Yumna had to leave early that morning because she had exams. Her friend came to pick her up.
"How's your preparation?" Yumna asked in a nervous tone.
"It's so-so. Let's see what happens…" her friend replied. "Are you ready?"
"Yes, let's go."
They parked the car and entered the examination center. After the security check, they marched toward their examination halls.
"Yumna, you were talking about a boy last night, right?"
"Yes, the one who commented under my PCS paper post."
"Oh yes… what's his name?"
"I guess, Yameen…"
"Oh, oh… both of your names start with Y."
"Spot stars around your hall if you see him."
"Come on, Noori… He just commented. No one stares around in the examination hall, you know that."
"Yeah, yeah…"
Smiling and teasing each other, they changed routes and walked toward their respective halls.
Yumna entered through the door and noticed many boys seated inside. She felt a bit confused and nervous, but she held her confidence. Perhaps she was looking for a familiar girl, but there were none—only boys. She checked the roll number on her slip and started searching for her seat.
"Finally!" Yumna sighed as she sat down.
She took out her pens and other necessary items—her CNIC, ruler, etc.—everything she'd need for the exam. Once done, she looked up, trying to straighten her neck and avoid unnecessary discomfort, when suddenly… she spotted him.
Oh my God, Noori! What did you do? she thought.
She kept glancing at him, trying to confirm if it was really him.
After completing her paper, Yumna came out of the hall and waited for Noori, who was always late.
She waited twenty minutes outside Noori's hall, but she didn't come out.
Uff! Noori, how much more are you going to write? Come out, please…
She sat on a bench and started looking through the question paper.
"Hey Yumna!"
"Thank God you're here!"
"How was the paper?"
"It was good but lengthy."
"Yes, it was indeed…"
They discussed the paper while walking back and then headed home. Noori dropped Yumna off and went her way.
They both took their remaining twelve papers, and after the final one, Yumna received a message.