Lost, and Finding the Way (Part3)

I still haven’t taken my HSC exams, and with just this level of education, getting a job is really difficult.
So, I went to an aunty from the neighboring slum and asked her to find me a few kids — I’d tutor them.

Aunty said that in the house where she works, they’re looking for a tutor for their child. I told her, “Please, Aunty, tell them about me — I’ll teach.”
She said, “Okay, come with me tomorrow morning.”
I was so happy.

The next morning, I went with her. It was decided that I’d have to teach every evening, and they’d pay me 2000 taka. I agreed right away.
Every day, after tutoring, I’d help my mother with household chores. In the meantime, Ma also found work in a house.
I managed to find a few more tutoring jobs too.

One day, the father of one of my students helped me get a job at a private company. To be honest, uncle really went out of his way to help me.
That day, I was so happy — I can’t even describe it. I told Ma to stop working at other people’s houses.
With my four tuitions and job salary, the two of us could live comfortably.
I reconnected with my older and younger sisters, and they were very happy to hear that we were doing well.

A few days passed like that. We left that broken slum house and rented a better room.
One evening, as I was sitting quietly before heading to tuition, I started thinking about how much things had changed — where I was just a while ago, and where I’ve come now.
Truly, I’m doing well. A hundred thousand thanks to Allah.

Suddenly, my phone rang, breaking my thoughts. It was an unknown number. Without thinking much, I picked up.
The moment I heard the voice, I knew exactly who it was — yes, my best friend, Anni.

Anni: Hey, how are you? Do you still remember me?
Me: How could I ever forget you! I actually lost your number, that’s why I didn’t call. Where did you get mine?
Anni: I got it from Sumi Apu. How’s Aunty?
Anusha: She’s good.

That day, Anni and I talked a lot, but since it was time for my tuition, I said goodbye and hung up.

The next day, at the same time, Anni called again.

Anni: Anusha, I called to tell you something.
Me: What is it?
Anni: You’re in a good place now, right? You should start studying again. You were such a good student.

Hearing that made my eyes tear up.
Me: Anni, that’s such a beautiful thing to say. You’re right — I didn’t even think about it, and no one else told me either.
Anni: Well, I told you — that’s enough.
Me: But will any college take students now?
Anni: They might, if you request.
Me: Okay, I’ll check.
Anni: Alright then, I’ll talk to you later.
Me: Okay, bye.

After hanging up, I got ready and went to give tuition. I came back home around 10 p.m.

Ma: Anu, come eat.
Anusha: Ma, I don’t feel like eating. You eat.
Ma: Are you worried about something?
Anusha: Ma, Anni called this evening. She told me to start studying again. I’m just thinking if any college would take me now.
Ma: Don’t worry too much. If Allah wills, everything will work out. Come, eat something.

Ma insisted until I ate.
Later that night, I lay down and prayed silently, asking Allah to help me get admitted without any problems. I couldn’t sleep all night.

At dawn, when the Fajr azan was called, I did wudu and prayed.
After prayer, I raised my hands and said,
“Oh Allah, the Lord of all creation, it’s by Your mercy that I’ve come this far. Please, Most Merciful, let me get admission into college without any trouble. Fulfill my wish, Allah. Ameen.”

After prayer, I tried to sleep a little.

Ma: Hey, get up — it’s already late!
I sat up quickly. I didn’t even realize when I fell asleep.
Ma: You work so hard at such a young age — how can a mother bear to see that?
Anusha: Oh Ma, you worry too much. I’m totally fine.

Just then, my phone rang again.

Ma: Go answer it, I’ll get your food ready.
Anusha: Hello Anni, tell me.
Anni: Have you decided where you’ll take admission?
Anusha: Not yet. I’ll see if any nearby college is still accepting students.
Anni: You don’t have to worry. I talked to my dad about you. There’s a college in Motijheel — the principal is his friend. Just go there and say that Uncle Anis sent you. That’s it. He’ll take care of everything.
Anusha: Really? What’s the college’s name?
Anni: Mosharraf Hossain College.
Anusha: Okay, I’m getting ready to go.
Anni: Alright then, take care.

After hanging up, I got dressed.

Ma: Have you decided which college you’ll go to?
Anusha: Ma, Anni called — she told me everything.

I told her everything Anni had said.

Ma: I feel relieved. That Anni is such a good girl.
Anusha: You’re right, Ma. I lost touch with everyone, but look how Anni found me again.
Ma: Yes, in our hard times, who’d have thought someone would still care like that? And Nihal — I trusted him so much when I let you go with him.
Anusha: Oh Ma! How many times have I told you not to say that name in front of me? I want to forget everything. Why do you keep reminding me of that painful past? Do you want me to die from it?
Ma: Don’t say that, my child. If anything happened to you, how could I live? Okay, I promise I won’t mention those names again.

Anusha: Fine, I’m leaving now.
Ma: But you didn’t eat anything!
Anusha: I don’t feel like it, Ma. Pray for me. I’ll be back soon.

Anusha left.
Ma: I know I upset her, but she won’t eat anything outside because she’s scared to waste money. What do I do now?

Following the address, Anusha reached the college.
Looking at the clock — it was 11:39.
“Ugh, got delayed because of traffic,” she thought.
Now she started wondering, which way is the principal’s office?
Lost in thought, she slowly walked inside the college gate...

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