That was the first time Dad saw Tiyas. And I wanted to see him one last time… but I didn't.
In six to seven months, due to excessive stress, neglect, and sleepless nights, I lost a lot of hair. Later, out of frustration, I cut my hair short. Maybe Tiyas noticed that today.
After that day, the entire course of my life changed. I was busy with university studies, and in between, I took on a couple of tutoring jobs to ease Dad's financial burden. However, I always had a certain respect in tutoring. There were times when guardians had to wait for months to get a slot with me because I was more focused on my studies.
That was the first time I heard such shameful things over the phone at Tiyas's house. Honestly, how can someone so shameless and audacious ever treat anyone well?
But no matter what kind of family it was, I never set foot there again after that day. After all, my sense of self-respect had awakened long ago.
More than four years later, I had to face Tiyas again. Even then, I wanted to disappear, but why did he have to come to my house?
Why does he want to marry me now? Does he think I'm doing well in studies and will soon achieve a good position, so he wants to secure me before I stop giving him the time of day? Or is there another reason? Questions keep swirling in my head—did Dipti go to America? And why is Tiyas still in Chittagong when he talked about going to America?
His parents are in Dhaka, yet he's alone in Chittagong.
I had wanted to stay with him there, but after he betrayed me, I never even mentioned that place again. But why is he still there?
Does he want to tell me something I don't know? Should I listen to everything he has to say?
But then I steadied myself and thought, no, no—a betrayer will always look for another chance to betray. I won't give him any opportunity to speak.
In the evening, Mom came knocking on the door. She had been asking me to open the door countless times, but Dad kept stopping her.
I wiped my face and stood up. I had learned to stand tall that very day when Dad had planted a world of dreams in my heart.
I can't blame Dad for yesterday. After all, he's my father, the one who saw me on the brink of death because of Tiyas. Dad thought I might still love Tiyas and could accept him! He doesn't know what's inside me—the hatred I've nurtured for him. If he knew, he wouldn't have done this.
Finally, I opened the door after Mom's persistent knocking. The first thing I asked was,
___"Mom, do you realize you're supporting them and scolding your own daughter? I've worked so hard to come this far in life, and now you want to ruin everything at the last moment?"
Mom said angrily,
___"Why, shouldn't we get you married? Besides, their status is much higher than ours. Even if you're established, you'll marry into such a family. And the sooner you get married, the better. Age doesn't wait for anyone. What you did today was completely unacceptable."
I was furious at Mom at that moment. I gestured to Dad and said,
___"Dad, tell Mom everything about Tiyas. And tell Grandpa too. If their conscience says what I did or the decision I made was wrong, then I won't set foot in this house again. Anyway, I have to leave today! There's no train now, so I'll take the bus. I know it'll be evening by then, but I'll still go. I have exams coming up, Dad. I only rushed here like a madwoman because of Grandpa."
Dad looked at me and smiled,
___"If your mom hears everything, she won't let that boy near the house, let alone inside. She'll stand with a broom if she sees him around."
Mom widened her eyes and looked at Dad,
___"What? Did Tiyas do something terrible to my daughter? They were already acquainted, and Tiyas's mom was saying something about it while sitting there. And Lia was saying she'd become so worthy that no one could reject her. Please, tell me everything. Come, let's go to the room and explain it all to me."
Dad called Grandpa too. As they walked, Mom frowned and muttered to Grandpa,
___"You know, they're father and son. I'm just the neighbor auntie in the middle. They do all their shady business without telling me anything."
Dad laughed at Mom's words. And I, smiling, went to take a shower.
After coming out, I ate and got ready on my own. As I finished packing, I saw Mom standing behind me. Her eyes were filled with tears. After all these years, seeing her daughter overcome adversity and reach where she is today must have made her cry with joy. I picked up my bag and said,
___"What do you and Grandpa think now? Do you still think that boy is good?"
Mom kissed my forehead and hugged me. In a loving tone, she said,
___"My dear Lia, I scolded you without understanding. Don't be mad at your foolish mother."
___"Oh, Mom, what are you saying? It's okay. You know, I never wanted you to know about the worst time of my life. But today, circumstances forced me to tell you. Maybe this was meant to happen!"
