||ZAWADI||

Getting a clear view of the setting sun in the heart of the city is close to impossible. At the moment, I'm struggling to look past the huge skyscraper just to have a glimpse but to no avail. Such a bold reminder that I'm not longer at home but in the city. I have been here for two weeks now and already starting to think that maybe this wasn't the best idea after all.

That should be running away from an unfavourable home in search for better pastures. I thought I would have a new life here and a smooth one as well but I don't think that will be happening any time soon. Especially not for an inexperienced lady like me with no supportive background or connections to help me find a job. Seemingly, things will be much harder than I had previously concluded.

Talking of connections though, I think I have a way. Kes, short for Keseli, my best friend and host. She told me she would speak to someone about my jobless situation and see if he can help. I hope that she did talk to him and found a solution. It doesn't matter how long it will last as long as it is a solution. If not, I will have to be patient and hold on a little longer. Well, even if staying home doing nothing is boring and makes you feel like a burden.

I hear the front door click open. Finally, she is home. My anxiety was almost getting the best of me. I close the balcony door and saunter into the house, heading for the living room of her one-bedroom apartment. It's not as huge as I would have imagined but the rooms are fairly spacious. That too, it has an affordable rent for a waitress working with Five Star Hotels. Her living room is adorned with black and white comfy couches from end to end. A modern black wooden table below the forty-inch screen fixed on the wall.

Additionally, three brown bean bags lie beautifully on her grey carpet. She likes to use them when watching. On her white walls are pictures of her, her parents and boyfriend, Jason. There are two paintings of her as well. One shows her in her graduation gown, with a huge smile on her face. The other one shows an upclose of her beautiful face. The painter has to be extremely talented as he captured every single detail of it.

Jason. He is a man created for the magazines and periodicals. One with a face for a mirror. He is a literal picture of the tall, dark chocolate and handsome. I like him despite my loathe towards the entire male species. As for Kes, she loves him with an intensity I do not and will never understand. She also trusts him with at least every bit of her soul, heart, body and mind. How she is able to do that, is as said, still a huge mystery to me.

Perhaps being brought up by a man who treasures her like she is the only reason he has to keep on living is the secret. Her dad loves her dearly and acknowledges her as his one and only child. His immense love for her must be the reason why she has a perfect picture of the damned male species. She is lucky to have seen that beautiful side of them. She wouldn't want to see the opposite. The one I have seen for nearly all of my life. It is ugly. Probably, it would make her sick.

Nevertheless, she has settled herself on the couch. Alongside her purse, beside her, is a shopping bag smelling of edibles. Immediately, my eyes bore into hers. They are sparkling with happiness. Of course, she has been out with him again. She always looks for chances to spend time with him. Both have tight schedules during the week and sneaking in through free periods is their only choice and chance at being together. Sometimes late in the evening or at night.

She makes it easy to wish for a man like that for myself. Though I dare not. I am sure one doesn't find such men anywhere and at anytime. There probably has to be a specific timing and place. Looking or waiting would be a task. Who knows how tedious or hopeless it be? Perhaps waiting is considerable. At least to those who are hopeful. To those of my caliber who do not wish to be associated with this other gender, then, never waiting is much preferable. After all, to me, life without men is much easier. I've already experienced enough in their hands to wish for anymore experiences where they are concerned.

"How have you been? Any good news today?" I ask sitting on the couch next to her.

"I do have news. But I don't think it's the best news. Jason can hire you as a waitress--" she responds, getting a card from her purse.

My face lights at the newfound hope. A job as a waitress. That's something in the city. Something huge for me. Despite knowing her man for some time now, I still have no idea what he exactly does for a living. All I know is that he is a businessman. He might as well be a serial killer, and I might be employed as his personal secretary. That would be quite a situation. Anyway, asking all about it felt too inquisitive for me.

"Well, that's great," I happily say. 

