Scene 1: The Dark Room
The room was cloaked in darkness, suffocating and silent except for the sound of soft, gut-wrenching sobs that echoed from the far corner. Shagufta sat huddled, her knees pulled close to her chest, as if trying to protect herself from the world. Her cries intensified, turning into a broken wail that seemed to tear through her soul. But just as suddenly as they had started, the cries stopped, leaving only silence.
The flickering light from the hallway outside seeped into the room as if mirroring her internal chaos—a fragile, faltering heartbeat. It was as though her world, like the dim light, was on the verge of collapse.
Suddenly, a loud knock on the door shattered the silence. "Open the door, Shagufta, or I'll break it down!" Jawad's voice was full of fury, shaking the very foundation of the house.
Shagufta's tear-filled eyes showed no fear, only deep, unbearable pain. Each second stretched on, her suffering tightening around her like a noose. Another knock came, even louder this time, making her flinch. It echoed in her mind, her heart beating in sync with the sound of his fist slamming against the wood.
Scene 2: The Confrontation
Behind the door, her brother, Jawad, stood consumed by a rage that was barely contained. His fists clenched, ready to lash out, and his breath heavy with anger. Their parents sat just a few feet away, concern etched into their faces, but they remained silent, watching the scene unfold.
Slowly, Shagufta got to her feet, her body trembling as she approached the door. She could feel his anger, burning even through the thick barrier between them. With a deep breath, she turned the knob, her hands shaking.
As the door creaked open, the first thing she saw was his eyes—cold, filled with fury. Without warning, Jawad's hand struck her face with a hard slap. The sharp sound echoed in the confined space of the small room, and Shagufta stumbled backward, the sting of the blow radiating across her cheek.
Her voice was barely a whisper, thick with tears. "He likes me too... not just me."
But her words hung in the air, drowned out by the tension that filled the room.
Scene 3: The Turning Point
Later, in the quiet of her room, Shagufta sat alone, her mind swirling with thoughts. The pain from her brother's anger had not fully settled, but her tears had stopped. There was something else now—a quiet realization that had begun to take root deep inside her.
She had been abandoned, left alone to face her struggles, but in that loneliness, something stronger started to emerge. She realized that her pain, her suffering, was not the end of her story.
She whispered to herself, "Loneliness is part of me now, but I can't let it consume me. I have to keep going."
The thought gave her the strength to wipe away her tears, to pick herself up. This was not the end—it was the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Scene 4: The Brother's Promise
The next morning, Shagufta found herself standing outside her brother Jawad's room, hesitating for a moment before knocking gently on the door.
"Who is it?" came his muffled voice from the other side.
"It's me, Shagufta. Can I come in?"
Jawad opened the door, his face unreadable as he returned to his seat by the window, a book lying open on his lap. Shagufta stepped inside, feeling the weight of everything she wanted to say pressing down on her chest.
"Brother," she started softly, "I'm sorry. I know you're angry. I know you're worried about my future." Her voice shook, and she could feel the tears threatening to fall again. "But... he was the only one who said he wanted to marry me. I thought marriage was a halal relationship. I asked him to speak to his parents, but... he left me. He got a job in South Korea, and everything he did... he did it for that. I didn't think he would abandon me for success."
Jawad sighed heavily, setting his book aside. "And now? What do you plan to do, Shagufta? Are you going to let this destroy you?"
Shagufta wiped her tears and looked at him with determination. "No, brother. I'll continue my studies. But I don't know if Father will allow it."
"Leave that to me," Jawad said firmly. "I'll talk to him. Don't worry."
For the first time in a long while, Shagufta felt a flicker of hope. "Thank you, brother," she whispered, her voice fragile but sincere.
Scene 5: The Father's Decision
The following morning, over a quiet breakfast, Jawad brought up the topic with their father.
"Father," he began, his tone careful, "I've been thinking about Shagufta's studies. Do you think she should continue?"
Their father paused for a moment, deep in thought. "What do you think, Jawad?"
"I think it's important for her to finish her education. She's learned from her mistakes, and she's more focused now."
Their mother, who had been listening quietly, added, "I agree. It's a good idea for her to go back to school."
Their father took a deep breath, his face softening as he nodded. "Alright. Let her continue."
Scene 6: A New Beginning
Later that afternoon, Jawad knocked on Shagufta's door.
"Who is it?" Shagufta called from inside.
