The howling of the wind and the darkness which surrounded the sky was scaring Mashal as nothing else could. She looked up, glaring at the blueish-black sky and muttered, "rain, rain, go away. Little Mashal wants to go to an interview. Rain, rain, go away. Come again, another day." A fit of giggles broke her trance as she noticed her younger sister, who was guffawing at her.
The straight face with which Mashal sang those lines made Meher laugh harder.
"I'm leaving without you," Mashal huffed before walking towards her scooter and Meher still hasn't stopped laughing as she kick-started her Activa.
It began to thunder suddenly and the howling only increased making her a bit tensed. Noticing her facial expressions, Meher stopped laughing and gave her a gentle pat on the shoulders as she came to stand beside her.
"Relax appi, it's okay if you didn't do well. There are hundreds of other companies. It's not the end of the world." Mashal could never understand how her sister can be so cool about such things. Meher never cared about her grades or achievements like her younger self did. But for her, it was everything she could ever think of.
She has always been like this. If she wanted to do something, she does it with all her heart and has always managed to win whatever it was. But those were just academic skills. Anyone could do it. This was real life we are talking about and Mashal was way too edgy about this interview, for its going to be her very first.
"Hop on, I should reach there on time. Stop with your nonsense," Meher shook her head before sitting behind her sister. Even as she sat, Mashal looked tiny in front of her, anyone would think she's the elder one and not the other way around, mainly because of their heights. Mashal got her height from her maternal grandmother. Her sister was actually smaller than their Nani.
The smallest in the whole Abbasi and Baig family, actually.
"All the best and again, it's okay if you don't do well though," Meher joked as they waved bye to their mother, who came out of nowhere to kiss her elder daughter all the best.
Malaika looked pretty emotional and even Arsalaan was the same in the morning, he gave her a long lecture on how to behave in the interview and something along those lines. Their parents can get somewhat dramatic at times. No wonder she's like this. Mashal bit back her smile.
"Thanks, mama, and please make dua for me," Mashal mumbled as she accelerated her scooter, "you both are always in our prayers, jaani, don't worry about it. You'll do well, Ameen." Malaika smiled like a proud mother and that gave Mashal an unknown strength. She smiled back at her before driving off.
"What will I get if you are selected in the interview?" Meher asked as they were in the middle of the signal, Mashal huffed looking at the sky. It grew darker. She had no problem with rain for she even got a raincoat as a precaution, but their traffic gets unpredictable when it rains. That's where it gets annoying. She wouldn't dare go late on her first-ever interview. Not happening.
"Why should I give you anything?" Mashal drove fast as the lights turned green, "excuse me, what you do mean why? Of course, you should buy me something. Let's go to The berries tonight, papa and Mama can tag along as well. It's been a while since we all went out somewhere," Meher suggested excitedly.
"I should do well for that," Mashal pouted as they stopped at Meher's school; her group of friends waved towards their direction as soon as she stopped the scooter.
"I know you will, don't worry. Papa said he'll be picking me up, so you don't have to come in the evening. Bye now. Allah hafiz,"
Mashal smirked mischievously, "what a relief to know that."
"I know you love me," with an eye roll, Meher wore her backpack, "and I love you too. All the best." Without waiting for her sister's reaction, she strode from there making Mashal chuckle.
Very rarely does her younger sister show some kind of love, most of the time it was zero but they just knew they loved each other. Siblings never say I love you anyway. With a wide smile, she drove towards her destination whilst muttering few prayers and being somewhat optimistic.
***
"Sir is calling you inside," a thick voice interrupted her anxious thoughts, Mashal nodded at the lady before standing up confidently. There's one thing about her, how much ever anxious and nervous she was, Mashal can always put on a facade for the world outside.
Her vulnerable side is only for her family to see.
She walked into the cabin before knocking twice and entered only when she heard a yes as a response.
Her foot literally stuck on the ground as she watched the person in front of her, of all the people why the hell was this guy sitting on the chair? Wait...Does that mean, he's going to take her interview? So his name is Murat?
So many questions swam through her mind. It took her a second to come out of the shock.
But what a nice name! Her subconscious thought dreamily before she scoffed at herself. What the hell was wrong with her anyway. Why did she have to be so stupid and find him handsome in the first place?
