Zaheer paced up and down, up and down. The past week had been challenging and Zaheer was filled with concern. He had sent his CV to a few other companies, companies who he thought might be interested but they all had yet to reply to him.
It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and instead of spending the day outside Zaheer was in his bedroom, pacing up and down. He needed a plan; he needed to figure out what to do. What if he got fired and couldn’t manage to get another job? What would he do then? Needless to say, he spent much more time these days making lots of dua.
On Friday he had completed his own evaluation. He sat in front of what seemed like a panel of judges, answering questions that they asked. They sat with all of his files, discussing all of his previous records of work and asking him about all of his future plans. This ‘panel of judges’ as the guys had all come to call it, consisted of his boss, Peter, and two other department heads who were superiors to even Peter. Now, as he paced up and down his room, he kept reviewing the details of Friday’s meeting.
Suddenly there was a knock on the door. “Come inside” Zaheer said. His father Imraan, aware of his son’s latest burdens, came to find out how he was doing.
“Im fine daddy” Zaheer said. “Really I am”
“Well, I know that you’re worried” Imraan said, ignoring his sons seemingly convincing words. “But you really need to stop stressing over this. You know what they say, when one door closes then another one opens, right?”
“I know” Zaheer said, trying to sound as positive as he possibly could. “Im just thinking about all that I should do. Really, im fine daddy please don’t worry about me.”
Imraan was used to his son’s evasiveness so he got up and began leaving.
“Daddy” Zaheer said before his father was completely gone.
“Yes” replied Imraan
“Well, I was just wondering”, continued Zaheer, “If its always this hard for a man. I mean here I am worrying about my job and I have some colleagues who have families and bills and bonds to pay. What will they do if they suddenly lose their main source of income? So, well, it is always this hard?”
“Yes, its hard” replied Imraan. “It’ll always be this way, especially when you have more responsibilities in life. But you must always remember that Allah is the Provider. In life you’ll only get the share that Allah has proportioned for you. So then, always do your best, fulfil the duties to others, ask of Allah and then put your trust firmly in Him. When you realize that Allah is the Provider then you’ll begin to understand that no matter what happens in life, you’ll always get the share that Allah has willed for you. So if you lose your job, then that share that Allah has willed for you, you’ll get it from some other means. Allah’s will is incalculable and incomprehensible. Don’t ever forget that son.”
Zaheer said no more, though his mood clearly seemed to have improved. Imraan, who had sat down again, now got up and began leaving. “If you ever need anything Zaheer” Imraan said while departing. “even just simple advice, don’t be afraid to ask.”
It was a while after his talk with his father that Zaheer had finally come to a firm decision. He was now determined not to waste another moment worrying about things that he had no control over. His father was right, everything can only happen according to Allah’s will. Hadn’t he been making dua to Allah? Hadn’t he been asking Allah for help? Now he knew firmly that Allah would ease his difficulties and provide him with only his own share.
He quickly grabbed his cell phone and sent a sms to Aarif. “Where are you guys now, still busy with the match or what?”
Aarif’s response was quick. “Got delayed, only starting now. Changed your mind, wanna join us now?
Zaheer replied quickly: “Carry on, meet you there now!”
That, Zaheer thought would do the trick. A good soccer match would be the ideal thing to free his mind. He thought back to his high school days and how often they would play soccer. Now he was lucky if he managed to play once or twice in a month since the guys were usually all busy with their own commitments. He needed to get his mind off all his work troubles. He needed something to distract him since at times like these, when he would have loved to talk to Zahraa, he thought about her far too often.
Nope, this was a great opportunity and he didn’t want to miss it.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Chapter 2: Babysitting
Zahraa thudded loudly around the house. This child did not get tired.
“Kareema” she cooed suspiciously.
“Kareema Im coming to get you” “Kareeeeema , where are you.”
Just then she saw a movement flash by and heard a soft muffle of giggles. Quickly, but quietly, she followed the sound. She was in the lounge now, tiptoeing gently so she wouldn’t be heard. The lounge was a mess with pillows and toys scattered across the floor. On the couch she noticed some movement. Quickly she lunged forward and landed next to Kareema who was trying, unsuccessfully, to remain hidden on the couch. “Gotcha!” she screamed excitedly.
