Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Pov
Maya
The feeling of wanting someone whenever you see him is the feeling I get every time I see him. He always walks past me with just a simple look, but today is different. Today, he is staring at me.
I was lost in my thoughts and didn’t even realize he was standing right in front of me. I looked up and met his eyes.He said, "I can't take this anymore," and leaned in to kiss me.His kiss was so gentle and...
This is what’s coming on my TV at 7:00 AM. Let’s change the topic to something else.So,every five-year-old girl dreams of becoming a Disney princess, living in her own palace, going to Wonderland, and meeting Peter Pan with her parents all those cartoon fantasies. Every teen dreams of having their crush as their boyfriend or girlfriend. They imagine themselves in their favorite novels, dream of their favorite cars, and honestly I don’t even know, all those things that teenagers usually dream about.People in their twenties dream of getting their dream job, starting a business, or building the future they want.But I, on the other hand, don’t dream of relationships or whatever a teenager can dream of.What I dream of is peace, a complete and happy family. I never dreamed of a boyfriend, because I know when my super strict parents find out, they'll lose their minds. And that boy’s life would be on high risk—I don’t want my lover to die because of me.
Hey, I’m Maya.
A simple, so-called rude, introvert.Why am I like this well, that’s a long story, but I wouldn’t keep you in the dark.My mum calls me lazy, rude, disobedient, and even curses me. I don’t know what “kamini” means, but she sometimes calls me that.So let’s begin the story of this baby introvert and her family.
So when—
Knock, knock, knock.
I groan, quickly slide my diary under a pile of books, fix my dress on my body, and rush to unlock the door.
"Toba, Maya! Since when did you start taking this long to change your clothes?”My mum stood there with the usual deep lines carved between her brows,today they looked even deeper.She has black hair streaked with grey, but honestly,it didn’t look bad on her. Her hair, breast-length when untied, was now twisted up into a tight bun."Since when did you start using these words?"I asked her instead of answering."Quickly come down and eat your breakfast. You are getting late!" She snapped. "Ok, Mama, I'm coming, I'm coming." I said sighing. I returned to my room, grabbed my bag and walked downstairs. And just like that...the stupid shit started.An hour hadn't even passed, and Mum and Dad were shouting at each other again. I walked toward the kitchen, the place where my parents war was happening.It was like a tradition for them now. They fight over small things literally like siblings. I sometimes really hate my father for his behaviour... but still, he is my father, and I love him. When I entered the kitchen, they didn't notice me. I took a seat and began to eat my breakfast. I don't know what they were arguing about not that it mattered. I could not care less because they had already started ruining my day. After finishing my food, I grabbed my bag and got ready to leave for school. I said my good bye and now I was on the side walk.I usually don't think about anything while going to school especially when my family gives me their great morning wishes. Going to school in these situations has become more of a habit than anything else. I don't think anyone, not because I don't want to, but because school's become a habit. I just follow the same path every day. My brain shuts off. I was thinking about nothing in particular when a hand suddenly landed on my shoulder. I turned to see who it was. It was my class fellow or should I say, my Fan- Aliya. She was looking at me with a smile on her face. "I called you like five times but you didn't look back once". She said. I turned and she did the same." I was just thinking about today's test."I replied. I know it's a lie,but what am I supposed to say? Yeah Aliya;I didn't answer because I was lost in literally nothing."What made you late today?"she asked."I'm always late"I shrugged.I didn't asked why she was late because I'm not of that type.
***
Later, while heading to my next class, something on the notice board caught my eye. A sports competition. Running on the track is my obsession. While running, I feel like I'm getting further away from my life, my problems and especially my past. I never wanted my past to get stuck in my skull but unfortunately, it did. According to the notice, we are going to have three rounds. First, section-wise. Second, between those who pass the first round. And third - the final round between the remaining players. I was staring at the notice board, searching for more instructions, when a group of girls called me. These girls are not really my friends, but they talk to me. So I talk to them too. One of them spoke. "We are having a party at Daniel's house, and you are invited." "You know my parents then why are you telling me?". I replied wearing a not interested face. "We do know your parents, but that's why the party is right after school.You can come up with any excuse for a few hours. "OK, I will come." I said. "Great, But there is a rule for you." She added in a serious, apologetic tone, "And what is that rule?" I asked her now completely annoyed. "No Fights," she said. I tried my best to not roll my eyes but they did anyway. "Fine," I said and with that I left them to head to my next class. I knew if I told my parents about the party, they would probably say NO. They sometimes act like they are Muslims especially when they don't want to allow me to do something. Mom mostly says, "We live in Penang, which is a Muslim city, so we have to live according to their culture." We are already mixed with Muslims, but she still should act like one.I walked in my class and wait for the class to end.
***
My Coach called me into her office to give instructions about the competition. There were a few other track athletes there too. People I somehow don't even remember by faces, but I do know their faces names. Pooja Singh, Lucas, Sandy, Jamil and... OK I don't know the rest. While I was practicing, I noticed that Pooja was not paying attention. I followed her gaze and it stopped on a boy 'Edmond Kingswell'.My senior and captain of the other team. Almost every girl was looking at him.He is attractive with forest green eyes but I never felt any attraction towards him."Pooja focus on the competition not boys," I said. "I'm trying, Captain-but how?I mean,look at him!".she replied. "Just focus on anything but him," I muttered and went back to my practice. I was about to start running on the track when I slammed right into a stone-hard chest.Edmond. "Ouch! what the hell are you doing?" I barked. "What the hell are you doing?" he shot back, his serious eyes piercing mine.Is he crazy or something? Can't he see I was about to run. "Don't waste my time if you have got something to say, then say it," I told him, trying my best not to look short in front of him. I barely reached his shoulder. "Why do you always stop girls from looking at my direction?"Is he serious right now? I thought. "Aww, so you are mad because Mr. Attention-catcher is losing his fan club?" I asked in my best fake girly tone. "Aww, Maybe you are just jealous because no one looks at you," he shot back. "Oh please," I rolled my eyes and glanced at a group of boys who were very clearly staring at me. "You have already wasted enough of my time, so-bye," I said, and took off running again.After practice, I took a quick shower, changed into my uniform, and headed to my last class. On my way, I crossed paths with the one teacher I avoid the most—the one I wish would just disappear.Sir Noor.He's 49, with dark brown skin, yellow teeth, and a weird little gap between them. He is just a few inches taller than me. I saw him standing beside my class, and I instantly drop my head and walk past him. Of course, he stepped right in front of me and said, "Long time, no see ah." He said. I didn't dare look in the eyes as or say anything. "Oh my dear lovely student, Maya," he continued way to sweetly."If you do not want to say anything, fine but let me tell you something. I think you should properly review your tuition with me. I'm seeing improvement in you." And just like that he walked away. I was still standing there, still thinking about what he just said when the bell rang, and I snapped out of it. Dragging myself to my seat, I tried to keep my head down and focus. But the words Sir Noor said kept buzzing in my skull like a mosquito. I could not swat away. After the class ends, I was gathering my things when Miss Rukaya called out, "Maya, can you stay for a minute?"I walked up to her desk, trying not to look as annoyed as I felt."Yes, Miss."She looked at me with that half kind, half stern teacher face. "I've noticed your marks slipping lately, especially in biology." I nodded once. There was no point pretending otherwise. "I've arranged for someone to help you. A senior student. He is good, focused, reliable. You'll be meeting him after school." "Who is it?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral. "You'll find out soon enough," she said with a small smile, scribbling something in her notebook. "Just be in the biology lab at 3:15." I left without saying anything.
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