Her face is turns into an unreadable one for a few seconds. Her eyes then look lost, as if in her mind, she has gone somewhere back in time. Once she returns home, she eyes me with a slight twist of her mouth. Oops. Things are not as good as I may think. I should have let her finish talking first before opening my mouth. Now it feels like I'm awaiting an impending disappointment. Please let not be too much to handle.

"Uh-um, it's a job to work in this club that is uptown. I don't think it's the best job. Especially for you. However, for now, I would advise you to take it. The pay is good and guaranteed. Though only if you are okay with it. I would not want you to do it if you are not comfortable," she explains. "Working in a club, especially that one, is not going to be easy. Though if you are comfortable, you can give it a shot."

I believe I would be a fool to pass up the opportunity. It does not matter how uncomfortable it may feel or somewhat scary it may sound. I am a grown woman who can brave all the odds that come along with the job. I have braved worse and I believe I can brave the worst as well. It will not be easy, but I will do it. I will take the opportunity. What's more, coming to this enormous city marked the beginning of my new life. A life where I do not need or have to fear or feel vulnerable all the time.

"I will take the offer. Beggars can't be choosers. I can't sit here and start making a list of suitable and unsuitable jobs for me. You do know how hard it is for an inexperienced person like me to get a job. That too, a decent one that fits my comfort zone. It might be challenging at the beginning but it does not matter. I'm giving it a shot." I tell her.

She looks at me keenly. She is trying to figure out if I have been possessed by some alien spirit or not. Typical Kes would expect me to turn down the offer. That was probably why she was hesitant to tell e about it at first. A fearful and intimidated me would turn it down. However, I no longer wish to be that woman anymore. It is changing times.

"Are you sure?" she asks for clarification with a concerned face.

"Very," I clarify. 

She smiles broadly. She likes it when I am trying to mend my broken self. When I try to go out of my shell to do things that I haven't done before. She calls that daring. It does not matter if the task is small or huge huge. As long as I have attempted to do it.

"It's an opulent club. You know the type of people who swing by such a club. Some will drain all their arrogance on you. Others will keep poking their eyes into your chest. While others will want to work their way into your pants. Other will want to lord over you as you will just be a mere waitress to them. However, do not dare let them have their way. Show them who is boss. In case things get out of hand or you feel uncomfortable, just tell me. I will handle it. And don't you dare think of keeping it to yourself. If you do that and I find out, you should be ready to embrace the streets," she says in a serious tone.

"Yes, ma'am," I grumble in response. 

Her chocolate face smiles genuinely. Luck must have struck me somewhere in my life to deserve such a best friend. I'm always grateful.

"Good girl," she pricks my nose, making me smile.

"Thank you," I pull her into an embrace. 

Tears threaten their way out as soon as I place my face in the crook of her neck. So far, I owe her everything. She has been my pillar and will continue being until I'm on my feet. Not to mention steady.

"Don't mention it," she says withdrawing from our embrace. I wipe the tear that slipped from my eye and smile.

"Okay. I'm hungry. What is in here?" I ask poking my nose into the shopping bag.

"Food. Take out."

"Smells delicious," I say. She smiles as she fishes the food out of the bag. "I can see that you were out with him again," I tease her.

"Indeed I was," she says smiling. Almost shyly.

"You two are the perfect picture of-" she interrupts me.

"Romeo and Juliet?" she asks.

"No!" I vigorously shake my head. "They both died in the end. Well, let's see..." I pretend to think. She waits patiently. "How about Mariam-uz-Zamani and Akbar the Great?"

"Well, it does suit. The perfect love tale. It's a truly awesome tale but of Indian culture. You should have come up with a native one."

"If you insist, there is Tom Mboya and Pamela," I state with a smile.

"Seems like you should have studied history instead. You would make a beautiful and great anthropologist. You'd probably even be working with an NGO right now," she jokes.

"If only wishes were horses," I laugh lightly.

