Kifayat was known for many things in school; her beauty, her intelligence, her excellent leadership skills, But there was one thing she was absolutely terrible at—sports especially running. She doesn't know why does she always tripped over while running. If there was a medal for tripping over her own shoelaces, Kifayat would have won gold.
Now, people might wonder Kifayat is already good at almost everything why she even bothered with sports. The answer was simple: determination. Kifayat had a heart as stubborn as an old mule. She believed that if she tried hard enough, she could conquer anything even the dreaded school sports day.
The annual running competition was looming, and it was Kifayat's last chance to prove her ability. She had been dead last in every race since kindergarten. Her classmates would cheer for her, not out of encouragement, but because they knew she'd provide comic relief. Kifayat was the girl who once ran into a tree during the sack race. Yes, a tree.
Every evening, Kifayat would forcefully bring all her friends out to hit the track. She ran until her lungs begged for mercy. She sprinted, jogged, and occasionally moonwalked (by accident, of course). Her best friend, Saba, Cyra and Lia would watch from the sidelines, shaking her head.
"Maybe you should consider other competition , it doesn't have to be running, right Saba?" Saba nodded and also suggested. "Or competitive napping is also your specialty."
But Kifayat was undeterred. She visualized herself crossing the finish line, not in last place, but somewhere in the middle. Maybe even second to last. She'd take it.
The whistle blew, and off they went. Kifayat's legs churned, her arms flailed, and her determination propelled her forward. She passed the first bend, then the second. She wasn't last!
As Kifayat rounded the final curve, she saw the finish line. Her breath came in ragged gasps, but she pushed harder. The girl ahead of her stumbled, and Lila surged past. She crossed the line, collapsing in a heap of neon pink and exhaustion.She was—wait for it—fourth to last! Her friends cheered like Kifayat was winning an Olympic gold.
Arbaz also laughed from the sidelines. At least this time it is not the last position.
When Kifayat opened her eyes, Everyone was there, grinning like a maniac. "You did it, Kifayat! You're not last!"
Lila grinned back. "Yeah~I'm fourth to last!"
While everyone is celebrating for Kifayat's breaking the previous record, Arbaz's friend congratulated him. "Looks like she has improved a lot. Didn't trip over this time."
Arbaz was really happy for her. "Arrange some snacks and drinks for them and tell them it's on me."
"I knew you would say this. I have already told the kids to prepare it."
The match is still ongoing.The sun blazed overhead, and the track shimmered like a mirage. Saba won the gold medal on 1500 m track as usual.
Cyra and Lia who participated in the
sack race. They hop like spring bunnies, their laughter echoing.
Kifayat joint with Saba in three-Legged Relay. They tied their legs together, stumbling toward the finish line. Thanks to their practice all along, they won the first prize.
Kifayat participated in egg and spoon dash game. She carefully balancing eggs on spoons, started walking very fast, giggling when an egg wobbles. I don't if it's luck or hard work Kifayat managed to won the third prize this time.
And finally at the hula hoop challenges she won an first prize. The hoops spin like mini suns, encircling waists and arms. She knew she have no advantage on running game, but since hula hoop challenges doesn't involve running she decided to give it a try too.
At mid day there was a break for lunch.
Students sprawl on picnic blankets, sharing sandwiches and fruit salad. The scent of sunscreen mingles with freshly cut grass.
Teachers join in, reminiscing about their own school days. Sun hats and sunglasses abound.
The temperature rises, and the sky turns robin's egg blue. There was a water balloons game for students to play. They arm themselves with water balloons.
Laughter erupts as balloons burst, drenching friends and foes alike. The grass becomes a mosaic of wet footprints.
Soon the announcement of winners were given. Saba won the most gold among the girls in schools. This time Kifayat also won two medal causing their class to win with highest number.
The sun casts a golden glow as winners step onto the podium. Medals shaped like sunbursts are draped around their necks.
But the real celebration for everyone is that they have participation medals for all, acknowledging their spirit and camaraderie.
As the day wanes, a DJ sets up near the blooming cherry tree. Students sway to summer anthems.
The principal, now in sunglasses, grooves alongside the kids. The dance floor becomes a kaleidoscope of colors.
Many parents also arrived at the scene, capturing memories on their smartphones. Kifayat's little brother was giggling and cheering for her sister all the time.
"Look at you brother- in- law. He is so energetic." Arbaz also notice the little boy. Suddenly thought of something and went to him. "Little brother, here is a juice for you."
Zarin was stunned. Although he was a little thirsty, he didn't want to take something from a stranger. Especially now his mother is not with him now as she went to the restroom.
Arbaz understood his uneasiness. "I am not a bad person, brother. Look everyone has it."
"Bad person never admits that they are bad."
"..."
At that moment, Zarin's mother, Mrs. Kiara Anjum came.
Looking at his mother-in-law first time he felt very nervous. But still pretended to be fine and said, "Auntie the seniors are treating everyone snacks and drinks. This is for you two."
"No, it's okay." Before Mrs Kiara could reject properly, Arbaz gave her the snacks and drinks and left soon saying he has to distribute it to others.
When Kifayat came to meet her mother and brother on the stadium to share her snacks, she saw both of them holding a bunch.
"Did you buy these mom. No a handsome boy came to give these to us. Said it is for everyone?"
"Well, some of our senior give us this treat if they come to visit the sports day. I thought it was only for students though."
"Your senior brothers seem generous."
"I think so too. By the way did you receive any note?"
"Note? No." Kifayat breathed a sigh of relief. It's good that man did not give any note to her parent. A few minutes ago, when the snacks was distributed, Kifayat got a note along with the snacks. Although others also got some congratulatory message it can be seen that it is perfunctory.
But hers was different. It was written by that man. Kifayat was sure he is here somewhere watching her match. Kifayat shaked her head, and said to herself, don't think about this anymore.
Arbaz who was paying attention to the movement of Kifayat, saw her cute head shaking. He gave a doting smile. "I wonder what's going on in her little head."
The sun dips low, casting long shadows.
The school bell rings, a sweet, nostalgic sound. Summer beckons, promising adventures beyond the horizon.
And so, The school sports day ends, a bridge between seasons—ends with cheers, sun-kissed cheeks, and hearts full of memories.