"It's me," Jawad replied.
Shagufta opened the door, her heart pounding with anticipation.
"I spoke to Father," Jawad said, stepping inside and taking a seat. "He agreed. You can continue your studies."
Shagufta's face lit up with joy. "Thank you, brother. I'll never forget this."
Jawad smiled gently. "Just remember your promise. You won't contact him again."
Shagufta nodded, her smile fading slightly, but she held onto her resolve. "I won't. I promise."
As Jawad left, Shagufta stood by the window, gazing out at the world. She whispered to herself, "Be brave. This will be a great journey."
Scene 7: The Cruel World
The next day, Shagufta returned to college with newfound determination. It was her final year, and she was ready to chase her dreams. But her first day back quickly turned sour.
During the break, her friend Neha and others gathered around her, mocking her relationship. "He was the only one who wanted to marry me," Shagufta repeated in her defence.
Neha laughed cruelly. "Shagufta, maybe you should go look at yourself in the mirror."
The words cut deep, but Shagufta stayed silent. She had learned that arguing wouldn't change anything. She knew she had lost both her love and her friends. Yet this humiliation only strengthened her resolve. She would prove them wrong.
Scene 8: The Journey to Success
Despite the daily taunts, Shagufta focused on her studies. After finishing college, she applied for medical school, facing failure twice before finally passing on her third attempt. The whispers and mockery never stopped, but Shagufta had learned to rise above it. She excelled academically, graduating at the top of her class.
Her journey didn't end there. She set her sights on working abroad and, after months of waiting, received a job offer from South Korea—the very place her former love had chosen over her.
As she read the letter, tears filled her eyes, not of sadness, but of triumph. The pain and heartache had led her here. She had survived, and now, she had succeeded.
This was her journey—a journey of strength, endurance, and victory.
Scene 9: See off
At the bustling airport, Shagufta was enveloped in a wave of happiness, her cheeks flushed a rosy hue. The thrill of new beginnings danced in her heart.
"Jawad, I'm so glad you're moving forward with your life," she said, her voice warm and encouraging. "I know it's been a tough road for you, but I've seen your strength and resilience. You've fought so hard."
Her father, standing tall beside her, nodded in agreement. "Thank you for your efforts, Jawad. We're proud of you."
Her mother beamed with pride, her eyes glistening. "Shagufta, my little star, I couldn't be prouder. You've grown so much."
Touched by their words, Shagufta felt a mix of gratitude and longing. "I know I've hurt you all, and I don't know how to ask for your forgiveness. I'm truly sorry for every mistake I've made. I promise to respect your choices from now on."
As the weight of her past began to lift, her family exchanged smiles that spoke volumes. It was a moment of understanding and healing, a promise of new beginnings.
Just then, an announcement crackled through the speakers, jolting them back to reality. "Okay, we know everything now," Jawad said, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "But remember, you have to go!"
With a deep breath, Shagufta felt the thrill of adventure surge within her. This was more than just a departure; it was the start of a journey filled with promise and possibility. As she stepped forward, she knew that the future awaited her, ready to unfold in ways she had yet to imagine
Scene 10: AT SEOUL GIMPO AIRPORT.
At Seoul Gimpo Airport, just 15.5 kilometers from the city center, Shagufta stood amidst the bustling crowd. The country she had only read about now spread before her—beautiful, with people as sweet-hearted as she had heard. She scanned the surroundings, a mix of excitement and tension gnawing at her. This was it. The beginning of something unknown, something that might challenge her in ways she wasn't prepared for. A strange feeling tugged at her, warning her that her journey here wouldn't be easy—that it might even stir up pieces of her painful past.
But Shagufta took a deep breath, shook off the unease, and smiled to herself. "Let's go, Shagufta," she whispered under her breath. "This is your journey. You've wasted enough time already. Now, it's time to live."
With newfound determination, she moved through the terminal. Outside, she approached a driver waiting beside his car. "Can you take me to this address?" she asked in halting Korean, offering a slip of paper with her destination.
The driver, an older man, smiled warmly and nodded. "Of course," he replied, opening the car door for her.
Shagufta thanked him, sliding into the back seat, her hands clasped nervously in her lap. The car idled for a moment before the driver turned around, a kind look in his eyes.
"Where are you from?" he asked in Korean.
"Pakistan," she answered softly. "I'm here for my medical internship."
