The Interview

That morning, Indah woke up early than usual. The faint sound of azan from the nearby surau stirred her heart. She sat up, taking a deep breath, whispering to herself, "Today is the day, Indah. First day to chase your own sustenance."

"Indah, hurry up! I'll send you there!" Farah's cheerful voice came from outside her room.

Indah smiled nervously. She wore a soft blue baju kurung and a simple scarf - nothing fancy, just neat and modest enough to give her a little confidence.

Still, her heart was racing. What if I fail? What if they don't want me?

When they arrived in front of a tall glass building, Indah froze for a moment. The glass walls reflected her own nervous face - a small-town girl standing at the edge of a big city dream.

Farah gave her a reassuring smile. "This is a big company, Indah. You can do this okay?"

Indah nodded, taking a deep breath. "Thank you, Farah Pray for me."

Inside, the lobby was filled with people in sharp corporate suits. Everyone looked busy, confident, and fast-paced. Indah felt even smaller.

At the reception counter, a polite girl smiled at her. "Good morning, may I help you?"

"I... I'm her for a job interview," Indah said softly.

"Name, please?"

"Nur Indah binti Zafran."

The receptionist checked her list, then nodded. "Please wait in the lounge. Mr. Tengku Razin will he with you shortly."

That name hit her like a thunder. Tengku Razin?

Her mind instantly replayed yesterday’s memory — the man at the terminal, his cold eyes, the aura that made her heart skip.

Minutes later, the heavy door swung open.

A tall man in a crisp white shirt walked in, every step exuding authority. His gaze was sharp, his expression unreadable.

Indah’s heart stopped. It was him. The same man.

Razin placed a file on the table, his voice calm but firm.

“Nur Indah binti Zafran?”

Indah swallowed hard, her palms sweating. “Y–yes, sir.”

“Come into my office,” he said curtly. “We’ll start the interview.”

Inside the office, the air smelled faintly of coffee and polished wood. Everything was sleek and modern — just like the man who owned the room.

Indah sat carefully on the chair, trying to steady her trembling hands.

Razin flipped through her résumé, not looking up.

“Why do you want to work here?”

The question was simple, but Indah’s throat went dry. She lowered her eyes, forcing the words out.

“I… I really need this job, sir. And I promise I’ll do my best.”

Razin looked up briefly, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

“Everyone says that. Not everyone means it.”

Indah clenched her hands in her lap. Ya Allah, please help me.

He leaned back in his chair, his tone measured.

“You applied for the position of personal assistant, right?”

“Yes, sir,” she answered softly.

“Experience?”

“I worked part-time at a clothing boutique before… and helped an online business owner manage orders,” she said honestly.

Razin raised an eyebrow. “Online business? And you think you can handle a corporate office like this? This isn’t a boutique.”

His subtle sarcasm made her cheeks flush. Still, she refused to give up.

“I can learn, sir. I’m a fast learner, and I’ll give my best effort.”

Silence filled the room. Only the ticking clock could be heard.

Finally, Razin put down his pen and looked at her directly — his gaze deep, unreadable.

“You’re brave to say that in front of me.”

Indah swallowed again. “I’m just being honest, sir.”

For a moment, Razin said nothing. Then, unexpectedly, a faint smile appeared on his lips — the kind that wasn’t warm, but… intrigued.

“I don’t like fake confidence. But I do like people who have guts.”

Indah blinked, confused. “Meaning, sir?”

“You’re hired.”

Her eyes widened. “M–me?”

“Yes,” he said, standing up and walking closer.

“But there are rules. I don’t tolerate lateness, I don’t accept excuses, and I never forgive mistakes. Understand?”

Indah’s heart pounded wildly. “Yes, sir.”

“Good. You’ll start on Monday. Sarah will show you around and brief you on your duties.”

Indah rose and bowed slightly. “Thank you, Mr. Razin.”

She turned to leave, but his low voice stopped her mid-step.

“Indah.”

She froze, surprised to hear him say her name — without the “Miss.”

When she turned, his eyes met hers.

“Don’t disappoint me.”

Her breath hitched, and she could only nod.

As she walked out of his office, her heart was still racing uncontrollably.

She didn’t know why — but every time he said her name, it felt like something deep inside her trembled.