☆☆☆☆

The sun shines through the window into the kitchen. Mornings in the city are very noisy due to the busy streets and roads below. A total contrast to mornings at home. They are tranquil. Sunrise always found me sitting behind our house or on the rooftop. Often contemplating my life. Specifically, my future. Always wondering what it would turn out to be. Many a time, it looks clouded, shadowed and even darkened. The few times it looked bright, a tear trickled down my cheek as a shred of hope etched itself in my sunken heart.

I was up early. I couldn't sleep much with the interview being today. I have repeating one line after the other as I prepare for it. Failing is not an option. Hence, I have to be ready. This whole idea of getting a job is exciting but also making me anxious. I said that I would take the opportunity but I didn't think about the part where, saying it is much easier than doing it, when making that decision. It's dawning on me now and it's somewhat overwhelming. Ugh. I wish Kes was still here to help with out a little. She normally leaves as early as seven for her job. Before she left, she wished me luck. Though I doubt I need it. I need something more than that. Perhaps the assurance that I will be okay. That I can do it. Oh goodness.

"Be strong, Zawadi. You can do this. Nothing new that can't be learnt," my subconscious voice consoles me. Bravely, I decide to agree with it. I can do it. It cannot be that difficult once I learn the basics.

☆☆☆☆

Catchers. That is the name of the club. It looks very fancy from outside. Luxurious and expensive as well. Kes was right. This is not just any other club. It might as well be considered a casino. I make my way through the kempt lawn towards the entrance. The lobby is scattered. Just a few people peeling in and out. Some are buying take away drinks at the small bar across the lobby.

Others seem to be workers, standers-by and regulars busying themselves with their courses. It is quite ironic imagining that serenity being harbored now will be nowhere to be felt when dusk falls. Then, people will flock the place. Loud music will be played and shouts and screams of people partying the night away will be the case.

I gather enough courage to go speak to the man working at the bar. He is working on mixing different drinks on the counter. Two ladies seem to be waiting for him to complete the task and take whatever it is that he is making with them. As expected, the scrutinize me a what feels like an hour. I am not dressed exotically as they are.

The taller and lighter one is in faded blue jeans booty shorts, a white jersey and heeled knee-high boots . The other one is in a cream dress that fits her like her second skin. Too short as well. In her legs, she has silver stilettos with straps laced up her leg.

On the other hand, I'm wearing black soft jeans and a pink shirt. Neatly tucked in and fastened with a DG belt. It was a gift from Kes. In my legs, I'm sporting white sneakers. A simple look, I would conclude.

"Good afternoon miss, how can I help you?" The gentleman asks me as he hands the mixed drinks to the ladies.

"Good afternoon, I'm looking for the main entrance to the club," I say.

"You are new, I see. Follow that hallway," he points to a hallway a few meters away. "To the right, you'll see a flight of stairs. The club is on first floor. The entrance door is quite huge and has a placard. You won't miss it."

"Thank you," I respond. He nods with a smile and goes back to his work.

I saunter towards the said hallway, clutching on my purse since I'm starting to grow nervous. The staircase seems user friendly. They are not steep or high. There is also a bank of elevators several feet away. I suppose one only requires them when in need of higher floors.

With each  step I take, nervousness increases. Hopefully I will not chicken out. Before nervousness cripples me, I send Jason a quick text message to let him know I've arrived. I am on first floor. Besides the entrance to the club that seems to be playing soft music, there is a long hallway that leads to probably another staircase. 

It is not even a minute later when the elevator dings open behind me and Jason steps out. He cleans up nicely I might say. He is in grey jeans, black boots and whit turtle neck tucked under his jeans. He smiles upon seeing me. I smile too. Thankfully, the light air between us wipes away a significant amount of nervousness.

"Welcome, Zawadi," he saunters towards me and pulls me into a quick unexpected hug.

"Thank you," I respond. 

"Let's talk in my office please," he says, his hand to motioning towards the elevator.

