LOVE WITHOUT DESTINY

part 8

Amal rubbed her eyes as she woke up, her gaze shifting to the clock on her bedside table.
A wave of panic hit her—it was almost time for college.

Ignoring the slight heaviness in her head, she quickly got out of bed and began getting ready.
As she moved around the room, her sluggishness was evident, but she pushed herself to stay on track.

When she came downstairs, her mother, Sitara, was waiting for her with breakfast already prepared.
Sitara’s eyes immediately fell on Amal’s pale face and the tiredness in her eyes.

"Amal, are you alright? You don’t look well at all," Sitara said with concern as she placed the plate in front of her.

Amal smiled faintly, brushing it off.
"I’m fine, Mom. Just a slight headache. Nothing serious."

But her mother wasn’t convinced.
"Beta, you don’t look fine. You’re overworking yourself. Maybe you should take a day off. It’s not worth pushing yourself so much," Sitara said, her worry deepening.

Before Amal could respond, her grandmother, who had been sitting nearby, chimed in.
"Amal, your mother is right. Look at yourself—you’re so thin, and your face looks so dull. You need to rest. I won’t let you go to college today," Dadi said firmly.

Amal sighed, feeling the weight of their concern but determined not to give in.
"Maa, Dadi, I told you I’m okay. I can’t miss my lectures, especially today. Please don’t worry about me."

Sitara exchanged a glance with her mother-in-law, her unease evident.
"Amal, we’re not trying to stop you for no reason. Your health is more important. What if you feel worse later? How will you manage?"

Amal shook her head, forcing a small smile.
"I’ll be fine, Maa. Don’t worry. I promise to rest after college, but I can’t miss today."

Her grandmother sighed heavily.
"This girl never listens. Do what you want, but don’t say we didn’t warn you," she muttered.

Amal hugged both of them tightly before rushing out.
As she got into the car, the driver started the engine, but soon they hit a stretch of traffic.

He glanced back at her and said, "Amal bibi, the traffic is really bad today. I think you might get late."

Amal leaned back in her seat, the dull ache in her head persisting.
She glanced anxiously at the time and muttered, "This is just my luck. Of all days, why today?"

As they inched forward in the jam, she couldn’t stop herself from worrying.
"If I’m late, I’ll miss Zain’s class, and I can’t afford that. This day couldn’t have started any worse," she thought, frustration bubbling inside her.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the car moved closer to her college, and she rushed out the moment it stopped.
Even as she walked through the gates, her mind was filled with worry, the day already feeling heavier than she could handle.

Amal was hurrying down the stairs when her phone buzzed in her pocket.
She quickly pulled it out and answered, noticing it was Asma on the other end.

Asma’s voice was low, almost a whisper, as she spoke cautiously to avoid disturbing the class.
"Amal, where are you? How could you be late today of all days? Don’t you know the first class is Zain’s?"

Amal, her voice tired but steady, replied, "I’m coming, Asma. I’m just downstairs. I’ll be there in a minute."

Asma, unaware of Amal’s condition, sighed.
"Hurry up, Amal. You know how strict he is!"

Ending the call, Amal tucked her phone into her bag and continued towards the classroom.
Reaching the door, she paused for a moment to adjust her scarf, ensuring she looked neat despite how drained she felt.