First In Time

1. Never before

Vajra

I am utterly captivated by this woman—my own daughter, who has somehow become a force of nature in my life. Alankrita, a name that once echoed softly in my heart, now resounds like a thunderclap. She's making decisions for me, setting the stage for her independence, and I'm left wondering: who is this fierce spirit that stands before me?

I'm Vajra, and today I find myself at a crossroads, caught in the whirlwind of parenthood. Seventeen years have flown by like a fleeting dream, yet they've also felt like an eternity. Alankrita wants to move out, to carve her own space in a tiny closet near her college. The very thought stings—a mix of pride and sorrow. It's a brutal war, this tug-of-war between parents and children. The struggle for power is palpable, a dance where both sides aim for victory, but it's the parents who ultimately pay the price.

Alankrita was a blessing I received when I was merely sixteen. No, don't jump to conclusions; it's a tale woven with unexpected threads. So, gather 'round.

Each year, my friend's hometown erupts in a kaleidoscope of colors during the temple festival—a celebration that reveres the ancient gods. To say it's lavish would be an understatement; it's a vibrant tapestry of life. I remember standing among the crowd, a socially awkward teenager, burdened by the weight of the temple god upon my shoulder, alongside thirty others. Those gods are not just heavy; they carry the immense weight of life, death, and love, symbols of our shared human experience.

After a long day of festivities, I sought refuge by the temple lake, bathed in the silvery glow of the full moon. The air was thick with the intoxicating fragrance of blooming flowers, a gentle breeze teasing my senses. But then I heard her—a distant scream, a cry for help that shattered the tranquil night.

I raced toward the sound, adrenaline coursing through my veins, only to find a group of women surrounding a pregnant woman, writhing in agony. In this modern world, she was trapped in a cruel reality—unable to reach a hospital, a luxury far too precious in our village.

"Vajra!" someone shouted, though the voice was lost in the chaos. My heart raced as I recalled my basic medical training from those tedious Red Cross courses. Would it be enough?

For what felt like an eternity, I fought against time and fate. After two grueling hours, the piercing cry of a newborn pierced the night, a baby girl born into the world, her umbilical cord still tethered to her mother. I clamped and cut the cord, severing the last thread that bound them, a decision fraught with gravity.

The mother, frail and trembling, appeared drained. Yet, as her daughter's first wail echoed in the night, a spark ignited within her—a single tear rolled down her cheek, a mixture of relief and joy that left me breathless. In that moment, I understood the miraculous bond between life and death, creation and despair.

Fast forward seventeen years, and that tiny baby has blossomed into a vibrant woman. Now, she stands before me, a whirlwind of ambition and dreams, ready to leave the nest. How the tables have turned! I, once the caregiver, now feel the pangs of inadequacy as she charts her own course. I may not have been present for every moment of her life, but the lessons I instilled resonate within her, guiding her steps.

As Vajra, I lead a covert operations team—five extraordinary individuals: N-Sun, Momo, Una, Angel, and Iris. We are a symphony of efficiency and silence, orchestrating missions that could rattle even the most seasoned players in this dangerous game. Yet beneath this professional exterior lies the heart of a father, grappling with the bittersweet reality of watching his daughter take flight.

What adventures lie ahead? What challenges will test our bonds? I invite you to join me on this journey as we explore the untold stories waiting to unfold in the chapters to come...

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@niksolutions.nik

I'm not an author of any kind. This story is to trust and test my patience. Will not be updated frequently. Feel free to roost me... but it be finished one day...

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