Kareema laughed hysterically. Unable to talk yet, she mumbled unintelligible little words. Then she put her head beneath the pillows in the attempt to hide away again. Zahraa was just about to pretend to look for her again when the phone suddenly rang.
Hafsah was on the other end, checking to see how her daughter was behaving and calling to let Zahraa know that they were on their way home. When Zahraa put the phone down she informed little Kareema.
“Ok Kareema” she said in her baby voice.
“Mummy and daddy are on their way home. Time to clean up now.”
Hafsah and Suhail had decided that they were in desperate need of some alone time and had thus commissioned Zahraa to babysit for the night. 1 and half year old Kareema was always full of energy and Zahraa was the one who could get along with her best. From reading her favourite stories over and over again, jumping on beds and couches, and playing hide and seek; Zahraa was by far her favourite. And Zahraa was never shy to admit that she absolutely enjoyed all the quality time she spent with her little friend.
Zahraa and Kareema started picking up the scattered toys and pillows and placing them where they belonged. Then Kareema, bringing her favourite book, indicated that she wanted Zahraa to read it for her. They were halfway through the book when Hafsah and Suhail arrived home.
“Mummy and daddy are here!” Zahraa screamed excitedly for the benefit of Kareema. Ecstatic Kareema started jumping up and down screaming “mama mama mama”. Hafsah, who was not used to being away from her daughter, practically ran into the house, scooped Kareema into her arms and plastered her with big kisses. “I missed you so much” she said to Kareema. “I missed you all the time my little girl!”
Zahraa smiled at the sight. Suddenly she had a flashback to high school, thinking about the Hafsah she knew back then. That Hafsah, on one occasion when they were having a conversation, had boldly claimed that she didn’t intend on having any children. She was convinced that she would be a high profile career woman who, in her words, wouldn’t have time for nappies and drooling. Now, looking at her longingly hug and kiss her daughter who she had been away from for just two hours; she couldn’t help but smile at the way life had turned out.
After Hafsah and Kareema were done with their reunion, Suhail went to settle Kareema down as Zahraa joined Hafsah on the stoep for a cup of coffee.
“Thanks so much Zahraa” Hafsah said appreciatively. “I think, for the sake of our marriage, we just needed to get out a bit. Sometimes everything just gets a bit too much you know?!”
“My pleasure!” Zahraa replied. “You know that its never a problem to babysit her right, she’s so much fun, really.”
Hafsah smiled, thinking about her daughter. They spent the next 5 minutes or so talking about the cutest things that Kareema had recently done.
“What about you?” Hafsah said to Zahraa. “How’s that long list of proposals coming along? Have you managed to come to any firm decisions?”
“Yes,” Zahraa replied. “Ive decided to give up on all of it completely. I’m just so tired of it all. Really, I don’t mean to complain about it but the more guys that come to propose, the more I’m convinced that there is nobody out there who is meant for me.”
“Oh come on,” Hafsah said encouragingly. “I’m sure they not all that bad”
“They’re not bad”, Zahraa replied, “well some of them are anyway, but most of them are pretty decent guys. But it just never works out. When I think that I’ve found one that might match me, then he turns out to be not interested. When I find an interesting one that I think I might get along with, well then, he opens his mouth and proves otherwise.”
“Do you know” Zahraa continued “that one guy basically told me that he already liked me, even though he didn’t even take the time to say anything else to me, since I wasn’t like all the ‘uglies’ that he’d seen before?”
“You’re joking” Hafsah laughed. “What did he mean that all the other girls he’d seen were ugly looking or what?”
“Ja” Zahraa said “that’s what he meant. “He kept on looking at me and repeating. Very nice, very pretty! Very nice very pretty! He was actually kind of creepy.
Hafsah, who had no clue what Zahraa was going through, sympathetically smiled. “Come on Zahraa” she said “Just hang in there, Allah will make it easy for you, insha Allah.”
“I know” replied Zahraa. “I know that Allah makes it easy for me, that’s why I really don’t like complaining. I mean you must hear the horror stories of some other people, mine is not even half that bad. So what am I crying about right?!”
