Umeed

Chapter 8

Present

Shahzain’s eyes fluttered open as the early morning light seeped through the curtains. He reached for his phone on the nightstand, his heart pounding with a sense of urgency. The clock read 6:15 AM. Still groggy, he swiped to answer the incoming call, his mind already racing through the implications.

“Sir, I’m sorry to wake you,” a frantic voice came through the line. It was one of his senior managers from the Turkey branch. “We’ve hit a serious issue here. The production line has stopped due to a major malfunction, and the technical team hasn’t been able to resolve it. The situation is escalating, and we need immediate intervention.”

Shahzain sat up abruptly, his sleepiness replaced by mounting frustration. “What do you mean the technical team hasn’t resolved it? This is unacceptable. How could they let it get this bad?”

The manager’s voice wavered with stress. “We’ve tried everything we can, but the problem is more complex than anticipated. We’re working on it, but—”

“Working on it?” Shahzain cut him off sharply. “I’m paying you and the team to handle these issues proactively. This kind of incompetence is inexcusable. I expect better from the people managing our branch.”

There was a brief pause on the other end. “We understand your frustration. We’re doing our best, but we need you to come here to address this.”

Shahzain’s anger flared. “My best? I’m not interested in excuses. I’ve invested significant resources into this branch, and I expect it to run smoothly. If you can’t manage the basics, then what are you doing there?”

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. “Fine. I’m heading to Turkey this afternoon. Get the situation under control as best as you can until I arrive. I want a full report when I get there.”

After ending the call, Shahzain sat on the edge of the bed, fuming. He had barely managed to shake off his irritation before his phone buzzed again with a message about flight arrangements. With a heavy sigh, he knew he had to prepare for the trip. The day was off to a rough start, and he was determined to get things back on track.

After a hasty but efficient shower, Shahzain dressed in a formal outfit, knowing he needed to be presentable for his urgent trip. He wore a crisp white dress shirt paired with a charcoal grey suit jacket and matching trousers. A navy blue tie added a touch of professionalism to his look. Polished black leather shoes completed the ensemble.

Feeling ready, he made his way downstairs to the kitchen, where the aroma of breakfast filled the air. Faris and his mother, Ayesha, were already seated at the table, engaged in quiet conversation. The sight of Shahzain in his formal attire brought a sense of gravity to the morning.

Sitting down, Shahzain explained the situation to them, his tone serious. "I need to go to Turkey this afternoon. The branch is facing some serious problems, and I need to be there urgently."

Ayesha’s face turned pale as she absorbed the news. "Turkey? But the weather is terrible right now. It’s dangerous to travel."

Shahzain tried to reassure her, though he could see the worry etched on her face. "I understand, Mom, but this is crucial. I need to go."

Seeing the determination in his eyes, Ayesha’s shoulders slumped in resignation. "Alright, Shahzain. Just... be careful. Please."

With a nod, Shahzain rose from the table and made his way to Hoor's chair, who was sitting quietly in her high chair. He bent down to her level and gently kissed her forehead. "Beta, aap chachu ke saath rehna. Aur aapki koi shikayat nahi aani chahiye."