Author's POV

Aayat sat in her lecture, fully engrossed, scribbling down every point the professor mentioned. Her focus and dedication set her apart, making her the highest scorer in her batch and the favorite of nearly every teacher. Being the elder daughter, she carried a weight of responsibility on her shoulders. Since her father’s death, she had been a pillar for her family, balancing her studies with helping her mother run their small jewelry business. She missed having her own support, her own confidante, but seeing her mother’s resilience reminded her that her duty was more important than any unfulfilled wishes.

The bell rang, signaling the end of the class. Aayat glanced at her watch. Her younger sister, Ibadat, still had another lecture, so Aayat decided to head to the library to work on her assignment while she waited. Finding a quiet corner, she quickly became absorbed in her work, her fingers typing rapidly on her laptop as she worked on her thesis. Nearly 40 minutes later, she’d completed the bulk of her assignment. She was wrapping up when an email notification popped up on her screen. It was an invitation to host an upcoming orientation program for small business owners—an event where her brand, Kohinoor, would be featured. Aayat’s face lit up with excitement; their little jewelry brand, started by her mother in their living room, had grown into a respected name over the past two years. Smiling, she packed her things and left the library, feeling a sense of pride in how far they’d come.

As she stepped into the corridor, she spotted Ibadat coming out of her classroom, surrounded by friends. Ibadat was as social as Aayat was reserved, her laughter filling the hall as she waved goodbye to her group and walked over. Aayat had only two close friends, but both were absent today. In their absence, she focused on her studies, finding her own quiet satisfaction.

“Done with classes?” Aayat asked as Ibadat reached her.

“Yes, finally!” Ibadat said with an exaggerated sigh. “Can we grab some food before heading home? I’m starving!”

Aayat chuckled, her sister’s playful energy lifting her spirits. “Of course, let’s go.”

They crossed the street to a cozy café. Once inside, Aayat leaned forward, excitement bubbling over. “I have some good news.”

“What is it?” Ibadat’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“First, let’s order,” Aayat teased, prompting her sister to impatiently call over a waiter. They ordered coffee, sandwiches, and a pastry to celebrate. Once seated, Aayat shared the invitation to host the orientation program. Ibadat’s eyes widened with joy.

“That’s amazing, Aayat ! You deserve this—you’ve worked so hard. I’m so proud of you!” she squealed, giving her sister’s hand a gentle squeeze. Well she does not call her aapi.🥲

Aayat’s smile softened. “Thanks. I haven’t told ammi yet. I want it to be a surprise.”

“If baba were here, he’d be so proud of you, too,” Ibadat said, noticing the glimmer of tears in Aayat’s eyes.

Aayat blinked, the bittersweet memory tugging at her. “Yeah, he would,” she whispered, wiping away a tear. Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile, and they continued their conversation over lunch, sharing memories and dreams for their family’s future.

After finishing, they paid the bill and exited the café. Just as they stepped outside, Ibadat remembered something and darted back in. Ayat sighed, shaking her head at her little sister’s forgetfulness. She waited, scanning the street, when she suddenly felt someone move into her personal space. Turning, she saw a stranger standing uncomfortably close. She shifted away, but he leaned in again, he held her hand. Startled, she jerked her hand back and slapped him across the face without hesitation.

The man stumbled, shock and anger flashing across his face, just as Ibadat came out, witnessing the scene. “What happened?” she demanded, her gaze flicking between Aayat and the man.

“This man was trying to get too close,” Aayat replied, her voice tense.

Without missing a beat, Ibadat handed Aayat the cake she’d bought and stepped up to the man. “So you thought you’d try something with my sister, huh?” Her voice was steely, her expression fierce.

Before the man could react, Ibadat’s fist connected with his face. He doubled over in pain, but she wasn’t done. With a swift knee to his stomach, he staggered, gasping for air. He raised a hand, possibly to defend himself, but she grabbed his wrist, twisting it sharply until a crack echoed in the air, followed by his painful cry.

The man fell to his knees, clutching his arm, and Ibadat took off her sandal, hitting him with it. A small crowd gathered, murmuring in astonishment, but she ignored them, her attention focused solely on the man. “Apologize to her!” she demanded.

Whimpering, the man held his hands up, pleading, “I’m sorry. I'm sorry”

“Louder,” she ordered, and he repeated his apology, voice trembling. Satisfied, she put her sandal back on, turning to Aayat with a smile.

“Let’s go,” Ayat said, her voice calm but laced with pride. As they walked, she couldn’t help but chuckle. "Looks like you really learned something in your karate classes.”

Ibadat grinned. “I guess. And anyway,” she said, taking the cake from Aayat's hand. “this celebration needs to go forward no matter what.”

They laughed, their bond strengthened even more, both knowing that together, they could face anything. As they continued down the street, Aayat couldn’t help but feel grateful—not only for Ibadat’s bravery but for the love that kept them both going strong.

The day of orientation programme

Aayat was dressed in a beautiful pink shimmery saree and paired it up with beautiful AD earrings from her brand as a part to represent it. She was also hosting the orientation so it was mandatory to look presentable.

Ibadat was wearing a white anarkali suit along with golden earrings from her brand. Ofcourse. She was looking as magnificent as ever. Aur jaha Ibadat Khan ho aur slay na kare Aisa to ho hi nhi sakta.

Both the sisters were ready and went to her mother's room to check on her as she was sick from the past two days. They felt bad that their mother won't be accompanying them to the program. But their mother told them "mehnat to kar li beta, lekin jab fal khane ki bari ayi to peeche mat hato." And it made them realise how strong their mother was in every aspect of life.

They took their mother's blessings and went downstairs to their awaiting cab heading straight to the venue. But one thing they didn't know was that God has already planned their destiny which was unexpected. Now, the one who truly desires what they want will get that.