3

Past:

Life was the best for Rosie as she had a loving father and two big brothers who would do anything for her happiness. Everyone was given to her before she even asked for it. She was not a spoiled brat even then, a trait she had inherited from her mother. She had never felt the touch and affection of her mother but no one had never let her feel that hollowness in her life. She wanted to study and become a lawyer and her father granted her permission to study though it was not common for girls to study in their family. She started going to college with a dream to get the highest marks so that she could get admission in a university on merit. But who knew what was written for her?

One day she went to college, it was sports week so outsiders were also allowed to come. She was sitting with her friends when suddenly a bomb exploded in the ground. No one could fathom what happened for a minute. Rosie’s senses were also distorted. She ran towards the exit as a hand come over her mouth and last face she saw before losing her consciousness was that of a big sturdy man.

Rosie woke up in a room with no windows. She quickly sat up and started knocking frantically on the door but it seemed like no one was listening. She sat down on the floor with her back to the wall as she cried at her fate. Next few days for Rosie were pure torture as she was beaten to death. She didn’t want to present herself in front of unknown men but Margaret forced her to do so. Margaret was the owner of the business who resented girls for prostitution. Rosie tried to take her own life but she was saved and then starved for days. It seemed as if all her good luck had run out. On the day she was to be presented, Margaret came in her room. Rosie was lying lifeless on the floor.

“Get up and prepare yourself. I see you have not lost your beauty even though I have starved and beaten you.”

Rosie gathered her courage and got on his knees.

“I will never do this heinous act.” She spatted.

Margaret got down to her level and grabbed her chin in her hands.

“Do as I say or you don’t know what I will do to your doctor brother of yours.”

Margaret smirked and left her. Rosie couldn’t trust her ears and cried more. Margaret ordered a girl who stepped forward and took Rosie with her. Rosie was emotionless as if she had turned to stone.

In no time she was washed with scented soaps, dressed in delicate chiffon skirt and blouse and beautified with all the skin care products and make up. She looked undenyingly beautiful but she was frozen to the core as if she had left everything in the hands of fate.

She was made to sit in a room whose doors were locked.

Suddenly she heard commotion outside as the door was opened by a broad tall man. Rosie senses were awakened as he came. Behind him was Margaret who warned Rosie with her eyes and locked the door from outside as she left.

Rosie stood up and cried silently. That man looked up and couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

“So beautiful.” He said as he caressed her cheek.

“Please let me go and don’t do such a sin. I beg you I will give you anything if you just take me away from here. For the love of Allah, stop right now or you will regret it.” She spoke in a hushed tone and cried silently.

Deniz was a business man whose friends had forced him to come here on his birthday. He had many flings in his life but one look at her and he knew that she was the one.

He hugged her and consoled her while rubbing her back. Rosie cried for all her miseries. He asked what happened to her and Rosie narrated her story. Deniz promised that he would help her but she had to marry him for the sake of her protection.

Rosie reluctantly affirmed as she wanted to leave the place as soon as possible. Deniz paid Margaret a huge amount to take Rosie with him to his home. Margaret eyes shone seeing so much money and that from only one customer. She agreed and Rosie went to Deniz’s house and got married there. Deniz advised that they should leave the country for some time and come back when its safe as Margaret’s men were still after Rosie.

They went to Turkey where they lived a happy life together. Deniz proved himself to be a loving husband and Rosie flourished under his care but still Rosie’s heart longed for her family. As she got the news of her pregnancy, both of them were on the seventh’s sky. Deniz promised to take Rosie back once the baby was delivered. Rosie was content as last as her family was going to be completed. She counted each day to meet her baby and her family back home.

It was eighth month of her pregnancy when one day Rosie fell in the bathroom striking her head at the wash basin. Deniz ran to the hospital but the worst of the news awaited him. Although his daughter “Malek” was born safely but Rosie had lost all her memory due to head trauma. Only fate knew whether Rosie was going to see her family ever again or not.

**********************************

Present:

Malek entered the office building dressed in a long black skirt and cream-colored blouse. Her hair was open on her back as she carried her file. The receptionist looked her up and down while Malek just raised her eyebrow.

“Can you please tell me where I am going to give my interview?” Malek said annoyed.

“Sure, you can go on the fourth floor and then the first room on the left.” The receptionist said still glaring at her.

What is her problem? Malek said to herself as she walked towards the elevator. There was a man in a suit talking on the phone. She ignored him and pressed the button.

“Miss, I think you are at the wrong place. This elevator is reserved for officials only.” The man said.

“And what makes you think I am not one?” Malek said sarcastically.

“Miss, I didn’t mean to be rude but I know who works in the company and who does not.” He said blankly.

“Oh yes, and who are you? The boss of everyone?” Malek said as she rolled her eyes.

“Hi, my name is Burak and welcome to Burak corp.” Burak said coldly as he left while Malek was shocked to the core. She didn’t know she was messing with her boss.

“You are never going to get the job. Why do you have to be like this, Malek?” She whispered to herself as she moved towards the office.

“Mam you have to wait here till boss calls you himself inside.” A young girl said to her politely. She sat in the waiting room as she reprimanded herself for her blunder.

Minutes passed into hours but still there was no sign of him calling her inside. After 4 hours, her patience ended as she gathered herself and moved towards the stairs. She knew she wasn’t born lucky enough to get such a high-end job. She sighed and started walking dejectedly thinking about applying for another job when his secretary came running and informed her that sir was waiting inside for her. She was shocked but nonetheless went inside as she was in dire need of money.

She entered his cabin as Burak sat on his chair writing something in a file. She stood at the door still waiting for his approval.

 “Come and sit or do I have to invite you for it?” Burak said sarcastically.

She gave an awkward smile and sit opposite to him. She forwarded her CV. Burak took it and kept it at the side/ He propped his chin on the back of her conjoined hand and looked straight in her eyes.

“What makes you think you are capable of this job. You don’t even have a proper degree and some diplomas aren’t going to get you anywhere.” Burak said.

“Sir, I can solve any accounting issue in no time. Believe it or not it has always been inside me. You can see I have passed these diploma exams with flying colors and all of my teachers have recommended me. It’s just that people don’t allow new talent to be hired that easily. I just want to have a chance to prove myself.” She said confidently.

Burak stared at her for a second and then looked down at his file.

“Ms. Malek I am going to give you a statement to reconciliate and I want it now. If you can do it I will hire you immediately but I cannot say the same if you do otherwise.”

Burak forwarded the piece of paper to her. He could look at the excitement in her eyes as she solved it as if this challenge meant fun for her.

After 15 min she forwarded the paper back. Burak was impressed at her quick response and being a finance graduate himself knew that she did everything right.

He gave her an admiring look as he nodded at her. Malek squeaked in delight and Burak looked at her amusingly. Sensing someone gaze on her, Malek quickly looked down her cheek blazing.

“I guess I have seen you somewhere.” Burak said thinking about where he had seen her.

“I believe you haven’t.” Malek said in a cold tone.

“Oh, now I remember you were the maid from Izra’s home.” Burak said.

“Mind it sir I am not a maid, I am her cousin who is equally respectable as her. Secondly, my personal life shouldn’t be an issue for you.” Malek said.

Burak stared at her and dismissed her to go.

As she reached to open the door, another young man came inside. She bumped into him as he steadied her by holding her waist. Malek quickly got out of his hold and stood at the side.

“Who is this beautiful lady we have got here?” The man said in a flirty tone.