Home At Last

Chapter 13

I arrive at my new work place (spicy bites) feeling both sacred and nervous. I just hope everything goes well, and I hope they are willing to give me an advance salary. Yes, that sounds weird but I really need it for my college fees.

I step into the restaurant and I am astonished by the size of the restaurant. Where am I suppose to find Mr. Khalid. I check my bag for the business card, but I can't find it.

"Ma'am, what would you like to order," an employee of the restaurant ask me. "Actually I am not here to order anything, I am here to work," I say. "Work?" she giggles. "Yes" I say. "I don't know who hired you and do you think this is how you're suppose to dress when coming to work. You're wasting my time, just leave," she says.

How rude, who does she think she is to treat me that way. "Excuse me, I am not going anywhere. Mr. Khalid himself hired me and told me to come here, so you have no right to ask me to leave," I say. "You must be joking, Mr. Khalid doesn't hire illiterates like you," she says. "I don't want to get into an argument with you, just let me see Mr. Khalid," I say.

Suddenly another employee comes and interrupt my conversation with the rude employee.

"Are you Halima Mukhtar," the other employee questions. "Yes," I respond. "Mr. Khalid is waiting for you in his office, I'll take you dear," she says.

Finally, I got away from that annoying woman.

"Hi, I am Ameenah," the employee says. "And I am Halima," I say. "Nice to meet you Halima," Ameenah says. "Same," I say. "Halima it would be better if you stay away from Firdausi. She is no good, she only brings trouble," Ameenah says. "Who is Firdausi," I question.

"The woman you were arguing with by the door," Ameenah say. "Oh, but why," I ask. "Just follow my advice, she is trouble. You will understand what I mean soon," Ameenah says and then points at Mr. Khalid's office and leaves.

I knock on Mr. Khalid's door and wait for his response. "Come in," Mr. Khalid says. I open the door and say "Assalamu Alaikum,". "Wa'alaikum Salam," he says.

"Halima welcome, I've been waiting for you. And I hope none of my employees gave you a hard time," Mr. Khalid says. "No sir," I say. Well one of them gave me a hard time but I won't snitch. "Don't call me sir or Mr. Khalid, call me Khalid," Mr. Khalid says looking very serious.

"Ok I won't insha'ALLAH," I say. "So how old are you," Khalid questions. "I am 19," I answer. What!! you're 19," Khalid says looking very shocked. "Yes I am, is there any problem regarding my age," I question. "No, there is no problem at all, I am just a little shocked that a 19 year old is looking for a job. Most people your age have parents who provide for them so they don't need a job," Khalid says.

"It's a little complicated and personal," I say. "Ok, but do you still attend college," Khalid questions. "Yes I do," I reply. "If I may ask you, why do you need a job," Khalid questions. "Actually I need the money to pay for my college fees," I say. "What if the salary isn't enough to pay for your college fees," Khalid says.

"Then I will take on multiple tasks to pay for the fees, I am really determined to go back to college again," I say. "I love your determination Halima," Khalid says smiling. "Thank you," I say. "You said you can cook right," Khalid says. "Yes I can," I respond. "Then let's head to the kitchen," he says.

We both enter the kitchen and he sits on a chair "Make any three dishes of your choice. Make use of the limited items you have and don't forget, you'll be timed. In the next 30 minutes you'll stop," Khalid says looking very professional.

Thank god, there are multiple kitchens in this place, so I have this kitchen all to myself. There are many gas stoves and electric cookers as well. They have alot of items which will make my work much more easier. Let me not be too overconfident but 30 minutes is too much, I've been cooking since when I was 7 years. And may Allah make it easier for me.