CH:1 Hostel Fire
*Leila's P.O.V.*
The hostel was chaotic. All the girls were running through the corridors. The fire had engulfed the entire place. My heart raced at a fast pace. I didn't know how to escape this room. I wasn't sure if I would survive today or be consumed by this burning building. My head pounded as smoke seeped into my nostrils. I covered my nose with my hands, coughing badly. The smoke made it hard to breathe. My eyes were red, but I fought back tears. I refused to lose my willpower, to give up. Yet, I felt my time had come. I screamed for help, crying, but amid the chaos, no one heard my plea. Everyone seemed to be evacuating the building, leaving me behind. The cries of girls echoed, but I felt utterly alone. Flames flickered in the corridor, and I saw my imminent death. I surrendered. Did I even want to live? There seemed to be nothing left for me out there—only my soul. Did my life hold any significance for anyone? No, I was alone in this world. After my parents, no one cared. I won't lie; I've contemplated ending my life many times, yet never dared. Now, facing death before me, I wasn't scared. I wanted to accept that it was over. My life would end here, granting me eternal peace. I cowered in the corner, the flames drawing nearer. I dreaded the pain of burning; I hoped the smoke would claim me first. I cried, releasing the buried pain in my heart. Memories flooded in—my parents' death, my brother abandoning me, the betrayal of my best friend. Did everyone suffer like this? Did people manipulate emotions by stabbing you in the back? I couldn't comprehend, but my life felt unbearably wretched. And that incident in the hostel— it stripped away the last shreds of my self-respect. That man ruined everything. His actions robbed me of my confidence and dignity, painting me as a villain in everyone's eyes. I'd never forgive him, never forget his deeds. The pain and hurt were beyond limits. I'd endured enough.
No, I wasn't strong enough to fight for myself. It seemed better to close my eyes and accept my fate. I shut my eyes, moving my hand away from my nose, resigning myself to the flames and smoke. As I closed my eyes, a loud bang echoed. "Damn it! There she is... Get her out!" someone shouted, familiar yet unrecognizable in the chaos. I couldn't see due to the smoke and fire, my eyes burning, my head spinning, and my breath fading. It felt like someone was wrenching my soul from my body. But this pain paled in comparison to what I'd felt recently. Through blurred vision, I saw two men rushing towards me. That was it. I was near death. Finally, freedom from all agony seemed imminent. I sadly smiled as someone lifted me into their arms. I closed my eyes, ready to embrace the peaceful sleep of death. Darkness enveloped me, but peace eluded me. I felt a sting in my arm, then nothingness.
*Third Person P.O.V. (Throwback)*
"Leila, come out," Anna called from her room. Leila glanced at herself in the mirror preparing for her nineteenth birthday party. A smile adorned her lips. Clad in a pink floral print party dress, her face glowed radiantly. Mascara enhanced her long, curled lashes, her milky cheeks adorned with a pink blush, and her plump lips glistened with lip gloss. Brownish-black locks cascaded freely down her back, straightened to perfection.
"Leila, come out. Tim is calling to wish you well!" Anna's voice interrupted her reverie. Leila giggled and emerged from the bathroom, snatching the phone from her best friend. Excitement danced on her face. Timothy was her boyfriend, but she wasn't ready to introduce him to her family yet, unsure of their reaction. They had been classmates since grade school, and Leila had harbored a crush on him for years. Timothy had confessed his feelings, and for two years, they shared a loyal, loving relationship. Leila cherished their bond, her first serious relationship. Perhaps, he'd propose at some point. The thought thrilled her. Only Anna knew about him—a secret she entrusted to her best friend. Living next door, Anna had been her companion since childhood, someone Leila trusted implicitly.
"Hello, Tim. I wish you were here with me," Leila sighed wistfully.
"Leila, I wish that too... But don't be sad. It's your birthday! Oh, Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday to you..." Timothy began singing, and she laughed.
"Haha, that's enough! Tim, I am not a baby," she chuckled. "Happy birthday to the most beautiful girl in the world. I love you, Leila," he said, causing her cheeks to flush. "Thank you, Tim. I love you too," she said, biting her lip. Interrupting their moment, Anna poked her shoulder. Leila turned, and Anna hugged her.
"You look like a doll. Happy birthday, best friend," she said. Together, they descended the stairs. Leila's eyes landed on her brother setting the cake on the table. She was ecstatic. Sometimes, Leila pondered how incredibly fortunate she was. Her life felt perfect—a loving family, a caring best friend, and a devoted boyfriend.
"Leila, look at the decorations!" Danny, her brother, called. She rushed to hug him.
"Thank you, big bro. They're beautiful!" The light pink and dark pink theme, embellished with fairy lights, balloons, and candles, looked girlish and delightful.
"Have you spoken with Mom and Dad?" she inquired. He nodded. "Yeah, they'll be here in half an hour. Then we'll cut the cake and you'll get your gifts!" Danny grinned. She beamed in anticipation. She missed her parents dearly; they'd been away visiting her mother's hometown for a week. Danny's wife, Cara, observed Leila's happiness with envy, though she concealed it. Jealousy brewed within her, wishing ill upon Leila. Danny knew of his wife's envy but urged her to think positively, desiring peace in their family. He loved and protected his sister, emphasizing Leila's love for Cara. Unaware of Cara's jealousy, Leila remained blissfully ignorant.