The Red Rose

1. Memories

"Everything seems fine"
"Well, that's when everything starts falling, your world, on your feet, in front of your eyes"

The streets of Agrabah were dead silent at night, only the sound of the cold breeze entered Alijah's ears as she was sitting with her father in the balcony of his chamber.

Something that became her everyday routine- talking with her father at night, hearing her mother's stories like bed time tales only when she is lucky, because Sultan Alim was always displeased talking about his wife. According to him someone shouldn't talk about the one who's gone, for they are resting in heaven and remembering them only disturbs their peace. Thus, Alijah never insists.

"If we don't talk about the memories in our heart, won't they sting?" Alijah asked her father, who was sitting opposite her on a chair.

"Yes they would Amira, but we can distract ourselves every time, but what about the one who's gone? their sadness is bigger than ours"
He replied looking up in the dark sky, no moon, no stars visible due to the clouds.

"I will never understand your puzzled talks, Abbu"

He just lets out a small chuckle in return followed by silence. Alijah once again tried to break the awkward quietness.

"Don't you miss her, Ab-"

"You should return to your chamber Alijah, we've been sitting here for so long now" he cut her sentence and stood up walking back inside.

"O-ok" she murmured to herself because her father didn't wait to hear what she has to say in return.

Alijah gathered her dress and made her way back to her chamber in the crisp of night, holding her tears back and her footsteps fast so no one can see her crying, her weak side that she herself hates.

She slammed the door of her chambers, not even letting Rubina , her maid come inside.
Falling on the floor finally allowing those tears to roll down her cheeks that were forced dried by her since last two years. She finally let herself be weak even for a moment, and that was enough for her peace.

"Why should I not talk about you ammi? Why everyone just forgot about you? Why remembering you is a crime? Why did you even leave, ammi? Why?" She cried her heart out. Questions that arises everytime in her mind but no one to answer them. Only she and her silence.

Standing in front of the long mirror she takes in her appearance. Cheeks stained with dry salty tears, her almond skin glowing under the moon light, body covered in rich textiles and accessories, a complete representation of a princess.

But the only thing she notices is herself being vulnerable, weak, dependent, ignoring the outfits, luxury and lights around her. All she sees is the version of herself she hates, the darkness inside her and knowing that no one is coming to save her, she is alone.

Alijah finally realises that crying will result in no good. It is worthless. She wants to get revenge for her mother's death and she has to be strong, she needs to find out the reason he killed her, the reason why everyone doesn't care anymore, the reason her father doesn't like talking about her and thus she promises herself silently that she won't stop until she finds everything out.

And finally sleep takes over her, with promises that aren't even promising, and mysteries lying in the floors of the palace she lives in.

Maybe there is more to the truth than she expects, or maybe she is forcing the memories a lot.

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First chapter.
I know it's short and you may find this boring, and I won't stop you if you want to quit. But trust me, try to give this a chance.

Love, zainab.
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