Sahifa was not an extraordinary academic child like her sister. She was a silent, meek, and reserved individual. It was difficult for her to maintain her charismatic journey as a surgeonÔÇÖs daughter. She used to think that her hands were meant to hold painting brushes instead of surgical instruments. Regardless of her dreams, she was instructed to track the path of her father and the policy of her elder sister to become a successful doctor like both. Her little hands never hesitated drawing nature on the canvas since her childhood. At first, everyone took it as her hobby, but it alarmed her father when she selected a painter costume on a career selection day in school. The time passed quickly, and the final days of her medical entrance test were near. She was not interested in this examination. She wanted to join a painting school, but it was an insult to her father in society.
Her father was a kind and friendly human being who never tried to infuse the complex of not being a boy in her daughters. He was friendly but equally concerned for their studies. He wanted both of her daughters at the sky heights of medicine and surgery. Since Fariha had opted for medicine studies, it was SahifaÔÇÖs duty to pursue her fatherÔÇÖs legacy. One day, she gathered the courage to talk to her father about her goals openly. She knocked at his door and a heavy voice collided back at her ears, ÔÇ£Come in, SahifaÔÇØ. She entered the room and sat on the chair adjacent to his fatherÔÇÖs chair. Her throat was dry and she was sweating heavily. Shaking hands in hands, she finally said, ÔÇ£Baba! You provided us with everything. You facilitated us with all the luxuries and broke the stereotypical father-daughter relationship. You took stand for us, you made us realize the value of a dream. I want to become a painter, not a doctor. I am not as good as Fariha Baji.ÔÇØ His father listened to her and replied, ÔÇ£Dear Sahifa, You are my little star and I am supposed to guide you the right way. What would you do after doing the painting diploma? Earn some thousands by selling them, is that all a surgeonÔÇÖs daughter wants? Would this suit you, or us, or our family?ÔÇØ His father’s positive answer was her last hope and it was shattered.
She took the entrance examination, but unfortunately, she couldnÔÇÖt make it to the medical college. Her father was quiet, and her sister was encouraging her. Though she was not interested in this test, failure came with much blame. She blamed herself for letting her fatherÔÇÖs head down. Some days later, she received a call from the Pakistan arts society. She forgot about her submission in a live painting competition where she scored third position all over Pakistan. The next day, her picture was in the newspaper with the other position holders, and it was a turning point in her life. She was invited with the family to get the prize money and winning shield. After receiving her laurel, she said some final words, ÔÇ£Some days ago, I was convinced that I am the most inoperable child of my family. I failed the medical entrance test, and it was the biggest failure for a girl who belonged to a doctor’s family. Today, I want to say that there is no difference between a surgeonÔÇÖs instruments and a painterÔÇÖs brushes as long as they love the work. Failing any examination is normal. Just donÔÇÖt let your wings be injured by considering societyÔÇÖs verdict. As long as you are honest with your work, and have good intentions, you will never fail.ÔÇØ She left the stage happily and hugged her father who was standing as a crowd applauding his daughter.
