The atmosphere in Class 9 was still a little tense after Minha's strange song and even stranger words. Aleena Batool, Manahil Khan, and Fatima Noor Malik exchanged uneasy glances, while other students tried to laugh off the weirdness.
Just then, the classroom door creaked open—and the aura shifted immediately.
In walked their Pakistan Studies teacher, Miss Nayab. She was young, calm, graceful… but firm. The kind of teacher who didn't even need to raise her voice to maintain discipline.
She placed her notes gently on the desk and smiled.
"Assalamualaikum, girls."
"Wa Alaikum Assalam, Miss!" the class echoed in harmony.
Miss Nayab adjusted her dupatta and said, "Today's topic is not just a lesson, it's a reminder. We're talking about the power of identity, the sacrifices made for Pakistan, and the heroes who built this land."
She walked slowly between the desks as she spoke, her tone soft but full of emotion.
"Do you know, my dear students, Pakistan is not just a country—it's a miracle. Created in the name of La Ilaha Illallah, this land was earned by rivers of sacrifice."
Some girls nodded seriously. Others, like Minahil Asad and Zanib Gulzar, took out their highlighters, already scribbling facts like nerds preparing for war.
Yumna whispered to Sadiya, "She sounds like she's narrating a drama. Should we add background music?"
Sadiya grinned. "Qurbani ka safar... in surround sound!"
Miss Nayab raised a brow, not missing the whispering. "Yumna and Sadiya… would you like to stand and give the speech instead?"
Both of them shook their heads so fast their ponytails flew like choppers.
The class giggled.
History Comes Alive
Miss Nayab continued, now writing on the board:
"Heroes of Pakistan: Tipu Sultan, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Allama Iqbal, and Quaid-e-Azam."
"Tipu Sultan taught us that one day of a lion's life is better than a hundred years of a jackal. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan gave Muslims ilm, Allama Iqbal gave us khwab, and Quaid-e-Azam gave us Pakistan."
She paused, and said a line that hit deeper than anyone expected:
"A nation that forgets its heroes… is like a tree without roots."
The room fell respectfully silent.
Aleena, who was still a little shaken by Minha, found herself finally calming down. She even whispered, "This... feels nice."
Fatima Noor nodded. "Finally, a period without ghosts and poetic threats."
Minahil muttered, "Let's not jinx it."
Just then, Miss Nayab asked, "Who here can tell me about the Two Nation Theory?"
Hands shot up.
Hooria , Amna stood up proudly and said, "It was the idea that Hindus and Muslims are two different nations, with different religion, culture, and identity. They deserve separate homelands."
Miss Nayab smiled warmly. "Excellent! That's the spirit."
Ayesha Gul whispered, "Spirit? She really used the word spirit after all that just happened?"
Aysha Noor poked her. "Shh. Maybe Minha's watching us from the walls."