Grandpa's face was also somber. He, too, realized how hard it is to see through a painted mask. What I couldn't understand in a year and a half, how could they understand in a day or two?
Dad walked me to the bus and made sure I got on safely. Sitting on the bus, I read my book for a while. Suddenly, I remembered Nuzhat. I hadn't talked to her in a long time. I closed the book and called her. She didn't pick up the first time but did on the second try. A child's voice came from the other end,
___"Mom's cutting vegetables. I'll give her the phone."
A minute later, Nuzhat's voice came,
___"Who's this?"
I said softly,
___"It's Lia."
Nuzhat eagerly bombarded me with questions.
___"Lia, where are you? How are you? Are you married, or are you still studying? You had an old number—where is it? Do you know how many times I tried calling that number?"
I sighed and said,
___"I'm still studying. And I've changed my number countless times. I just got this one recently. How about you? How's Saad?"
Nuzhat suddenly sounded deflated and said softly,
___"I dropped out of studies for him. My registration wasn't even done because of the baby. The first two years were good. But for the past two years, I've been hearing all sorts of things about him. He chases after other women despite being a father. We fight about it often, and a few days ago, I came to my parents' house after a fight. I need to figure something out. Being a woman is truly unfortunate. But those who can turn it into strength, like you, are the real heroes. At that age, I made such a big mistake out of emotion, and now I understand it."
I had thought Nuzhat was living happily. Her words shocked me. I replied,
___"Why is Saad acting like this now? How can he look at other women when he has a beautiful wife like you?"
Nuzhat complained,
___"I've grown old now. Managing the baby and household, I can't stay smart anymore. So, he's no longer attracted to me. We got married at an age when we didn't even understand the meaning of a household. I still don't fully understand it. I don't know when I will! But you did the right thing. Even if you marry someone your age, you won't face as many problems because you'll at least understand the meaning of a household."
I listened quietly. Then, saying we'd talk later, I hung up.
I stuck my face out the window and looked outside. The wind was blowing fiercely. A different kind of smile appeared on my face! What happened to me that day was perhaps Allah's way of doing what was best for me. Otherwise, if I were in Nuzhat's situation, how would I have become the person I am today?
After that, I didn't go home for a long time. During that time, Tiyas had apparently tried to find me but couldn't. Then he had exams, so he went back to Chittagong. I also did well in my exams.
After the exams, I took on the responsibility of teaching three days a week at a coaching center.
The coaching center was run by talented university students. They had asked me to join earlier, but I couldn't due to exams.
In between, I went home once. But my plan now is to rent a place with the money I earn from coaching and tutoring. Then I'll bring everyone to live with me here. Alongside that, I'll prepare for the BCS exams. Once I get a job, I won't let Dad work anymore.
But on the fifth day of coaching, I ran into trouble when I saw Yas. He had also enrolled in the coaching center. I pretended not to see him, but I was terrified. Because Tiyas would find out about me again.
My fear came true. The next day, as soon as coaching ended, I saw Tiyas waiting outside. I adjusted my glasses and tried to walk past him, but he said,
___"I'm joining here from tomorrow. You won't listen to me, but at least let me inform you, Prili Ma'am!"
I don't know what came over me, but I said to Tiyas,
___"Do you think I'll stay here? Is there no other place in the country? And why are you following me? What do you want? What do you even have to say?"
Tiyas said pleadingly,
___"Believe me, Prili, I didn't realize how much you meant to me until after I insulted you. But after you left, I felt like you had become a habit, and I couldn't exist without you…"
Before he could finish, I raised my finger and said loudly,
___"Just shut up. How dare you come to me with such cheap excuses? Shame on you! Do you think no one else could come into my life after someone as despicable as you? That I couldn't fall in love with anyone else? In almost five years, couldn't I find the right person?"
As soon as Tiyas heard my words, he started stepping back. He couldn't accept this. He thought I had turned to stone because of him, that no one else could exist in my heart! But he couldn't comprehend that his assumption might be completely wrong!
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T/N: If you like it please vote with power stone please. More stones equals faster release.
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