Who was that old man
Chapter One: Who Was That Old Man?
Setting: Rehan’s house. A pleasant, sunny morning.
Sadia: "Rehan, wake up! It’s time for college."
Rehan: "Mom, just five more minutes... I’m getting up, I promise."
Sadia: "This boy... Honestly! Hurry up, Rehan. I have to get to work as well."
Rehan (annoyed): "I’m up! I’m here, Mom. Just give me breakfast quickly; I need to get to college, I’m already running late."
Setting: Rehan arrives at college. Classes begin, and after a while, it’s break time. Rehan is at the canteen eating a burger. Suddenly...
Fahid: "What’s up, man? What are you eating? Let me have a bite too!"
Rehan: "Here we go again... a total headache. You’re always asking for something, you beggar."
Fahid: "Come on, brother, please! Just buy me one, please?"
Rehan: "Fine. Hey, give me another burger; I need to give it to this beggar here."
Setting: Later, inside the classroom.
Fahid: "Hey, Rehan! Psst... Rehan, look over here."
Rehan: "Yeah, what is it?"
Fahid: "Man, Sir Tariq is so boring. Let’s ditch this class and run."
Rehan: "Are you crazy?"
Fahid: "It’s fine, bro. Let’s just go. Sir, may I go to the restroom?"
Sir Tariq: "Restroom again? Honestly, Fahid, try focusing on your studies for once. Go, but come back quickly."
Fahid: "Yes, sir! Rehan, you come too. Hurry up, I’ll be waiting near the library."
(A short while later, Rehan slips out of class without telling the teacher. He enters the library, where he finds an old man sitting alone.)
Rehan: "Assalam-o-Alaikum. I haven’t seen you here before. Who are you?"
Old Man: "You do not know me, but I know you very well, my son. The time has finally come. I have great expectations of you."
Fahid (suddenly appearing): "Rehan! I’ve been looking for you everywhere. Where were you?"
Rehan: "Man, I was just talking to this old man here."
Fahid: "What old man? There’s no one here."
Rehan: "What? But... he was standing right there just a second ago."
Fahid: "Forget it, bro. There’s nobody there. Just come on and buy me that burger you promised."
Rehan (confused/strange tone): "Fine, I’ll buy it. It’s always me paying, anyway..."
