Epiphany

17:

- Hadia - 

"And that's why I believe the game is completed and is all set for release." Alexa spoke, pointing to the presentation. She sat down after we all briefly clapped for her presentation. We turned to Mr. Mustafa, to see if he would say anything. 

"Well, I think it's good we have it done, we can show the game at the annual Game Expo in two days." He said, looking at everyone in the meeting room. "Is that good with everyone?" He asked. 

I slightly raised my hand. "Yes, Ms. Hadia" Mr. Mustafa called out. I turned to Alexa, "You mentioned the game had a timeline for each step, including testing, but shouldn't we have some period of time arranged for if an error arises?" I ask.

"I think if errors do come up, we can resolve them in the testing period. That's why set two phases. And the testing we went through, the chances of an error is zero to none." James, the manager of the developing team, answers for her. I nod, "Are we having gamers testing the game? did we have that arranged?" I asked, looking at James. 

"Ms. Hadia, as the developing team, I think we can look into those details ourselves." He remarked. "What?" I asked in disbelief. "Yes, you are in this meeting as the role of the minute keeper. It would be most adequate if you let us carry out our roles, and you carry out yours." He added. 

The meeting room fell silent, and I could feel the chill coming up. "But - " But before I could reason, I was cut off. "Ms. Hadia. The developing team know what they're doing. Don't interfere." Mr. Mustafa spoke as a warning.

I wanted to say something, but everyone's look was at me, I didn't want to argue, so I decided to stay quiet and nodded. 

One by one, everyone left the meeting room as I stayed sitting. Mr. Mustafa got up and was about to leave before he stopped. "The Game Expo is in two days, so we will leave tomorrow to set up and get ready for it." He said. I nodded, not sparing him a glance. 

Not getting an answer, he left the meeting room, leaving me in the quietness. I looked at the time on my watch, half 6. I sighed, getting up, I decided I'd head home for the day. 

- 
"Api, you're home early?" Aliza asked as I walked in. "yea, I finished my work early." I sighed, sitting on the couch. "How are your exams going?" I asked her. "Good api, I'm doing really well these days." She replied, I nodded. 

"Aliza, I think I might be away for a few days." I said. "Huh?" "I'm going to the Game Expo with the team, so I'll be there. Hopefully, it'll only be three days." I replied. "That sounds nice api, is Mustafa bhai going too?" she asked. "When are you leaving?" she asked.

"Tomorrow morning." I replied. "So soon? Do you have your bag packed?" She asked. I shook my head no. "Api, when are you going to do it then? Let me help you." She giggled, pulling me into my room. I smiled at her behavior as she helped me pack.

I nodded, not saying much. She didn't ask anything after that and talked about her classes.

- Next day - 

The team was supposed to arrive at half 7 in the evening at the airport, so I decided to arrive by half 6 to give myself some time. I had decided to go with something comfortable, so I had gone for wide tracksuit bottoms and an oversized hoodie paired with a denim jacket. 

It had been a while since I had gone travelling, I was waiting when I spotted a few people for the team, as they were waiting to board. I approached them, and they smiled as they looked at me, "Hadia, did you get your boarding ticket?" they asked. "No? where do I get it?" I asked. 

"Sarah!" one of them called out, a blonde girl looked over towards us and approached us . "Hadia, this is Sarah. She's a member of the Game Expo, and she's managing for our team." I nodded. "Nice to meet you, Sarah." I smiled, offering her my hand.