The phone rang again, pulling Mirshad from his thoughts. He glanced at the screen and saw his boss's name flashing. Panic washed over him; he quickly looked around the room. He was alone. The reality of being in a new environment set in—this was his first experience working under a company, and he had no idea what to expect. Anxiety gripped him as he hesitated, unsure of what to say or do.
Just as he prepared himself to answer, the call ended, leaving him momentarily relieved. But only moments later, the phone rang again. This time, he knew he had to take the call; he couldn't keep avoiding it. With a mix of fear and determination, he answered.
"Good morning!" His boss's calm voice came through, surprising Mirshad. He felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Did you forget you had work today, or are you feeling unwell?"
Mirshad swallowed hard, trying to steady his nerves. "I'm really sorry. I didn't know the working schedule, and after arriving late yesterday, I guess I was too tired to ask. I just… forgot," he admitted, his voice shaky but honest.
"Don't worry about it," his boss replied, still calm. "I just wanted to check in because I noticed everyone else has left for work. Take it easy today, rest up, and come in tomorrow at 4:30 AM with the others. We have company transport. No rush—just relax."
As the call ended, Mirshad chuckled to himself, reflecting on his imagination about what the conversation might entail. He recalled a similar situation back home where he had been late, and his previous boss had reacted with anger and harsh words. This was different—his boss had been understanding and supportive.
Realizing he didn't have to go in today, he welcomed the thought of sleeping in. He loved sleep, and the idea of snuggling back into his bed was too tempting to resist. Just as he was about to drift off, his phone buzzed again. It was his father.
"Hey, son! How's everything?" his father asked, his voice steady and reassuring.
Mirshad shared everything that had happened, from the anxious call with his boss to the relief he felt afterward. But his father's response was not what he expected. "It's okay today, but you need to understand this is not our country. We came here to work and build a future. You have to take this seriously. This is your first step."
Mirshad listened intently as his father continued, "You need to make a schedule for your life. You'll learn everything step by step, but don't lose focus. Responsibility is key."
After a thoughtful pause, his father ended the call. Mirshad sat in silence, absorbing his father's words. There was a weight to his father's advice, and it resonated deeply within him.
Next, he called his mother. Her excitement was palpable when she heard about his job. "I'm so proud of you, Mirshad! This is just the beginning. We're all excited about your future and the responsibilities that come with it."
Her happiness warmed his heart, and he felt a renewed sense of determination. He knew his father was right—he needed to take his responsibilities seriously. This new chapter in his life wasn't just about him; it was about his family and the future they were all hoping for.
With newfound resolve, Mirshad settled back into bed, feeling grateful for the support of his parents. Tomorrow would be a new day, and he was ready to embrace the challenges that lay ahead.