𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐬

13

Aria sat at the dining table, her heart pounding in her chest. She had rehearsed this conversation a hundred times in her head, but now that the moment had arrived, her nerves threatened to overwhelm her. She took a deep breath, glancing at her family gathered around the table. Her mother, her father, and her little brother, Taimur.

"Dad, Mom, there's something important I need to talk to you about," Aria began, trying to keep her voice steady.

Her father looked up from his newspaper, eyebrows raised. "What is it, Aria?"

"I got an email yesterday," she said, her voice gaining confidence. "I've been accepted to the University of London with a full scholarship."

Her mother's eyes widened with surprise and pride. "Oh, Aria, that's wonderful news!" she exclaimed, but her excitement was tempered with a hint of worry.

Aria's father, however, frowned deeply. "London? That's too far, Aria. How can we ensure your safety there? It's out of the question."

"Dad, please hear me out," Aria pleaded. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The scholarship covers everything. It's my dream to study there."

Her father shook his head, his expression stern. "Your safety is more important than any dream. You're staying here."

"Dad, I understand your concern, but I'm not a child anymore. I've worked so hard for this. You always taught me to follow my dreams, and this is my dream," Aria said, her voice shaking with emotion.

Her mother placed a gentle hand on her father's arm. "Maybe we should consider it, dear. This scholarship is a big deal. It shows how much she's achieved."

"But who's going to look after her? London's too far for us to reach her quickly if something happens," her father argued.

"I can take care of myself," Aria insisted. "I'll be in a safe environment, and the university has great support systems for international students."

Taimur, who had been listening quietly, suddenly spoke up. "Dad, I think Aria should go. She's worked really hard for this. And besides, we can always call and video chat with her. She won't be alone."

Aria smiled gratefully at her little brother. "Thank you, Taimur."

Her father sighed, his resolve unwavering. "No. My decision is final. You're staying here where we can protect you."

Aria's heart sank, and she knew there was no changing his mind. "Alright, Dad," she said softly, her voice tinged with disappointment. "Thank you for listening."

That night, as Aria lay in bed, her mind raced. She knew she couldn't let this opportunity slip away. She texted Maliah, and they finalized the plan.

---

Later that night, Aria packed her essentials into a backpack, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and fear. She had never done anything so rebellious in her life. She carefully opened her bedroom door, hoping it wouldn’t creak and alert her parents. She took a deep breath and tiptoed down the hallway, avoiding the spots on the floor that always creaked.

As she reached the front door, she noticed Taimur peeking out from his room, giving her an encouraging thumbs-up. She smiled nervously and waved back, signaling for him to be quiet.

Just as she reached for the doorknob, the family cat, Luna, darted out from nowhere, weaving between her legs. She stumbled, trying not to trip over the cat, and bumped into the coat rack, which wobbled precariously before crashing to the floor with a loud bang.

"Luna!" Aria hissed, shooing the cat away.

Lights flicked on, and her parents appeared in the hallway, looking both concerned and amused. Aria’s father crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow. "And where do you think you're going at this hour, young lady?"

Aria's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Uh, just going for a walk?"

Her mother chuckled softly. "With a backpack and your cousin waiting outside?"

Maliah, who had been hiding behind a bush outside, stood up and waved sheepishly. "Hey, Auntie, Uncle."

Aria sighed, realizing she had been caught red-handed. "Okay, fine. I was trying to run away to London for my scholarship. But I didn’t want to hurt you, Dad. I just... I need to follow my dreams."

Her father’s stern expression softened slightly. "Aria, we understand your ambitions. It's not that we don't trust you; it's the world we worry about. But seeing you so determined... perhaps we can find a way to make this work."

Her mother nodded in agreement. "We’ll support you, Aria. But let’s do this the right way, together."

Taimur joined them, his face beaming with pride for his sister. "I knew you could do it, Aria!"

Aria hugged her family tightly, feeling a wave of relief and gratitude. "Thank you. I promise I’ll make you proud."

Her father patted her back. "We already are, Aria. We already are."

Maliah, who had been watching the scene unfold, stepped forward with a grin. "So, does this mean I still get to be her chaperone to London?"

Her parents exchanged amused glances before nodding. "Alright, Maliah. But you both better keep in touch and stay safe."

Aria and Maliah shared a victorious high-five. "London, here we come!" Aria exclaimed, her heart soaring with excitement and a newfound sense of freedom.

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Chaotic chapters ahead.

Tz