The Hidden Path

Fiza stepped out of the grand Alvi residence, the massive door quietly shutting behind her. The sight of the bustling streets of Zarvahn stretched before her, but today, it felt like a world she was distanced from. Her footsteps were soft, but her heart beat with an urgency she could not ignore.

Her mind was focused, not on the grand house she'd just left behind or the wealth she was hiding, but on the mission ahead. The world didn't know who she truly was—what her family stood for or the name they carried. They had only heard the name *Alvi* whispered in reverence or fear, but beyond that, the details were lost in the hum of the city. Most didn't know that Fiza was the daughter of one of Zarvahn's most powerful families. And that was how she wanted it. Today, she would remain just another face in the crowd.

Her father's words lingered in her thoughts—*Be careful. Not all work is as easy as it seems.* But Fiza knew that the hardest part wasn't the job itself. It wasn't about NeuraTech or proving her worth. She had been a star student, excelling in every subject. This job was a stepping stone, but the challenge was far greater than anything academic.

She was doing this for her family. For the people she loved, even if they had no idea what she was truly up to. Her parents, sitting in the dining room with smiles on their faces, had no inkling of the decisions she was making. She couldn't risk them knowing—at least not yet. They wouldn't understand. But her sisters, Aqsa and Uzma, knew everything. They understood why she had to walk this path, no matter how uncertain or dangerous it might seem.

But she had to remain strong, not just for them, but for herself.

The subway station loomed ahead, and Fiza couldn't help but breathe a little easier. Taking the subway wasn't just about convenience—it was about remaining invisible. She had always been cautious about the way she moved in the world, not wanting her wealth or status to make others view her as weak or out of place. She didn't want the attention. She didn't want anyone to see the real Fiza Alvi, because the world wasn't ready to know her story.

Her sneakers made almost no sound as she walked through the station, blending effortlessly with the crowd. She kept her head down, her face obscured by her hijab, her eyes never lingering too long on anything or anyone. To the world, she was just another girl on her way to work. To them, nothing was special about her.

The train arrived with a screech, its doors opening to swallow the commuters. Fiza stepped onto the train, feeling the shift in the atmosphere as the doors closed behind her. She didn't make eye contact with anyone, though she could feel the curious glances of others as they moved past her. But she stayed hidden in her own world, her thoughts distant from the reality around her.

As the train sped through the underground tunnels, Fiza allowed herself a brief moment of reflection. She thought about her family—her father's warning, Aqsa's knowing look, and Uzma's support. But her thoughts were interrupted by the soft, rhythmic sound of the train moving forward. Her focus shifted back to the task at hand.

Getting into NeuraTech was easy for her—it wasn't just about her family name. Fiza had earned this position. She was brilliant, one of the top students in her academic year. But today wasn't about her intellect—it was about her resolve. She had to prove herself in a way that wasn't tied to her family or their name. It was time for Fiza Alvi to stand on her own, even if the world had no idea who she truly was.

As the train approached the final station, Fiza's pulse quickened. NeuraTech was just ahead. She could feel the excitement building inside her, but she remained calm. No one needed to know how much was at stake.

The train screeched to a halt, and Fiza stood up swiftly. She walked toward the exit, her gaze locked straight ahead, not daring to look back. This was her moment. She had no time for doubts.

The doors slid open, and the bright light of the station greeted her. Fiza stepped out onto the platform, her heart pounding. The towering NeuraTech building loomed ahead, its glass and steel reflecting the early morning sun.

Taking a deep breath, Fiza adjusted her hijab one last time, pulling it securely around her face. She was ready. She would face whatever came next with courage, and no one would ever know the truth about who she really was.

She stepped forward.