I walk towards it. He falls in step as well. He dings it open and we step in. Once the elevator closes, we head up to floor number three. Let it be known to the world that this is the first time I have used an elevator. It is such a privilege, I might say. To some, it may sound a ridiculous thing to say but to me it is not. With time, it might be though. Who knows?

"Kes told me you need a job," He enquires in a serious tone as we head towards his office in yet another hallway.

Along this hallway, there seems to be rooms with numbers. They must be lodging or guests rooms. Finally, at the end of the hallway, he opens a door that opens up to his spacious, serene and expensive looking office.

"Yes, I am" I respond to the question he asked a minute earlier.

Nervousness is quickly growing inside me. He takes a seat on his executive chair. Of course, he is the manager of the club. It is indicated on his desk. If that doesn't make me more nervous then I do not know. He ushers me a seat at the smaller executive chair across his table. Diligently, I take it and work on maintaining my composure.

"What type of job?" he asks. 

Goodness gracious. I thought he knew it. I totally did not expect this.

"A waitress?" I hate that it came out as a question. More nervousness.

"Any experience?" He asks his brows raised tight.

"No. I haven't worked as a waitress before. Although I can assure you that I will have no hard time adjusting."

At this rate, my fingers are going to hurt so bad from thorough tugging. I need to calm down.

"Okay, it's no big deal. I'll have Sheila help you out." He says sweetly. Thank goodness I will have some guide.

He grabs the office phone, dials a number and requests Sheila's presence in his office.

"Thank you," I appreciate after he is done with the call.

"You are welcome. Let me know when you experience any difficulties with the work or inconveniences."

"I will for sure," I assure him.

A moment later, a lady in a tight black skirt reaching high around her thighs, a white turtleneck shirt and probably six-inch heels walks into the office.

"Sir, you called for me," she enquires with an obligatory smile.

"Yes. Sheila, this is Zawadi," he says, directing his hand to me, "and Zawadi this is Sheila. I want you to show her around. Make sure she gets everything she needs. She is in your department." She nods at his low commands. She respects him. After all, he is the boss. She is entitled to it.

"Sure, sir. You can count on it," she says with a sincere nod.

"Good. Zawadi, you can join her. I'll see you around." Jason says to me. I smile and nod.

I join Sheila on our way out. She is quite talkative. She tells me everything I need to know about the club, the people, their expectations as we walk through the hallway. What they like and enjoy. What they hate and dread. She is making it look easy to work here. Instead of taking the elevator down, we take the stairs.

She tells more on the way. On second floor, we have the staff locker rooms and some private facilities like celebratory rooms. We head over to the ladies locker room which is secured with double doors. There are a few other ladies in there to whom she quickly introduces me to. Some, as I hear, are off their shifts. Others rare just coming in for theirs.

While a friendly lady who goes by the name Winnie is telling me about night shifts, Sheila walks to a room at the other side locker room that is locked a smart lock. She swipes her card and unlocks the door before  disappearing inside. Technological advances will never seize to amaze me. A few minutes later, she walk out with a package. It's my new uniform. Three sets, all with different colors.

She requests me to buy shoes of my liking. But they have to be heels. Sexy heels for the addition of points. Six-inch heels are just so tall I wonder if at all I'll be able to walk in them. Probably, I'll need to train before my shifts starts at four in the evening to ten at night. It's indicated on the schedule Jason sent to me on the phone a while ago. Sheila tells me the specific days each set of uniform is supposed to be worn. Tomorrow, I should be in a black skater skirt, an iris purple top and black stilettos. I will need to pass by a shoe store once I leave here.

Once we are done with the introductions and formalities, it's already six in the evening. The club is flocking with people. Almost deafening music is booming in it. The lighting is no longer bright. It is neon pink. The night is just starting for these people. it is either going to be a long or short one for each. It will all depend on their choices tonight. Nevertheless, they should enjoy themselves for however long they wish.