The driver's eyes lit up. "That's amazing! Welcome to Korea."
Shagufta smiled faintly, feeling the familiar weight of her worries. The driver, seeming to sense her unease, glanced at her through the rearview mirror.
"I can tell you're a little nervous," he said, his voice gentle. "It's normal. But don't worry, little princess. You've come all this way for a reason. Your hands... they're going to save lives. Just focus on that."
A lump formed in Shagufta's throat at his unexpected kindness. "Thank you, uncle," she replied, her voice steadying. "I've always heard that South Korean people are nice, but now I can truly feel it."
The driver chuckled, eyes crinkling at the corners. "You'll meet many more like me, don't worry."
The rest of the drive passed in peaceful silence, the hum of the city around them. When they finally reached her flat, Shagufta paid the driver and stepped out, gazing up at the building that would be her home for the next few months.
As the lift opened directly in front of her apartment, she felt a sense of both anticipation and fear. Her fingers trembled slightly as she unlocked the door and stepped inside. The room was immaculate, the modern furniture sleek and stylish. But it was the painting on the wall that caught her attention—a haunting image of a young girl, tears rolling down her face, a wilted flower clutched in her hand.
For a moment, Shagufta felt an uncomfortable pang in her chest. She saw herself in that painting, the girl's sadness mirroring her own hidden sorrow. A single tear slipped from her eye before she hastily wiped it away. "Not now," she whispered to herself, "not today."
She unpacked quickly, trying to shake off the lingering weight of emotion. An hour later, after putting away her belongings and freshening up in the shower, she felt slightly more settled.
---
Meanwhile, back in Pakistan, her brother Jawad sat with their parents, a quiet pride on his face.
"I'm happy for her," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I just hope Shagufta can achieve her dream."
Taimoor, their father, placed a reassuring hand on Jawad's shoulder. "She's strong, son. She's been through so much already. She'll make it."
Kainat, their mother, nodded in agreement. "Insha'Allah, our daughter will be successful," she said with a soft smile. Then, turning to Jawad, she added, "But maybe it's time you start thinking about your own future."
Jawad knew what she meant. "Marriage?" He let the word hang in the air for a moment, feeling the weight of it. He sighed softly. "Insha'Allah, Mother... when the time is right."
For now, all of their hopes were with Shagufta, embarking on a new journey far from home.
Scene 10: The Emergency, The Hospital Rush
It was a regular morning at Asan Medical Centre. The hospital corridors were just starting to fill with the usual busy staff and patients. The clock read 8:45 a.m. when suddenly, the doors burst open.
"Move! Emergency!" A policeman shouted as he rushed inside, helping to bring in a woman who had clearly been hurt badly in an accident. She lay unconscious on a gurney, and beside her, a young woman—her daughter—was crying loudly.
"Mom, please wake up! Don't leave me!" The young woman pleaded, her voice breaking with every word. Her hands trembled as she held onto her mother's hand, refusing to let go.
Dr. Kang Ahan, one of the top surgeons at the hospital, quickly arrived. He walked over calmly but with purpose. His eyes focused as he examined the woman.
"What happened to her?" he asked, pulling out his stethoscope to check her heartbeat.
"Car accident," the policeman replied, still panting from the rush.
Dr. Kang leaned down, listening closely. "She's losing a lot of blood," he said quickly, turning to Nurse Min, who was standing beside him. "Prepare the operating room immediately and arrange for a blood transfusion. We don't have much time."
The nurse nodded and hurried off to get everything ready. The daughter stood nearby, helpless, her eyes wide with fear. "Please, doctor, save her!" she cried, her voice full of desperation.
---
Scene 11: A Missing Blood Type
As Dr. Kang prepared for the surgery, Nurse Min approached him again, looking worried. "Doctor, we have a problem. The blood type we need... it's not available in the hospital right now."
Dr. Kang froze for a moment, frustration creeping onto his face. "She's already lost too much blood," he muttered. "What do we do now?"
Just then, a familiar voice came from behind. "I can help."
Dr. Kang turned around to see Chief Surgeon Lee Min-jae standing there. Normally, Dr. Kang and Chief Lee had a competitive relationship, always trying to outdo each other in the operating room. But right now, none of that mattered.
"I'll donate my blood," Chief Lee said, already rolling up his sleeve. "Let's save her life."
