Hearing Mom's words, my eyes sparkled, and I turned to her, asking,
___"Mom, what's the idea?"
Mom leaned close to my ear and whispered a strange idea. As soon as I heard it, my face turned gloomy. I sighed and said,
___"Mom, how did such a thought even cross your mind? To catch one person's drama, I'll have to act in another's fake drama?"
Mom, with a calm expression, said,
___"Then I don't know anything. But what's wrong with trying? If this continues, won't things get worse? What if Tiyas harms more people?"
I thought for a while. Then, looking at Mom, I said,
___"Then I'll try after the exams. If I think about this now, my results won't be good."
Mom, while braiding my hair, said,
___"Do whatever you think is right."
I sat and thought some more. Then I decided to do what Mom suggested. But not now—after the exams. Meanwhile, I called Nuzhat and told her to file a GD against Tiyas and Saad.
At night, I was lying in bed reading a novel when Dad entered the room. I put the book down and said to him,
___"Why do you work so hard all day? I didn't even notice when you came to eat lunch today."
Dad smiled faintly and said,
___"It's all for you, Mom. And don't you work hard too? You're studying so much for our dreams that you're ruining your eyes. I don't know when this will end!"
I took off my glasses and looked at Dad, saying,
___"Dad, you're the one who said education is for oneself! Yes, I think so too, but my success is for everyone's happiness! So, I study for myself, but I want to succeed for all of you. And you know what? Those who fall in love with studying create a bond with it, and even in old age, they can't stop studying. Slowly, the power of the glasses will increase, but the amount of studying won't decrease. Dad, there's no end to acquiring knowledge. Every day, I feel I need to learn more, know more, and gain more skills! Don't you think the desire for education is greater than the greed for money?"
Dad looked at me for a while, then stroked my head and said,
___"You'll achieve great things, Mom. Then I'll point to society and say, 'Who says women can't achieve success? Who says women can't be as capable as men? Who says being born a girl is a burden on the father? Look at my daughter—she's done it, she's established herself. My daughter is now as capable as any man!' Not through a son, but through a daughter, I've become a proud father!"
I wiped the tears of joy from Dad's eyes and said,
___"Pray for me! It's your prayers that will help me move forward. And I'll overcome a thousand obstacles to make the crimson sun of success rise for you!"
Dad's face was glowing with pride, and I could clearly feel it.
Two days later, I left!
Back to my routine—studying, tutoring, and taking small classes. Many days passed. Exams were ongoing…
In the meantime, I saw Tiyas six times. He would stand in places where I couldn't call him or talk to him, just staring at me. Then he'd leave.
On the other hand, Ryan Bhai…morning, evening, night, anytime—I'd often see him standing downstairs. Whenever he had free time, he'd come and stand there. I'd peek through the curtains while studying or working, and sometimes I'd see him pacing nervously, looking up. Sometimes, I'd pretend not to see him and go to the balcony to fetch something. Then I'd come back and secretly watch his face light up when he saw me!
The exams were going well. All thoughts and plans were on hold for the exams.
That day was the last exam. I came out of the center with a cheerful face. I thought I'd tell Ryan Bhai about Mom's plan today, and if he agreed, I'd try to execute it. I had to find out about Tiyas, no matter what!
But as soon as I stepped out of the gate, a girl in a light purple shirt blocked my path and greeted me. I returned the greeting and asked,
___"Do you want to say something?"
She nodded and said,
___"My name is Disha. Do you know Tiyas Bhai? I mean, I've heard about you from him."
I stepped aside, gritting my teeth, and said,
___"So, you were also one of his victims, huh? No one comes to me about him except to talk about his victims. Where do you study now? Or did you have to drop out?"
The girl looked shocked and said,
___"In Chittagong, first year in Math! What are you talking about, Apa? Why would I be a victim? Tiyas Bhai is an example of how my life changed, and you're my inspiration!"
Hearing this, I frowned and was startled. It's natural to be surprised when you hear something positive about someone after so long. I looked at her in surprise and asked,
___"I don't even know you. How am I your inspiration?"
The girl's expression changed. She held my hand and said,
___"Come, let me tell you everything."
I sat with her on a stool in front of a spicy snack vendor. She ordered two plates.
Then she slowly said,
___"I was deeply in love with a boy. I mean, I loved him so much that without him, the world felt like a desert to me. At one point, he betrayed me. I lost all confidence in myself, took sleeping pills night after night, and lay in bed. I had no interest in studies, and my results weren't as expected. I was breaking down further. The boy would flirt with other girls in front of me, mock me if I said anything, insult me, and question my worth. He even said I wasn't as beautiful or smart as his current girlfriend and that I didn't match his standards. Unable to bear it, I decided to commit suicide. I even posted a status on Facebook about it. Tiyas Bhai saw it and messaged me first. He asked me why I was trivializing my life for a worthless boy. I opened up to him. He said he'd call me. I didn't refuse, and he told me about a girl named Prili—your story. He said he had betrayed you, but you rose like a hero, achieving what seemed impossible!"
I interrupted her and said,
___"Does Tiyas inspire people by telling my story, or does he boast about how he deceived a girl like me? Anyway, go on."
Disha looked a bit flustered and continued,
___"Actually, I couldn't accept it at first. Then he told me, 'The girl I deceived, Prili, doesn't even acknowledge me now. You too should reach a place where a hundred boys like him won't matter to you. If one boy leaves, another will come, but if life is gone, you'll never get it back. Loving someone from the heart isn't a sin, but don't love them with your life.' I cried and told him my results weren't good, and I had no preparation for admissions. I said I could never be like the girl he mentioned. He told me about your efforts. He said you had been betrayed just four months before the exams, yet you worked so hard that you not only got good results but topped the board. Now, your talent is recognized everywhere as a shining example. Then I made a promise to myself, like you, and started fighting to rebuild myself. Today, I'm among the top ten students in my university, where I couldn't even imagine taking the exams a month and a half ago.
And yes, Prili Apa, I'm here visiting my aunt. Bhai said to look for you if I ever came to this university. I've been waiting for you for a long time, just to see a successful woman like you, whom I want to follow. Because that day, I thought if a girl like you could rise above everything and reach the pinnacle of success, why couldn't I? Finally, my efforts and preparation got me into a good subject at the university. The credit goes to Bhai, but you're my main inspiration. I really wanted to see you, and today, that wish has come true."
After saying this, the girl stopped talking and looked at the spicy snacks, which had gone soggy. Meanwhile, I had finished eating while listening to her.
I looked back at her and said,
___"So, do you know anything else about Tiyas?"
The girl, while eating, replied,
___"No, not much. But I've heard that even in university, he gets involved with top-ranking girls from intermediate and then leaves them. Many people say many things, but I don't believe them. He can't be like that. Because I haven't seen anything bad in him."
I stood up and said,
___"Yet, you just spent so long telling me my story, how I rose after Tiyas betrayed me. Now you're saying you don't believe these things. So, how can I believe you? You're telling all this to someone who's been blatantly deceived."
The girl, looking flustered, stood up and said,
___"I mean, he's the one who told me about you. That's why I said I don't believe he could do such things to others…"
I raised my hand and said,
___"Alright, alright, I understand. It was nice talking to you. Take care, and focus on your studies, leaving aside truth, lies, belief, and disbelief. Remember, in this age, if you blindly trust anyone, you'll be deceived. Build your confidence, but only in yourself! I'm leaving now, Apa…"
With that, I prepared to leave. The girl may or may not have understood my words. But I understood—this could all be a lie or a trick. Who knows who this girl is? Why did she suddenly appear to praise Tiyas?
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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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