~Softness is not weakness. It takes courage to be delicate in a world this cruel.

Amyrah

"Where is my book!? Amyrah!!"

"Geez, screaming as if she's at the brink of death, duh!" I muttered, glaring at my idiotic friend, Humaira.

She continued to mess my neatly arranged table searching for her book, cursing and muttering under her breath.

I went close to her and screamed in her ear, "The book is here, Humaira!!"

"Ahh!! Help me..My ears are bleeding!" she said dramatically.

"Whatever," I rolled my eyes.

The door opened and in came my other two idiotic best friends.

"Who's dead?"

"Screaming will damage the vocal cord, cause extreme pressure to the brain and also--"

"Oh puh-leeze."

I have the most indifferent types of best friends. Humaira the drama queen, Zehra the fighting warrior and Bushra the smart and most emotional lady.

And me of course, the cool princess.

"Tomorrow is our final exam. We shouldn't waste our time, let's study," Bushra said.

I rolled my eyes at her while others just glared at her,

"Study, study, study!"

"I am going to sleep."

"Hey," she said softly, "I was just saying," her eyes tearing up.

"Fine, do whatever you guys want, end of discussion," Humaira said in a duh-tone.

I've been living in an all-girls boarding school for the past eight years, and going home only thrice a year. The four of us have been friends ever since.

I switched off my bedside light and snuggled into my pillows. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.

***

"Finally exams are over!"
"Let's go pack our things!"
"We are finally going home!"
"Goodbye KBH!!"

The cafeteria was filled with girls pouring out from their classes and so noisy that I couldn't even hear what Humaira was blabbering.

I wasn't happy though. I didnt want to go back there. My home. It was filled with unpleasant memories and I dreaded leaving this place. Sadly, there was no other option, as it seemed.

Then, as expected, an announcement was heard,

"ALL THE SECONDARY STUDENTS OF KEYSTROKE BOARDING SCHOOL! ATTENTION PLEASE! As today is the final day you will be staying at this hostel, it would be better if you all could go now and pack your things as the school van will be leaving at 5 am tomorrow. You will be dropped at the bus station and from there your parents will have to pick you up. Results of the exam will be posted by the end of this month. Good luck every one of you for your future. There will be a special meal tonight for you all as it will be your final meal here."

Unlike before, the cafeteria was quiet. I think it was then that the sadness of leaving this place really sank in.

We walked numbly to our respective dorms and started packing.

We didn't quarrel or ramble as we usually do. It was just silent, only speaking when one of us asked, 'can you pass me that book?' or 'have you seen my hair clip?' oh..and also the sniffing sounds from Bushra.

As soon as we packed, we went to the cafeteria which was once again in a ruckus. As I went there I understood the reason of their bubbliness. The whole cafeteria was decorated beautifully; and a huge square shaped table with chairs arranged around it. The table contained varieties of savouries and sweets.

It was mesmerizing.

As the bell rang, the students took their respective seats.

Laughing and speaking joyfully.

Devouring the mouthwatering food.

It was indeed a memorable day.

"EVERYONE, AS SOON AS YOU ARE DONE, TAKE A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP AND BE READY BY 5 AM."

But it seemed no one wanted to rest.

A water fight began, followed by stuffing food on each other's faces and what not.

"I am going to miss you so much. I love you!" a girl screamed in the microphone looking lovingly at her best friend.

"Ewww..gross," Zehra grabbed the microphone from her.

And then the microphone fight started.

"Thank you so much for being my friend."

"Without you I never would have survived boarding school."

"You are the best thing that ever happened to me."

"You are my everything, My lov--"

"Stop saying 'em, say that to your future husband."

"Oh my Allah! Are you coming home with me? For real!?"

"My brother would be so excited to see you!"

Wait? What!! Seriously?

At a sudden thought, I grabbed the microphone and went to a corner, smiling sheepishly while Humaira walked beside me winking,

"I may never find words beautiful enough to describe all that you mean to me, I am so happy that I found you in this messed up world."

Then Humaira continued dramatically taking my hand and keeping it in her heart, "If my heart could speak; it would say to you, I will not let you go, I will hold you forever."

All the students were hooting, screaming and some giggling.

We high-fived and laughed.

I noticed that Bushra's sniffling now turned into crying-- no, howling.

She ran upto us and hugged us saying, "I will miss you guys - sniff.. alot.. I love.. you are the b..b..est sniff.."

And together the four of us did a group hug laughing and crying at the same time.

"We'll always be the Fabulous Four."

***

The morning was cold, too cold, the weather pale, the strong breeze blowing and the clouds dark.

It was time to go our separate ways. Leaving our friends and meeting our parents. It was a happy-sad occasion.

We promised we'll keep in touch.
After a lot of hugging and crying, as much as we didn't want to leave, we had to. It was time to go home, leaving happy memories behind.

One by one they all started leaving.

Alone and cold, the memories of home clouded my mind. The day I was told to leave.

8 years ago

"Why are you packing all my clothes, aunt?" The 10 year old Amyrah asked.

Silence.

"Will big brother come with me?"

Silence.

"Hmph! I am not going then! It's only 5 am. Lemme sleep!" The girl said angrily.

Her aunt glared at her, taking long strides toward her she grabbed hold of the little girl's hand and pulled her till she reached her front door-steps.

"You are leaving this place. There'll be a driver to pick you up." Her aunt devilishly smirked.

"What do you mean?"

"Remember don't make any friends. Just like you killed my daughter, you might kill them too, so make sure never to be close to anyone. Take care, sweetie."

"Wait--"

The door shut.

The girl's eyes widened.

The tears fell.

"I am homeless now."

"Amyrah!"

This is it. I am going back home now. Again.

☆☆☆

A/N

Assalamu Alaikum!

First chapter of TPU🎉

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