“Right!” screamed Hafsah half jokingly half encouragingly. “You can do it Zahraa! Hang in there!”
A short while later Zahraa was headed out the door when Hafsah stopped her. “Seriously though Zahraa” she said softly. “Don’t worry about anything. Allah has a plan for us all. Someday you’ll get the one that you were meant to marry and then it’ll all be worth it.”
“I hope so.” Zahraa said to Hafsah before greeting and heading home.
Not for the first time that night Zahraa though about Zaheer.
“Kareema” she cooed suspiciously.
“Kareema Im coming to get you” “Kareeeeema , where are you.”
Just then she saw a movement flash by and heard a soft muffle of giggles. Quickly, but quietly, she followed the sound. She was in the lounge now, tiptoeing gently so she wouldn’t be heard. The lounge was a mess with pillows and toys scattered across the floor. On the couch she noticed some movement. Quickly she lunged forward and landed next to Kareema who was trying, unsuccessfully, to remain hidden on the couch. “Gotcha!” she screamed excitedly.
Kareema laughed hysterically. Unable to talk yet, she mumbled unintelligible little words. Then she put her head beneath the pillows in the attempt to hide away again. Zahraa was just about to pretend to look for her again when the phone suddenly rang.
Hafsah was on the other end, checking to see how her daughter was behaving and calling to let Zahraa know that they were on their way home. When Zahraa put the phone down she informed little Kareema.
“Ok Kareema” she said in her baby voice.
“Mummy and daddy are on their way home. Time to clean up now.”
Hafsah and Suhail had decided that they were in desperate need of some alone time and had thus commissioned Zahraa to babysit for the night. 1 and half year old Kareema was always full of energy and Zahraa was the one who could get along with her best. From reading her favourite stories over and over again, jumping on beds and couches, and playing hide and seek; Zahraa was by far her favourite. And Zahraa was never shy to admit that she absolutely enjoyed all the quality time she spent with her little friend.
Zahraa and Kareema started picking up the scattered toys and pillows and placing them where they belonged. Then Kareema, bringing her favourite book, indicated that she wanted Zahraa to read it for her. They were halfway through the book when Hafsah and Suhail arrived home.
“Mummy and daddy are here!” Zahraa screamed excitedly for the benefit of Kareema. Ecstatic Kareema started jumping up and down screaming “mama mama mama”. Hafsah, who was not used to being away from her daughter, practically ran into the house, scooped Kareema into her arms and plastered her with big kisses. “I missed you so much” she said to Kareema. “I missed you all the time my little girl!”
Zahraa smiled at the sight. Suddenly she had a flashback to high school, thinking about the Hafsah she knew back then. That Hafsah, on one occasion when they were having a conversation, had boldly claimed that she didn’t intend on having any children. She was convinced that she would be a high profile career woman who, in her words, wouldn’t have time for nappies and drooling. Now, looking at her longingly hug and kiss her daughter who she had been away from for just two hours; she couldn’t help but smile at the way life had turned out.
After Hafsah and Kareema were done with their reunion, Suhail went to settle Kareema down as Zahraa joined Hafsah on the stoep for a cup of coffee.
“Thanks so much Zahraa” Hafsah said appreciatively. “I think, for the sake of our marriage, we just needed to get out a bit. Sometimes everything just gets a bit too much you know?!”
“My pleasure!” Zahraa replied. “You know that its never a problem to babysit her right, she’s so much fun, really.”
Hafsah smiled, thinking about her daughter. They spent the next 5 minutes or so talking about the cutest things that Kareema had recently done.
“What about you?” Hafsah said to Zahraa. “How’s that long list of proposals coming along? Have you managed to come to any firm decisions?”
“Yes,” Zahraa replied. “Ive decided to give up on all of it completely. I’m just so tired of it all. Really, I don’t mean to complain about it but the more guys that come to propose, the more I’m convinced that there is nobody out there who is meant for me.”
“Oh come on,” Hafsah said encouragingly. “I’m sure they not all that bad”
“They’re not bad”, Zahraa replied, “well some of them are anyway, but most of them are pretty decent guys. But it just never works out. When I think that I’ve found one that might match me, then he turns out to be not interested. When I find an interesting one that I think I might get along with, well then, he opens his mouth and proves otherwise.”
