Where Have We Come Up To?

Chapter 13:- Regrets...

I slumped in my chair, bright light bulbs shimmering at me. On the first day of shoot, they made me feel like a big film star. Today, they bothered me, forcing me to come out of the dark. My head started throbbing vulnerably, making me grab for some water. Gulping down huge amounts of it, water silenced the burning fire in me, giving me some peace.

Two of my 'best' friends, or so I thought, betrayed me! 5 hours ruined my life. I tried to cry some more, but the tears refused to come out. Suddenly, my phone buzzed, revealing it was my mum calling me. How would I face her, yet alone talk to her. I was her brave tom-boy daughter, whom she always had faith in. And look at me now, I was broken emotionally, and the pain was indescribable. I let my phone ring, until it changed to a missed call. -Mom,

Sorry, could not pick your call as I was in the bathroom. Can you please come and pick me up?

Love you Mom-

I sent my mom a message, not being able to talk to her. If I did, she would immediately know that something was wrong with me. Mothers have this telepathic connection with their children, they can sense when their kids are depressed or hurt.

Quickly wiping my tears away, knowing they will soon make their way out, I looked at the lock screen on my phone. Him. A picture of me and Faisal.

"No!" I whispered to myself in disappointment. I had to change everything. I did not want to remember the person who betrayed me in any way. Even if it is the smallest thing as a lock screen wallpaper. I unlocked my phone and browsed through pictures, in search of a one which did not involve him or her. Out of 1,245 pictures, merely 20 pictures were of me and my family. Did my life revolve only around Faisal and Jannat? I chose a family picture with my parents, Noor di and I, remembering the picture was taken on the day we got to know I had been selected. Who knew my happiness won't last long. Who knew my world would shatter in front of my eyes...

"Roshni?" the faint squeak of the door reached my ears. There stood the person who always supported me, through thick and thin. Her shoulder length hair danced with the evening breeze, eyes showing concern and worry.

"Mumma!" I ran in to hug her tightly. Slowly, tears burst down my face, making me look just like just a while ago.

"What happened, darling? Why are you crying? Are you sad that you are leaving the show?" I gave no response, just listened to her soft voice and took in the sweet scent of the perfume she was wearing.

"It is okay dear!" She continued, assuming I was upset because the show was taking a leap. "I am proud of you, Roshni! I can see how skilled you have become! I am proud to tell everyone that I am Roshni Walia's mum!" She admitted, while cupping my face.

"Really Ma?" I asked. My aim in life had always been to fulfill my mother's dream.

"Yes Roshni!" With that my mom embraced me into another hug.

"What's wrong? You have worked on other shows too, but I have never seen you so depressed..." I expected this to come. Nothing could escape her eyes.

"Never had I expected this to happen with me, Ma! I feel useless!" I broke down in front of her.

"What happened? Tell me, Roshni!" My mother's face turned into a frown.

I narrated everything, from Faisal's accusation to Jannat's confession.

"Never had I expected that two of my best friends would betray me like this!" I sobbed.

"I had never regretted anything, Ma. Never in my life. But I regret being friends with such people! I regret being part of this SHOW!!!" I screamed, taking out whatever that was left in me. Life seemed useless now. I slumped back against the wall, staring at my hands blurrily for what seemed like an hour.

"Why did this happen to me?" I continued, teary eyed.

"What did I do to anyone else? I have only tried to be friendly and helpful, Ma! Then why with me? Why not with anyone else?"

My mom crouched beside me and pulled me into a hug.

"It's okay Roshni... everything happens for a good reason. You will soon see that too. You have done no wrong, dear! Instead, Faisal and Jannat have lost such a good friend like you.... And they will surely repent for it!" she consoled.

"Let's go home." Mom whispered. I gave a slightnod and started packing my bags. I opened the door to my vanity room and letthe cool breeze touch my face. I breathed the familiar air, to which Irecognized as my second home. It reminded me of the fun-filled evenings we hadeveryday, the long busy days of shooting under the sun, the constant shout orscream from the set crew, the crunchy junk food eaten everyday, the re-takes,and most importantly the amount of pictures and selfies taken each day toplease our viewers as well as to make memories. But it also reminded me of theharsh truth I never wanted to remember. With a heavy heart and a little bit ofdetermination, I stepped out of the main gates, to another new uncertain lifeahead of me...