𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 ~ 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟐
Sara Zafar, once a vibrant, effervescent spirit, embarks on a new chapter of her life in New York. As she pursues her dream of becoming a psychologist, she undergoes a transformation, gradually...
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I'm sitting at the dinner table with Aryan and Dad, enjoying a meal together. It's been a few days since Dad returned from Bangladesh. Since then, we've been immersed in an extensive collection of stories and diverse experiences from Dad's trip, and he still seems to have a ton of amazing tales waiting to be shared. The beautiful gifts he brought back for us are like little pieces of those adventures, each one making me even more curious about the stories behind them.
"It would have been such a delightful experience if you both had accompanied me," Dad says, casting a fleeting glance at Aryan and me before redirecting his attention to his meal. "Really, it would have been a wonderful time." My voice tapers off as a thought stirs in my mind. I look up, my gaze shifting from Aryan to Dad. "Uh... we can still enjoy ourselves though..."
"How about we plan a small trip next week? The three of us have never had a family outing together," I suggest, finally capturing Aryan's attention. My eyes drop to Dad, who remains silent, staring at Aryan awkwardly.
"Look, Dad is already ready to go. He just wants you to join us!" I exclaim, hoping to elicit a response that will bring smiles to both my and Dad's faces. I watch as Aryan focuses on his food, but then suddenly he speaks up. "Alright. Just tell me where you want to go—Greece, Italy, France, Switzerland, the Maldives, Japan, or anywhere else. I'll book the flights."
The response from him certainly doesn't make us sad, but it undeniably prompts a deep sigh from me. "Aryan, your pretty eyes need to see the whole U.S. first, and then we can talk about other countries."
He lifts his gaze to meet mine and then casts a fleeting glance toward Dad.
"I have a much better place planned for the day," I say, finally letting a wide smile capture my lips. "I trust you!" Dad adds with an assured nod.
"Alright then! It's settled!"
———
The day I've been waiting for has finally arrived. As Aryan and I get ready and make our way downstairs, we find Dad already standing at the door, fully prepared for the day ahead. He hasn't noticed us yet; his gaze is absorbed by a camera he's tinkering with, likely trying to adjust its settings.
Just as my gaze drifts toward Aryan, I find him motionless, his gentle eyes fixed on his father in silence. This moment lingers until Dad, sensing our presence, abruptly turns his attention toward us and in an instant, Aryan diverts his gaze.
The smile on Dad's face seems to stretch even wider, filling his entire expression with joy at the sight of Aryan and me. "Are you both ready?" The excitement in his voice is enough to convey just how happy he is and how much he has longed for this moment to arrive.
"Yes, Dad," I respond with a smile. "And look at you! You look so handsome!" I add, walking toward Dad alongside Aryan.
Dad chuckles softly. "And you both look wonderful together. I have to capture this moment!" By the time he finishes speaking, he raises the camera he was adjusting earlier to his face, aiming it at us. In the next moment, the shutter clicks, capturing a photo of Aryan and me.