“Do you know” Zahraa continued “that one guy basically told me that he already liked me, even though he didn’t even take the time to say anything else to me, since I wasn’t like all the ‘uglies’ that he’d seen before?”
“You’re joking” Hafsah laughed. “What did he mean that all the other girls he’d seen were ugly looking or what?”
“Ja” Zahraa said “that’s what he meant. “He kept on looking at me and repeating. Very nice, very pretty! Very nice very pretty! He was actually kind of creepy.
Hafsah, who had no clue what Zahraa was going through, sympathetically smiled. “Come on Zahraa” she said “Just hang in there, Allah will make it easy for you, insha Allah.”
“I know” replied Zahraa. “I know that Allah makes it easy for me, that’s why I really don’t like complaining. I mean you must hear the horror stories of some other people, mine is not even half that bad. So what am I crying about right?!”
“Right!” screamed Hafsah half jokingly half encouragingly. “You can do it Zahraa! Hang in there!”
A short while later Zahraa was headed out the door when Hafsah stopped her. “Seriously though Zahraa” she said softly. “Don’t worry about anything. Allah has a plan for us all. Someday you’ll get the one that you were meant to marry and then it’ll all be worth it.”
“I hope so.” Zahraa said to Hafsah before greeting and heading home.
Not for the first time that night Zahraa though about Zaheer.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Chapter 1: Ticking Clock
Zaheer cursed the clock that didn’t seem to be moving and waited anxiously for the day to end. Today was one of those long boring days.Programming was definitely Zaheer’s speciality. He could spend hours by his computer, lost in his own little world. Today, however, he was stuck with paperwork.
Zaheer was part of the junior team that had, for the past few months, been working on an important project. The fun work, the actual programming, was all just about done. Now Zaheer was faced with the tedious task of formalising all their months of work into logs, spreadsheets, timesheets and PowerPoint presentations to be presented to the senior management in a week’s time. Yes, for Zaheer, this was the boring part. And thus it was that he came to find himself silently cursing the clock.
Zaheer was not the complaining type. He was always under the impression that if he worked hard enough he would get what he wanted. So instead of complaining about his incessantly ranting superiors who liked to throw their weight around by subjecting their junior staff to sometimes unnecessary work, Zaheer decided to trust firmly in Allah and resolved to be patient. Today, however, he could find very little patience with his seemingly unmoving clock.
A few minutes later (though it seemed like hours) the clock precisely displayed 5pm and Zaheer was more than ready to leave. He, along with his friends, gathered their stuff and began leaving. His newest colleague Sam looked sheepishly at the guys before muttering: “Finally this torture has ended.”
“Ended!” exclaimed another colleague, Lionel; “This will only be over next week! Brace yourself man, we’ve still got a long way to go.”
Zaheer already had one foot out the door when his boss Peter called him back. “Zaheer” he said. “A moment of your time before you leave please.”
Unlike the other upper management heads Peter was actually a nice guy. He genuinely seemed to care about others and didn’t walk around as if he owned the world. Down-to-earth, that was probably the best way in which Zaheer could describe him. And when considering most other people that worked there, down to earth was definitely a compliment.
Zaheer made his way inside his office waiting for Peter to close the door behind him. Peter’s office was big, yet somehow still cosy. Not expansive and aloof like so many offices, this office made one feel right at home. Curious, Zaheer took a seat and waited for Peter to begin.
“Sorry Zaheer” Peter said. “Im sure you want to leave already, I just needed to speak privately.”
“No problem” muttered Zaheer. With anyone else it probably would have been a problem for him, but Peter had Zaheer’s loyalty since he had helped him out on many different occasions.
“Well” Peter continued quickly. “There’s just no easy way to say this. Our department is facing some major cut backs in budget and staff. Im going to have to let some people go.”
Zaheer suddenly became very nervous.” He’s going to fire me”, he thought to himself.
Peter continued: “Naturally this is going to be very difficult since we all work together in such close teams. But these orders come straight from the very top and they want it all implemented immediately.”
