CHAPTER 12 : The Path Unchosen

Khalid's relationship with Xeenat had continued to blossom, with their bond growing stronger with each passing day. Xeenat had been effusive about their relationship, sharing it with everyone in her orbit. Khalid, however, had chosen to exercise discretion, opting to conceal the truth about his educational status from his friends and family. His friends, cognizant of the envy and jealousy that Khalid's accomplishments had spawned, had cautioned him against divulging the truth. Upon completing his diploma program, Khalid had returned home, where he was greeted as a hero. His friends and family, under the impression that he had been pursuing a degree program, had showered him with accolades. Khalid, however, had been uncomfortable with the deception, but his friends had persuaded him to maintain the facade. The paramount consideration for Khalid was to successfully complete his diploma program and transition into the degree program, thereby ensuring that he would graduate on schedule and fulfill his commitment to Xeenat. He had, therefore, resolved to conceal the truth about his educational status from Xeenat, lest she lose faith in him. As fate would have it, Khalid's graduation ceremony coincided with the tumultuous events unfolding in G town. The boko haram insurgency had left a trail of devastation in its wake, claiming numerous lives and displacing countless families. Sayyad's family, fortunately, had been spared the brunt of the violence, but they had been forced to flee their home and seek refuge elsewhere. In the aftermath of the insurgency, Sayyad had shouldered the responsibility of providing for his displaced family members, ensuring their well-being and safety. Khalid, meanwhile, had opted to forgo his planned visit to G town, instead joining his family in their temporary refuge. Two months later, the press release announcing Khalid's academic achievements had been met with jubilation. Sayyad had been thrilled to learn that Khalid had graduated with the highest honors, and their coordinator had assured him that Khalid's admission into the degree program was all but certain. With this assurance, Sayyad'sanxieties had dissipated, replaced by an unshakeable faith in Khalid's academic prowess. Several months elapsed before the admission list was released, but Khalid's name was conspicuously absent. Undeterred, he traveled to the school, where he met with his coordinator, who attributed the omission to unforeseen circumstances. She assured Khalid and his colleagues that they were working diligently to rectify the situation and urged them to exercise patience. Khalid returned home, his spirits dampened by the setback. Sayyad, sensing his son's distress, resolved to intervene, arranging a visit to the university to plead Khalid's case. Upon arrival, Sayyad discovered that the admission process had been marred by widespread irregularities, with lecturers and staff embroiled in a bitter struggle for influence. As the days turned into weeks, Khalid's anxiety deepened. The release of the supplementary admission list only served to exacerbate his disappointment, as his name was once again nowhere to be found. Crushed by the realization that his academic prospects were rapidly unraveling, Khalid began to question his future. Xeenat, sensing Khalid's turmoil, remained steadfast in her devotion, insisting that she would wait for him indefinitely. However, Khalid, cognizant of the uncertainty surrounding his academic future, felt compelled to terminate their relationship, citing the impermanence of their circumstances. As the separation took its toll on both Khalid and Xeenat, their families began to notice a change in their demeanor. Khalid's mother, Fatima, grew increasingly concerned, eventually persuading Sayyad to take Khalid to the hospital for a thorough examination. The diagnosis revealed that Khalid was suffering from acute stress and pressure, which, if left unchecked, could potentially lead to more severe health complications. Sayyad, determined to alleviate his son's distress, reassured Khalid that he would explore every avenue to secure his admission the following year, even considering the possibility of abroad studies as a last resort. As Khalid slowly began to come to terms with his situation, he found solace in prayer and acceptance of his destiny. Meanwhile, Xeenat, though resigned to the loss of Khalid, continued to harbor a glimmer of hope that he might one day return to her. In an effort to strengthen family bonds and dispel lingering misconceptions, Sayyad convened a gathering of his children in a secluded location. With a mixture of admonition and wisdom, he exhorted them to prioritize unity and understanding within their family. As he concluded his remarks, Sayyad posed a poignant question, his voice filled with emotion: "If there is one thing I implore of you, it is to choose your life partners from among our relative, the room fell silent, as if the weight of Sayyad's words had rendered his children speechless. As Sayyad's words hung in the air, a palpable silence enveloped the gathering. However, Khalid's introspection had already led him to a profound realization. He had harbored a deep affection for one of his cousins, a young girl named Meenat, and had been contemplating proposing to her when she reached the age of majority. Seizing the opportunity to align his personal desires with his father's wishes, Khalid dispatched one of his brothers to convey his decision to Sayyad. Sayyad's countenance radiated joy upon receiving the news, and he promptly organized a trip to visit his family members, with the express intention of discussing Khalid's proposal with his brother. The meeting was a resounding success, with Sayyad's brother warmly receiving the proposal and reciprocating with a heartfelt blessing. As the news of Khalid's proposed union with Meenat began to circulate, the young girl found herself increasingly enthralled by the prospect. Though she had initially been skeptical about the veracity of the rumors, her curiosity eventually got the better of her. Mustering her courage, Meenat utilized her mother's phone to contact Khalid, her voice trembling slightly as she greeted him. Khalid, taken aback by the unexpected call, regained his composure and engaged Meenat in polite conversation. Though he deliberately avoided betraying his emotions, Meenat's innocent queries and gentle demeanor only served to deepen his affection for her. As the conversation drew to a close, Meenat's mind was abuzz with speculation, her heart fluttering with anticipation. Khalid, meanwhile, couldn't shake off the feeling that Meenat might have somehow intuited his intentions, though he rationalized that she was still too young to be harboring romantic sentiments.