Chapter 7

Omar's POV

Two days later...

"You're fired" I yelled. Layla walked out of my office banging the door.

I walked out of my office downstairs. I needed to talk to the receptionist. Why is everyone so worthless? I thought to myself. I mean,its a simple job, right? You just tell me my schedule, arrange my meetings, get me coffee, report recent news and check up on me. It's that simple. I've been the heir of the Mohammad for years now and never in my life have I being worthless. I won't lie about the fact that my ex-secretary got my coffee ready at exactly 9a.m and she submitted the files for Crystals hours before the meeting. I mean - Rabiah. Thinking about her, I won't lie again. She's beautiful, nice and religious. I always admired her hijabs-matching hijabs on office outfit. She looks unique in her own way. And the hijab beautifies her the more. But, why the errors?

I kept asking myself this and why I fired her. I should have given her a second chance like she asked. She even went on her knees for this job. She's a mother also. How will she provide for her kid - two kids? Will they be okay? I just hope I didn't make the wrong decision. I needed to ease myself. So, I walked to the employee's bathroom because I was already downstairs. I got in and heard some voices. I mean, employees gossiping during working hours. I wanted scolding them but their conversation made me stop. Its wrong to eavesdrop but I had to...

"I mean,I know he's rude but he needn't have fired her" Employee 1.

"She always rushes out of the company to get him coffee at Abduls. I know it's a five minutes walk and all. But, it's like she did a marathon race, man" Employee 2.

"Yes, you're right, I heard she's in the hospital for trying to take her own life" Employee 3.

When I heard "Hospital", I thought she went to pay visit to the sick, you know, Muslims do that. But, when I heard "trying to take her own life", I couldn't stand there anymore. I was scared. I rushed out of the bathroom. When I got to the office, I quickly called for Ameenah. Thank God she hasn't left for her vacation. She's the only one who could tell me what I want. Why? She's close to Rabiah.

"Get me a biography of Rabiah Sameer" I asked of her. Subhanallah, what have I done? Ya Allah, please, this should be a joke. I prayed. Ameenah came in 20minutes later with some files. I collected the files from her. I opened the files and flip through them. My eyes widened as I scan through the written lines realizing my mistakes.

"She's not married?" I asked Ameenah.

"Yes, Sir. Ha-she's not even dating. She's a sister to Abdullah and Safia which I've met thrice and are lovely kids" she answered. I thought she was married. So, she's a sister to them. Alhamdulillah! I felt butterflies -no,the entire zoo in my stomach, I don't know why though.

"But, what about her parents? I asked Ameenah.

"She's an orphan, Sir. She lost her parents in a car accident." she said. An orphan? Subhanallah!! I was blinded by the stupid presentation. Astarghfirullah! Indeed, we all shall return to our Creator.

"That's hard on her, Subhanallah!!. But, why is she in the hospital? "I asked again. This time, I hoped I won't be the reason. Ya Allah!

"When you fired her, she tried taking her own life. Because she felt working here was the only thing that distracted her from thinking about her parents. She must have made those mistakes as a result of still mourning over her parents. She still misses them so much. Sometimes, I wonder how she manages to smile." she added.

On hearing this, I was torn apart. My employees were right. I've been rude, I know that. But, I never meant for any of this to happen. I didn't think she'll take her own life. I felt a lump form in my throat.

"Ameenah, I've been cruel to her. I didn't know she's been through all this." I said to Ameenah not minding that I'm opening up to her. I consider her to be a mother. She's been there for me most of the times. She walked closed to console me. She placed her hands on my shoulder.

"Try being nice, Omar. I know I'm in my 30's. But, there's something good in you. You weren't like this before. You became cruel because of your Mom cheating on your father. I don't know why you think all women are like that. There are genuine ones out there, Omar." she said to me. Yes, that's true. I was never like this. After I found out about my Mom cheating on my Dad. I made up my mind to never be nice to any woman. Since, they are all ungrateful. Ameenah knew about my parents because she came across the pictures my investigator gave to me and I had no choice than to explain things to her. Everything.

"Rabiah regrets her mistakes, I'm sure of that. I met her at the hospital today. But, she's been discharged. She's doing good now. Omar, try been nice. You never can tell. She just might turn out to be different. Don't shut the door out on people. Let people know you,the real you, okay?. Your Mom cheated not women,Omar. " she added. This moment, a tear dropped from my cheek. I remembered my parents. But, I was crying because of Rabiah's pain. If you told me a couple of days back that I'll be crying over someone I don't know,I'll slap you right in the face. But here I am. I really felt the urge to take her pain away. I regret my mistakes. I really do.

"Ameenah, before you leave for your vacation, may I get Rabiah's address from you, please?.I needed to see her. I needed to see she's alright. I needed to apologize. I needed to rectify my mistakes.

"Yes, sure." she replied. She wrote the address and gave it to me.

"I'll be going for my vacation for a very long time, Omar. I've been away from my family and you know as well. I'm really glad you allowed me this opportunity of spending time with them again. I hope you bring Rabiah back. And she could fill in for me. Because, I might not return, Omar" she said to me and took her leave. I checked the time, 03:54p.m. I quickly went to the Masjid(mosque) to pray Solat. I prayed to Allah to forgive me and lighten my path. Ya Allah, may Rabiah forgive me. I'll help her in every way I can. I'll make her my personal assistant. Insha Allah!

Someone's paying Rabiah a Visit.

What will be her reaction???

And what will be her answer???

I'm hungry, it's almost time for Iftar!!!

Bye, guys!!