Beyond the game

It had been a month since Azra started her studies at Capital Medical College, a prestigious institution where the pressure and expectations were as high as the towering buildings that lined the campus. The constant stream of lectures, assignments, and exams had kept her on her toes, but today, after a long stretch of studying and hard work, the end-of-term examination was finally over.

Azra placed her exam paper on the desk, the ink on her pen still drying as she handed it to the professor. The room buzzed with the sounds of students packing their bags, their conversations bouncing off the walls as they exited, but Azra took her time. She sat for a moment longer, letting the weight of the exam lift from her shoulders. It felt like a small victory, but there was still a long road ahead.

With a sigh, she gathered her belongings and stood up, exiting the classroom in a slow, deliberate pace. She didn't feel like joining the others in celebration. She had her own way of clearing her mind.

The walk to the cemetery wasn't far from the college. Azra often took this route when she needed some solitude, when she needed to feel closer to the two people who had shaped her life more than anyone else—her parents. The quiet streets, lined with the pale yellow leaves of autumn, seemed to stretch endlessly ahead of her, a peaceful lull that contrasted with the buzzing chaos of her mind.

She reached the cemetery, the familiar scent of fresh grass and the earth lingering in the air. The tall, looming gravestones had always been a source of comfort for her, a reminder of those she had lost but still carried with her every day. She knelt before her parents' graves, gently running her fingers over the names etched into the stone, their presence still strong despite the years that had passed.

"Mom, Dad," she whispered softly, as if speaking directly to them. "I hope you're proud of me. I know this life isn't what we all planned, but I'm doing my best. I'm keeping my promise... to never give up."

Her words were a mix of sadness and strength. She had faced many challenges over the years, but she had always carried her parents' memory with her, their ideals, their love. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the quiet wash over her, before standing up and brushing the dirt from her knees. It was time to go.

Azra left the cemetery, heading toward the orphanage next. The orphanage had always been a place of refuge for her, a way to give back, a way to honor the values her parents had instilled in her. She had been volunteering there for years, ever since she'd been old enough to do so, and it gave her a sense of purpose she couldn't find elsewhere.

---

The familiar sight of the orphanage's stone facade came into view. The large iron gates creaked open as she approached, and the children's voices echoed from within. She walked in with a smile, greeted by the warm faces of the little ones she had come to care for. They crowded around her, all eager to talk, ask questions, or simply cling to her as they always did.

Azra spent the next few hours helping out, organizing activities, tutoring the older children, and taking care of any other small tasks the staff needed help with. It was a fulfilling way to spend her time, and as always, it lifted her spirits.

She was walking towards the staff room when she noticed a figure standing outside, near the entrance. A tall man with an elegant, confident air about him. It was Yuzarsif.

Azra blinked in surprise as she approached him, wondering what he was doing here. He seemed to be waiting for someone, his gaze scanning the area before landing on her. As their eyes met, there was a brief pause—an awkward moment where the reality of their previous encounters seemed to hang in the air.

"Azra," Yuzarsif greeted her with a calm smile, his voice low and smooth. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Azra gave a polite nod, though she couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. "I work here as a volunteer," she explained, trying to sound casual. "It's a part of my routine after school."

"I see," he said, nodding thoughtfully. "It's admirable, really. Giving back to those in need." He paused for a moment, his eyes studying her as if trying to read her. "You're the type of person who does good without seeking recognition."

Azra couldn't help but feel a small pang of discomfort at his words. He had a way of reading her, of making her feel exposed without intending to. But she brushed it off, offering him a polite smile. "I don't mind the quiet work," she said softly.

Yuzarsif then took a small step closer, as if to lower his voice, though it wasn't much of a secret. "How did the exam go?" he asked, genuinely curious.

Azra paused for a moment, surprised by the question. She hadn't expected him to ask, and it took her off guard. "It went well," she replied. "I think I did okay. It's just one step at a time, right?"

"Of course," he said, nodding again. "But, if you're interested, I could help you further." He spoke with ease, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "You've got the talent, but the right connections can help you move forward faster. My family runs a hospital, and we're always looking for bright minds. If you'd be interested, I could help you get a position there. It's a great place to start."

Azra's brows furrowed slightly, and she couldn't suppress the small shift in her expression. The offer was tempting, of course—who wouldn't want an opportunity like that? But the thought of relying on someone's connections didn't sit well with her.

"I appreciate the offer," she replied calmly, "but I'd rather find my own way. I don't mind working hard to get the job I want. I'm sure I'll find something at another hospital."

Yuzarsif seemed to understand her response, though there was a flicker of something—disappointment?—in his eyes. But he masked it quickly, his smile returning. "I respect that," he said, his voice warm. "But don't hesitate to reach out if you ever change your mind."

Azra nodded, appreciating his understanding, though she didn't quite feel the connection she had hoped for. There was something about him that felt like a puzzle—something she couldn't quite figure out, no matter how much she tried.

There was a brief pause before Yuzarsif took another step back, glancing at her with a certain intent in his eyes. "I'm sorry to take up your time, but before I go…" He hesitated for a moment, then added, "Would you mind sharing your number with me? Just in case you ever need any help or guidance."

Azra looked at him for a moment, her hand still lingering at her side. She hadn't intended to give him her number, but she couldn't find a polite way to turn him down again. It was an awkward situation, but she gave him a soft, neutral smile.

"Alright," she said, pulling out her phone and handing it to him. "Here."

Yuzarsif took the phone gently, typing in her number with a brief touch of his fingers before handing it back. "Thanks," he said, his voice sincere. "I'll make sure it's only for business matters."

"I'm sure," Azra replied, keeping her tone neutral.

With one last look, Yuzarsif turned to leave, his figure disappearing through the gates of the orphanage. Azra watched him go, her mind still swirling with questions and emotions. She couldn't help but feel that there was more to him than he let on, but she wasn't sure if she was ready to find out just yet.

---

As the sun began to set, Rahma arrived at the orphanage, her footsteps light and carefree. She greeted Azra with a big smile and a joke, but Azra was still caught up in her thoughts.

"Hey, what's going on?" Rahma asked teasingly. "You look like you've just seen a ghost—or someone special."

Azra looked at her friend, slightly startled, but Rahma didn't miss the brief flush on her cheeks. "What happened?" she asked, unable to hide her grin. "I saw you talking to someone just now. Was that Yuzarsif?"

Azra couldn't help but roll her eyes, but there was a faint smile on her lips. "Yes, it was him."

Rahma raised her eyebrows, her grin widening. "Ah, I see. I can smell the love in the air," she teased, winking at Azra.

Azra felt her cheeks redden slightly but quickly regained her composure. "It's nothing like that," she said, though she couldn't hide the small, amused smile that tugged at the corner of her lips.

"Sure, sure," Rahma said with a laugh. "I know what I saw. There's something about him, right? You're not fooling anyone."

Azra chuckled lightly, trying to keep her emotions in check. "We'll see," she said, a bit more guarded now.

But as she turned back to her work, she couldn't help but wonder if Rahma was right. There was something about Yuzarsif—a connection that she couldn't quite place, but one that was undoubtedly there. She only hoped she was ready to face whatever came next.

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