NAIMAT'S POV
Two days had passed since my graduation. I had already told my family about the job offer I received in South Korea. They supported me; they just wanted me to be safe and call them every day. But, as expected, my aunt was against it. Her disapproval didn't affect me, though, because I had my mother's blessings, and most importantly, I knew Allah would protect me in every step I took.
My phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, I immediately knew who it was. I answered,
"Annyeonghaseyo."
"Ne, annyeonghaseyo, Miss Iman," the personal secretary greeted.
"Yes, this is me."
"I hope you remember what we agreed upon."
"Yes, by next week, I will be working with you personally."
"I hope you received the package we sent. It contains your plane ticket, key card, apartment address, and the contract. Please read it carefully and bring the signed contract on Monday morning."
I glanced at the unopened package resting on my study table. "I won't forget."
"Have a nice day, Miss Iman. See you next week."
The call ended, and I walked over to my study table, opening the package. Just as she said, everything was there-the ticket, key card, apartment address, and the contract. I read the contract carefully. Luckily, I had learned Korean, as the entire document was written in it.
But something caught my attention.
'You should be a Christian or Buddhist and not otherwise.'
"What?!" My eyes widened in shock.
I immediately picked up my phone and called the secretary again.
"Miss Iman, do you have any concerns?" she asked.
"Yes. About the religion section-does your company only hire Buddhists and Christians?"
"Yes."
"What if I'm a Muslim?" My heart pounded in my chest.
"I'm sorry, but we cannot hire you, Miss," she said without hesitation.
Before she could say anything else, I hung up.
"Ya Allah, is this some kind of test for me?"
Her words echoed in my head.
What was I supposed to do now? I really wanted this job. I wanted to go to South Korea. After fighting through thick and thin with my aunt to prove her wrong-was this what I got in return?
'If I tell them about this, they'll be so happy and fake their sympathy.'
I sighed and decided to call Raniyah. She picked up after a few rings.
"Is everything alright, Nai?" She sounded worried.
"I'm sorry for calling, knowing you're at the university right now."
"Just tell me what's wrong."
"Can we meet in the afternoon? It's a long story. I can't explain it over the phone." I exhaled.
"Where should we meet?"
"Our regular spot."
"Alright, see you later."
"Later."
With that, I hung up. Now, I just had to wait.
---
UNKNOWN POV
"Did you send the package to Miss Iman?" I asked my personal secretary over the phone.
"Yes, sir, just as you instructed."
"Good."
I ended the call and turned to look out of the large glass window, watching the city lights.
"I can't wait to see you, Naimat Iman."
---
NAIMAT'S POV
"Nini?! You're telling me the company that hired you doesn't accept Muslims as employees?"
That was Raniyah's reaction after I told her everything.
"Yes, they don't."
"What are you going to do now?"
"I have no idea. That's why I called you."
"Hey!" she suddenly shouted.
"Did you have to be that loud, Rani?" I frowned.
"Tell me something. What exactly do they know about you?"
"They know my name is Naimat Iman Mohamed, that I'm Tanzanian, and that I recently graduated from university."
"Have they ever seen your face?"
"Just on my identification card. Nothing special."
I narrowed my eyes at her. She was acting suspicious. "What are you up to?"
She sipped on her apple juice and smirked.
"Just go and work for them."
"But-"
"I know they don't hire Muslims, but what if you hide your real identity from them? Just sign the form and leave the religion section blank."
"They'll figure it out and fire me."
"How?"
"My dress code."
"Easy. Just don't wear the hijab at work. How would they know?"
"What?! You want me to take off my hijab? Are you crazy, Raniyah?"
"I know it's a difficult choice, but you have no other option. If you want to go to South Korea and escape your toxic family members, this is your chance."
"I want to go, but my hijab is my identity, Raniyah."
"That's why you have to hide your identity at work. Outside of work, you can wear your hijab freely." She looked at my conflicted expression, took my hands in hers, and continued.
"I know you think this is wrong, but not every Muslim girl who wears a hijab truly values it. Some wear it for show, some to impress others, and some to hide their sins. But not you, Naimat. You wear your hijab because it is your identity as a Muslim. You wear it to please Allah, not people. And you value it. You are one of the true followers of Islam." She took a deep breath before adding, "And it's not always about how you look. It's about how you act."
I stared at her.
"What?" she asked.
"That's the most sensible thing you've ever said."
"I love my brain too," she grinned.
After hours of chatting, it was time to go our separate ways.
"Have you decided what you're going to do?" Raniyah asked before driving off.
I took a deep breath. "Okay."
I had made my decision