Found The Reason
I was sitting at the dining table, scrolling through my phone while the delicious aroma of ghee rice and chicken filled the air. Mom was busy in the kitchen, calling out to me multiple times for help. But today, I wasn’t in the mood. I had spent the entire day in the kitchen with her yesterday, and I just wanted a break.
“Why can’t you lend a hand?” Mom asked, glancing at me from the kitchen, noticing my casual posture.
“Your assistant’s on holiday today,” I winked at her playfully.
Just then, Dad walked in, dropping a bombshell. “I’ve resigned as your driving instructor,” he announced. “Six accidents, and I’ve sold the car for scrap.”
“You crashed again?” Mom’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“You crashed again?” echoed a familiar voice from the doorway. It was Raya.
“Yes, she’s officially entered the Guinness World Records for managing six accidents while learning to drive. Every time she gets behind the wheel, it’s an accident,” Dad teased, “each time!”
“My daughter is truly one-of-a-kind,” Mom chuckled, quickly siding with Dad in their playful roast. Together, they turned the teasing up a notch, grilling me like I was the main course.
I could feel my frustration rising as I glared at them both, my eyes shooting invisible lasers that could melt steel. But they just laughed, completely unfazed by my silent fury.
“It’s alright,” Raya said with a smile, coming to my defense. “Maybe she’s just not interested in driving yet. When she’s ready, she’ll nail it.”
“Exactly!” I jumped in, my voice booming with newfound energy- somebody is on my team, “When I’m interested in something, no one can stop me!” I declared, as if I’d just chugged an energy drink. The words shot out with so much enthusiasm that I half-expected fireworks to explode behind me.
Mom tilted her head, pretending to think deeply. “That’s true,” she began, her eyes narrowing with playful nostalgia. “When she was little, I wanted her to learn dancing, but she moved like she was doing karate. Two years later, she suddenly got passionate about it and improved like crazy! She’s got this… quirk. No one can force her to do anything she doesn’t want.”
Then, shifting her gaze to me, she added with a mock sigh, “Look at me. I’ve been asking for help all morning, and she hasn’t moved an inch. Yet, yesterday, without me saying a word, she spent the whole day in the kitchen with me!”
Dad laughed. “Well, just so you know, you’re not getting my new car to practice on.”
“That’s fine,” I replied confidently. “Once I get the salary, I’ll buy my own car and learn.”
“Have you eaten?” Mom asked, turning to Raya.
“I have, but I’ll gladly make room for your delicious food,” Raya said, taking a seat beside me.
“So, what are you up to these days?” Dad asked Raya.
“I’m on a job hunt,” she replied.
“Why don’t you both join my company?” Dad suggested. He owned a furniture business with three branches. “You’ve both got your MBAs, and Hala is starting with me on Monday. You could come onboard too.”
Raya’s face lit up. “I’d love to! I’ll join.”
“I want a job too,” Mom chimed in, grinning.
Dad looked at her playfully. “What’s your education and experience?”
“10th-grade pass, with 20 years of experience in homemaking—cleaning, cooking, organizing, and raising kids,” Mom said proudly.
Dad chuckled. “Please continue with your current role. I can find replacements for most jobs, but there’s no replacement for yours.”
Even though he was joking, it was undeniably true. No one could ever replace her.
There are some roles in life that no one else can fill, no matter how many degrees or titles they hold. It’s the love, dedication, and quiet strength behind those roles that make them truly irreplaceable.
As Raya quietly took a bite of her food, she leaned in and whispered, “I found out the reason behind Faraz’s divorce.”
Her words hung in the air like a sudden chill, instantly grabbing my attention. I paused, my fork midway to my mouth, as I looked at her, curiosity and concern swirling inside me.
I wanted to eat more, but my appetite for news overshadowed my hunger for food. I watched Raya as she savored each bite of rice as if she’d never seen it before. I shot her several impatient glances, silently urging her to finish up and come to the bedroom for a proper chat. But she just smiled, clearly enjoying my growing frustration and ignoring my hints. It was like a game to her, and she was relishing every moment of my impatience.
Always value and respect the unique contributions of those around us, understanding that some roles aren’t defined by qualifications but by love and commitment.
