The girl glanced nervously around. More people were trooping into the crowded room by the minute.

She chewed on her bottom lip, eyes darting across the room. How much time had gone by? She wasn’t sure.

Zainab checked her watch for what felt like the millionth time. 12:45pm.

Around her, youths were clustered together in groups talking and laughing. She was the only one without company. The nervousness climbed into her throat afresh and threatened to stop her from breathing. She wiped her sweaty palms on her skirt and gripped her pen in her hand. She would have to be prepared for when the next person walked in.

It wasn’t as if this was her first lecture. In fact, it was her fifth class this week as a transfer student.

Her heart began pounding in her chest when a tall, menacing-looking man entered the room. Everywhere became deathly silent and groups dispersed in anticipation…or fear, it wasn’t clear.

Professor Ahmad Hussein was a force to be reckoned with and even these second-years knew that. He introduced himself as the second year Quantum Physics professor while his eyes surveyed the room. When they landed on Zainab, he staggered back and his dark eyes went wide in fear.

No, Zainab wasn’t nervous because this was her first lecture, she was nervous because it was her first lecture in her father’s class. The father she hadn’t seen in 17 years. The father who swore she’d never become a scientist, who wanted her to just stay at home and “be a good wife”. The same father who was about to teach her the very thing he swore she would never learn.

Revenge really was a hot dish best served cold.

Zainab stood up so he could get a good look at her. “Hello, Father.” She declared triumphantly.