Threads of Destiny

Chapter 3

Inaya's POV

After having the conversations in the dining room with Bade Papa. I step into my room with a heavy heart as the memories of my father patting my head just like him come before my eyes. Tears sprang out of their own as I sat in the bed exhausted with my emotions. I hate it when I feel so helpless. Is it too much to ask for some happiness in my life without remembering the haunting past? Every other day, I feel the void of my parents; it hurts so much Knowing that however sad I feel or miss them or how much I cry, they are not going to come back ever again. I lost them forever.

I looked towards the nightstand, our family photo in which I was standing between Mumma and Papa with a toothy grin and looking at the camera. It was taken when Papa took us for a picnic. We were so happy in the picture. Those smiles are not fake but genuine happiness that is visible on our faces.

Thinking about my parents, fresh tears again fall out of my eyes; I clutch my mouth and try to stop the sobs. I hugged myself tightly, trying to calm the racing thoughts and the pain that seemed to seep into every corner of my body. I  sank into the bed with my face buried in the pillow. I lay there for some time to calm myself.

A knock resonated on the locked door, followed by Qirat's voice. "Inaya, we will be late for the college. Come out fast," I groaned, and the pillow vibrated beneath me. She didn't Stop knocking until I opened the door. I looked at her in annoyance.

"What? Don't give me that look; If we get late because of you and my professor does not allow me to enter the lecture, then you will see I'll not buy you your favourite fo-" I closed the door with a thud in her face. I can't handle this much talking early in the morning. A smile appears on my face, knowing what is going to happen next.

I leaned against the door, trying to stifle a laugh. From the other side, I heard Qirat gasp, followed by a loud, exaggerated groan.

"Inaya! How dare you close the door on my face!" she yelled, pounding her fists on the door. "Do you know how much I had to beg that professor if we got late just to let me enter the lecture? I already got late two times the previous week."

I could imagine her standing there, arms crossed, her face scrunched up in mock anger. She always had a flair for the dramatic.

"You should thank me for sparing you the rest of your speech," I called back, struggling to keep my voice even. "Besides, you talk enough for both of us; you won't miss out."

There was a moment of silence, and I knew Qirat was coming up with some retort. Then, in a tone dripping with sarcasm, she replied, "Oh, really? Then I guess you won’t miss out on your favourite pav bhaji and chocolate milkshake from your favourite royal tandoor,"

I paused, knowing she had me there. Qirat knew exactly how to push my buttons. I sighed, opening the door just a crack. "Fine, fine. But could you please tone it down a little? It's too early for all this energy."

Qirat peeked through the small opening, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Deal! But only if you promise to not slam the door in my face again. It's not good for my fragile heart."

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at my lips. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"And you love me for it!" she chirped, already turning on her heel. "Now hurry up, or we really will be late, and I’m not missing out on my first lecture of the day because of you!"

As she skipped down the hallway, I shook my head, feeling a warmth settle in my chest. Only Qirat could turn a morning like this into something bearable.

We settled on Qirat's Scooty; yes, madam got a Scooty on her 20th birthday as a present from Bade's papa, and now this is one of her favourite price possessions.