To begin with Naima is 25 years, who got married to her husband Ashik about 2 months ago. Recently, Naima returned back from the UK to India after completing her Masters and was eagerly searching for jobs.
Since getting hitched, she hasn't been able to spend much time with her husband (Ashik), as he left for Canada two days after the wedding and wouldn't be back for the next year. Considering this situation, it was a tough for the newly married Naima, who was able to spend only one night with her beloved, where the couple lost their virginity to each other. Being the first time for two inexperienced people, it was rather a matter of going through the motions than actual satisfaction for our heroine. Post departure of her husband, she has been looking for jobs to continue her career, as well as to keep herself busy.
Naima was a Muslim girl coming from a very conservative background (explains why she saved her virginity till marriage) of fair complexion, with body measurements of 34-30-34. She was of Indian origin, and loved to wear the cultural Salwar Kameez and Saree.
One day while chatting with her friends online, she stumbled across a job posting about a position, which is related to the line she desired to work on. Having come across such positions in so many companies, she didn't give much thought and mailed her CV to them.
A few days later, Naima received a call from an unknown number in her cell phone, which she picked, "Hi I am Ashraf calling from HR department of *** company - am I speaking with Ms. Naima?"
Excited, she replied, "yes, this is Naima speaking!"
"I believe you have sent us a CV for the position of Manager at our firm a few days back - am I right?" asked Ashraf. "Yes Sir, I did," replied the girl hurriedly.
"Great! You have been chosen as a potential candidate for the position of Manager at *** company. Therefore, you are requested to attend an interview session with the Managing Director tomorrow at 11 AM," said Ashraf. "Wow, I would definitely be there. Can I get the address of your office?" enquired Naima. "Sure, please note down. It is..." said Ashraf. After some closing pleasantries, the conversation was over, leaving behind an excited girl waiting for her interview.
The next day, sharp at 11 AM, Naima was present at the office of *** company and was sitting outside the HR department. Right on cue, a young man got out and came to her and introduced himself as Ashraf. After some common pleasantries, the youth directed her towards the way to the office of the Managing Director. Slowly, the HR person knocked on the door and a voice came from inside, asking them to come in.
The room was spacious, with a set of three-seated sofa on the right, and a couch chair on the left. In the background, there was a large painting of some unknown artist. A few paces in front of the painting, sat a middle aged man, probably in his mid-forties, in front of a big table. Ashraf introduced Naima to the man as the candidate for the position for Manager, and wished Naima good luck for her interview and went out of the room.
The MD introduced himself as Mr. Jamal and asked Naima to sit down. The interview started with some basics talks such as education and prior experiences, and slowly moved towards the position in question. Almost everything matched with the type of job Naima sought for and was happily acknowledging the duties. Suddenly, the conversation hit a bump when the MD mentioned that the job would require her to travel to various countries, and meet and work with clients. This caused a little confusion within Naima, as she was unsure if she can do this. Also, before taking such a big decision, she needed to consult with her family, especially her husband. Naima told Mr. Jamal that she will consider the offer and will get back to them.
That night, Naima called her husband over in Canada and explained the pros and cons of the situation and was finally able to make Ashik agree to her joining *** company.
Next day, Naima called up Ashraf in the HR department and confirmed that she would take the job. Ashraf was quite happy with the affirmation and told her to begin work from the upcoming week.
Dressed in fashionable Salwar Kameez, Naima went for work. She was happy to meet up with new colleagues and took pointers on the culture of the organization. One of her female colleagues remarked, "You are one lucky girl to be able to travel various countries, while we are stuck in a desk job. Use your opportunity well dear."
While she was breaking ice with her new colleagues, Mr. Jamal was passing by and welcomed her and asked her to come to his office. Once inside, professionalism kicked in and Naima was notified on the tasks that were expected of her. She listened carefully and noted down in her small notepad all the instructions.
Over the course of a month, she worked very hard and got herself on the good books of her MD. She delivered flawless works under the designated timeline. In no time, all her colleagues were referring to her as the "beauty with brains."
One afternoon, she got a call in her intercom from the MD who asked her to come to his office. Feeling the urgency, she hurriedly went to his office. Once there, she was asked to sit down, while Mr. Jamal described to her the first international assignment, which would require them to travel to Vietnam, where they would meet with their clients from Germany.
During the conversation, Mr. Jamal told her that they were the 2nd most important clients of the firm and required them to agree on three matters, which would ensure business for the next 2 years with these clients. This is indispensible for the profitable survival of the firm. This scared Naima, as she asked shakily, "how am I going to make them agree on all there three matters - and this is my first international deal?"
"You don't need to worry, Naima. I will accompany you in this business trip. It will be my responsibility to make then agree on two of them, while for the main one - I am counting on you," Mr. Jamal said. He further added to fuel her butterflies "don't make me regret my judgment on selecting a competent Manager for the firm."
Throughout the next week, both Naima and Mr. Jamal worked on the presentation of the three points and were confident with their works before travelling to Vietnam. On the day of her flight, she talked with her husband, who gave her confidence who gave her all the confidence for her first business trip. She on-boarded the plane travelled in the business class for the first time in her life.
Once arriving at Vietnam, Mr. Jamal and Naima were received in a luxury car, courtesy of their German client. Naima felt that she was in heaven. After arriving in her hotel, she was amazed with her room and couldn't wait to explore the offerings. However, as their meeting was scheduled in half an hour, she had to rush.
She got dressed in a nice green top and jeans, as the meeting required semi-formal attire. Once she arrived at the meeting room, she was that Mr. Jamal has already arrived. Also, present in the room was a Caucasian woman and man in their 40s. They introduced themselves as Ralf and Daphnie, while Mr. Jamal introduced Naima the new Manager at *** company. Both Ralf and Daphnie were representatives of the client in Germany. It was the responsibility of Mr. Jamal and Naima and to get votes of both these two individuals on all the matters.
The meeting commenced with Mr. Jamal explaining on the ones he was supposed to present. The presentation went over for the course of an hour and half, and Naima noticed that the two duos had affirmation written over their face. Once the presentation was completed, Ralf and Daphnie both decided to go with Mr. Jamal's proposal, to the delight of Naima. Lunch break was called and all of them headed for the in-hotel restaurant.
With two down and the important one to go, it was time for Naima to step on the stage. Nervous, Naima started shakily but got back on the horse and breezed past the presentation. The looks of the Germans were neutral, which didn't make her down, as she continued with her presentation. After about an hour and half, it was time for the main verdict.
Daphnie accepted the proposal, but Ralf wasn't convinced. He pointed out some errors in the proposal and told her that he was unhappy, much to the dismay of Naima. Mr. Jamal stepped in to her defense and told her that they would work on the existing proposal and come up with a better one. The meeting was dismissed.
After the Germans left the room, Mr. Jamal with a disappointed look told her that she has failed. He gave her some directions on how fix the proposal and asked her to complete and show it at night, before going out of the room, leaving Naima to cry all by herself.
She returned to her room and started to work on the proposal, which ended around 8 PM. Prior to going to the MD's suite; she took a bath and wore fresh Salwar Kameez of light orange tops and orange pajamas and dupatta (a cloth to hide the breasts of an Indian woman).
Once she was outside MD's room, she tentatively knocked on the door. Mr. Jamal opened the door, wearing a simple T-shirt and jeans. She entered the room and was asked to sit on the desk. She opened her laptop and explained the changes to the previous proposal. The MD patiently listened and told her that he would call Ralf up and tell him over the phone. Mr. Jamal gave a smile and said, "Good job, Naima. I hope Ralf agrees to it." This made Naima hopeful, as she waited excitedly.
