"The tongue is like a lion, if you let it loose it will wound someone"- Hazrath Ali (R.A)

Sanam's POV

I walked myself to the bus station.I was to catch a bus to the university. I didn't let mom buy any car for me though I learnt driving for I disliked wanting to spend my mom's hard earned money for my own comfort .I had decided that l would buy a car for myself In Shaa Allah when I become a doctor or start an earning.

On reaching the university my eyes landed on the vast concrete structure. It stood tall and spread wide very much alike the castles in the fairy tales.Complemented with a beautiful garden which had thick canopy of trees and sweet scented flowers.A fountain stood welcoming you right at the entrance.There was a large playground too. I had always dreamt of a college of these likes.Standing there I took in the moment closing my eyes, taking a deep breath and letting the fresh air circulate through my lungs.I loved to smell green.

I had always loved walking barefoot in the grass,sniffing when it rains,closing my eyes whenever the breeze kissed my cheeks.I was much attracted towards nature. I feel man-made things are nothing without nature's mercy. I preferred an evening spent in the serenity of a park to that of a mall.

Walking further I witnessed few large and small groups of students scattered all around the big fountain.Most of them appeared rich whose parents must have paid a fortune to send them here. There were only a handful of students who studied on scholarship.

As I passed by the parking lot I witnessed a guy coming out of a black Mercedes. In a medical school like mine, such guys were meant to be ubiquitous. It made more sense to shut my eyes and pretend like they were invisible. I headed towards the big hall ways. My motto in life was simple-I was clearly never interested in guys! I have crossed oceans and climbed mountains to get here with the intention of acheiving something in life and there was nothing on earth that could distract me from my final destination.

I had dreamt of becoming a doctor since I could hardly spell it. After my dad passed away I would tell my mom that I wished to become a doctor and save people's life.I always thought that it was the best I could do to help human lives.I have been driven by passion to realize this goal.

As I was trying to find my way to the first class I bumped into a girl. She seemed too friendly and cheerful.

"Hello! I mean salaam, I am Naila Ahmed," she introduced herself.

I was never much interested in making friends. I was always a loner in school because I didn't trust people easily. I felt it was better to be alone than having fake and selfish friendships in my life. She was waiting for my reply so I had to acknowledge her and introduce myself.

"Walaikumsalam! I am Sanam Akram," I said greeting her with an awkward smile..

"You have got a lovely name dear!" Naila complimented shaking hands with me. We both had same classes so I walked along with Naila as she went on telling me about how excited she was for the first day. I wasn't listening to her blabber but when she turned to face me I gave her a crooked smile. Somewhere down the line I had kind of forgotten how to smile heartily. I rarely opened up to people and my true emotions were usually masked to hide the pain and insecurities that cripple me.

We found our way into our first class right on time and I sat beside Naila who got busy making new friends. I was kind of zoning out when I heard someone clear his throat. I turned around to find the same guy from the parking lot.He grinned at me and introduced himself.Without even asking for permission he took the seat beside mine.

"I'm Shiraz Haroon and You miss?" He sounded like a total flirt. By God! I hated such boys.

I didn't change my grave expression showing my dislike towards him. When he asked my name in return I gave my answer.

"Iam sorry I don't talk to strangers and never with guys so I'm absolutely not interested in having any sort of conversation with you."

I changed my seat and shifted to a far corner.I must have sounded rude but I avoided having any friendly conversation with males.I believe most of these guys lacked the sense of modesty and befriended females just for fun.I always fought for my dignity.

His expression was the one mixed with surprise and anger and he huffed, leaving to get a seat along with two of his friends. The girl who accompanied him was scolding him for wasting his time on me. I didn't give a damn about it anyways. The pupils who heard us mostly the girls gave me wild looks-he may be handsome for them but I was clearly not interested.

Arrival of our professor silenced the room and all the pupils settled in their places.

"Good morning students! I am Dr. Ahmer, your anatomy professor this year and the academic in charge for your class." He introduced himself. I immediately developed a small liking towards him.

He was a middle aged man and what striked us the most about him was his soft demeanour coupled with his ability to speak his mind without mincing words. He didn't look like that typical professor who is a nightmare for everyone. Had my dad been alive, he would have been in his place.Dad worked as an anatomy assistant professor in the same college.And he was going to be promoted just before the unfortunate incident.Remembering him,a sudden grief hit my heart and I gulped the tears that started filling my eyes.It was not the time to be emotional.Had dad been alive,he would have been very happy to see me living his dream.

Meanwhile,in the class Dr. Ahmer gave a small speech about the medschool rules and welcomed all the new students. This was followed by personal introduction from every student.Few even volunteered to narrate their struggle till here.When it was my turn for giving introduction, that idiot Shiraz was smirking. I rolled my eyes at his annoying face .Ya Allah! He did get to know my name after all.

I instantly got a bad feeling that I was never going to get along with him!

************

After a tiring day I returned home late in the afternoon.My eyes instantly lite up when I saw my little sisters studying.The entire living room was messed up with their papers and books.Mom has always taught us to make studies our top priority. She had been an inspiration for us. Seeing her work hard compels us to give our best and achieve something in life.

We were taught that time is very precious and leisure should be spent wisely.That's why I disliked music and senseless movies.But I read few novels during my school breaks.Our Islamic teacher taught us that music hardens our soul and movies protrayed very unrealistic and immoral activities.It had less good and more bad.And we should stay away from it.We obeyed nonetheless.

As soon as my sisters found me back home, they ran towards me and enveloped me into a tight hug

"Assalamualaikum Sanam! How was your first day?" Asked a curious Shaila.

"Walaikumassalam dear. It was okay..You know like both good and bad!" I replied giving her a detailed description about the university and about my encounter with Shiraz. She felt I was a little rude. Shaila is very naive and according to her, every person in this evil world is good.

After I washed up and prayed my Asr namaz, Shaila got me a hot chocolate drink and we both talked for an hour. This was our way of bonding over things. She is more of a friend than a sister to me.Besides mom,she's the one who understands me, and loves me beyond my faults.

Mom returned from her university in the evening. As soon as I sensed her arrival I ran towards the door. She hugged me and kissed my forehead. "So, how was your first day, dear?"She enquired. Just like a schoolgirl, I revealed every minute details about my university and also about Dr. Ahmer but I skipped the Shiraz part. 'It wasn't that important,' I convinced my mind.

Quote from the Holy Qur'an: At-Taghaabun (64:4)

يَعْلَمُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا تُسِرُّونَ وَمَا تُعْلِنُونَ ۚ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ

YaAAlamu ma fee alssamawati waalardi wayaAAlamu ma tusirroona wama tuAAlinoona waAllahu AAaleemun bithati alssudoori

He knows what is in the heavens and on earth; and He knows what ye conceal and what ye reveal: yea, Allah knows well the (secrets) of (all) hearts.

Mom seemed quite happy that day. She always wanted me to study in this medical school and finally the day had come. It was all coming true.She had every reason to be happy.It gave me some hope for a better tomorrow. I told myself that this was just the beginning! I am gonna get her happiness back In Shaa Allah!

**********