Peter must have noticed Zaheer’s look of concern because he immediately tried to reassure him. “Look Zaheer, I’m not saying that you’ll be the one to go. I’m going to have to go through the whole evaluation process and find our weakest link. In the meantime I’m doing everybody the courtesy of letting them know beforehand so that they aren’t suddenly taken by surprise. First thing tomorrow morning I’ll be calling each one of them in to let them know. I just thought that I’d let you know first. I don’t know how all the other guys will take the news.”
“Thanks Peter for your honesty” Zaheer said to him. “I'm sure this must be really hard for you too. Don’t worry about the guys, we’ll all just deal with it you know. As for you, surely you’ll have to do what you must do. Even if I’m the one to go, its all just part of God’s will, right?"
Peter smiled at him. “There's that attitude that I sure do love. That's why I told you first, I knew I could count on you. I also just wanted to warn you. I know, when we had that talk, that you were worried about your future and all and I just wanted to...”
“Seriously”, Zaheer cut him off. “Don’t worry about it. God always has a plan. And I’m not really worried anymore anyway. I’ve lost the hope of that already. It’s been a really long time and I’m sure she’s moved on already. What can we do, right?”
“Well.” Peter said "If all you told me was true, then I’m sure that this story is not yet over. Stories like yours, well it doesn’t just end like that.”
Zaheer offered no further insights and Peter quickly caught on. Zaheer was clearly not in the mood for a heart to heart.
“Anyway” Zaheer continued as he began leaving Peter’s office. “Don’t stress about us, we’ll manage, we’re all young anyway and it’s a hopeful market out there. Thanks again for being forthright with me.”
“It’s my pleasure” Peter said warmly. “Be sure to give my regards to your mum and dad. “I will” said Zaheer as he began closing the door behind him. “Have a good night Boss!”
Leaving his office, Zaheer contemplated what had just occurred. Peter was by no means an ordinary boss. Zaheer had even invited him home on more than one occasion. About a year ago, Zaheer- the newest colleague at the time, had been sad depressed and seemed to be nursing a broken heart. Kind and helpful Peter had called Zaheer into his office and pressed him to confide in him. Zaheer, needing someone to talk to, had explained what had just happened and how things had just fallen apart between him and the girl of his dreams. He had confided in Peter the way one confides in a best friend or a sibling; explaining how much he cared for her, and how he could not afford, nor expect to handle any marriage situation at the time. Peter had listened intently and formulated various strategies in dealing with the situation. He firmly believed that having a happy personal life ensured an unprecedented rate of success at work; and thus continued to encourage all of his employees to, as he put it, 'get all their stuff worked out'. Over the course of time Peter continued to enquire about Zaheer's romantic entanglements, encouraging him not to give up on all his biggest dreams.
Brushing aside all that had happened, Zaheer tried his best to forget the possible ramifications of losing his job, as well as all of Peter's concerns.
As he was driving home he, not for the first time, lamented over Zahraa.
Zaheer was part of the junior team that had, for the past few months, been working on an important project. The fun work, the actual programming, was all just about done. Now Zaheer was faced with the tedious task of formalising all their months of work into logs, spreadsheets, timesheets and PowerPoint presentations to be presented to the senior management in a week’s time. Yes, for Zaheer, this was the boring part. And thus it was that he came to find himself silently cursing the clock.
Zaheer was not the complaining type. He was always under the impression that if he worked hard enough he would get what he wanted. So instead of complaining about his incessantly ranting superiors who liked to throw their weight around by subjecting their junior staff to sometimes unnecessary work, Zaheer decided to trust firmly in Allah and resolved to be patient. Today, however, he could find very little patience with his seemingly unmoving clock.
A few minutes later (though it seemed like hours) the clock precisely displayed 5pm and Zaheer was more than ready to leave. He, along with his friends, gathered their stuff and began leaving. His newest colleague Sam looked sheepishly at the guys before muttering: “Finally this torture has ended.”
“Ended!” exclaimed another colleague, Lionel; “This will only be over next week! Brace yourself man, we’ve still got a long way to go.”