He is handsome though.
Her heartbeat rose frantically and her insides began to fume in fury as the scene from yesterday began to replay in her mind automatically.
"Is there any problem, Ms?" He had the audacity to act nonchalant and how could he not recognise her till now?
How dare he? Mashal thought to herself and the poker face just came naturally this time, unlike yesterday. She didn't find him so attractive anymore. Taking a deep breath, she walked forward and greeted him professionally.
"Good morning, Mr Saeed. Here's my CV." She handed him her file and noticed how he didn't even bother to reply to her greetings. He just signalled her to have a seat.
Mashal couldn't believe he ran this successful advertising agency, well known as Saeed's Advertising and Co. She read great words about the boss Murat Saeed in the Google reviews. Their ads are always top class. She wanted to try out for the graphic designer post in this company. They have a great name among the top brands, whose first choice is almost always SAC. Getting a job here was a great deal.
"You did a diploma in graphic designing almost a year ago, but why is your employment data nil? You haven't done any internships as well," He took a glance at her file and shot her the very first question.
She tensed at that question, although it was an anticipated one.
"Because I didn't want to do any job back then, sir." came her reply. She held the chair's handrest tightly and looked at him eagerly for the next question.
"And you want to work now, why?" He shot back, without looking at her face.
Mashal rolled her eyes mentally.
"Because I want to do something new, I had a great interest in designing since I was a teenager, I hope I won't disappoint if you give me this job," she replied and now, he raised his brows and glanced at her. His deep black eyes scrutinized her face for a second before speaking further, "so, tell me, Ms Mashal, why should I let an inexperienced person work under my company?"
"As you can see in my certificate, I have learned my skill quite well, I agree my experience is zero. But I'm a quick learner, sir." Mashal replied with confidence.
"Well, if you say so." Murat gave her back the CV and noticed her confused face, "that's it? I mean, well never mind." She bit back her words although wanted to ask more.
She was fretting for this? A stupid two minutes interview?
"We'll call you back if you are selected," he added monotonously and took out his phone to call someone.
Mashal couldn't believe his attitude. That rude and handsome punk! What does he think of himself? She clicked her tongue and turned on her heels before walking away.
Murat glanced at the door as he watched her disappearing figure, he inhaled deeply before loosening his tie, "she has the same hair." He muttered to himself frustratedly.
It was long and silky! So very similar.
But she's not her! His heart repeated again. That didn't stop him from behaving rudely with her though.
Yes, he remembered her.
She was all he thought about yesterday. Mashal's clear annoyance during the entire interview told how unhappy she was with his stupid behaviour yesterday. She thought it was unnoticeable but that girl was so easy to read.
He just couldn't help himself though. That girl just resembled her so damn much!
But she's not her! He told himself again for the nth time.
It did come out as a shock when he realised it was the same girl from yesterday. His little neighbour! But he maintained a nonchalant behaviour throughout, acted as though they met for the very first time. Which he sure has pissed off her more if anything. He couldn't care less.
"Let's hang out today, at our usual place." Murat texted his best friend spontaneously, he needed to talk to someone else. This can't go on forever.
So what if his relationship of five years failed. It isn't the end of the world. It shouldn't be the end of the world.
"You should be the driver, as usual." Came the instant reply.
"Sure, bro. It's an unsaid rule anyway," Murat texted him back and went back to work in a sour mood. The day was ruined as soon as Mashal stepped into his office.
He can't help but think how similar they both looked.
He needed to get a grip on his thoughts, goddamit.
***
The pitter-patter of the rain continued heavily, making the atmosphere cold and wet. Murat watched the happy faces, dancing and singing along with the loud music. He almost felt void. Looking at all those happy familiar faces made him feel jealous. He never got to experience those feelings before, but thanks to her! He's jealous now.
"Knock it off, Murat." He scowled at his best friend, who smacked his shoulders as they stood near the drinks counter at The berries, their usual hangout spot.
The berries was a kind of place where youngsters usually hang out, it also has a restaurant upstairs, the ground floor is kind of similar to a club. It is a club and restaurant. They serve the best smoothie and drinks in the city. The food is also good, which is another reason why they often come back here.
