What is to be... Torn between Two Worlds

Chapter 2

The shrill ring of my phone cuts through the quiet afternoon. I fumble to answer it, my heart racing as I recognize the number.

"Hello, Mariana speaking," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Mariana, this is Sarah from Inksarus Publishing," the familiar voice responds. "I'm calling about your interview last week."

I hold my breath, my free hand clutching the edge of my desk.

"We were very impressed with your ideas and enthusiasm," Sarah continues. "We'd like to offer you the position of Administrative Assistant. Congratulations!"

For a moment, I'm speechless. Then, a wave of joy and relief washes over me. "Thank you so much! I'm thrilled to accept!"

We go over the details—start date, salary, benefits—but the words seem distant. I did it. I actually did it. I have a job. A real job, in a publishing firm, just like I'd dreamed of.

As soon as I hung up, I let out a squeal of excitement. Mom appears in the doorway, her eyes wide with concern.

"Mariana? What's wrong?"

I launch myself at her, wrapping her in a tight hug. "I got the job, Mom! Inksarus offered me the position!"

For a moment, she's stiff in my arms. Then, slowly, she hugs me back. "Oh, darling. That's... that's wonderful news."

I pull back, searching her face. There's pride, yes, but also worry and fear. I can almost see the gears turning in her head, calculating the distance to Port of Spain and the dangers of the city.

"We should celebrate," she says finally, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. "I'll make your favourite dinner tonight."

As she heads to the kitchen, I can't help but feel a mixture of triumph and apprehension. I've reached a milestone, but the road ahead will be filled with challenges—both new and old.

Feeling a rush of gratitude, I pull out my prayer mat and begin my Isha prayer to express my thanks to Allah for this opportunity. A deep sense of thankfulness envelopes me for the chance that's come my way. I acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead but push those thoughts aside for now. Tonight is for celebration.

Saturday evening finds me standing in front of my closet, once again faced with the eternal question: what to wear? But this time, it's not for an interview. It's for the party where I'll see Ridwan.

I finally settled on a modest but stylish outfit – light blue jeans and a cream blouse. As I'm putting the finishing touches on my makeup, Mom appears in the doorway.

"You look nice, dear," she says, her tone neutral but her eyes scanning me with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Just remember to be safe and come home at a reasonable hour."

"I will, Mom," I reply, giving her a quick peck on the cheek before heading out to meet Anna, who's picking me up.

The party is in full swing when we arrive. Dillon spots us and exclaims, "You made it! Come on, there's someone I want you to meet."

My heart skips a beat as Dillon leads me through the crowd. And then, suddenly, there he is—Ridwan. He looks even better than I remember. Tall and with a warm caramel complexion, his short, tousled hair and deep brown eyes make him even more captivating. His smile is as dazzling as ever.

"Mariana," he says, extending his hand. The way he says my name sends a shiver down my spine. "I'm so glad you could make it."

As we talk, I find myself relaxing, laughing more than I have in months. Ridwan is smart, funny, and refreshingly down-to-earth. He listens with such intent that I feel like I'm the only person in the room, his eyes never leaving mine as I speak. The evening flies by, our conversation flowing effortlessly from cars to music to our dreams for the future. Before I know it, it's time to leave. As I'm saying my goodbyes, Ridwan catches my hand.