episode 6 "A Job, A Secret, And A Choice That Can Change Everything
1039 Words
The canteen was loud but around their table it felt quiet.
Ali Khan picked up a piece of fries.
"I never thought we would sit and eat together like this," he said.
Saba looked at him. "Why?"
"Because we are very different," Ali Khan said. "You are simple and hardworking. People know me as the rich boy. The one who has cars and money and power. But I don’t have real things."
"What real things?" Saba asked.
"Real friends," Ali Khan said. "Friends who talk to me because they like me, not because of my name or my money."
He put his drink down. "The day you slapped me, that was the first time someone spoke to me without fear. You were not scared of my family. You were not impressed by my money. That was new for me."
Saba did not know what to say.
"I have never told anyone about the pressure in my house," Ali Khan continued. "About how lonely it can be. But I feel I can tell you. Because you are real."
Saba cleared her throat. "We don’t even know each other well."
"Friendship is not about time," Ali Khan smiled a little. "It is about trust. And I trust you."
At that moment Saba’s phone rang. It was her home number.
"Excuse me," she said and picked up.
"Hello? Mom?"
Her mother was crying. "Saba beta, forgive me."
"What happened?"
"Your father had a heart attack this morning. We took him to the city hospital. The doctor says he needs surgery."
Saba’s face went white. Her hand started shaking. "Surgery? But the money? We don’t have money. After my fee there is nothing left."
"Mom, don’t worry. I will think of something," Saba said. Her voice was breaking. "The last date for my university fee is next week too."
"Please take care of your father," she said and cut the call.
She put the phone on the table. Tears were in her eyes.
"Saba? What happened?" Ali Khan asked softly.
"My father is in hospital. He needs an operation. And I have to pay my fee next week." She tried to stay strong.
"How much do you need?" Ali Khan asked.
"I don’t know. I will manage," Saba said quickly.
"Let me help," Ali Khan said. "I can give you a loan. Pay me back whenever you can."
"No," Saba said. "I can’t take money from you."
"Why? Because I am rich? Because you think I want something in return?"
Saba stayed quiet.
"This is not a loan," Ali Khan said. "This is help. Friends help each other. Here is my number. Call me if you need anything."
He gave her a card and stood up. "I will pray for your father. Take care."
He walked away.
Saba sat there holding the card. On one side was her mother’s crying voice. On the other side was Ali Khan’s offer. And in her mind she heard her best friend Sofia’s warning: "Be careful. Every help has a price."
Two days later Saba was in the library arranging books. Ali Khan came and sat near her.
"You look worried," he said.
"The surgery was done but the hospital bill is still there," Saba said. "And my fee deadline is tomorrow."
Ali Khan thought for a minute. "My friend Hamza’s father has a company. They need a part time assistant in the evening. Four hours. The pay is good. It can cover your fee and help your home."
"Will I get it because of you?" Saba asked.
"No," Ali Khan said. "I will only give your name. You have to pass the interview. It is tomorrow."
Saba looked at him. "Why are you doing this for me?"
"Because you gave me a chance to be honest," Ali Khan said. "And I want you to know not all rich people are bad."
The next day in the canteen Sofia was angry. She took the tea cup from Saba’s hand.
"Are you crazy? A job from Ali Khan? First he offered money, now a job. Don’t you see the pattern?"
"I need money Sofia," Saba said. "My father’s bill. My fee. I have no other option."
"This is a trap," Sofia said. "First notes, then friendship, then loan, now job. He is pulling you closer step by step."
Saba closed her eyes. Sofia’s words made sense. But Saba had no choice.
"I have to take this job," Saba said quietly.
The next day Saba went for the interview. It was in a tall glass building. She wore a simple white shirt and black shalwar. The marble floor made sound under her shoes. She felt small.
A man in his 40s called her in. He smiled. "You are Saba? Ali Khan told me about you."
The interview was short. "What are you studying? Do you know computer? Can you work 4 to 8 pm?"
Saba answered in short sentences.
"Okay," the man said. "You can start tomorrow. Salary is 25 thousand per month."
Saba could not believe it. "So soon?"
"We needed someone fast. You are suitable," he said.
Outside, Saba felt happy for the first time in days. 25 thousand. She could pay her fee. She could send money home. She called Ali Khan.
"I got the job," she said.
"That is your success," Ali Khan said. "You did it with your own hard work."
After some time Ali Khan called again.
"Saba?"
"Yes?"
"I want to take you for coffee. To celebrate your success. Just as friends."
Saba looked at him. The evening sun was on his face. For one second she thought she saw something else in his eyes. Something serious. Something hidden. But then it was gone.
"Okay," Saba said. "Like friends."
Ali Khan smiled. "Tomorrow evening. I will text you."
He turned and walked away. Saba stood there. The air was cold. She felt a strange weight on her shoulders.
As Ali Khan walked away, his smile changed slowly. It was not the same smile. It was the smile of someone who had just made the next move.
Saba did not know yet where this job, this friendship, this help would take her.
She only knew that from tomorrow, her life would be different.
- Writer
