Falak runs out of the house without saying a word. Her heart is burning, and her eyes are full of tears. The cold wind hits her face, but she doesn't care. She doesn't know where she is going, but her feet take her to the only place that gives her peace, the ocean, the beach.
The sky is dark, making her world feel heavier. The waves crash loudly, like they're crying with her. Falak falls to her knees in the wet sand, covering her face. Hot tears roll down her cheeks.
"Why me?" she whispers. "Why always me?"
The water touches her feet gently, as if trying to comfort her. She looks at the endless sky, but there are no answers. Her dreams feel like they're breaking. All she wanted was a better life for her and her mother.
She sits on the beach, staring at the waves as they crash against the shore. The wind plays with her hair, and for a moment, she feels a strange calm.
Her mother approaches quietly, carrying a small bag. Her eyes are full of worry, and her hands tremble slightly as she sets the bag down beside Falak.
"Falak… I've been thinking," her mother begins, her voice soft and hesitant. "Maybe… maybe it's better if you go far away from here, away from all this."
Falak looks up, surprised. "Go… far away?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
Her mother nods, tears welling up. "I don't want anyone to hurt you. I can't protect you from him, Falak. But if you leave… if you go somewhere safe, maybe we can have a chance at a better life."
Falak shakes her head violently, her body trembling. "No! I won't go… I won't leave you, Mom!" she cries, tears falling down her face. She holds her mother's hands tightly, as if holding on to her is the only thing keeping her alive.
Her mother kneels beside her, her own eyes wet. "Falak… listen to me," she says gently, though her voice breaks. "I can't go with you. You have to leave… You have to chase your dreams. When you succeed, you'll come back to me."
"No! I don't care about dreams! I just… I just want you with me!" Falak screams, falling forward and burying her face in her mother's lap. She sobs uncontrollably, shaking as if the pain could tear her apart. "I can't do this without you! Please… don't make me go!"
Her mother strokes her hair, trying to calm her, though her own heart aches. "Dear… I know it's hard. But you've always wanted to see the world beyond the ocean. This is your chance. You must be strong… for yourself, and for us."
Falak lifts her face, tears running down, her eyes red and puffy, but she can't stop shaking. "I… I don't want to be strong! I just… want you!" Her voice breaks completely, almost a whisper now, lost in despair.
Her mother takes a shaky breath, brushing Falak's hair from her face. "Falak… you have to go," she whispers. "The first cruise ship leaves in the morning. We can't let your uncle find out."
Falak shakes her head violently, sobbing. "But… but Mom!"
Her mother's voice is firm but gentle. "Tomorrow, there's a business party at your uncle's house. He's inviting everyone from the village. No one will notice you if you leave at dawn."
Tears pour down Falak's face as she buries her head in her mother's lap. "Dawn… I have to leave at dawn?" she whispers, her voice breaking.
Her mother nods, holding her tightly. "Yes. You must leave at dawn. Go quietly, and don't look back. This is your only chance, my daughter. Promise me… promise me you'll be brave."
Falak clings to her mother, trembling. "I… I'll try…" she manages between sobs, though her heart feels like it's breaking into a thousand pieces.
Her mother whispers softly, "I'll be waiting for you… always."
The night stretches on, heavy and quiet, filled with the sound of their shared sorrow and the distant roar of the sea. Something waits for her tomorrow, something she cannot see, but can already feel.