Evening - Rayen's room
Rayen scroll s through Instagram when a video catches his eye. Posted by some one from the college. Caption: " When desperation turns into a cringe proposal"
he taps it. It plays. Aira's trembling voice. Liam cruel words. laughter. The letter thrown in the trash.
Rayen clenches his jaw " What the hell is this girl doing?" Rayen (Aira older brother) said in angry voice.
Living room in - 30 min laters
The entire family is seated. TV is off. Tension is thick. Aira opens the door, her eyes red, her steps slow. Aira looks up - and freezes. They're all waiting. That means trouble.
Thomas was soo furious and said "What did you do in college today"
Aira confused and scared reply "I... I don't know what do you mean-" her words halted by rayen, who already look angry.
He throws the phone on the table and said "Watch the video, dad. Everyone already has"
Her father picks it up. Watches. Her face goes from confusion... to disgust. He stands up walks up to her. Thomas shout on her "Do you even know how how much shame you've brought to this family"
Aira innocent try to make them understand and pleading "Dad, I just... liked him. I don't-
Slap
The sounds echoes. Thomas slaped her.
Aira holds her cheek, eyes winded with shock and disbelief that her father slaped her with their own hand. Lily rushing towards Thomas to stop him. "Enough! Don't hit her, please-😧"
Thomas ignore her and said " shameless girl! Going around writing letters to boys. Did we teach you this..."
"I warned you to stop embarrassing us. Now your name is laughed at by everyone! Didn't I aira.." Rayen said in disappointment tone.
In other hand sana grinning, clearly enjoying the show said "" Aww, poor aira. Maybe next time try someone blind😏"
Aira who barely holding her tears whisper "Sana, please"
Sana mockingly said "Don't beg sis. You already did that enough in the video"
Mira (Aira older sis) who see's the show and worried for aira said in soft voice "Dad, maybe we should just let her explain-😧"
"She explained enough with that performance! I don't ant another word from her" Thomas said with cutting mira words.
Aira who listening them said with choking " I don't mean to humiliate anyone... I just wanted someone to love me"
Rayen cold "Then earn it. Don't beg for it like a beggar in palace 🥶" say it in cold voice.
'Why does everyone hate me for feeling something?🙂'
Her bedroom - later that night
She closes the door softly. Her body aches. Her soul hurts more. She touches the side of her cheek. The sting still there. So is the echo of her father's slap. She whispers into her pillow:
'Why is it a crime... to want love? Why do they act like I burned this house... when all I ever wanted was to belong in it?'
Her tears soak the pillow. No one knocks on her door. No one checks if she's eaten. No one cares.