Chapter Twenty Six.

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I watched the new Avengers today and just...what? Totally mind crippling. I need a good sleep after that movie.

Enjoy!

p.s. all your dua's must've worked, because I got the job alhamdulillah :)

#Chapter Twenty Six#

*A month and a half later*

I felt nervousness settle in the pit of my stomach as I took one more step in line, my eyes following the person who just went up before me to collect their certificate. The dean of the university shook his hand and passed him his framed graduation certificate before pausing for a quick photo as an automatic camera flashed in their direction. As the student moved off stage and returned to his seat, I took the moment to take in a deep breath and self-consciously fix my scarf. 

"Sameena Ahmad! First class with a Bachelor of Political, Economic and Social Sciences!" 

I made sure to smile as I made my way up the curved staircase, my right hand gliding against the railing to ensure I didn't trip. As I approached the dean, we bowed at each other respectfully, before he handed me my certificate and posed for the photo. "Congratulations! You deserved it!" he said to me and I smiled in thanks. Just before I walked off, he said in a discreet tone, "see you again soon." I frowned in confusion, but made smiled again as I made my way back down and returned to my chair. 

The ceremony continued on with lots of students from all different methods receiving their certificates. I began to get restless as they wrapped up with the certificates and began announcing several different types of awards and the names of the students receiving them. 

After a few long minutes, I turned around to try and find my family. I found them in the right hand corner of the large auditorium and I gave a short wave at baba, Ziad and Sarah. I looked for Tariq, who had definitely been with them earlier before the ceremony started, but I instead spotted his empty seat next to Ziad.

Hm. Maybe he had just gone to the bathroom.

"OK ladies and gentlemen, finally for the last award of the evening. As we all know, the dux of the year is always given to the most diligent, hard-working individual in the student body. The person with a high-level of consistent marks and a record of unparalleled participation not only within the university, but outside too. I think we can all agree, that this year, the award goes to a fine student, Miss Sameena Ahmad!" As the dean ended his speech, it took me a couple of seconds to realise that I should be on my feet and moving. It was only when the girl next to me nudged my knee with a friendly smile did I snap out of my trance and scramble out of my seat to the stage again. 

Cheers and applaud rang out through the room, echoing off the walls and I blushed slightly when some people even stood up and clapped for me. The vice-president of the university, a lovely lady named Dalia, hung a medal around my neck and along with a second frame, I received a large bundle of flowers and a crisp white envelope. "Thank you so much," I said to both the dean and vice-president, unable to keep the happiness from my voice. 

The dean turned to the microphone again. "Miss Ahmad, in your envelope is a scholarship award, should you wish to go onto post-graduate studies. It entitles you access to any university both within this country and a select few around the world." My eyes widened at that and I actually had to cough to cover up the oncoming choke. "Please everyone, another round of applause for Sameena Ahmad!" 

I thanked them again as I made my way back down to my seat for the second time. I smiled at Salem who was at the bottom of the stairs observing me and my surroundings. He mumbled a 'mabrouk' as I walked past and I grinned stupidly at him. 

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