thought he’d really do it and have me go in a taxi.

“Well, you can take dad’s car, it’s in the garage.” I said, reluctant. We hadn’t sold my dad’s car. Hamad didn’t want to do that and he sometimes drives it too.

“Why don’t you take it?” He claimed, now sitting in his BMW sports as I followed him like a pet.

“It’s a four--wheel, and you know I am not comfortable driving a four--wheel. Hamad please you don’t want your sister to go work in a taxi now, do you?” He wasn’t looking at me during my pleading session but now he turned and stared at me, pure annoyance shown on his face. If in other circumstances I would’ve laughed but I knew if I did he wouldn’t give me his car.

Exhaling dramatically, he handed me the keys and asked me to bring him my dad’s Range Rovers keys. And that’s what I did.

After handing my car to our chauffeur and advising him for the millionth time to take care of it, I finally left to work. I had butterflies running in my stomach, a feeling I didn’t have not even when I was being interviewed.

Once I reached my cabin, I found Fatima there. I instantly started filling her in on how I felt. She wasn’t in the same position as I was but because of my super hyper feelings she got a little enthusiastic too.

“When are they gonna announce it? God, I can’t wait. Or maybe I shouldn’t be that confident. May be they don’t promote me at all.” I said.

“No, I have heard what everybody is saying. You’ve assisted Khalifah from over six months now. I think this position is yours.” She declared and with that Noora walked in the room. My rival.

“Hey, Oh my God. I am so nervous.” She said, smiling. I felt the same way too but in front of her I acted as if I had nothing to worry about.

Me and Fatoom both simply smiled at her without saying another word.

“I heard they are going to send emails to everyone.” This made me turn towards her with my eyes wide.

“What do you mean?”

“The announcement is going to be through an email. I checked mine a while ago but they still haven’t sent it.” She spluttered. So everyone in the office will know whether I got the promotion or not. That sucks!

Without wasting another second, I slid with my office chair across the room and reached to my desk. Turning my computer on, which was a little too slow today or that’s what it looked like.

 I checked my emails. Yes, I had five new ones in the inbox. I just wished that one of them has the good news. But it was still buffering, probably because everyone in the office was checking the same thing I did.

I waited impatiently, but still;

Buffering….

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Please let us know if you like it.

~Edited by; U BH

~Lots of Love from the writers; Witty & Witch