Aroohi bounced up and down in her seat, her eyes shining with excitement. "Mom, can we get ice cream after lunch? Please? It's my birthday!"
Her mother smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Of course, shona. We'll get your favorite flavor. But first, let's get to Nani's house. She's making your favorite lunch."
Aroohi clapped her hands, her ponytail bobbing behind her. "Yay! I love Nani ma's cooking!"
Her mother reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair out of Aroohi's face. "I'm so proud of the person you're growing up to be, Shona. You're kind, smart, and beautiful. Happy birthday, bella."
Aroohi beamed, feeling happy and loved. "Thanks, Mumma. I'm so happy we're spending my birthday together."
As they rounded the bend, Aroohi's mother suddenly gasped, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. "Aroohi, hold on—"
*A nightmare*
"Mumma !!" she called as her eyes snapped open, her chest heaving as she gasped for air.
• Aroohi's Room •
The familiar contours of her room slowly came into focus, and she sat up, her heart still racing. She rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the vivid images that haunted her. The same dreams had haunted her since childhood, a constant reminder of the trauma she'd endured.
She woke up with a start, her heart racing from a bad dream. She lay in bed for a moment, trying to calm down. She rubbed her eyes, ran her hands through her soft and silky hair, while feeling a lingering sense of unease.
She threw off the covers and got out of bed, walking over to the window. The city lights outside cast a soft glow, and she stood there for a moment, lost in thought.
Aroohi took a deep breath, shaking off the remnants of the nightmare. She began to get ready for the day, trying to focus on the present as usual and push the uneasy feelings away. Just then a soft knock is heard at the door. She calms herself down.
"Come in" she said in her normal tone.
The room's door creaked opens slowly and a tall figure enters the room. His gaze softens and a soft smile appears on his intimidating face as his eyes meet with hers. Her father comes into the room and walks over to her.
"Good morning bella, how did you sleep?" his voice soft and gentle.
She's still haunted by the nightmares of her past, but she never lets them show. She's built walls around herself.
"Morning! Yeah i slept well" she says, her voice sounds a bit gentle with very little fake smile.
"Good" he said his voice soft and gentle. He pats her head affectionately.
"Go get freshen up, I am waiting for you at the dining table hm?" he said his voice soft and gentle.
She nodded as he walks out of her room.
YOU ARE READING
The Frozen Heartbeat
RomanceA tumultuous relationship between two people with different personalities. ~AROOHI MEHRA~ Aroohi Mehra, 23, CEO of Mehra Industries aka "Icy Siren" wears a mask of cold calculation, hiding a soft and childish soul beneath her icy exterior becuase of...