The Flight to New Beginnings

The Entrance Exam Day

Aliza awoke earlier than usual, determined to make the most of her morning studies. The Fajr Azan echoed softly from nearby mosques, calling the faithful to prayer. She paused her study session, spreading out her prayer mat and offering her Fajr Namaz with calm devotion. Afterward, she felt a renewed sense of energy and optimism.

By 7:00 AM, dressed and ready, she stepped out of the house with a sense of purpose. The exam center was a 45-minute drive away, and the air was cool and crisp as she made her way. Upon arrival at 7:45 AM, Aliza scanned the list posted at the entrance to find her designated exam hall by roll number. The building buzzed with the low hum of nervous conversations among other candidates.

When she entered the hall, her nerves fluttered slightly. The invigilator announced the start, and at exactly 8:30 AM, the exam began. Two hours passed quickly as she focused intently on every question. Once finished, she handed in her paper, exhaled with relief, and exited the hall, the weight of anxiety lifting with each step.

Same Evening: The Results

Later that evening, Aliza sat by the computer, her heart racing as she checked for the results. Her fingers trembled slightly as she scrolled through the page—until she found her roll number listed among the top candidates. A wave of joy surged through her.

Aliza: (shouting joyfully) "Ya hoo! I did it! Alhamdulillah, I passed!"

Her joyful exclamation echoed through the house. A few days later, a formal interview letter arrived by post, solidifying her progress toward the dream she had nurtured.

The Interview

Aliza reached the recruitment office on the designated interview day, her nerves masked by her determined demeanor. She waited in the reception area along with other candidates until a peon called her name.

Peon: "Miss Aliza, your turn. Please proceed to the interview office."

Inside the interview room, the panel welcomed her and invited her to sit.

Panelist: "We've reviewed your academic record. It's impressive."
Aliza: "Thank you, sir."

Panelist: "Let's get straight to the point. Do you know the responsibilities of a satellite navigator?"
Aliza: "Yes, sir. The role involves receiving and interpreting portable radio signals from orbiting satellites."

Panelist: "Good. It seems you have a solid understanding. But this will be your first job experience—how will you manage?"
Aliza: "Sir, I may not have practical experience yet, but I've studied the responsibilities thoroughly. This job is my dream. I want to serve my country by providing timely information on natural disasters, floods, lunar eclipses, solar eclipses, and more."

Panelist: "Tell us a bit about yourself beyond academics."
Aliza: "I'm hardworking, passionate about completing projects, honest, and I build lasting friendships."

The interview concluded with polite nods.

Panelist: "Thank you, Miss Aliza. We'll inform you of our decision soon."
Aliza: "Thank you, sir."

Leaving the office, Aliza felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness, unsure whether she had secured the job.

The Good News

A week later, a letter arrived. Holding her breath, Aliza opened it. Her eyes lit up as she read the words confirming her selection.

Aliza: (shouting with joy) "Mama! Aaliya! Look at this!"

Her mother and sister rushed into the room, concern on their faces.

Mom: "What's all the shouting about?"
Aliza: "I got the job at SUPARCO!"

Her mother beamed with pride, and Aaliya hugged her sister tightly.

Mom: "That's amazing! What's your joining date?"
Aliza: (reading from the letter) "March 14th, 2013."
Mom: "That's just 15 days away!"
Aliza: "Yes, Mama."

Aliza embraced her mother warmly.

Aliza: "I'll miss you, Mama, and Aaliya too. She's mischievous, but I know you'll handle her."
Mom: "Don't worry, dear. I'll be fine. You just focus on your job."

Packing and Goodbyes

In the following days, Aliza prepared for her move to Rawalpindi. One evening, as she packed her bags, Aaliya entered the room, lying down with her head in Aliza's lap.

Aaliya: "You're leaving soon."
Aliza: "Yes, I am."
Aaliya: "I've given you a lot of trouble. I'm sorry for everything."
Aliza: "Oh, sweetie, I've never been angry with you. I love you."

She stroked Aaliya's hair lovingly.

Aliza: "Promise me you'll behave, listen to Mama, and focus on your studies. I expect you to bring home a gold medal."
Aaliya: "I'll try, but that's tough."
Aliza: "No excuses! Right, Mama?"

Mom: (playfully) "Absolutely. She has to excel, not slack off like you did sometimes."
Aliza: (laughing) "That's unfair, Mama!"

The night passed with playful banter, and soon it was time for bed.

Mom: "Alright, girls, time to sleep. Aliza, you leave early tomorrow."
Aliza: "Yes, Mama. It's already 2:00 AM!"

Aaliya: "Aapi, can we stay up a bit longer?"
Aliza: "No, little one. Off to bed with you."

With a reluctant sigh, Aaliya got up and went to her room. Aliza followed shortly after.

Departure Day

The next morning, after breakfast, Aliza's bags were loaded into the car. Mom and Aaliya accompanied her to the airport for a heartfelt farewell. At the airport, they watched as Aliza went through security and boarded the plane.

Aaliya: (teary-eyed) "Mama, I'll miss her."
Mom: "She'll be back in six months, dear. You'll be busy with your exams, and we'll visit her afterward."

As the plane taxied on the runway, Mom whispered softly, "Your father used to fly like that. Seeing this reminds me of him."

Aaliya: "Mama, was I born before he...?"
Mom: "No, sweetie. He left us before you came into this world."

They watched the plane take off, a bittersweet moment for both.

Mom: "Shall we head home, my dear?"
Aaliya: (mischievously) "What chores are waiting, Mama?"
Mom: (smiling) "You'll find out soon enough."

They walked toward the car where Feroz waited, ready to drive them home. As they settled into the back seat, Aaliya rested her head on her mother's shoulder.

Aaliya: "Six months isn't too long, right?"
Mom: "Not at all, my child. It'll pass in no time."

With that comforting thought, they drove away, leaving behind the airport and carrying with them the promise of new beginnings.