Maham was an only child and, as a 19-year-old, she often wished that she could have some fun like other girls. Some of her friends, she knew, were always going to see the latest films, eating meals in the most expensive restaurants, and wearing expensive branded clothes.

“My life is all work. I don’t get to enjoy most of the exciting things other girls my age do,” Maham said to herself one day.

It was indeed all work, because Maham’s mother died in an accident, while the same accident left her father paralysed. Therefore, as well as working hard all day in a departmental store in the large city she lived in, Maham had to look after her father. She cooked all his meals and kept the house spotlessly clean. But she did not want to spend all her life doing this and so at night, when everything else was done, she started learning web design. She went to attend classes in the evenings.

She would often think, ‘One day, I will get a really good job as a web designer for a big company, and I will have much more money and I will be able to get external help to take care of my father while I go to work.’

Time passed, Maham worked harder than before. She was very often on her feet all day from morning until night. Her work was not easy, as Maham worked at the meat counter where sometimes, the buyers were never satisfied. She did not like this job, she would have preferred a coffee or a clothing shop. However, like many working girls, she needed the money and so she had to persevere. Working at home was hard as well. Although she had only herself and her father to look after, there was much to be done in the house

‘It will all pass if I work hard enough,’ she thought as she walked towards the technical institute, where she was learning web design.

The room was busy as she entered it. Most seats were occupied by girls and boys.

Soon the sound of the click, click, click of the keys could be heard as the class began its evening’s work. Maham became absorbed in hers too. She was very tired, but she tried her best to concentrate, looking all the time at the code and designs on her screen.

“You have a good understanding,” said a voice. “I have great hopes for you in diploma examinations next week.”

She looked up to find her tutor standing by her desk. This was indeed an honour.

“Your coding speed is good too,” went on the tutor. “Try hard in your examination and then I will help you to find a nice job. Remember to practice your coding at home, as well. If you have no one to help you, there are plenty of tutorials available online.”

He walked to the next desk, leaving Maham to her work and wondering just what time she could find to fit in any more practice.

Her tutor was right, indeed, for that year, Maham obtained her diploma with very good marks. As promised, her tutor secured her a job at a large company, where she showcased her hard work and was soon promoted. She didn’t stop learning; she continued studying in the evenings and acquired other skills that helped her build a successful career. Eventually, she fulfilled her dream and was able to provide her father with a caretaker at home. She was so happy that, through determination and hard work, she achieved everything she had dreamed of.

Published in Dawn, Young World, September 14th, 2024