Zaheer already had one foot out the door when his boss Peter called him back. “Zaheer” he said. “A moment of your time before you leave please.”
Unlike the other upper management heads Peter was actually a nice guy. He genuinely seemed to care about others and didn’t walk around as if he owned the world. Down-to-earth, that was probably the best way in which Zaheer could describe him. And when considering most other people that worked there, down to earth was definitely a compliment.
Zaheer made his way inside his office waiting for Peter to close the door behind him. Peter’s office was big, yet somehow still cosy. Not expansive and aloof like so many offices, this office made one feel right at home. Curious, Zaheer took a seat and waited for Peter to begin.
“Sorry Zaheer” Peter said. “Im sure you want to leave already, I just needed to speak privately.”
“No problem” muttered Zaheer. With anyone else it probably would have been a problem for him, but Peter had Zaheer’s loyalty since he had helped him out on many different occasions.
“Well” Peter continued quickly. “There’s just no easy way to say this. Our department is facing some major cut backs in budget and staff. Im going to have to let some people go.”
Zaheer suddenly became very nervous.” He’s going to fire me”, he thought to himself.
Peter continued: “Naturally this is going to be very difficult since we all work together in such close teams. But these orders come straight from the very top and they want it all implemented immediately.”
Peter must have noticed Zaheer’s look of concern because he immediately tried to reassure him. “Look Zaheer, I’m not saying that you’ll be the one to go. I’m going to have to go through the whole evaluation process and find our weakest link. In the meantime I’m doing everybody the courtesy of letting them know beforehand so that they aren’t suddenly taken by surprise. First thing tomorrow morning I’ll be calling each one of them in to let them know. I just thought that I’d let you know first. I don’t know how all the other guys will take the news.”
“Thanks Peter for your honesty” Zaheer said to him. “I'm sure this must be really hard for you too. Don’t worry about the guys, we’ll all just deal with it you know. As for you, surely you’ll have to do what you must do. Even if I’m the one to go, its all just part of God’s will, right?"
Peter smiled at him. “There's that attitude that I sure do love. That's why I told you first, I knew I could count on you. I also just wanted to warn you. I know, when we had that talk, that you were worried about your future and all and I just wanted to...”
“Seriously”, Zaheer cut him off. “Don’t worry about it. God always has a plan. And I’m not really worried anymore anyway. I’ve lost the hope of that already. It’s been a really long time and I’m sure she’s moved on already. What can we do, right?”
“Well.” Peter said "If all you told me was true, then I’m sure that this story is not yet over. Stories like yours, well it doesn’t just end like that.”
Zaheer offered no further insights and Peter quickly caught on. Zaheer was clearly not in the mood for a heart to heart.
“Anyway” Zaheer continued as he began leaving Peter’s office. “Don’t stress about us, we’ll manage, we’re all young anyway and it’s a hopeful market out there. Thanks again for being forthright with me.”
“It’s my pleasure” Peter said warmly. “Be sure to give my regards to your mum and dad. “I will” said Zaheer as he began closing the door behind him. “Have a good night Boss!”
Leaving his office, Zaheer contemplated what had just occurred. Peter was by no means an ordinary boss. Zaheer had even invited him home on more than one occasion. About a year ago, Zaheer- the newest colleague at the time, had been sad depressed and seemed to be nursing a broken heart. Kind and helpful Peter had called Zaheer into his office and pressed him to confide in him. Zaheer, needing someone to talk to, had explained what had just happened and how things had just fallen apart between him and the girl of his dreams. He had confided in Peter the way one confides in a best friend or a sibling; explaining how much he cared for her, and how he could not afford, nor expect to handle any marriage situation at the time. Peter had listened intently and formulated various strategies in dealing with the situation. He firmly believed that having a happy personal life ensured an unprecedented rate of success at work; and thus continued to encourage all of his employees to, as he put it, 'get all their stuff worked out'. Over the course of time Peter continued to enquire about Zaheer's romantic entanglements, encouraging him not to give up on all his biggest dreams.
Brushing aside all that had happened, Zaheer tried his best to forget the possible ramifications of losing his job, as well as all of Peter's concerns.
As he was driving home he, not for the first time, lamented over Zahraa.
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