Chapter 6: A Desperate Gamble

I wake up to the harsh beeping of my phone alarm. The hospital chair is uncomfortable, and I stretch, trying to shake off the stiffness from another sleepless night. I look at Ammi lying on the hospital bed, her face pale and frail. The sight of her, coupled with the challenges ahead, weighs heavily on my mind. I need to find a way to pay off the debt collectors and cover Ammi's medical bills.

I quietly leave the room, not wanting to wake Aisha, who is asleep in the chair next to me. As I step into the cool morning air, the streets of Bahawalpur are eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the usual bustle. The political unrest has cast a long shadow over the city, and it's clear that everyone is on edge.

I make my way to the shop, my thoughts a whirlwind of fear and determination. The Cosmic Trading System has been a lifeline, but it's not enough. I need a breakthrough, something that will bring in enough money to pay off the debts and cover Ammi's medical bills.

Unlocking the shop, I prepare for the day, the knot of anxiety in my stomach tightening with each passing minute. The debt collectors will be here by the end of the day, and I still don't have enough to pay them. I check the Cosmic Trading System again, hoping for a miracle. My balance is 200 credits, a pitiful amount given the circumstances.

I glance at the **Exchange Credits** section, weighing my options. I could convert another 10,000 PKR, but I'm running low on cash. I decide to take the risk, hoping it will pay off.

**Confirm Conversion: 10,000 PKR = 1,000 Cosmic Credits**

My balance updates, and I quickly navigate to the **Business Solutions** section. There's a new option available: **Quick Sale Boost Package** for 1,000 credits. It promises to attract a large number of customers in a short period, perfect for my current situation.

**Purchase: Quick Sale Boost Package—1,000 Cosmic Credits**

The system confirms the purchase, and I receive detailed instructions on how to implement the strategy. I spend the next hour setting up, printing new flyers, and posting updates on social media. I even arrange for a few local influencers to promote the shop.

As the morning progresses, a small crowd starts to gather. The Quick Sale Boost Package seems to be working, but I'm still worried it won't be enough. I serve customers as quickly as I can, trying to keep my mind off the ticking clock.

By mid-afternoon, the shop is bustling, but the pressure is relentless. Each sale brings in a bit more money, but the looming debt deadline feels like a noose tightening around my neck. I take a brief break to check my earnings for the day. It's better than usual, but still short of what I need.

I'm in the middle of repairing an old radio when the door swings open, and the debt collectors walk in. My heart sinks as I see the look on their faces.

"Hamza," one of them says, his voice hard. "It's time."

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "I've made some progress," I say, showing them the money I've earned. "But it's still not enough. Please, just give me a little more time."

The second collector shakes his head. "We've given you plenty of chances. If you can't pay today, we'll start taking your assets."

I feel a wave of panic. "Please, just one more day. I'm so close."

They exchange a look, then nod reluctantly. "One more day, Hamza. That's all you get."

They leave, and I slump against the counter, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. I need a miracle, and I need it now. I check the Cosmic Trading System again, hoping for something, anything that can help.

My balance is 200 credits. It's not enough for any of the high-impact solutions. Desperation claws at me, and I feel a moment of hopelessness. But then, an idea strikes me. The system has an **Emergency Fundraising Option** that allows for a one-time boost of credits in exchange for a significant future cut of earnings. It's risky, but I'm out of options.

**Emergency Fundraising: 2,000 Cosmic Credits—Requires 20% future earnings for six months**

I hesitate for a moment, knowing the long-term impact this will have, but I have no choice. I need the money now.

**Confirm Emergency Fundraising**

My balance updates, and I quickly navigate to the **Business Solutions** section again. I decide to invest in a **High-Impact Marketing Blitz** for 1,800 credits, hoping it will bring in enough customers to save the day.

**Purchase: High-Impact Marketing Blitz—1,800 Cosmic Credits**

The system provides detailed instructions, and I spring into action. I hire a few people to distribute flyers, update social media, and even set up a small event outside the shop to attract attention. It's a flurry of activity, and I barely have time to catch my breath.

By evening, the crowd outside the shop is larger than I've ever seen. The marketing blitz is working, and customers are streaming in. I work tirelessly, serving as many people as I can, but the pressure is overwhelming. I check my earnings periodically, watching the total creep closer to what I need.

As the night wears on, I finally reach the amount required to pay off the debt collectors. I feel a wave of relief, but it's quickly overshadowed by exhaustion. I lock up the shop and head back to the hospital, my body aching from the day's work.

When I arrive, I find Aisha waiting outside Ammi's room, her face pale with worry.

"Ammi had another episode," she says, her voice trembling. "The doctors are doing everything they can, but they say we need to be prepared for anything."

My heart sinks, and I feel a wave of helplessness wash over me. I can't lose Ammi. I can't let this be the end. As I rush into the room, I see Ammi lying on the bed, her face pale and eyes closed.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I glance at it to see a message from one of the debt collectors: **"Tomorrow is your last chance."**

I clench my fists, feeling a mix of fear and anger. I have to find a way out of this. I can't let my family down. As I sit by Ammi's side, I make a silent vow to do whatever it takes to save her, no matter the cost.