The sun bathed the school courtyard in a golden glow, casting elongated shadows across the pavement. Just like any other normal day Kifayat went to school like a routine work.
But after entering the classroom Kifayat felt something off.
Her friends Lia, Cyra, Saba were acting over friendly with her. They kept smiling while talking, didn't even refute her when she said something against them. Kifayat's suspicion grew more and more. "What are they upto? Did they do something behind my back?" Kifayat tried remembering if she saw anything strange since morning.
Feeling everything is as usual she thinks, then what did they want from her?
But she decided to stay silent, to see how long they can wait to tell the truth.
During lunch, Lia, the president of the school drama club, leaned in closer to Kifayat. Her eyes darted around, as if sharing a state secret. "Kifayat, I have something to tell you." she began, "you know our school's cultural event is approaching, right?"
Kifayat nodded, her curiosity piqued. "Of course. I'm hosting the event."
Kifayat thought it's not a secret though, why is she acting so cautiously. "Just tell me, what's going on in your mind."
Lia hesitated, then blurted out, "We're putting on plays to celebrate! But here's the thing, we're short one performer."
"So?! Do you want me to help you find an actor?" Kifayat asked confusedly.
"NO! I am asking you to perform!!"
Kifayat's straight denied. "My dear Lia, you know I am the host, right. I will be very busy that day. Besides how can I perform? I have never acted in a drama before." She wasn't an actress.
Kifayat remembered that the last time, when Lia's drama club performed on stage, the actor forgot lines and started crying on stage. Kifayat doesn't want to be a joke on stage like that. So she preferred being the host of the event.
Lia's eyes became teary. "Wuuuu!!!You are the same as them. You also think this time our performance will not succeed. So you are denying my request. Woohoo~" Lia started sulking.
Kifayat felt a little guilty. "It's not because of that really. I really appreciate the offer, but I'm not cut out for acting, I think" she said.
Cyra denied, "Who says. I have never seen someone who can pretend as well as you. You can tell lies out battling your eyes."
Kifayat was speechless. "Are you complimenting me or insulting me?"
"Haha, it's a compliment."
Then Lia pleaded again. "Kifayat, you're our only hope. We need someone to play that role."
Kifayat's mind raced. It's hard for her to deny her bestfriends request.
She thought of her schedule of that day. She will be hosting the event jointly with another partner. Maybe she can squeeze some time in the middle.
"Okay. I agree. What role do I need to play? Don't give me something complicated. Especially it's better if I am not the protago....." Kifayat could not finish her full sentence.
Lia blurted out excitely," You will play the protagonist!"
"Huh, The protagonist?" Kifayat sighed. What could she expect?
"What's the play?" she asked cautiously.
Lia grinned. "It is Cinderella."
Kifayat assumed it would be snow white or Cinderella, or some kind of classic fairy tale just like before. "Don't you think it's better to play something more meaningful like some historical events type of story."
"Of course, We will have two dramas. One is serious and other is not serious. Everyone need some entertainment in their life. And fairy tales are a perfect escape from these boring life."
Kifayat looked at Lia who was glowing while describing her favorite topic. Lia keep explaining how her heart fluttered watching the movie.
"You know, Kifayat, it's such a old story but people'd always loved the story, the glass slipper, the magical transformation, and the enchanting ball."
Kifayat smiled. Lia always liked this type of story. Although Kifayat is quite embarrassed to play. Anyway as long as Lia is happy.
"Then did everyone in your club agreed to let me play the Cinderella?" Kifayat casually asked.
The three of them became silent.
"What's wrong?"
"That... Kifayat you are not Cinderella..."
"Didn't you just say..?"
But then Lia dropped the bombshell, "You'll be playing the prince."
Kifayat's jaw dropped. "The prince?! Seriously?"
"Yeah.~"
"And how did you think of that idea? Do you not have any boy in your drama club?"
"But they are not as good looking as you. And the good looking one's are not interested in playing the prince. So you are our last resort."
"Everyone agreed?"
"Yeah, we did voting to select the prince candidate. And congratulations you won with the highest number of votes."
"Should I thank you? Well wait a minute. Since you said everyone thinks I am suitable for playing the prince, does that mean I look like a boyyy!!"
"Yeah. No, no we mean you are very handsome. Although you are not very strong. You always protect our class from the teacher and help us when we need. That's very attractive."
Kifayat felt flattered. Finally convinced she said, "Okay. I will do it."
"Then who is the Cinderella? Don't tell me it's a boy?"
"No, Cinderella is a girl."
"Then whom did you select as Cinderella?"
Someone suddenly approached Kifayat from behind and said,
"Its ME."
"What??!!"