He loved coming to this place. It was like a stress buster for him. But today Murat was questioning his very decision of coming here in the first place.
"Two apple pomegranate juice please." Ignoring his idiotic best friend, Murat placed his order and glared at the couple on the dance floor. His fist clenched in fury as he looked away.
"Alright fitness freak, at least today you can have some other drink? It helps you numb the pain," Chris suggested with an eye roll as he placed his usual order and they waited for the bartender to make their drinks.
"You know that I won't touch alcohol, so quit trying. And I'm not in any pain," Murat replied annoyingly and opened his phone to check his notifications to distract himself, "she knew that I would be here. What is her damn problem?" Unable to control his anger any longer, he glared in the couple's direction and just as he did, the girl's eyes clashed with his, and she passed him a smug smile.
Murat burned in rage as he watched her place that rando's hands on her hips as they danced sensually, their bodies touching every freaking minute. He felt like breaking something or that someone in particular.
"Don't look in her way, she'll only feel more satisfied. Act unbothered, bro." Chris glared at the girl, before advising his friend who was finding it very hard to stay here with each passing second, "should we just leave?" He asked feeling defensive of his best friend.
"No, it will only make her more egoistic. We will stay. For as long as we want." Murat replied, whilst composing himself. So what if she was his ex-girlfriend. He'll not give her the upper hand and the satisfaction of annoying him. Definitely not.
Calm down, calm down. He repeated those lines like a mantra and much to his relief, the duo has stopped dancing. But he couldn't feel that relief for long, as they both took a seat directly opposite to where he sat. The frown on his face deepened due to frustration.
He replied to his emails to distract his mind again. Chris shook his head before getting drunk for the night. Murat was always the designated driver.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry." He heard that oddly familiar voice and reluctantly looked in the opposite direction only to be amused. It was none other than his neighbour, who looked sheepish and guilty for some reason.
Seeing both the ladies, who has taken over his thoughts, together was a bit of a shock. He composed himself and looked at them curiously.
They almost seemed like some lost siblings meeting after so long. Mashal looked like the classy-desi version of Eliza. The features were so similar. Mainly their hair. Gosh!
"Are you mad? You ruined my whole night," his ex-girlfriend, seethed in annoyance as she stood up and he understood what has happened by the looks of it. A chuckle left his mouth at the sight of her dress, which was drenched by mango smoothie.
Mashal must have dropped her drink for sure.
Oh boy!
"This is exciting," Chris commented with a smirk, "but bro, the other girl looks so much like Eliza."
The name left him feeling nothing but bitter, "stop talking about her, I don't care if they looked similar."
Lies.
It did bother him so much to slam the door on the poor girl's face.
"But both are hot nevertheless, I should probably find out if she's single. Do you think she'll agree if I ask her out?" His best friend asked only jokingly but he didn't like that joke.
"No, look at her and look at you." Murat chuckled dryly, "you can do much better. She looks boring," He raised his brows at Chris's shocked expression, curiously he turned around to find out what has happened and winced at the person standing in front of him.
"You're such an insensitive jerk. I hope you know that" Mashal gritted her teeth angrily and walked away from there without listening to his reply.
"Ouch? She probably won't accept now," Chris laughed not caring much.
Murat on the other hand felt super bad. That's the second day in a row he has hurt that person. He could swear he saw tears in her eyes.
What did I do?
"But have you noticed bro, she's shorter than Eliza. That's the only difference I can see." Chris added as he gulped another glass.
Yes! That's right. There's some difference after all.
His trance was broken by a phone call and a small smile appeared on his face as he stood up to go to a deserted corner and attended the call, "Assalamualaikum, baba?"
"Walaikum assalam, Murat. How are you, beta?" Saad asked him casually and Murat replied, knowing very well that there's an ulterior motive behind this call. His father doesn't just call simply.
"Alright, I don't want to beat around the bushes. I need you to hire someone for me, she's my good friend's daughter actually," his father never bothered about his business. The fact that he's doing it right now was a shock in itself and even more shocking was his request.
He hated nepotism. Enough said. And despised everyone who used their power to get into a job. It was very unfair for the others who genuinely did well or deserved that position.
"What? How can you ask something like that, baba?"
"Yes, hire Mashal Baig for me. She's a lovely girl."