AUTHOR'S POV
Sakina's fingers danced over the keyboard as she read through the comments on her latest Wattpad story, “The Unwritten Pages.” It was a tale brimming with teenage dreams, heartaches, and courage, reflecting much of her own lif albeit hidden under a mask of anonymity. At 16, she had created a world where her thoughts could breathe, but little did she know how the story would take a turn far more thrilling than any plot twist she had penned.
Scrolling down, she stumbled upon a comment that made her heart flutter.
“I love how you portray the vulnerability of your characters. It hit me right in the feels! Please write more!”
She smiled, warmth spreading through her chest. The user, a simple “@DreamingWaves,” had captured the very essence of her writing. Without thinking, she clicked the like button and began to type her reply.
“Thank you so much! That means a lot to me. I’ll definitely keep writing! ❤️”
To her surprise, almost immediately, she got a response back.
“@SakinaWrites – No, thank YOU! Your story deserves way more recognition! How old are you? What inspires you?”
Sakina felt a surge of excitement. Someone was genuinely interested in her—and they were kind.
“16! 😄 I guess life inspires me—the ups and downs. How about you? What do you write?”
@DreamingWaves replied with enthusiasm. They talked about their favorite genres, shared snippets of their writing dreams, and before she knew it, they were exchanging Instagram handles, each intrigued by the other’s vibe.
“Let’s keep in touch! I feel like we could be amazing writing buddies! 🙌”
She quickly sent a follow request to @DreamingWaves. After exchanging a few more texts, she found herself laughing at their inside jokes and light-hearted banter. The hours slipped away like sand through her fingers, and by the time she looked at the clock, it was past midnight. But she didn’t mind—she felt alive for the first time in ages.
The next day, Sakina trudged through her classes, still riding the high from her late-night conversation. Her mind was a flurry of words and ideas, but she had to focus on her studies, at least for now.
As the lunch bell rang, she made her way to her usual table, her stomach grumbling in anticipation. To her astonishment, sitting on her spot was a large, frosty milkshake, thick and inviting with whipped cream spilling over the edge and topped with a cherry.
“What the…?” she muttered, a mix of confusion and curiosity piquing her interest.
As she lifted the milkshake to inspect it, she noticed a hastily written note taped to the cup:
“Sorry for yesterday. I hope this makes it up to you. – K”
Sakina furrowed her brow. The only “K” she knew was Kamran, her classmate and notorious bully. The one who had mocked her for her writing dreams and, just yesterday, had broken the locket that had belonged to her grandmother. Yet, here he was, attempting to make amends in his own strange way.
The last thing she expected was to feel a flicker of warmth or gratitude toward him, but surprising herself, she chuckled slightly. She took a sip, the cold sweetness washing her surprise away. Despite her mixed emotions, she couldn’t deny how delicious it was.
Suddenly, Kamran sauntered over, a cocky grin plastered on his face. “So, did you like it, or are you going to throw it at me?”
Sakina rolled her eyes, maintaining her cool composure. “It’s… decent. I didn’t really expect this from you. What’s the catch?”
Kamran shrugged, leaning against the table. “No catch. Just trying to be a decent human being for once, I guess. I know I messed up.”
“A little late for epiphanies, don’t you think?” she shot back, yet there was a hint of amusement in her voice.
“You wanted me to apologize consider this me having a moment of clarity.” He paused, his expression shifting to something more sincere. “I’m really sorry about the locket. I didn’t mean to break it. I just… I thought you were being dramatic.”
Sakina’s heart softened just a fraction. “Dramatic? It’s the only and last thing i have as my grandmother's memory, Kamran.”
“I know, I know. I deserve this. But i have fixed it didn't i?” he offered, stuffing his hands into his pockets.
For a moment, she contemplated, a wave of unexpected gratitude washing over her.
“Fine. But I’m not forgiving you easily.”
With that, the two continued their banter, the ice precariously beginning to melt between them, though she wasn’t quite ready to call him a friend just yet.
After school ended, Sakina made her way to the bike rack, only to discover her cycle key missing. Panic settled in as she searched her pockets and backpack frantically. Amongst the chaos, she turned around and found Kamran leaning against his motorcycle, a carefree look on his face.
“Lost something, Sakina?” he called out with a teasing glimmer in his eyes.
“Very funny,” she retorted, her annoyance showing. “I lost my key. This is just fantastic.”
“Need a ride? I can give you a lift,” he said nonchalantly.
Her brows furrowed in skepticism. “And why would I accept a ride from you?”
“Because walking home is boring, and it’s either that or you spend an hour looking for your key,” Kamran suggested, his smirk widening.
She hesitated, the wariness still lingering from his bullying days. But then again, his gesture with the milkshake had shown a different, kinder side of him. “Fine. Just be careful.”
He chuckled, motioning for her to hop on. “Hold on tight; I don't want to lose you mid-ride.”
As she climbed onto the bike, feeling the warmth of his body beneath her, she clamped her hands around his waist, slightly taken aback by how comfortable it felt.
“Wow, never thought you would be brave enough to accept a ride from the school bully,” he chuckled, glancing back at her.
“I’m not brave I’m just tired of walking. Let’s get this over with,” she shot back, trying to maintain her facade of nonchalance.
As they sped off, the wind whipping through her hair, a laugh escaped her lips. Maybe today hadn’t been so bad after all. Kamran wasn’t as terrible as she had made him out to be, and the thrill of riding behind him felt exhilarating.
They arrived at her home much quicker than she anticipated. She hopped off the bike, suddenly feeling more at ease.
“Thanks for the ride, Kamran,” she said, catching a glimpse of his surprised expression as if he didn’t expect her thankfulness.
“Don’t mention it,” he replied, brushing it off but there was a glint of appreciation in his eyes. “And about the locket, I am sorry, and I won't Bully you anymore, You can trust me.”
Her walls were crumbling, but she held them together as best as she could. “I’ll consider it.”
--
Once home, Sakina settled in to complete her homework a a distraction from the raging storm of emotions within her. She finished just in time to dive into her phone, eager to see the new messages waiting for her.....
He was online.
Sakina: “Hey! You won’t believe what happened today!”
Stranger: “Tell me everything!”
Sakina filled him in about the milkshake her unexpected acceptance of his help. They laughed, shared opinions, and in between their typed words, Sakina felt her weariness catch up with her.
As her eyelids drooped, she replied one last time, “I’m so tired. I think I’m going to sleep soon. I’ll catch you tomorrow?”
But the words faded into a dreamy haze, her phone slipping from her hands as she surrendered to sleep.
--
That's it for today!
YOU ARE READING
our wounded heartbeat
Romance-- "Look, Sakina, I can't do this anymore. We're done. kamran said. Sakina's eyes widened in shock. "What? Why? What did I do wrong?"Kamran turned away, unable to meet her gaze. "It's not you, it's me. I just. I need to be alone right now. You nee...
