A Missed Opportunity - By Ayesha Mushtaq

Written By: Ayesha Mushtaq

Category: Short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the vivid tapestry of human emotions, Ayesha Mushtaq's "A Missed Opportunity" stands as a testament to love, choice, and the unforeseen paths life may take. This poignant short story, part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, explores the complexities that unfold when love collides with societal expectations. Through a narrative rich in emotional depth and dramatic tension, Mushtaq delves into the heart-wrenching decisions faced by her characters, transporting readers into a world where every choice carries the weight of destiny.

About the Work

Ayesha Mushtaq's "A Missed Opportunity" weaves a narrative of love and longing, set against the backdrop of cultural expectations and personal desires. The mood is tense, imbued with an undercurrent of urgency and desperation. Mushtaq's literary style captures the raw, emotional turmoil of her protagonist, Seher, as she navigates the defining moments of her life. The story's vivid imagery and evocative descriptions enhance the emotional gravity, inviting readers to ponder the unpredictable nature of love and the consequences of choices made in its name.

A Missed Opportunity

Original Submission by Ayesha Mushtaq

“A Missed Opportunity.”

Adorned in a red bridal dress, she sat in the room. A girl’s wedding day is meant to be her happiest occasion, but that wasn’t the case with Seher. Her tears flowed continuously as she hid her head between her legs. How could she feel joy when she was about to get married to a man she didn’t love? Her sobs echoed in the room, and even the walls seemed to shudder in sympathy, closing in as if to comfort her with their cold, silent embrace.

Suddenly, her phone beside her began to ring. She thought it was probably her mother, telling her that it’s time to come out and sign the papers which would bind her fate to Zyran. She quickly picked it up without thinking much.

“Seher?” A gruff voice came from the other side, making her widen her eyes in utter shock.

“Shahzaib?” She stuttered, not believing that he called her.

Shahzaib took a deep breath, “Did you sign the papers yet?”

“No, I didn’t.” She muttered, her voice like a sigh lost in the air.

“You just have to say it, and I’ll come running, don’t marry him Seher, please.” Shahzaib pleaded.

Seher stared at the screen, looking at his picture. His face was rugged and angular, a strong jawline, a slightly crooked nose, and piercing green eyes that seemed to hold both wisdom and a hint of mischief, framed by a tousle of dark, wavy hair.

She thought about their past. If only she had run away with him the day her parents settled the marriage. Her parents never liked him because he had a poor income and they had different casts. But did that stop her from loving him? No. They were high school sweethearts, and loved each other unconditionally, but due to such differences in their culture and beliefs, it just wasn’t possible.

“Seher,” Shahzaib’s voice broke her out of her trance. Irene inhaled a deep breath, it was now or never.

“Come,” She said, her voice barely above a whisper.

That’s all it took for Shahzaib to grab his bike’s keys and rush outside. He put on his helmet and peeked at the sky, which was a tapestry of dark clouds, brooding and swollen, ready to unleash a storm that had been brewing for days. He turned on his bike, ready to save Irene from something she never wanted.

Shahzaib drove as fast as he could, crossing the speed limit multiple times, but he didn’t care. Raindrops pelted the ground, the relentless drumming creating a symphony of nature’s fury. His vision became blurry as he tried to make out the cars in front of him. He swerved across the lanes with difficulty, nearly crashing into a car in front of him.

As he was dangerously driving across the road, he got a phone call. Now, any person in their sane mind wouldn’t attend a call at such a moment, but her name… Her name was enough to drown out all logic. Without hesitation, he reached for the phone, keeping one hand loosely on the wheel. His heart pounded against his chest, each beat louder than the last.

“Hello?” His voice trembled with a strange mix of relief and desperation as he turned on his air pods.

“Shahzaib?” Her voice was soft yet distant, as if she was talking from the other side of the world.

Azrael’s eyes darted between the phone and the road, trying to focus, but all he could think of was her voice, the way it made his heart clench.

“Seher, listen I- “

The world blurred around him as the road stretched and he spotted a curve ahead. He pulled the brake but the wheels skidded, the bike wobbled dangerously. It all happened in slow motion for Shahzaib, the phone slipping out of his hands, him being thrown from the bike, weightless for a terrifying moment before crashing into the asphalt.

He groaned in pain, his body battered and his mind barely able to string together coherent thoughts. But one thing cut through the haze, sharp and unrelenting. Seher. He had missed his chance. The one chance to save her-to pull her from that life, from the wedding, to run away with her and live the way they’d dreamed.

And now, it was too late. All of it-destroyed because of him. His fault. His failure. The weight of it crushed him, heavier than the pain tearing through his body. And he knew, with a cold certainty, that he would never forgive himself. Not for this. Not ever

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of talent and creativity from around the world. This prestigious event gathers diverse voices, offering a platform for writers to showcase their unique perspectives and storytelling prowess. Participants engage with a global audience, contributing to a rich tapestry of contemporary literature. The competition invites submissions across various categories, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and artistic expression.

We extend our gratitude to Ayesha Mushtaq for sharing her compelling short story "A Missed Opportunity" with us. Her contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the literary landscape with its emotional depth and narrative strength. We appreciate her dedication to storytelling and look forward to seeing more of her work in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.