School's sports week started as spring gracefully transitions into summer. The air is infused with warmth, and the vibrant greenery surrounds the school grounds.
As the sun peeks over the horizon, students arrive, their faces flushed with anticipation. The schoolyard buzzes with energy.
Teachers don colorful whistles and rally the troops. Banners flutter in the breeze, showcasing team mascots—cheetahs, eagles, and dolphins.
Kifayat's class are on Eagles team. After practicing the parade, with the team she was already very tired. Kifayat is not very good at sports. Because it is their last year in school, her friends insisted she should participate one last time. Although they would say the same thing every year.
After transferring to this school Kifayat has made two outstanding records consecutively. One is her being first in the class in every exam and other is her being last in every sports meeting. Even her friends are quite surprised about the fact how she managed to get the last position every time.
That being the case, Kifayat is still very diligent in practicing. Kifayat was doing some warm up exercises with Saba while they were chitchatting about the letter event few days ago.
"Kifayat, what happened next?"
"1,2,3,4,5,6,....." Kifayat ignored Saba's question and was still counting her sit ups with flushed face.
"Kifayaaaaat, are you even listening to me?"
"You have already asked the question 100 times."
"Because you are not giving me one answer to my same one hundred questions."
"Let's just stop looking for that person. Pretend we didn't see any letters."
"Why now, we are so close to finding that person?"
"No reason." Kifayat didn't explain anything to Saba anymore. That day after reading the letter Siraj gave her, she knew that the person was there. Then she vaguely recall the figure that passed by her. It must be him.
In the letter, that person said that it is useless to ask Siraj any questions. Because he would never answer unless he agrees. The letter literally says if you want to find me, find me on your own.
As if I am very interested in finding him. Kifayat said in her heart. Since he wants me to find him, I will definitely not do that. His purpose is already very clear. He wanted to set a honey trap for me to fall. And I am never going to fall for it.
"Kifayat, why are you in a daze? Move faster."
"Yes teacher."
A day passed by just like that. The sun dips low, casting long shadows.
In a room with simple european decoration style, thick solid wood office desk, stacks of neatly stacked documents, several boys eyes were focused on their computer.
"Finally!!" The boys cheered together.
"I didn't think we would be able to finish it so soon."
Samir said sarcasticly pointing at a certain direction, "All thanks to this man who insisted on working overtime."
The man was sitting on a chair near the window holding a PC. His slender fingers were tapping the keyboards very fast. He did not pay any heed to Samir's sarcastic remarks.
"Arbaz, are you going to the school's annual sports day this year." Arbaz paused hearing the question. Before he could say anything, Samir already answered his questions.
"Does that still need to be asked. He stayed up till late at night to finish his work sooner so that he could attend the sports day."
"By the way, how long are you planning to play your cat and mouse game with her?"
"I don't know. Maybe until I am ready to meet her."
"You are still not ready yet!! What else are you preparing for? I am telling to court you her seriously without using these elementary school method."
"She is still young."
"I had two girlfriends at her age."
"Where are they now?"
"Well, that's.!!" Samir became speechless. Samir pretended to be angry and said you are as if you are going to propose to her.
"Well, you are right. Unfortunately now I can only afford a ring buffer, not a real ring."
"You really know how to make me speechless."
"Good to hear." Then both of them ignored each other.
Several others coughed listening their bickering,one flipped through documents, other one randomly scrolled through the monitor and tried their best to hold back the smiles on their lips. "Let's go to the sports day together. Haven't been there for a long time." Syed said to others mixed with some nostalgia.
Soon the final sports day came.
The principal, clad in a sunflower-yellow blazer, welcomes everyone. The school band strikes up a lively tune.
Students parade around the track, waving flags representing the changing seasons—from cherry blossoms to sunflowers.
The Olympic torch (a decorated pool noodle) is lit, symbolizing the transition from spring to summer.
The huge playground was divided into two parts, On one side it was reserved for girls and the other side was for the boys. Kifayat usually only participated in one individual game except the parade before. But this year she participated in three games. Her thoughts before registering was, whatever this is the last time I will play anyway. It doesn't matter if I lose all the games. But at least I want to break the record of getting the last position every year. Saba alone participated in three games along with the group sports. Cyra and Lia are also participating as well.
This Year their sports meeting has some additional events which were hula hoop challenge and Egg and spoon dash.
There was another exception that happened this year. That is Asif who has never participated in any game before is going to compete in the track today. Everyone in the class was surprised to see this sudden change. Lia was the most excited one.
These days she has became friend with Asif of course Kifayat, Saba and Cyra too became his friends as well. Although Asif felt a little awkward first but soon accepted their goodwill.