An Inconvenient Flame

Chapter 24

"Okay Ivaan, let's go over these word pockets for your vocabulary quiz next week," I say, settling onto the living room carpet across from my little bug.

Ivaan nods eagerly, excited to learn new words. I smile noticing his bright eyes, and flip over the first card. 

"Affable. It means pleasant and friendly," I explain.

"Affable!" Ivaan repeats loudly, writing down the word with a toothy grin. 

We continue reviewing the words, Ivaan trying to soak up each and every definition.

my phone suddenly starts ringing out loudly from the coffee table, startling us both. I hold up a finger to pause our lesson.

"One second, Baby." I reach up for the phone, not recognizing the number on the screen.

I answer hesitantly," Hello?"

"Is this Ishika?" A gruff male voice answers.

"Yes, who's this?" I ask, my brows scrunch, unsure of who this unfamiliar caller is.

"Raj. Your payment of the debt to the Bashar's is past due." He states bluntly. I feel the colour drain from my face at the mention of Bashar's.

I glance at Ivaan who is watching me curiously.

"Bubba, you revise. I'll be back in few minutes." I give him an assuring smile before quickly stepping out of the room.

"I know the payment is past due. But please if you could give me a month mor-"

He cuts me off sharply. "No more extensions. The loan should have been paid last year. Now Bashar wants the full amount by end of Friday. No excuses this time." I grip the phone tightly, a familiar flutter of unease filling my stomach.

"Please, I just need a little more time, I have a child to care for-"

"Not my problem," Raj interjects coldly. "Have the money by Friday or  Bashar will get it himself, one way or another." The threat in his tone makes my blood run cold. The call ends abruptly before I can respond.

I stand frozen in the hallway, remembering the terrifying day I pushed myself into this trap.

Five years ago...

I fight back my tears as I exit the admin office, Divya refused to pay my college fees and living expenses. The administrator has coldly informed me that without the semester fees, I'd be dropped from my courses within 2 weeks.

And even my flat owner has given me an ultimatum to either empty the property or pay the rent within a week.

Refusing to give up so easily, I hastily reach for my phone, my fingers fumbling over the screen as I dial Di's number once again. It rings once, twice, and then her voice echoes through the receiver, " I am busy Ishika."

"Di," I manage to choke out, my voice betraying the panic gripping me.

 "I-I need your help, please."

There's a pause of few seconds on the other end of the line, "I can't."

"Mumma gave you the responsibility of my studies after her retirement. And this is how you hold up to your words," I spat out in resentment.

"You lived up to your dreams, and now when it's my turn you're refusing."

Her tone turns icy. "I told you, I'm done supporting you financially. I have my own dreams, and I am not going to sabotage them anymore because of you."