Dr. Kang stared at him for a second, a bit surprised. But then he nodded. "Thank you," he said simply. There was no time for ego or rivalry now.
---
Scene 12: After the Surgery
Hours passed, and after a long, intense surgery, Dr. Kang finally walked out of the operating room, pulling off his mask. His face was tired but relieved. The young woman, the patient's daughter, rushed towards him, her eyes swollen from crying.
"Doctor, is my mother going to be okay?" she asked, her voice shaky and hopeful.
Dr. Kang gave her a small smile, trying to comfort her. "Your mother is stable now. She's going to be alright, but she needs time to heal. You'll be able to see her soon."
Tears of relief streamed down the young woman's face. She bowed deeply and thanked him over and over. Dr. Kang nodded, acknowledging her gratitude, but before he could walk away, he heard someone call his name.
"Dr. Kang."
He turned to see Chief Lee leaning against the wall nearby, looking pale but determined. Despite how tired he looked, his expression was serious.
"Thank you," Chief Lee said, his voice soft but sincere.
Dr. Kang paused, slightly taken aback. It wasn't often that they shared moments of gratitude like this. "No... it's you who saved her. You gave the blood," Dr. Kang replied.
Chief Lee smiled faintly, nodding, before he walked away, his posture a little weaker than usual. For a brief moment, the intense rivalry between the two surgeons had melted away, leaving only a quiet respect.
---
Scene 4: Nurse Min's Concern
Later that evening, after the hospital had calmed down, Nurse Min found Dr. Kang sits alone in his office, rubbing his temples.
"You know, Chief Lee really shouldn't have donated blood today," Nurse Min said, her voice soft but concerned. "He looked pale even before the surgery started."
Dr. Kang, his head still resting on his hand, nodded. "Yeah, he's always pushing himself too hard. He's so stubborn—trying to prove something, always."
Nurse Min sighed. "Or maybe he just wanted to help, Kang. Maybe he's not trying to prove anything this time."
Dr. Kang looked up at her, surprised by her words, but didn't say anything. He knew she might be right.
---
Scene 13: A Quiet Moment in the Canteen
A few days later, Dr. Kang was walking through the hospital when he noticed Chief Lee sitting alone in the canteen. Lee looked exhausted, far more than usual. His hand was resting on his forehead, and his shoulders sagged under the weight of fatigue.
Dr. Kang walked over to him, sitting down without saying a word at first. Finally, he spoke, "Are you alright, Lee Min-jae?"
Chief Lee looked up, giving him a tired smile. "I'm just a bit worn out. Been pushing myself too hard."
"You need to take care of yourself," Dr. Kang said seriously. "At this rate, you'll end up as one of our patients."
Chief Lee chuckled softly, but it was clear he wasn't really feeling well. "Saving lives... it's what we do, right?"
"Yeah," Dr. Kang agreed, but then added, "But you can't save anyone if you collapse yourself."
They sat in silence for a moment, the usual tension between them replaced by quiet understanding.
---
Scene 14: A Light-Hearted Moment
The next morning, the hospital was back to its usual busy pace. As Dr. Kang passed by the nurses' station, he suddenly felt someone watching him. When he turned, he saw Chief Lee walking toward him from the other side of the hallway.
But before either of them could say anything, Chief Lee stumbled, looking a little dizzy. Dr. Kang instinctively reached out to steady him, but in doing so, they both lost their balance and ended up crashing to the floor together.
For a brief, awkward moment, Dr. Kang found himself inches away from Chief Lee's face, their foreheads accidentally touching. Both doctors quickly scrambled to their feet, blushing slightly.
The nurses who had been watching giggled from behind the counter, amused by the sight.
Chief Lee coughed, avoiding eye contact as he dusted himself off. "I... I'm fine."
"Yeah, you look fine," Dr. Kang muttered sarcastically, shaking his head as he brushed off his own coat. "If you keep working at this pace, you'll end up owning the hospital at this rate."
Chief Lee smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I guess I should slow down a little, huh?"
"Just a little," Dr. Kang teased before turning back toward his office.
Nurse Min, who had seen everything, caught up with Dr. Kang, a teasing smile on her face. "So, are you two friends now?" she asked playfully.
Dr. Kang sighed, shaking his head. "There's nothing going on, Min."
Chief Lee, still flustered, muttered, "Yeah, nothing at all."
Nurse Min just smirked, clearly enjoying their awkwardness.