A new chapter of life - part 1

* Birds chirping *

* Bright sunlight illuminates the entire room *

Suddenly, someone knocks on the door.

* Knock * Knock *

Me: Come in.

Mom comes in.

Mom: You're already awake? Come join us downstairs. Breakfast's ready.

Me: Good morning, mom. And wait, won't you go to the hospital today?

Mom: I don't have any appointments in the morning. I have got a few in the evening. So, I'll go there in the evening.

Me: That's great. I'll come downstairs in five minutes. You go ahead.

Mom: Okay. And one more thing, we have something important to discuss.

Me: Should I be worried?

Mom: No. Not for now, at least.

I stare at mom in confusion. What does she mean by " Not for now, at least? "

Me: Mom, what do you mean by that last sentence?

She pats me on the shoulder, reassuringly.

Mom: Just come downstairs and you'll know.

Me: Okay.

[ Before starting the main story, let me introduce myself properly. I'm Zenolia Ahmad, twenty years old. I'm a second-year.....well almost a third-year university student and a freelancer.

My Mom Amira Ahmad, is a neurologist. She works in D. Hospital as a senior consultant and specialist. We have a hospital at the town square in our native village. She is the chief surgeon.

My father Shirzad Ahmad, is a successful businessman and investor. It was his dream to open a hospital for underprivileged people who can't afford basic health care treatment. Dad has had this dream for a long time. He has invested an enormous amount of his lifelong earnings. I have seen my parents working hard for this. Mom has always supported Dad to fulfil this dream. Finally, after five years' planning and active construction, the hospital was  completed last year.

My sister dearest, Shahra is a high school student. Her passion is singing. In our childhood, we were really close but as we grew up, our personalities changed and now we've become polar opposites. We still share a very strong bond. ]

Now, coming back to the story-

I come downstairs to the dining area, where I find mom, dad and Shahra.

I sit beside Shahra and have my breakfast silently. Wishing to avoid the conversation, mom was talking about earlier.

But, Dad doesn't seem to have forgotten.

Dad: Zenolia, there's something important we need to discuss.

Here we go.....

Me: Yes..... Dad ..... I'm listening.

Dad: Zaffri is resigning.

Me: Wait, what?!

Ayman Zaffri, I and Shahra call him uncle Zaffri. He has been my bodyguard for the last eleven years. He's like my Dad. From school life until now he and brother Mahmoud have been with me like shadow to a tree. In every parents' meeting, children's day program, cultural event at our school - these two would be my guardians. It's true that he's become old but I can't imagine anyone else replacing him.

Me: Dad, why is he resigning so suddenly? I need to talk to him.

Dad: He's getting old and his family is permenantly shifting elsewhere so he has to go.

Me: But Dad he has never had any problems like this until now.

Dad: I understand your point kiddo. But look from his point of view too. As the chief earning member he has to look after his family too and he has gotten old if he gets a better job somewhere else, we should wish him good luck and let him go.

Me: Sure. Of course.

I stay silent.

Dad: About your new bodyguard. I've already hired someone with Zaffri's help. He has an acquaintance in H. Security Services.

Me: But Dad, I don't want a bodyguard anymore.

Dad: You have to understand, it's for your safety. Moreover, he's an ex-commando. Unfortunately, a year ago he was on a mission and had a severe injury to his left shoulder. His teammates thought he wouldn't be able to make it because of severe blood loss. Fortunately, he survived but some nerves in his left arm were severely damaged.

God. That must be awful. I can't imagine.

Me: Why are you telling me this?

Dad: I thought you should know about the person who is taking the responsibility for your security.

Me: Okay. But, why did he join the Special Security Services? I mean, there are many other high-paying jobs, then why become a bodyguard?

Dad: Daughter, everyone has their own reasons for doing what they do. And it's not our place to question them. I'm sure, he's got his reasons too.

Me: Sorry. I was curious that's all.

Mom: Zenolia, as you have college tomorrow, your bodyguard will be joining you tomorrow. I have kept a file on your desk. It has his resumé and professional documents in it. If you want to know further information, you can check the file.

Me: ... Okay.

After breakfast, I come to my room and sit to study. My finals are by the end of this month. I have to focus on my studies. Soon, I'm going to be a third-year college student.

Suddenly, my gaze falls upon a black file that's kept on my desk. I guess this is the file, mom was talking about earlier.

Unfortunately, I don't have time to check it now.