”Hey, isn’t Naasir dating Zaakira now?” Senior asked Zaid.
”Yeah that’s what I heard. Good luck to him man, that chick is psycho.”
They then started debating about who was the hottest chick in their class, which is when I tuned out.
Naasir and Zaakira? Why did I not hear about this sooner? Thank god I didn’t see her during the day. The fact that I’m coming with Naasir to work would be just another reason for her to hate me.
Before going to bed, I checked my Facebook account. I had a new friend request… From Naasir Vawda!
I accepted the request and scrolled down his wall. Nothing very interesting.
I logged off and went to sleep.
The next day, I wore heels. If I was going to bump into Zaakira, I needed the extra confidence that the clickety-clack of high heels instantly provided.
At the office, after lunch, Farzana informed me that all six interns had to work together on a photo project. The other interns were waiting for me in the conference room.
I gingerly knocked on the conference room door. Then opened the door and went inside. Five pairs of eyes stared back at me.
Only four seemed friendly.
Three guesses who the hostile pair of blinkers belonged to.
She seemed shocked to see me.
The other interns introduced themselves. The senior intern (he had worked part-time here before, hence he was above us normal interns) was in charge.
His name was Ahmed.
And he was flipn gorgeous!
We sat around the huge table and discussed angles for the shoot. It was basically a shoot for some healthy eating recipes that were going to feature in next month’s issue.
We needed a way to make the not-so-appetizing food look divinely delicious.
We also needed a theme.
Zaakira suggested using the age-old way of using the fruit and veggies that were used in the recipes to garnish and make them more appealing.
I had a better idea.
”Let’s shoot with beach-themed props”
”That’s a terrible idea,” said Zaakira immediately (who else).
I looked at her and frowned. I was going to stay professional.
”Wait, hear me out fully. Let me explain. Everybody associates the beach with fun and good food, right? And since it’s summer, it would be perfect for the season.”
There was quiet for a while whilst everyone thought about it.
”I think you may be onto something. I’m all for the beach-theme,” said Ahmed.
It was Zaakira who frowned now.
”Anybody have any other ideas?” Ahmed questioned.
Nobody said anything.
”All in favour of the beach themed background.”
We all raised our hand except for Zaakira. Not wanting to be the only one, she reluctantly raised her hand too.
”Then it’s decided. We shall meet here tomorrow to brainstorm discuss props and layout,” said Ahmed, dismissing us.
By that time Zaakira was openly scowling at me.
As we left the conference room, Ahmed congratulated me.
”The name’s Kay, is it not? Good thinking back there.”
”Thanks, I like using my brain just as much as I like using my PC. Only difference is my brain doesn’t get viruses and crash randomly.”
He laughed. ”See you tomorrow.”
I waved and headed back to my cubicle but was intercepted by the dark queen herself.
”Kay, I need to talk to you,” she said sweetly for the benefit of those who were giving us inquisitive looks.
Sigh. I might as well get this over and done with.
She led me to the bathroom. Shut the door.
Then looked at me with narrowed eyes.
”What the hell are YOU doing here?”
”I breathe here. Oh and eat and walk and sometimes take a crap. In this very same room. Which reminds me again, why am I here – in the craproom of all places – with you? Not thinking of seducing me, are you? Cause if you are, this isn’t the most romantic of places. And sorry, but you’re not my type. I prefer the male species.”
”Oh cut the crap Kay.”
”What do you think I’m doing here? I work here! Sheesh”
”And what was that all about back there? With Ahmed? How dare you try to make me look stupid in front of him?!”
”That was me having a great idea, something you seem to know nothing about. Don’t flatter yourself Zaakira. I know this may come as a huge shock to you, but everything isn’t about you.”
”Stay away from Ahmed. I’m warning you.”
”That isn’t your call. This isn’t high school anymore. I’m not afraid of you.”
That said I spun around on my heels and walked out.
At least that was what I was aiming for.
But my heel broke.
And I went sprawling on the floor.
allthatiskay 