She was sitting in the room on a rocking chair, swaying back and forth. Her mobile was placed on the side table. Alongside, she was also looking at the clock on the wall. She was waiting for 7 o'clock. As soon as it struck 7, she called her sister, Mahenoor. However, they couldn't talk for long. She was busy feeding her son, Shayan, and Kabeer was also about to arrive. Today was Kabeer's flight, and he had to get his uniform ironed as well.
After sitting for a while, she dialed Kashmala's number. Initially, there was no response, but the phone was ringing. Finally, the call was answered. "Hello," Aneesa said, While on the other side, a tug of war was happening over the mobile between Kashmala's kids, Rania and Aashir. Eventually, Kashmala came and took the mobile from their hands.
"Ayan, please take them outside, they're bothering me. See, they're annoying me," said Kashmala.
Ayan, who was sitting on the sofa studying his case files, discreetly signaled his two children to quiet down with a glance. Both Rania and Aashir got up and sat next to their father. Kashmala comfortably sat on the bed and started talking to Aneesa. She knew that today was her sister's last paper. Despite being familiar with her sister's psychology, Kashmala was still unaware of many things.
"What's the plan for the future? Have you decided on a career?" she asked to her sister.
"Yes, I have." Now she had to weave a web of lies.
Kashmala knew what expressions her sister would be wearing. "What have you done?" she inquired with interest.
From the other side came an intriguing response.
"I'll become Kashmala."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning exactly what you've understood well... and I don't think I need to explain it to you."
"Meaning... you'll... start a rivalry from dad... and you'll do what I did a few years ago."
"You've become quite clever," seriousness appeared on her face.
"But you're not."
"I know."
"Then why are you doing this... what will you gain from all this?"
"A companion... like Ayan Ali."
Kashmala was looking at Ayan, who had set aside the file and was holding Rania in his lap, showering affection on her.
"And who told you that?" Kashmala's gaze was still on her husband.
"No one said it... just... this thought occurred to me on my own."
"Don't do this."
"I'll try... but I still won't be able to stop myself."
"There's someone better than Ayan Ali for you." This time, Ayan was looking at Kashmala.
"I knew it, and I was hoping for this answer."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning, I don't want to become Kashmala... but I can't step back. I'm not able to move on. I don't know what to do. What should I do now? What will we do now? I'm scared. You all have moved so far ahead, I feel lonely and isolated." Tears welled up at the corners of Aneesa's eyes.
"I don't think you're alone... and you have other classmates too. They will also gather the courage to do something sooner or later. So why are you losing hope? You just need some career counseling... that's all." Ayan was listening to Kashmala and gave her a thumbs-up gesture.
Aneesa was feeling loneliness. She felt like she was the only one whose future wasn't clear, who didn't know what to do next, or which field to choose for further studies.On the other side, in silence, Kashmala spoke up.
"Are you listening?"
"Yes... but will I study here? In Mianwali?"
"It's up to your choice... you can come to Murree if you want, or I can suggest Islamabad to you. Samaira's there."
"My choice?... My choice..." Aneesa muttered, somewhat sarcastically.
"Then why do you ask such questions... when... when you already know the answer?"
She was truly in distress. She was fed up with all this. She felt envious of her sisters' fortunes. She wanted to tell Kashmala that maybe she could find solace in causing herself pain or maybe she had become accustomed to enduring pain, but she remained silent.
"I'm hanging up now...dad is about to arrive, and it seems like Shehroz is here too...Okay...bye."
"Send my regards to Mom."
"Sure."
