CHAPTER 14: A UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER

The next day Amna rushed to the train station, but it was too late. Her train had already left, and she was left standing on the platform, feeling frustrated and worried. She was going to be late for school!

As she stood there, she saw Shahmeer riding his bike towards her. She had met him briefly before, and he seemed nice. So, she decided to ask him for a ride to school.

"Hey Shahmeer, can I get a ride to school with you?" Amna asked, trying to sound friendly and non-desperate.

But to her surprise, Shahmeer shook his head. "Sorry, Amna. I'm not going that way," he said, his voice firm but polite.

Amna felt a pang of disappointment. She had been counting on him to help her out. But then, she remembered her mom's words: "Don't give up easily, Amna. Keep trying!"

So, she stood her ground and asked again. "Please, Shahmeer. I'll be really late for school if you don't help me out. Just this once?"

Shahmeer sighed and looked at her with a hint of annoyance. But then, his expression softened, and he nodded. "Okay, fine. But hurry up, we need to go fast."

Amna grinned, relieved and grateful."Thanks, Shahmeer! I owe you one!"

As they approached the school gates, Amna's heart sank. The gates were already closed, and she could see the watchman walking away. She felt a lump form in her throat as tears pricked at the corners of her eyes.

"Oh no, oh no, oh no... I'm going to be so late!" Amna exclaimed, her voice trembling.

Shahmeer noticed her distress and quickly jumped off his bike. "Hey, don't worry,I've got this," he said, striding towards the gate.

Amna watched in amazement as Shahmeer pulled out his phone and made a quick call. Within seconds, the watchman returned, unlocking the gate with a stern expression.

"Thanks, Shahmeer. You're a lifesaver!" Amna exclaimed, relief washing over her.

Shahmeer smiled and gestured for her to hurry up. "Go, go, go! You're already late, remember?"

Amna grinned, feeling a mix of gratitude and admiration for Shahmeer's quick thinking. She rushed through the gate, calling out a thank you.