Chapter 1
Ayesha lived a simple yet beautiful life with her small, loving family a mother who was her pillar of strength and a younger brother who never failed to bring laughter into their home. Together, they were her greatest cheerleaders.
Today was a significant day for Ayesha. It was the day the scholarship results would be announced. She and her best friend, Ameena, had worked hard to secure a chance for higher studies in Korea, their shared dream.
At Ayesha’s House
"Ammi, aaj result aane wala hai," Ayesha said, pacing back and forth in the living room. Her face was clouded with nervousness.
(Mom, today the results will come.)
Her mother chuckled softly, placing a reassuring hand on Ayesha’s shoulder.
"Toh kya hua? Sab theek hoga, in sha Allah."
(So what? Everything will be fine, in sha Allah.)
Ayesha nodded, though her worry remained. "Yes, I hope Ameena and I both pass this exam."
As her mother moved to the kitchen, Ayesha sat on the couch, lost in thought. What if we both pass? she wondered, her lips curving into a smile. The idea of living and studying in Korea felt surreal. "Maze hi maze!" she whispered to herself, giggling at the thought.
At Ameena’s House
Ameena was sitting on her prayer mat, her hands raised in dua.
"Ya Allah, please help me pass," she whispered fervently, her heart pounding with anticipation.
Just then, a loud voice interrupted her thoughts. "You passed the exam!" her sister screamed from the doorway.
Ameena blinked in disbelief. "Really?"
"Yes!" her family chorused, rushing into the room. Her parents and sister wrapped her in a flurry of hugs and congratulations.
Ameena’s eyes sparkled with joy as realization hit her. "I did it! I really did it!" she shouted, jumping with excitement. Her family’s cheers echoed through the house.
Back at Ayesha’s House
Meanwhile, tension hung in the air at Ayesha’s home. Her mother, brother, and she gathered around the laptop, ready to check the results.
"Please, Allah, pass me. Please, Allah," Ayesha murmured, her hands clenched in prayer.
Her brother, who was seated in front of the screen, suddenly turned to her with a serious face. "Ayesha, you didn’t pass. You’ll have to take the exam again."
Ayesha’s heart sank. Tears welled up in her eyes as she tried to process the disappointment.
And then, laughter filled the room.
"Yaar, I was kidding! Hehe. You passed with excellent grades! Now, be happy," her brother teased, grinning ear to ear.
"Really?!" Ayesha exclaimed, her sadness melting into a mix of joy and exasperation. "Don’t ever do that again!"
Her mother smiled warmly. "Mashallah! But what about Ameena?"
"I’ll call her right now," Ayesha said, scrambling to find her phone.
At the same time, Ameena was looking for her phone to share the good news with Ayesha. Finally, Ayesha’s call came through.
The moment they answered, both spoke at once, "Aur tumhara kya bana?"
(What about your result?)
Then again, in unison, they shouted, "Pass ho gayi!"
(Passed!)
Laughter and screams erupted as the two friends jumped in excitement, even if only virtually.
"Korea, here we come!" Ayesha exclaimed.
"Virtual hug!" Ameena said, pretending to pull Ayesha into a tight embrace through the screen.
Their laughter filled the air, their dreams finally within reach.
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