It's September 2010. The air is cold, but the warm sun makes it feel nice. Falak walks home from high school with her headphones on, singing softly to herself. The wind carries her voice through the street like a sweet melody. People passing by turn their heads, drawn to the sound without even realizing it. There's something magical about her voice, something that can stop time for a moment. Her voice isn't just a sound; it's a feeling. It's warm, soft, and powerful enough to make hearts skip a beat.
When Falak reaches home, she sees a shiny car parked at the door. Her heart beats faster with excitement. Maybe someone important has come to visit. She runs inside, but the moment she steps in, her smile disappears. Her uncle is sitting on the chair like he owns the place. Her mother stands to the side, her hands shaking a little, fear clear on her face.
Falak's eyes fill with anger.
"What are you doing here?" she snaps. "After taking everything from us, how dare you show your face?"
Her uncle gives a slow, cold smirk. "Watch your tone, little girl," he says in a low voice. "I came with good news. Something that could change your life."
Falak feels a strange fear in her chest. "What news?" she asks, her voice trembling.
He gets up from the chair, taking slow, heavy steps toward her. His eyes are cold. "Ask your mother," he says with a smile that isn't really a smile. "You know I don't like wasting time. I'll come back tomorrow for your answer. And if you know what's good for you… don't disappoint me."
He turns and walks out of the house like a storm.
Falak turns to her mother. Her heart is racing, questions spinning in her mind. Her mother's eyes are full of tears, her face pale with fear. Falak has never seen her like this before. Something isn't right.
Falak's mother sits on the edge of the bed, her hands shaking. She doesn't know how to tell her daughter the truth. Falak stands in front of her, her heart pounding fast. "Mom…. what was he talking about? What answer?"
Tears fill her mother's eyes. She looks down, unable to meet her daughter's gaze. "Falak… your uncle's business is in trouble," she finally whispers. "He's losing everything."
Falak frowns. "What does that have to do with us?"
Her mother takes a deep breath. "There's a man… an old, rich man. He's willing to give your uncle a lot of money. But he… he wants something in return."
A cold shiver runs through Falak's body. "What do you mean?" she asks softly, even though she's scared to hear the answer.
Her mother's voice breaks. "Your uncle wants you to marry him."
Falak freezes. Her ears ring. "What?" she whispers.
Her mother nods slowly, tears falling down her face. "He's not thinking about you… he only wants the money. He's… selling you, Falak."
The world feels like it's spinning. Falak takes a step back, her heart breaking into pieces. She can't believe what she's hearing.
"I'm not something to sell," she whispers to herself.
Her mother covers her face with her hands and cries. Falak stands there, staring at the wall, her dreams and hopes shaking like a house in a storm.