Riya checked twice whether her assignment was complete. She packed all the books and assignments in the bag. She cleaned the bed and spread it properly. She took the bag to leave for class and saw Noor near her bedpost. She ran towards Noor and hugged her tightly. Noor hugged her back.
"Are you okay, Noor?"
"Yes, Riya. I am fine."
"Will you join me in the class today?"
"I will get ready and be there by next hour. You can go now. Or else you will be late."
"Okay, Noor. Take care."
Noor stood there watching Riya make her way through the enormous brick wall and finally outside the tall wooden door. Everyone in the dormitory has left for class. Noor scrolled her suitcase to her bedside and pushed it down her bed. She sat on the bed for some time. She saw birds flocking the neem tree on the compound near her window. She got dressed and took out the books from her table. She packed all the books for the day and left for class.
She walked through the corridors after a long time and finally reached her classroom. There was no teacher in the classroom. She walked into the room. Everyone stared at her. Noor felt awkward and pained.
"Hey, Noor. Come here." Riya called out from a corner. Noor walked towards Riya and sat beside her.
"Thank you", Noor whispered to Riya. They smiled at each other.
Days passed. Noor's mamma stayed at Sara's place. Noor was comfortable at the hostel.
"Pass the ball, Noor," Riya shouted from the basketball court. Noor picked the ball rolling towards her and threw it to Riya. Riya got hold of the ball and continued playing.
"Hi, Noor." Noor turned back to see the headmistress behind her.
"Good evening, Sr. Margaret." Noor rose from the steps.
"It's okay. Sit down." Sr. Margaret climbed down the gallery steps and sat near to Noor. Noor sat with her.
"How are you doing? Are you okay?" She asked Noor.
"Yes, sister. I am a bit sad. But I am fine too."
"That's my girl. Good. Why don't you play basketball?"
"Don't know. Not in a mood."
"Why don't you go to a competition then? I am sure that will cheer you up."
Noor giggled. "Sure. I will try it."
"Okay. There is an event happening at the Shanti Ashram this weekend. I will ask Meena mam to add your name to the list."
"Thank you, sister."
"God bless you, child. Take care. If anything, come to me. Okay?"
"Sure, sister."
Sr. Margaret got up and walked away. Riya came running towards Noor.
"What happened?"
"Riya, I am fine. Nothing happened. She just asked me to take part in an event tomorrow. That's it."
"Oh," Riya exclaimed. "I will find a way to come with you". She giggled and ran back to the court.
Noor sat at the gallery watching the sun giving way to the shining stars and moon.
The students reached the Shanti Ashram early in the morning. The place is brilliantly built on a hilltop amid eye-catching greenery. Riya couldn't find an excuse to join the group. Noor got down the bus and scrolled through the front yard. The ambiance was so peaceful and pleasant. Noor felt so delighted to be at such a beautiful place. There was more than enough time for the competition to begin. Noor asked Amrutha and walked to the sizeable garden and orchard in front of her. Noor could feel her heart beating so calmly for the first time after Fahad's death.
"Boom." Noor slipped back instantly. After a few seconds, she opened her eyes to see the person in front of her.
"Hi, sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."
"Reyhan?"
Reyhan stood in front of her with a grin.
"You are very irritating, Reyhan". Noor shouted at him.
"I am really sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I just came over when I saw you here." Reyhan apologized.
"Just get lost." Noor walked away from him.
Reyhan stood there feeling shocked and feeling guilty.
The event commenced at the exact time. Noor practiced her speech in front of Amrutha for one last time.
"Chest number 55".
Noor entered the stage with a big smile. She greeted everyone in the audience and started her speech. Two lines into the speech, Noor forgot everything she prepared. She stumbled. She lost control of her thoughts and couldn't even come up with lines of her own. Filled with embarrassment and sadness, she stepped out of the stage with her heads down. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she walked out of the hall. Amrutha and a few of her seniors followed her. Noor hugged Amrutha and cried.
"I am so sorry, Amrutha. I embarrassed you all. I am really sorry".
Noor couldn't accept her failure. Everyone tried to console Noor. She took leave from all and walked into the garden. Noor felt embarrassed, lost, and shameful. Noor found a pond at one corner of the orchard. She found a bench near it and sat there. She found it hard to accept that she couldn't complete her speech. She sat there weeping alone.
"What has happened to me?" She thought to herself. "I miss you, Fahad. I wish you were here. I have no one else to talk to." Noor wept uncontrollably.
"This is not the Noor I know of".
Noor looked back. It was Reyhan. He walked towards Noor. He came and sat near Noor. Noor didn't reply. She stared at some other direction. They sat there in silence for a long time. Reyhan broke the silence.
"As a Georgian, I am not supposed to say this. I felt huge respect for you when I saw you speaking for the first time. You are incredible. A single failure in no way can define you, Noor. You are meant for big deals."
Noor looked at Reyhan. "I am telling you the truth", Reyhan added.
Noor smiled at him. They sat there in silence again.
"Reyhan, I am so sorry for the morning rift. I am not in a good mood." Noor told without looking at Reyhan.
"Fine. So I can sit here with you. Right?" Asked Reyhan.
Noor nodded.
Noor looked around the garden. She wished she could watch this view every single day.
"Noor, let's go. Everyone is waiting,", Amrutha called out.
Noor stood up and smiled at Reyhan. She waved at Reyhan. He nodded.
She walked away with Amrutha.
"What's going on with him?", Amrutha asked Noor playfully.
"Oh my god, Nothing at all. He came to sit with me for some time. He is a good person. That's it. And he is our rival," said Noor.
