The Primadona Malam

Don't Give Up

Niram's mouth was gaping wide after hearing the request of the HRD staff who were interviewing him.

Remove veil? How could he possibly let go of his veil for the sake of a job. Since childhood, Niram's life has been thick with religion.

His mother had always provided religious education since Niram was still in the womb. Every time after prayer, Halimah always recites the holy verses of the Qur'an while rubbing her large belly. He always chants shalawat as a sleep-conducting song Little Niram.

Stepping on the age of children, every night, Niram always went to a surau near the house. In fact, every Friday after dzuhur, Niram always followed the study with his mother in the village mosque.

Since puberty, Niram has always tried to cover his aura. So, why should he open his veil when he wants to work?

Should I sell my faith? inner Niram shuddered in horror.

"We will provide a salary above the minimum income wage. We will also offer bonuses and benefits. How's Niram, can you take your veil off and be a part of this office?" added the male staff wearing navy-colored shirts.

"Sorry, Sir. I would never sell my faith just to get a job. Excuse me!" concluded Niram while moving from his seat.

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Halim goes to the pantry to make black coffee. The new time shows at 11 pm. only one hour left before the break takes place. However, somehow Halim's eyes can not be invited to compromise. It feels so sleepy.

"Bang Halim!" call Ega, one of the senior OGs in the office where he works.

Halim who was stirring her black coffee, immediately turned her head. He saw a thick-bodied woman approaching him.

"Yes, what's wrong?" ask Halim.

"Kata mas Sandi, in his office there are job vacancies. But for cleaning service, how? Is his nephew Bang Halim interested?" ask Egga again.

"Cleaning service, huh?" reset Halim. "Yes, I will try to ask Niram first, Ga," replied Halim.

"Yes, Bang. If indeed his nephew is willing, tomorrow can just come to his office. Mas Sandi said, tomorrow has started the interview," continued Egga.

"Ready, Ga. Later that night, Abang informed his decision," Halim replied.

"Yes, then Egga works again, Bang," said Egga.

"okay!"

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Niram came out with my face, making Magdalene suddenly approach him.

"Where, Ram? Are you accepted?" ask Magdalena.

Niram shook his head while speaking softly. "What you said, it's true Len."

"You mean?" magdalene asked, frowning.

"They did praise the value of my achievements. They even said they were very impressed with every answer I gave them. Therefore, they immediately offered me a job with a salary above the minimum wage. Not only that, they also offered me bonuses and perks. It's just ..." Niram paused his sentence.

Magdalene was intrigued by Niram's pausing attitude. His brow was also increasingly wrinkled with such great curiosity.

"Just what, Ram?" ask Magdalena.

"Only, I must remove my veil, Len," replied Niram, shrivelling.

Niram just smiled faintly. "Is physical appearance the main thing when it comes to finding a job, Len?" asked Niram, curious.

"As far as I can see, it's like that, Ram. In fact, face and physical appearance are top priorities for getting a job" Magdalena said.

Niram smiled back. He also remembered that he had not known the results of his new friend's interview.

"By the way, what's your interview, Len? Are you accepted?" ask Niram.

"As usual ... zonk!" magdalene answered with a laugh.

Magdalene's laughter was so crisp. It was as if the rejection of the job he had just received, did not become a burden to him.

"You're laughing, Len. You should be sad because your application is rejected, but you don't seem to look too grim at all" said Niram, astonished.

"Oh, come on Niram .. Life is too short to be sad and moping. After all, this isn't the first time I've been rejected in applying for a job. My IQ's a bitch, Ram. So I'm very prepared for the possibilities. Let's just say, there's no sustenance yet" said Magdalena.

Niram smiled faintly. Hmm, it is true what his new best friend said. Life is too short for sadness.

"Yes already, Yuk!" take Magdalena and draw Niram's hand.

"Eh, where are you going?" niram asked, surprised.

"Don't give up, Ram. We're looking for more jobs around here. Who knew there was a provision" said Magdalene again pulled Niram's hand so that the girl walked after him.

Niram's smile instantly expanded upon hearing the words of the friend he had just met.

Yeah, don't get discouraged. The saying goes, the world is not as wide as the leaves of moringa. That's why I can't give up looking for a job. After all, this was only the first time I had experienced rejection. Hmm, not rejection, exactly refusing. It might hurt, but nothing compared to the experience of Lena, the inner Niram.

The two friends came out of the printing office. With a joke, they went down the sidewalk and occasionally glanced towards the multi-storey buildings to look for a notice board that read No Jobs' Vacancies'.

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"Where are your men?!" shouted a bald man wearing all-black clothes while shaking his waist.

"U-for what is my brother asking?" Instead of answering, Imas asked the bald man back.

"Ish, use it again?" grumbled the bald man, "it's a sure thing to collect your debt with him. Ngmean no?" his yell.

"Aih, free also Brother said the same Imas man, anyway he will not pay the debt of Imas. He's, 'cake kere!" teasing Imas for her own husband.

"Cih, already know he kere. Why also you pay money with Boss Engkong? Basic do not know yourself. Who wants to pay your debt now, huh?" yelled the man.

"Yes-yes, it's Imas who paid. Please tell boss Engkong, Imas ask for more time a week or two, "Imas replied.

"Enak you said. You asked for more than a week. Anyway, right now, you pay your debt. If you don't, I'll samperin your man and say that you have a debt to Boss Engkong. Meaning you!"

"But now Imas has no money, Bang. Two days! Love two days to find money. After the money was there, Imas sentar directly to the house of Boss Engkong. Yes, Bang .." pinta Imas clenched his hands together.

"Ck, just bother!" The bald man clucked in annoyance. "Well, two days, and no more!" emphatically.

"Okay, two days. Promise!" repeat Imas while pointing the middle finger and index finger.

After hearing the promise of Imas, the creepy tall bald man went from the front of Halim's rented house.

Niram who saw the incident, immediately linked his two eyebrows. Is it possible that Aunt Imas was in debt behind uncle Halim?