"Ok.. Insha Allah... No, you don't have to worry, ai Munada, we’ll fulfill the orders, Insha Allah... Sosaima and I will handle the transactions smoothly... hhhh, no need for thanks... Alright, bye, thanks for patronizing us."
Her phone call ended, easing her worries.
"It seems this week we’ll be very busy," she said, looking at a young lady in front of her holding a notepad and pen.
The girl smiled and said, "Honestly, ma’am, I’ve noticed the signs too."
"Hmm, right now, Sufee’s family called saying they need snacks for their daughter’s birthday, and it’s this coming Friday—just a week away. Also, there’s Sir Wilson’s event order, which we haven’t even started on."
"For now, we haven’t even finished the Savannah Hotel order," the young lady replied, shaking her head.
"Wuhh! No worries, ai, you understand, Maryam. We’ll just assign more staff so everything goes fast and smoothly. You know our reputation for fulfilling orders—we can’t ruin our image."
Maryam said, "That’s right, ma’am, that’s how it should be."
"Just make sure everything is done properly. I’ll arrange everything and forward the details to Anjima via email..."
Her phone rang, interrupting her.
She picked it up and checked the caller.
With her hand, she signaled to Maryam that she could leave. After a quick nod, she turned and walked out, closing the door behind her.
From the phone, she spoke cheerfully:
"Assalamu alaikum."
"Wa alaiki salam, Jewel," came the warm reply from the other end.
In a soft tone, hearing his voice, she said, "Yes, sweet daddy, how are you?"
"My Jewel, how are you? How’s work?"
She sighed and said, "Same as usual, Dad. I feel like I’m turning into a kolo (exhausted mess) from tiredness."
He laughed and said, "Your words, ai. It’s not like you’re doing hard labor—you’re sitting in an AC office with no stress, getting a fat salary every month. Now, look at others..."
She also laughed, spinning in her chair while imagining her dad’s teasing tone.
"So, Dad, any news?" she asked, trying to change the topic.
"There’s news, shalele (my dear), and it’s good," he said warmly.
"Really?!" she asked excitedly.
"Wallahi, just wait and hear the story," he said, chuckling.
"Alright, I’ll finish up here and come."
"Then hurry, shalele."
She ended the call, smiling.
After a moment, she got up and gathered her things. She sprayed herself with her favorite cool-scented perfume, adjusted her rolling bag, and headed out.
She exchanged goodbyes with her staff as if she weren’t their boss, then got into her car and drove off.