What If Stories
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we moved to the bedroom, the door closing behind us like a curtain on a stage. I plopped down on the bed, unable to contain my excitement any longer. “Okay, spill the beans! What’s the scoop on Faraz’s divorce?” I urged, leaning forward with anticipation.
Raya grinned, clearly savoring this moment. “You won’t believe it,” she began, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper, “but it all revolves around past love stories.”
I frowned, confused by her cryptic words. “Can you just say it clearly?” I urged, my curiosity piqued.
“His wife had a love before marriage, and now they’re getting a divorce so she can be with her lover,” she explained.
A knot formed in my stomach. “But why now? After three years? Why didn’t they divorce right after the wedding? Why now that I’m back?” I asked, feeling inexplicably tied to their drama. Although I didn’t fully understand my role, I sensed that somehow I was woven into the fabric of their story as his past.
“I feel like there are so many missing pieces in this puzzle too,” Raya admitted, her brow furrowed in thought. “But I’ll dig deeper and find out.”
“So they didn’t have a proper marriage?” I pressed.
“Think about it,” she said. “You were his past, and he never truly got over you. Meanwhile, his wife had someone she couldn’t forget either. It’s like they were just surviving in their marriage instead of truly living it. Now that you’re back, it seems like he wants his life back, and she might feel it’s time to let him go to pursue what he really wants.” Her theory hung in the air, making sense in a way that I hadn’t anticipated.
I nodded slowly, realizing there could be some truth to her words. Maybe this was their way of making room for the love they had both left behind.
“Can we go shopping? I got a job in the blink of an eye!” she suddenly exclaimed, her excitement shifting the mood.
“Yes, I want to do some shopping too! I want to clear my mind,” I replied, feeling a rush of enthusiasm. It seemed like the perfect distraction as I tried to wrap my head around everything I had just learned.
When I feel like my life is being swept away by a runaway train, I turn to the things I love—it’s my way of finding peace and slowing down the chaos.
The Right Decision
Raya and I were shopping at the mall, and she’d already snagged three tops from Zara, but nothing had caught my eye. So, we kept hopping from one store to the next.
“I’ve already bought five tops, three pants, two pairs of shoes, and two necklaces,” Raya listed off proudly, before turning to me, clearly frustrated. “And what did you buy?”
I shrugged. “I didn’t like anything yet.”
I sighed. “At least I had your help in picking all these,” I added with a playful wink.
Raya rolled her eyes. “From this next shop, you have to buy at least one thing,” she insisted as we entered.
“Only if I actually like something,” I replied. “You can’t force me like last time. Remember that red top? You made me buy it, and I haven’t even worn it once!”
“Just this once, please? Buy something!” she begged dramatically.
I finally found a dress that caught my attention and went to the fitting room to try it on. It was a deep shade of purple—Faraz’s favorite color. Suddenly, my mind drifted. Why am I choosing his favorite color? In the last three years, I hadn’t bought anything in purple, purposefully avoiding any reminders of him. Yet here I was, drawn to it again. Is it because he smiled at me recently?
I stepped out of the fitting room to show the dress to Raya, but the sight of someone standing next to her stopped me cold. It was Faraz. Our eyes locked, and before I could process anything, he gestured with his hand, signaling approval for the dress. My heart fluttered—an odd mix of happiness, shyness, and excitement.
“This dress isn’t great,” Raya said, laughing mischievously.
“I like it,” I replied, ignoring her teasing tone.
“Oh, I know why you like it,” she said, glancing between Faraz and me, smirking.
I hurried back into the fitting room, my mind racing. Why is he here? What did he say to Raya? Did she ask him about the divorce? Does she know I still have feelings for him? Wait, do I even know that myself? When did I stop loving him? Or did I ever? Does he still care? Could we possibly…
When I emerged, Faraz was gone. Only Raya stood there, casually browsing.
“He left,” she said, noticing my searching gaze.
“I wasn’t looking for him,” I lied.
“Sure, keep lying, and you’ll end up in hell,” she teased.
I stayed quiet, feeling the tension between wanting to ask and trying to act indifferent. Raya, of course, didn’t say a word about what Faraz had told her, instead chattering away about fashion, which I couldn’t care less about at that moment. I knew she was waiting for me to ask. The longer I held out, the more impatient I got.
