LOVE THE EXPATRIATE

1. Arrive in Jakarta

 

Synopsis

Edward is a British expatriate who works in Indonesia. He had an unattached relationship with Mikaila, a Russian foreign worker. When the man met Sarah, a devout Muslim girl, he immediately fell in love and decided to convert.

But, when he had come to know Islam and found values in its sanctity, there arose an inner war within him. Will continue to walk with the resplendent Sarah or remain on Mikaila's fragile side.

 

Jakarta, 2014

Edward corrected his seat shortly after the co-pilot announced from the cockpit that they would soon land at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. He turned to the watch in his left hand which showed at 13.45 WIB. The two-hour journey from Hanoi and transit in Singapore was quite tiring for the man. Moments later the plane had landed and started to slow down, eventually stopping. Edward immediately put on his suit and got ready to get off after the plane door was opened.

Jakarta weather is very clear. The sun shone with a blazing make Edward speed up his steps into terminal 2 airport. Along with other passengers, the man was directed to the overseas arrivals section.

After his passport and visa were checked by immigration officials thirty minutes ago, Edward is now sitting in the lobby. Disable the flying mode on his smartphone to contact the person who will pick him up.

“Halo Mr. Adrian, I have arrived in Indonesia. I'm waiting for you in the airport lobby. Whahuh? Yep! Yes, I understand. I'm waiting for you. Thank you.” he said end the call.

Edward was told that the car that was going to pick him up was late because it was stuck in traffic. The man already knew Jakarta's reputation for congestion. Edward once read in an economics journal that there were hundreds of four-wheelers sold in the country every day, and nearly half of that in the city. Millions of vehicles have taken control of Jakarta's streets.

And Edward is in town now. He will occupy the position of grandmanager, replacing Mrs. Elena moved to Spain. He will oversee nine outlets in seven cities under the Indonesian flag of Zafora and is part of the International Zafora network. Zafora is a Swedish brand that specializes in skin care and women's clothing.

Edward began his career with the brand six years ago, as a fashion analyst and supervisor in London. Two years ago, he debuted as a grandmanager in Vietnam.

And now he feels, serving in Indonesia is an advancement in his career. He was amazed by the birthplace of his grandparents who were very broad and diverse cultures. And of course Jakarta has transformed into a new megapolitan city.

Half an hour later, the car arrived. A man wearing a blazer got out of the car immediately. He rushed into the main lobby and saw his eyes looking around. His smile instantly expanded when the man saw Edward's whereabouts. He walked straight to the man's place.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Edward Anderson. Welcome to Indonesia.”

Edward looked up and stood up.

“Include, I'm Adrian, your assistant.” said the man back while reaching out.

“Thank you. Nice to meet you, Mr. Adrian.” Edward returned his hand.

“I'm sorry if it makes you have to wait a long time. Let's go.” take him while carrying one suitcase owned by Edward to the parking area.

 

Terrains

Sarah is serving a woman who consults about their skin care products. He carefully examined the back of the customer's hand with a scan tool to determine the type of skin he had.

Then the woman's hand tried to smear it with a moisturizing cream that she held.

“Mbakya has skin that tends to dry. This type of skin is very susceptible to sunlight, wind, and dry air.”

“If it is allowed to continue, then the risk of the skin will be dull and scaly. If you are outdoors or in a refrigerated room, you should use a moisturizing cream.” His message ended his banishment.

“Good Ma'am, we first observe fifteen minutes yes. If there is no reaction, then Mbak can use Zafora products. We have a treatment package according to the skin type. Mbak will get scrubs, moisturizing creams, sunscreens, as well as whitening creams.” Sarah smiled.

“Thank you, Sister Sarah.” said the customer glanced at the name bed on the chest of the girl.

“Sama-sama Ma'am. I live first yes. Next, Mbak will be explained by my friend.” said Sarah while gesturing to her partner who was replied with a nod.

Sarah has been working at the Zafora outlet for over a year. As a beauty analyst, her job is to determine which products are appropriate for the customer. There are no holidays. He works seven days a week. But he only worked for six hours a day. So actually the girl is more fortunate, than other employees who have holidays on Sundays, but the workload is up to eight hours a day. Even so, he still gets a leave of absence every month.

Sarah's headed to the locker room. He corrected the position of his veil slightly in front of the mirror. After looking neat, he immediately headed to Pak Purnomo's room. His manager told him to face when he finished serving customers.

“Assallamoallaikum.” he said greeting while opening the door.

“Wallaikumsallam's chat. Please sit down, Sarah.” said Mr. Purnomo.

“What's up, Sir?”

“You know for sure that Mrs. Elena moved to Spain last week?” the manager asked back.

“Yes, Sir. I already know.”

“And today his successor, Mr. Edward Anderson has left for Jakarta. It is certain that in these weeks he will visit all branch outlets. And it could be our outlet is the first.” explained Mr. Purnomo.

“So how, Sir?” ask the girl doubt.

Actually the boss just wants to notify the arrival of the new grandmanager or there is a disguised order?

“As a beauty analyst, you have a big task here. I'm asking for a breefing with your team. Also the revised reporting is still wrong. I want us to be able to show a good performance in front of him."

Sarah just nodded.

"Okay, anything to ask?”

“God willing, Sir. Currently there is no.” Sarah answered.

“Good. Then please return to duty.” said Mr. Purnomo.

The girl asked permission. Arriving at the outlet, he opened his dress which from earlier alerted the sound of the notification. There are some incoming messages. But he was interested to open a message first from the WhatsA group of Zafora employees in Indonesia.

The new big boss has landed in Jakarta. Be careful, he said, the guy is more horror than Madam Elena.

Sarah just smiled reading a message sent by one of her coworkers from Zafora Bandung. It seems like everyone is talking about the new boss. He canceled checking other notifications because it appeared two women came to enter the outlet. The girl immediately kept her gawai and greeted them. O Allah, ease all that is my business, pray in your heart.

 

.