Author's Note / Trigger Warning:
In the upcoming chapters, a character named Tamana will develop an attachment towards Washma. This does not indicate that she is a lesbian; rather, it highlights a social issue often observed in hostel environments, where temporary attractions towards the same gender may occur. Such phases are not permanent but do exist, especially in girls' hostels. My intention is only to shed light on this matter, not to promote or romanticize it."
WASHMA
Washma was rummaging anxiously through her locker, her restlessness written clearly across her face. That was the last place left to search.
Her Anatomy assignment was missing....something that carried marks for her final exams. Rozina was helping her look, but today was the last day to submit. Though she had a copy on her laptop, there was no time to rush back to the hostel and then to a photocopy shop for printouts.
"I think there's only one option left. We'll have to announce it on the college loudspeaker. If someone picked it up by mistake or spotted it somewhere, they can bring it back," Sajida suggested. Washma nodded quickly and hurried toward the office.
A few minutes later, the announcement echoed through the corridors:
"Attention please! Washma Wazir, a fourth-year MBBS student, has lost her Anatomy assignment. The title is The Spinal Cord: Structure and Functions. It is in a blue hardcover. If anyone finds it, please return it to the college canteen. She will be waiting there."
The office assistant stepped out after making the announcement, where Washma and her friends waited nervously.
"Go quickly to the canteen, Washma. If someone finds it, they'll head there straightaway," the assistant advised. Washma rushed off.
An hour passed, but no one came. Washma's anxiety grew heavier; she was losing her last chance.
"Rozina, I don't think this will work. Let's go to the professor. He'll give us a long lecture about responsibility, but we have no other option now. Only half an hour is left before closing time."
Her voice trembled with near tears. She knew her professor well....he would never grant an extension....but desperation pushed her to try her luck. With dread of losing marks in her finals, she picked up her bag. Just then, another announcement buzzed in the air:
"Washma Wazir, fourth-year MBBS, is requested to report to the office immediately."
The girls exchanged stunned glances and rushed toward the office. As soon as they reached the door, they froze.
Tamana stood there, bruised and battered, while another girl beside her was drenched in blood, barely able to stand. In the midst of this chaotic scene, Washma's eyes landed on her assignment lying on the table. For a fleeting moment, joy swelled in her chest....but the teacher's words dragged her back to reality.
"Why did you beat her like this? She was your friend," the teacher asked in disbelief.
Tamana stayed silent while the injured girl glared at her with seething hatred. Washma suddenly remembered....she had seen this same girl on the staircase that day.
The girl's hateful stare lingered, but Washma had no time to dwell on it. The clock was ticking, and she had to submit her assignment before the office closed.
"Thank you, madam. May I take my assignment?" she asked hurriedly.
The teacher nodded. "Yes, but don't forget to thank Tamana...she found it in Saima's locker."
So her name was Saima, Washma thought, realizing Tamana must have beaten her over the stolen assignment.
"No need, teacher. She's running out of time," Tamana finally spoke.
Washma didn't wait another second. She snatched her assignment and sprinted to the professor's office. By the time she arrived, he was already locking the door.
"Sir! Sir, please....my assignment!" she cried, holding it forward with both hands stretched out desperately.
The professor turned, glaring at the blue hardcover as though it were nothing more than garbage.
"You students nowadays are so irresponsible. Do you think I'm your servant? You spend all day gossiping in the canteen, and when I've already locked up, you appear out of nowhere like a jinn, waving your assignment! I want to refuse you outright, but since there are three minutes left, rules bind me to accept it."
Exactly as she had feared, the professor launched into a relentless lecture, disgracing her with every word, until at last he placed the assignment on his table and relocked the office.
He shot her a skeptical glance. "Now what are you standing here for? Go."
Washma nodded quickly and rushed outside.
Breathless, she reached Rozina, who had been waiting anxiously. Seeing her gasping for air, Rozina ran to fetch water....when suddenly Washma felt the presence of a shadow falling over her.
She gazed upwards it was Saima... looking at her with same intensity as she saw in her eyes in the office...
" You changed her....she is ready to do anything for you. ".
A moment Washma scared that she would attack her she looked around..Rozina was no where to seen.. she was thinking ways to defend herself from this crazy girl when she croach beside her and started crying...
Washma looked into her eyes-an ocean of grief staring back at her. She froze, uncertain whether to run and protect herself or to stay and offer a shoulder to cry on. Yet one thing was undeniable: something dark and alarming was closing in, a dread that was slowly reaching for her.
By then, Rozina had also arrived. Together, they guided her to the hostel's dispensary, but it was clear....she had been beaten mercilessly. The sight of her frail, trembling state shook them. Fearing her condition might worsen, they decided to take her back to their room, where at least she would not feel alone.
She was given pain killer with soon she was asleep .. leaving them both dumbstrucked... what happened today their mind was unable to process....
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