Path to Disaster-ON HOLD

CHAPTER 2- The Unplanned Events

1.5 years later—Yahya's POV

Sighing, I rubbed my eyes, trying to ease the splitting migraine that was attacking me. My right eye twitching, I reached for the glass of water sitting before me. The last few days had been hectic. As the almost owner of Maidah Fine Dining and Maidah Luxury Hotels, the chain of restaurants and hotels situated across Australia, I had been asked by the current owner to take interviews of the interns who were going to be interning here. Choosing the final ten interns would be easy, but interviewing all 22 of the candidates was a pain in my ass. None of them seemed fit for the internship. They would all talk too much about themselves, and to make up for all the nonsense they'd praise me and the restaurant.

Of course I couldn't just ask Dean to send them all away with a nice 'GET LOST' greetings card. And the owner just happened to be monitoring my interview skills. Sitting in the corner, rather comfortably, was my dad, the owner. He had a smirk on his face, his salt and pepper hair pushed back. I could literally see his evil mind spinning, thinking of ways to make my life even more miserable.

As the 16th candidate skipped away, I plopped my head on the cold desk, relishing in the feel of hard wood, cool against my very hot skin.

My father decided to speak up at just that moment. "What is this Yahya? Are you tired already? Back in my day, I would be able to breeze through this. What is happening to children these days?"

His taunt got to me, when I should have just let It go. He always did this. He expected me to be perfect in every single way. I had been pushed and pressured into accepting the position. My whole life had been in preparation for when I could finally take over his set of restaurants. I had no interest in becoming the Managing Director of this place. What I really wanted was to become a professional movie analyser. Naturally, I was not given the opportunity and had instead been pushed into studying Business then mastering in business. And unfortunately, I was extremely good at my job.

"Urgh dad, just give me a break. It's almost time for Dhuhur so I'm leaving." Getting up, I pushed my chair in and stalked outside the office, making sure to yell at Dean to cancel the rest of the interviews. Ignoring my dad's yelling, I made my way out of the office and into the bustling streets of the Brisbane CBD. It was a scorching hot day, the sun was high and the streets were alive with bustling energy. Making my way towards George Street and entering the underground parking space, I speed walked to my Audi, unlocking it and getting in. Turning the AC on, I started reversing out of the area, and started towards the suburbs, trying to leave my terrible day behind.

My dad had officially gone too far. I was done with always listening to him, always making sure that I made no mistake in gaining his approval. And now, he was pushing me beyond my limits. There was absolutely no way I could handle all those restaurants and hotels by myself.

From a young age, my father had drilled it into me that I had to be what he wanted me to become, in order to one day, Insha'Allah, provide for my future family. It was a man's duty, he would say. And I agreed. In Islam, it was the man who held the responsibility of the household, making sure that all his family had food, clothes and shelter. I could provide that without having to work at all for the next 15 or so years.

Sighing, I pulled into the Masjid parking lot, stepping out just in time for the Iqamah to start. Rushing inside, I sped into the holy prayer place and joined the jama'ah. Feeling a strong sense of contentment, I relaxed and listened to the words the Imam was reciting. Salah was one of the only things that could ever calm me down.

After saying the final Salaam, asking for forgiveness and making a very lengthy du'a, I stood up and greeted the fellow men who had attended the prayer. As I made my through the crowds, a hand on my shoulder stopped me.