Sabr : the gift for patience

Chapter 1

Niyamat Bashir

The alarm rang as I look at the clock placed on my study table, 5:30. As medical students sleeping was never something we can relate to. After 4 and a half years I was still not adjusted to being sleep deprived.

Being a medico is not as fun and easy as the 10 year old niyamat thought playing with toy stethoscopes. It needs patience and hardwork. I got up from my study table after revising for the last time. It's the last paper. I mentally told myself as I found myself getting overwhelmed by negative thoughts.

I am sitting for the last paper of MBBS. The stage I've been working for the past 4.5 years. Growing up it was my father's wish to see me as a doctor. Although my parents were supportive and never pressured me, i wanted to make them feel proud of me. I was somehow guilt trapped into thinking my parents gave me more than enough of everything and if I couldn't be a doctor than I'm not a good daughter which was not the case. But it became my dream too.

Keeping aside my overwhelming thoughts I went towards the bathroom to get fresh and perform wazu.

6:00am

Folding the prayer mat I stood up and went towards the window. As i move the curtains the soft golden rays of the early hours fell on my face. The sky a mix of orange and yellow. Slightly cold wind brushing my face. " Ya Allah, help me in this battle. I've come so far,faced so many problems and only you were the answer. Once again I'm walking towards my dreams with my faith in you. I believe you'll help me like always."

I put the last hijab pin and looked one last time in the mirror before going downstairs,"You can do this niyamat"

"Ma, don't be stressed. You've worked hard for this day. You will definitely do your best in the exam. Just do not panic and keep yourself calm" My father assured me as he sensed my anxiousness.

"Don't forget to say Bismillah before starting ok? Now go or you'll be late. Fee Amanilla" my mother reminded me as she placed a kiss on my forehead. "Ok ok ammu abbu, you guys look more anxious than me calm down." I laughed a little only to relax a bit from all those overwhelming negative thoughts. " I'm leaving then, assalamualaikum." I bid my parents goodbye walking towards my car.

Zafar Hakim

Entering my room I placed my water bottle beside the bedside table and walked towards the closet. As I choose my outfit of the day my eyes went towards the mirror at the corner of my room.

Sweat dripping down my biceps and forehead. My t-shirt drenched completely from all the heavy weightlifting. A proud smirk automatically came on my face as I look at my hardwork visible in the mirror. I was never a narcissist but the succes of my hardwork made me proud of myself. My soaking wet T-shirt sticking to my abs making them visible through the tshirt.

I took a pic of my artwork and went towards the bathroom to get fresh. As the cold water hit my face a sense of relief washed over me. I was a morning person. So it was never a big deal for me to wake up early in the morning.

Drying my wet hair I placed my prayer mat. As i stand for the fajr prayer i felt disconnected from the hectic world. It was just me and my creator. It was the only time i felt heard. Finishing my prayer i walked to my balcony. It was a beautiful morning. I enjoyed the soft wind of the morning which only the morning people can relate to.

After getting ready I head towards my office. "The Hakim Enterprise" one of the top 5 companies of the country. After my father's retirement i had to take the responsibility. I entered the office as the employees greeted me.

After reaching my chamber I got indulge in work when suddenly there was a knock on my door. "Come in"
" GOOD MORNINGGGGG". Arsh my manager also my so called annoying "bestfriend" entered my office. " Good morning," I replied not paying much attention to him.

" I have a good news for you to make your morning better ,well I know that my presence is enough to have a good morning for you but anyways"he said smiling cheekily " what is it?" I said not reacting much to his words as I Know this guy will never stop with his nonsense" We got the contract!" ,"That's great,well done." " well done? That's not enoughhhh you better give me a treat I also worked hard for it !!" arsh said as he took the seat infront of me. "I don't have time arsh" "Come one man you should spend some time with your best friend, you won't give me time when you'll get married anyways",he said dramatically making a pout. I gave him a death glare only to make him grin like an idiot

" Fine we'll have lunch together now leave" he left smiling ear to ear, "this guy" I sigh and started working again.