Somethings are Meant to Be

Chapter-7

~Third Person Point of View~

Afra's hands trembled uncontrollably as her breath came in short, shallow gasps. She stumbled back to her hiding spot, her heart pounding with an intensity she'd never experienced before. With a great effort, she managed to sit down, but the anxiety gripped her tightly. Lying to her parents was an unprecedented act for her—she had always valued honesty in their relationship.

Despite the growing resentment she felt due to their frequent arguments, her parents remained central figures in her life. She harbored a deep respect for them; they were, without a doubt, the most significant people in her world.

Her mother was not just a parent but her closest confidante. Growing up as an only child and having a naturally reserved personality meant that her mother was the only person she felt truly comfortable with. They shared everything from trivial family gossip to profound personal struggles. Her mother's unwavering support made her a pillar of strength in Afra's life.

In contrast, her father was her idol. Every achievement—from excelling in her studies to performing well in extracurricular activities—was driven by her desire to make him proud. She admired him immensely, recognizing the countless sacrifices he made to provide her with a good life. His efforts were deeply appreciated and inspired her in countless ways.

Yet, despite her own desire for happiness, Afra wished for her parents' happiness as well. The persistent conflict between them was taking a toll, leaving everyone in a constant state of irritation and unhappiness. She began to entertain the idea that perhaps they would be better off apart. After managing to send her father away, she was left questioning whether she had made the right choice. Surely, there had been joyful moments in their relationship, hadn't there?

But what's done is done. There was no turning back now. She tried to convince herself that separating her parents was the right course of action, even though she couldn't shake the nagging doubt that perhaps she was wrong. Her gut feeling—an instinct she usually trusted implicitly—was telling her that this was a mistake. However, her stubbornness drove her to dismiss these reservations. She was determined not to admit failure.

Despite her inner turmoil, she was convinced that her actions were for the best. She resolved to stay in this timeline until her mother left for the city. She needed to ensure that her plan succeeded, no matter the personal cost.

A while later, she heard footsteps ascending the stairs and felt a surge of curiosity. She peeked out to see who was coming and saw a girl dressed in a blue salwar kameez, just as her mother had described. As the girl entered the rooftop, Afra was struck by her beauty. The sight was so captivating that it momentarily distracted her from the heavy weight of her worries.