By Darakhshan Siddiqui

The dilemma started when I was unable to get myself registered in any medical college. Disheartened and disappointed, I decided to do something ‘more challenging,’ and, to my utter surprise, I cleared the ‘aptitude test’ and embarked on a long journey to become a chartered accountant. Clearing six papers in one ago is not easy at all – it requires hard work, patience and a great deal of good luck.

My friend Suqaina had come from Hyderabad. She was much more determined and energetic, as she was paying a high price for leaving her parents and siblings and being alone here, in Karachi. She was the eldest one, always looking forward to weekends as she then got a chance to visit her very amiable family, especially her siblings, who used to wait anxiously for the small token gifts she got for them.

She was usually the first one to enter the library and the last one to leave. Her hard work bore fruit, and she cleared her first level at the first attempt.

Our final examination of the second level was about to commence, when she asked me to recommend a renowned urologist in Karachi. The examination schedule was announced and she somehow managed to appear for all the papers. She cleared that level too, remarking that it was all due to her mother's prayers. I forgot about her ailment, as I was struggling harder to clear the second level.

Suddenly, I received the shocking news of her death. I was told that she was misdiagnosed in a local Hyderabad hospital, and passed away after being given the wrong treatment for almost two weeks.

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