The Broken Pieces

2. First Meeting

A couple of days have passed since the accident, and I was feeling much better. I changed into decent clothes and set out to complete my enrollment process for my college. While waiting for the consular, I spotted an application for an internship in the ASR group of industries on the bulletin board. I mentioned it to my counselor, who encouraged me to apply as it was a part-time paid internship where I will gain great experience and skills and scholarships for my future education. I completed the application and turned it in with all the required documents as the next day was the application deadline.

A week into college, I received an interview letter for the internship. I was beyond excited, it was my first step outside my boundaries and an opportunity to prove to my mother I could survive. I swirled my mother around out of excitement. “ Ayna calm down! And tell me what has gotten you so excited. “Ama, I got an interview for an internship in a multinational company!” I explained. My mother hugged me, feeling proud of her daughter who was making progress.

I stood in front of the tall building staring at the tall architecture. I felt I would c***k my neck if I continued looking. I was on time exactly 30 minutes before my interview. I was mentally preparing myself for the interview. I had done my research and rehearsed my interview question, but nothing could prepare me for this first time in my life experience. I took a deep breath and walked into the glamorous building. I walked up to the receptionist to ask about where the interview was going to be. I was directed to the 5th floor. Outside the door, there were more people waiting to be interviewed. There were many different positions in different departments and selected candidates would be given positions decided by the interviewer. I patiently waited for my turn, when finally my name was called. My interview went smoothly. They were impressed with my perfect GPA and extracurricular activities. They let me know I would receive a job offer if selected.

I was offered an internship as the assistant of the assistant. I jumped in the excitement that I was going to be the assistant of the boss's assistant. Wow, luck was on my side surely. I was to work the morning shift on Monday to Wednesday and full days on Thursday and Friday.

Today was my first full day. I dressed up professionally and wore a hijab to cover my hair. I was a practicing Muslim girl who was proud of being Muslim. I wore a maroon knee-length dress with black pants, a black blazer, and a black hijab. I put on light make-up consisting of mascara and mood lipstick. I was dressed to succeed, not to attract. My amber-colored eyes shone with my newfound self-confidence.

I entered the building and got into the lift with a bunch of people. Some greeted me with a smile and others just gave me a stern look. I was alone in the lift by the time I reached the 25th floor. I was to report to Ms. Stacey, to whom I would be an assistant. I approached the desk where I was directed. I introduced myself to whom I believed was Ms. Stacey, a woman in her thirties with a warm smile, welcomed me and showed me my desk right next to her. “ Ms. Ayna, please call me Stacey. You are going to be assisting me with various duties. Your first task when you get here in the morning will be preparing coffee for the boss. You will help me organize mail and attend calls directing them accordingly, and other tasks. I will be training you so you can get your work done.”

“Very nice Stacey, also please call me Ayna. I am looking forward to learning a lot from you.”

“Ayna, come I will show you how the boss likes his coffee.” She proceeded to make bitter coffee. Literally just coffee and water

I wrinkle my nose at the coffee and then proceed to take it to the boss's office as instructed by Stacy. I entered the office room after a knock. I put the coffee on the table carefully, peering at the boss who was too engrossed in whatever he was doing on the laptop in front of him. He was wearing black business attire. I was about to turn to leave when he called “excuse me? Who are you?” I turned and his blue eyes widened as soon as he saw me ’ “you? Fairy? What are you doing here?” He asked, pointing at me.

'Fairy?' I wondered who he called that. I looked around to see if there was someone else he was speaking to. Finding no one, I asked, “do you know me?” He did not like me questioning him instead of answering him.

Just then Stacey walked in. “Sir Osman, I am sorry, this Ms. Ayna, the new intern who joined us as my assistant.” He narrowed his eyes and clenched his jaw, looking from Stacy to me, and then waved his hand, dismissing us both.

Before I left his cabin, I noticed his nameplate which read ‘Osman Ahmet Khan’. My eyes widened at the realization. The same name on the check I got from the mysterious guy after the accident. I was happy that I had finally found him, but the look he gave me sent shivers down my spine. He had a dark aura that made me want to stay as far as I could from him, which didn't seem possible if I had to give him coffee every morning. I shook my head, getting rid of any negative thoughts. I continued to follow Stacy closely, observing and taking notes. I silently thanked God I didn’t have to face him again.

I walked to the bus station exhausted from all the new things I had to learn and remember. I got home, was greeted by Mueza, took a shower, and chatted with my mother while eating dinner. I prayed and went to sleep, unable to keep my eyes open any longer.