Finally, I gave in. “Why was he here?”
“Who?” she asked innocently, a wicked smile forming.
“You know who—Faraz!”
“Ohhh, him. He wants to marry you,” she said nonchalantly, as if it were no big deal.
“Stop joking,” I said, feeling a surge of nervous energy.
“I’m serious,” she insisted. “He asked if you still love him. Tomorrow he’ll wait for you at your favorite beach at 5.30 pm.”
My heart skipped a beat. “What did you say?”
“I told him I didn’t know, because, well, you haven’t told me anything,” she shrugged.
“I don’t even know what to say to him,” I confessed, suddenly overwhelmed with nerves.
“Just tell him the truth,” she advised. “Say whatever your heart wants to say.”
I hesitated. “Why did he get divorced?”
“Because he still loves you. His wife still had feelings for her ex, and neither of them could move forward. So they decided to let go and stop wasting time,” she explained.
Raya gave me a reassuring smile. “Alright, Let’s head home. I have an emergency work to finish,” we both walked out of the mall.
I once dreamt of marrying him, and then, in an instant, that dream had shattered into tiny pieces. Now, destiny seems to be offering our love another chance. Is this a miracle, or is simply fate bringing us full circle?
I may not have grand luck lines etched on my shoulders, but somehow, life is forcing me to believe they’re there, hidden beneath the surface, guiding me in ways I can’t yet see.
6 valuable lessons from this chapter
- Patience reveals clarity: Sometimes, waiting patiently rather than rushing into decisions allows the truth to surface naturally. Whether it’s finding out about Faraz’s divorce or coming to terms with her own feelings, Hala learns that things fall into place in due time. “In the stillness of time, the truth reveals itself.”
- Follow your own timeline: Like with her driving and other areas of life, Hala is reminded that she excels when she is ready, not when others want her to. It’s a powerful lesson in staying true to herself and not feeling pressured by external expectations. “I’ve learned that my journey is mine alone; I’ll take the wheel when I’m ready.”
- The power of self-reflection: Hala’s introspection, especially in moments when she is reflecting on her experiences, shows that looking back on past events can bring hidden emotions to the surface. This reveals how deeply she is still connected to Faraz and helps her navigate her feelings. “Sometimes, the mirror shows more than just your reflection; it reveals your heart.”
- Fate and free will intertwine: While destiny may bring opportunities and second chances, it’s up to Hala to make decisions and take actions. The chance to rekindle love is presented, but it’s up to her to decide whether to embrace it. “Fate opens the door, but it’s my choice to step through.”
- Letting go for true happiness: Faraz and his wife’s decision to part ways shows the importance of being honest with yourself and others. Sometimes, letting go is the only way to make space for authentic happiness and growth. “To find joy, sometimes you must first release what weighs you down.”
- Support from loved ones is key: Throughout the chapter, Raya serves as a supportive force, gently guiding Hala toward clarity and truth. This demonstrates the importance of having someone who understands you and provides the right kind of encouragement when you need it most. “A true friend lights the path when the way seems dark.”
A Question For Readers
Think of a recent opportunity you faced. How did you weigh your options between destiny and free will in making your decision?
Finding Clarity in Curves
In her journey, Life’s twists and turns are natural.
When she feels as though time has halted, or she’s caught in the same patterns, the curve emerges, urging her to choose— to turn right, left, or go straight.
Opportunities surround her, waiting to be explored. But first, she must seek to understand herself, before she can truly grasp the options life offers.
Like the sun breaking through the clouds,
she’ll find clarity to light her way.
Unlocking the Poem’s Message
This poem conveys that life is full of ups and downs, and it’s natural to feel lost or stuck at times. When you encounter these moments, they can act like a curve in the road, pushing you to make decisions about your direction—whether to go right, left, or straight ahead.
It emphasizes the importance of self-discovery. Before you can make choices about your future, you need to understand yourself and what you truly want. The poem uses the example of the sun breaking through clouds to illustrate that once you gain clarity about yourself, it will light the way forward, helping you see the opportunities that surround you.
Overall, it encourages you to embrace change and trust that with self-awareness, you can navigate your journey confidently!