The rising sun cast a rosy hue across the morning sky. Arbaz hurriedly woke up from his sleep, his heart pounding. His dorm was bathed in a soft morning glow, and he knew he had little time. The day of freshman registration at the university had arrived. He hoped he might catch a glimpse of Kifayat today.
He stumbled out of bed, his mind racing. No time for breakfast. No time for anything but the hope of seeing her. The clock on the wall mocked him as he splashed water on his face, the cold shock jolting him fully awake. He tugged on a wrinkled shirt, jeans, and sneakers, not bothering with socks. His hair remained unruly, but he didn't care.
Outside, the university campus was teeming with excitement as freshmen arrived for their first day. The roads were crowded with new students and their families, many of whom were taking pictures and celebrating. Proud expressions adorned the faces of parents as they accompanied their children to this new chapter in their lives. Senior volunteers were busy helping the newcomers with registration and directions. Freshmen milled around, clutching schedules and maps.
Kifayat was also among the new arrival. Arbaz pushed through the crowd, eyes scanning every face. Afraid being not be able to see her. He stationed himself near the registration tables, where students lined up to sign in. Minutes turned into an hour, then two. His stomach growled, but he ignored it. His friend Samir, appeared at his side. "Dude, you've been waiting forever. Maybe she's late for some reason. Let's have breakfast first."
He shook his head, eyes never leaving the entrance. "You can go. I will wait a little longer."
Samir sighed. "Fine, You can wait for five minutes more. Then you have to go with me."
Arbaz hesitated, "But..."
"No but. Listen to me, she didn't come till now because she has not arrived yet. We will grab a quick bite and come back as soon as possible."
Arbaz's resolve wavered because of Samir's persistence. He went with him to the can teen with an uneasy heart.Unbeknownst to him, Kifayat had arrived moments earlier. She was lingering in the crowd, waiting for her friend Cyra, unaware that someone was waiting for her. Both Kifayat and Cyra had been accepted into the same university, though they were in different majors. As Arbaz left, Kifayat stepped forward towards the registration office. Their paths intersected briefly, like two ships passing in the fog. But they never knew how close they were to see each other.
After finishing all the paperwork, Kifayat and Cyra went to find their assigned dormitory. To their delight, they discovered they were assigned to the same dormitory. With their families in tow, they headed to their four-person dorm. Upon arrival, they found another girl already settled in. Her name was Dina. She greeted them warmly, quickly engaging in conversation and laughter with their parents.
Kifayat felt a wave of relief; their new roommate seemed friendly and easy to get along with. After setting up their beds and belongings, it was time for their families to leave. The departure was emotional, with tears in their parents' eyes and heartfelt hugs exchanged.
Kifayat's mother held her tightly, whispering, "Take care of yourself, sweetheart. Study hard and make us proud."
Her father, trying to hold back his own tears, said, "Remember, we're just a phone call away if you need anything."
Kifayat's brother Zarin, who had been trying to stay strong, finally broke down, hugging her and saying, "I'll miss you, sis."
As the door closed behind their families, Kifayat and her friend Cyra felt a heavy weight in their hearts. But their new roommate Dina quickly lightened the mood with a few well-timed jokes, making them laugh and feel more at ease. They soon shared stories, with Kifayat and Cyra explaining they had gone to the same high school.
"Wow, you guys are lucky then," their new friend said.
Kifayat laughed. "Yeah, I guess I am."
"Hey, don't laugh. My heart can't bear it," the girl exaggerated, causing Kifayat to look puzzled.
"Do you know how pretty you are? I was almost in love with you."
Kifayat and Cyra laughed out loud. "I'm not kidding, guys. Not only you, but your friend is also pretty. Your boyfriends must be so lucky."
"We don't have boyfriends," Kifayat chuckled.
"Really? How can such beautiful girls not have boyfriends? Maybe it's because you look so exquisite. Everyone thinks you must have a boyfriend and don't dare to chase you."
As they were chatting, a knock sounded at the door. Dina hurried to open it, revealing their fourth roommate. Without acknowledging the greeting, the girl walked in and immediately demanded, "I want this bed. You move out."
All three of them were taken aback by her rudeness. "What?" Cyra asked in surprise.
"Don't you understand? I said I want the lower bunk," the girl repeated.
Cyra stood her ground. "Sorry, I came first. I'm not giving this up."
The other girl raised her voice, "Do you know who I am?"
"If you don't remember your name, ask your parents. Why are you asking my friend?" Kifayat replied, causing the others to laugh.
Seeing Kifayat's's pretty face, the new girl felt a pang of jealousy. "You! I'm not talking to you, you rude girl."
Cyra was incensed, dare to scold her friend, "You're the rude one. You came late and started ordering us around with so much attitude."
Feeling outnumbered, the girl cried, "You three are teaming up to bully me. Just wait." With that, she stormed out.
The three girls were dumbfounded by her unreasonable behavior. "Is this what they call the 'evil sue first'?" Kifayat thought, realizing that her peaceful dorm life might be more challenging than expected.
Half an hour later, the girl returned, this time with her sister. The sister, who seemed much more gentle, apologized on her behalf. "My sister is a little spoiled at home. I hope you will forgive her this time."
"But sister, they bullied me," the girl protested.
Her sister reprimanded her, "You have to understand that not everyone will be generous towards you."
Kifayat wondered if the sister's remark was directed at them for not giving up the bed, but she chose not to engage further. The three friends completely ignored the sisters, focusing instead on settling into their new university life.