The morning sun streamed through Aliza's window, casting a warm glow in her room. The previous night's conversation with Major Hamza replayed in her mind as she got ready for the day. His laughter and the banter they shared lingered in her thoughts, providing a comforting distraction from the pain of losing Adil. But today, she felt a renewed sense of purpose.
At the breakfast table, her mother read the newspaper while her younger sister, Aaliya, excitedly discussed her plans for the day. Aliza poured herself a cup of tea, her eyes scanning the headlines and advertisements. Suddenly, her mother's voice broke through her thoughts.
"Aliza! Have you seen today's newspaper?"
Aliza looked up, curiosity piqued. "No, Mama. Is there any important news?"
"Yes, dear. There are some great job opportunities in this newspaper that align with your dreams," her mother replied, pointing to a column.
Aliza's heart raced as she leaned closer to the paper. A job at SUPARCO as a Satellite Navigator caught her eye. This was more than just a job; it was a chance to follow her passion for space and technology. "Mama, look at this! I think this is the best opportunity for me. I want to apply for this job, but I have to go to Rawalpindi for it," she exclaimed, her excitement palpable.
Her mother smiled warmly. "You can definitely apply. Don't worry about home; we'll manage."
As Aliza gathered her thoughts, a pang of worry hit her. "But I'm a little worried about Aaliya. She can be quite a handful."
Her mother laughed, the sound brightening the room. "You don't need to worry about her. I know exactly how to handle her."
Feeling encouraged, Aliza quickly went through the application process. She collected her academic documents and meticulously crafted a cover letter that highlighted her skills and passion for satellite navigation. Her heart raced with anticipation as she sealed the envelope, sending her application off to the recruitment center.
---
A Few Days Later
Aliza sat in her room, her fingers nervously tapping on her desk as she awaited news from SUPARCO. Every ring of her phone made her heart skip a beat, hoping it would be the call she had been waiting for. She had shared her excitement about the job with Ayeza and Fahad, who were both recovering well from their injuries. Their encouraging words fueled her determination.
Suddenly, her phone rang. It was an unknown number, and her heart raced. She took a deep breath and answered. "Assalam o Alaikum."
"Wa Alaikum Assalam. Is this Aliza?" a professional voice inquired.
"Yes, it is!" she replied, her pulse quickening.
"Congratulations! You have been shortlisted for an interview for the position of Satellite Navigator at SUPARCO. We would like to invite you for an interview next week."
Aliza's heart soared. "Thank you so much! I'm really excited about this opportunity."
"Great! We look forward to meeting you. We'll send you the details via email. Have a wonderful day!"
After hanging up, Aliza jumped up in excitement. She couldn't believe it—she had a chance to pursue her dreams. She rushed downstairs, her mind racing with thoughts of preparation.
"Mama! I got an interview at SUPARCO!" she shouted, her eyes sparkling with joy.
Her mother beamed, embracing her tightly. "I knew you could do it! We'll prepare together. You'll shine!"
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A Week Later
The day of the interview arrived, and Aliza stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her blazer and smoothing her hair. Her mother's encouraging words echoed in her mind, and she felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. She remembered her late father's advice about staying confident and believing in herself.
The journey to Rawalpindi felt surreal. Aliza couldn't shake off the anxious thoughts swirling in her mind. What if they didn't like her? What if she wasn't good enough? But then she remembered the supportive words from Major Hamza, Ayeza, and Fahad, reminding her that she had worked hard for this moment.
Upon arriving at SUPARCO, she was greeted by a team of friendly interviewers who made her feel at ease. The questions flowed naturally as she spoke passionately about her aspirations, her studies, and her vision for the future of satellite navigation. With each passing moment, her confidence grew, and she could feel the excitement bubbling inside her.
As the interview concluded, Aliza left the building feeling accomplished. Regardless of the outcome, she had given her best, and that was what mattered most.
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Back Home
Aliza shared the news with her family and friends. "The interview went well! I feel positive about it!"
Ayeza and Fahad were thrilled. "We always knew you'd make it, Aliza!" Fahad exclaimed, his enthusiasm infectious.
"Just wait until you get that offer letter!" Ayeza chimed in. "We'll celebrate!"
In the days that followed, Aliza focused on her preparations for the upcoming months, eager for whatever lay ahead. She poured herself into her studies and worked hard to stay connected with her friends, finding solace in their shared experiences. As she navigated the complexities of her emotions and aspirations, she felt a growing sense of hope.
---
One evening, as she sat down to reflect on her journey, Aliza picked up her phone to call Major Hamza. She needed to share her progress and seek his advice. "Assalam o Alaikum," she greeted.
"Wa Alaikum Assalam! Aliza, how are you?" he replied, his voice warm and familiar.
"I'm great! I just had an interview with SUPARCO, and I feel really positive about it!" she said excitedly.
"Alhamdulillah! I knew you would do well. You have the passion and the drive," he encouraged.
"Thank you! Your support means a lot. I'm just focusing on doing my best."
"Just remember, whatever happens, keep pursuing your dreams. You're destined for greatness."
As they talked, Aliza felt a sense of connection that she had been longing for. In this moment, she realized that with every challenge, there came a path of opportunity. Her journey was only just beginning, and she was ready to embrace whatever lay ahead.
---
With her heart full of hope and determination, Aliza closed her eyes and envisioned her future—a future where she would navigate the stars, following her dreams and honoring the memory of those she had lost along the way.