Holding on and Letting go [Complete]

16) Transition and strengthening faith.

Dun dun dun! OMG! Did we just reach 1k+ reads? Alhamdulillah times infinity. I'm still finding it a bit hard to believe but we did it fam. All thanks to you. I actually wanted to make a thanking note but knowing you guys were waiting for an update, it would have been really evil to play with you like that.

So first of all a big fat bear hug to each and every one of my readers who are basically the reason where I am today. If it weren't for you guys, I wouldn't have reached this milestone. Special thanks to those who hit the star. You know, you should do that more often, considering it looks prettier when it's full:')

******

16 Months Later!

As she chugged down the last swig of tea in a hurry, her OCD compelled her to recheck the documents placed on the seat next to her, yet again. Once satisfied that everything had carried out perfectly, she breathed in and out to clam herself down. The biggest and hardest part was yet to come and to say she was worried and scared beyond lengths would be an understatement.

"Everything's gonna be fine, Ayat. Just relax. You've got this," perched on a chair from across Ayat, Sabeen assured her as she put her hand on hers.

During these past months, her life had finally come to peace. The first two months, she was completely free as the admissions of universities were yet to be opened. Her academic record and IQ level would have made it much easier to get admission in any renowned university of Islamabad but she didn't. All her life, she had always wanted to study in the top institutions and look what happened? She was only let down. Also, it's the skills that matter. So she chose an average university and made sure it was segregated. The fear of being around men had taken a toll on her, given the circumstances that had occurred to her, and now she couldn't stand being at a less than a seven feet distance near any male, even from her professors.

She had to take an extra semester as joining in between wasn't acceptable. The dean of her previous university did her one favor and that was not to mention that she was dropped out. She didn't feel guilty of hiding because she wasn't betraying. Sometimes you are accused of doing things that you didn't but no one believes you or maybe they just don't want to. So the only way to protect yourself from their wrath and ramifications of the deed you didn't even commit is to stealthily scooch out without anyone noticing.

During her one year of studies, she also did two unpaid internships during summer breaks as to gain as much experience as she could before applying for a real job. After graduation and two months of job hunting, she finally got an interview call from one of the most well-known companies of Islamabad.

The past year had completely changed her prospective toward things she had always wanted and craved for. Yes, she still wanted to be independent but not for herself anymore. Her only aim, now, was to build an NGO for every wounded and cluttered soul out there. For every woman who becomes a target of this sanctimonious society and is forced to live a fate worse than stray dogs.

After two months of applying and dropping her CVs to any company she would come across in linkedin and giving thousands of interviews but not getting selected, she still didn't lose hope. She had faith in the Almighty above. She knew He'd weave her a path because her intentions were right. And then just a few weeks back, when she was talking and pouring her heart out to Him, after offering her sallah, her phone rang. And that was it. She got an interview call and she knew it was more than just that. She was very well acquainted with His enigmatic ways of giving us signs by now. She knew she would get selected for this job.

"You know it's not the interview I'm worried about," Ayat replied to Sabeen with a slightly frustrated huff as somber look descended upon her hazel orbs.