Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha

Ch. 18: Sealing the Deal

Alizey's P.O.V.

I was in the middle of mixing my creamy tomato base after adding pieces of chicken tikka to it when a phone appeared in front of me. It was an email. I began reading aloud, "'Dear Fawad Raza, after thorough review of your application, we are pleased to inform you that you have been selected to move forward to the two-stage interview process-'" I looked up at Fawad over my shoulder, squealing, "What! Congratulations!"

I let go of the spoon and engulfed him in a tight hug.

It had been a little over a month since I'd gotten a message from Diane Cromwell and that Fawad agreed to finding a job in his actual field.

When I posed the condition to him, I was sure he would've rejected it immediately. He proved me wrong. He did take a moment to think about it after I told him that he worked hard to get his degree, that it's been a few years since his accident, and that he can handle high-pressure work environments given his current job. He was more adamant about me publishing my work, so he eventually agreed.

Over the last few weeks, he would spend the evenings using my laptop to apply for jobs and check the statuses of his applications. I had helped him create a new resume. Turns out he used to work for a very prestigious company before his accident and had a high GPA. My husband was a genius academically and professionally. 

I went on to message Diane back. We scheduled a virtual meeting, and she told me that her and her team loved Intezaar. She explained that if I accepted the offer, I would receive a little over $10,000 in three installments for the project. I would be working with an editor who would help me polish up the book before we moved onto printing and advertising. Mama was elated about the news when I went over to visit her. Papa was there. He heard everything, but he didn't say anything nor did he tell Mama to forbid me. Hence, I had both of their approval.

Putting my apprehensions aside, I accepted the deal. I was now working on revising chapter 2 of Intezaar with the editor.

"Thank you," he wrapped his arms around me firmly.

I pulled back excitedly, "When's the interview?"

"They scheduled it for this Friday. There's two rounds of interviews."

I hugged him tightly, pecking his cheek. "I'm so proud of you, Fawad. Thank you for doing this. Watch, you'll get selected. I know it."

"Thank you for encouraging me, Alizey."

I let go and smiled at him. I took the spoon and dipped it into the gravy, blowing on it before holding it up to his mouth, "How is it?"

He had a taste, "Good. What are we having it with?"

"We have leftover rice, but I can heat up some naan instead?"

"I'm fine with whatever." He leaned in and licked the spoon clean, making me giggle.

He took the day off on Friday for his virtual interview. I told him to get a haircut like he used to have since it would look more professional, so he did, but stating it was only because his hair was getting long and that he didn't care if the employers thought the top-knot wasn't professional. He said the interview went alright. He had been prepping for it, reviewing old academic material that was relevant for the position. He told me that he twisted the truth about what he does at the mechanic shop to make it seem more applicable to the role.

I came home early and suggested we go to the escape room at the mall to celebrate him completing the interview and getting this far in the job-hunting process. We both changed into more casual clothes then made our way to the mall.

"Well, that was lame. What a scam," I pouted after Fawad and I exited the escape room.

There were very few hints, and it was a no-brainer putting them all together to unlock the door. Definitely not worth the long wait in line.