ENTANGLED AND HEARTS

CHAPTER 10:Mulaqaat ( MARYAM)

Maryam's POV

"Anaya, I am not going anywhere?Let me sleep," I plead, covering my eyes with my dupatta.

"Come on, wake up! We have to go to NGO today. Alina Aunty wants us to be there," Anaya replies, rummaging through my shelf.

"Can't you go alone? I studied till 2 a.m. last night. Please, Anaya," I beg, my voice laced with exhaustion.My eyelids feel heavy,it feels like my eyes are not ready to see the world today.

"It's a big day for the NGO; we need all volunteers today," Anaya insists, her tone firm but gentle.

I hear her exit the room, leaving me no choice but to get up.

..............

I stand outside the washroom, holding the box Anaya gave me.Anaya emerges from the washroom,frustration echoes on her face

"I hate my life," she exclaims.

"What's wrong?" I ask, concern etched on my face.

"Periods," she replies, her voice laced with discomfort.

"Please take these cards to room 25 on the second floor," Anaya requests,pointing to the box in my hands.. "I need to handle this...bloody situation."

But I hesitate, anxiety creeping in. "I'm not doing that."

Anaya's eyes plead. "I'm in trouble; you have to help."

I grab her wrist, stopping her escape. "You can't leave me with this. I don't know anything about introducing these charity cards."

Anaya hands me a note from the box. "It has everything; just replace my name with yours."

With that, she rushes back into the washroom, leaving me no choice.

I stand frozen outside the bathroom, stunned by Anaya's sudden departure. Two minutes tick by before I regain my composure.

With reluctant steps, I make my way to the second floor. My heart racing, I push open the door to room 25.

The opulent space is filled with affluent ladies, their expectant gazes making me feel exposed. Though only 15 people occupy the room, it feels like an overwhelming crowd.

My anxiety spikes, causing my hands to tremble and my heart to sink. Each step forward feels like a monumental task.

Just as I'm struggling to compose myself, Alina Aunty's warm voice breaks the silence.

"Come here, Maryam."

I take a deep breath, steadying my nerves as I cross the distance from the door to the place where they are sitting. Alina Aunty's encouraging smile bolsters my confidence.

"Good morning, esteemed guests," I begin, my voice shaking.

"I'm Maryam Ahmed, representing Kindness. Today, we gather to celebrate a remarkable milestone - KINDNESS 25th anniversary. For two and a half decades, this NGO worked tirelessly to empower women and girl children from disadvantaged backgrounds."

I pause, scanning the room.I smile,confidence building inside me 'yes you can do it ,Maryam.'

"Over the past 25 years, we've witnessed countless success stories. Women who've broken free from cycles of poverty, girls who've become leaders in their communities, and families who've found hope and resilience."

My confidence shines through as I continue.

"To further our impact, today's charity brunch aims to raise funds for three key initiatives: