03: Zara

Seven Years Later:

A young girl blinded folded is all alone in the forest practicing Fencing. She is wearing a black crop top paired with black combat trousers with shoulder length hair tied in a braid and a shiny blade.

There is no other sound in the forest except the slash and zoom sounds of her sword cutting through the air, her movements are clear and sharp. The blind has hidden much of her features but her bare body under the top shows how strong she is. She has fair complexion, pink lips, strong arms, clear cut abs with 5’8 height. She takes a jump and moves her sword around. Her movements will be proven fatal for her opponents in a fight as it is for some poor tree branches and leaves. But suddenly her practice is interrupted when her phone rings.

She stops and unfolds her blinds. Her big beautiful dark brown eyes are exposed which enhances her beauty. She walks towards her bag and pulls out phone from its front pocket. Seeing the caller ID a sweet smile sweeps its way on her pretty face.

“Yes mom” She said immediately answering the phone                             

“Zara, you’re late. Be here fast. It’s time for college.”  An old woman’s voice came in from the other side of the phone.

“I’ll be there shortly.” Zara replied politely and hung up the phone. Keeping the phone back in the pocket, she wore her jacket and hopped on her cycle to make way back to the town.

Its 6:30 in the morning. The small town of Southwold is preparing for day. The sun is rising slowly and steadily. The cool morning breeze is refreshing. Zara paddles on her way happily seeing different people getting ready for their day ahead. Children are prepare for school and college while adults are getting for ready for work. The shops and markets are opening one by one. Soon Zara reaches home.

It’s a small two story wooden old house on the side of a hill with a deep cliff on its back and small lawn with fresh and beautiful flowers of all different kinds.

Parking her bike by the front door Zara makes her way into the house. She passes the hallway when the yummy aroma of breakfast fills her nostrils and she realizes how hungry she is, so walks towards the kitchen eagerly.

“What’s cooking mom?” Zara asked her mum in a cheerful tone rubbing her hands together and licking her lips. Placing a soft kiss on her mother’s cheek.

“Oh, you’re here.” Her mother replied. Zara nodded and stretches her arm   to take a small bite of the pancake her mother had just placed in plate in front of her.

“Ouch!” Zara whined when she slapped her hand before she touches the food.

“First take a bath!” Her mother ordered. Zara smiled softly and turned to left to her room.

“Good morning, sis” Zara said to her sister a she entered the room.

“Good morning, Zee. How was the practice?” Her sister Charlotte asked.

“Good as usual.” Zara replied walking towards her cupboard to pick a dress for the day.

“I am all ready. You be fast.” Charlotte said walking out of the room.

Zara stepped into the bathroom and got into the shower. She let the warm flow down her body and took some time to relax her mind. Fifteen minutes later she stepped out of bathroom, all ready for the day. Today she opted to wear white t-shirt which she paired with blue denim jeans and denim jacket and tied her hair in high pony tail. Looking herself for the last time in the mirror, she picked up her backpack and went out of the room.

The breakfast table was set and two beautiful ladies were waiting for Zara. They settled in and started their breakfast.

Mid breakfast Zara’s attention went to her mother, who winked back at her and mischievous smile appeared on their faces. Zara looked at her sister and nodded to her as if signaling for something. Zara rose from her place and went to her mother’s side.

“Charlotte…” Her mother said catching Charlotte who was all this time busy in her phone with an unfinished bite in her mouth. Charlotte looked her mother and sister and found looking at her suspiciously. She frowned

“HAPPY BIRHTBAY!” Zara and her mother wished Charlotte in a loud voice with smiles and naughty laughs. Charlotte was first shocked as she couldn’t believe that she forgot her own birthday then a smile tugged on her face.

She got up from her place and pulled Zara and her mother in a big warm hug. The three of them stayed like that for some time then broke the hug.

“Happy birthday my baby…” Zara’s mother said placing a sift kiss on Charlotte’s forehead.

“Thank you mom. You guys remembered” She replied.

“You can forget about your birthday but we can’t. No…never…Happy birthday sis…” Zara wished her sister happily.

“Thank you kiddo…” Charlotte smiled and the sister shared a hug. Their mother stood back and watched her two big girls happily.

“Hmmm…” Their mother said getting her daughters attention.

“Now it’s time for gifts.” Their mother announced.

“Here…” She handed Charlotte a box. Charlotte unwrapped her gift and opened the box finding a beautiful golden heart shaped necklace in it in which you place two small pictures.

“I hope you like it…” her mother said

“I love it mom…” Charlotte exclaimed

“Now here is my gift but you don’t have to unwrap it…” Zara said a placed a big bag on the table. Charlotte opened the bad and gasped again

“New squash kit. Wow!” she said in excitement.

“It must be expensive. How did you bought it? Don’t tell me you spend all your pocket money on it” Charlotte asked Zara in a concerned tone.

“Hmm…not all. I still have some money left.” Zara replied assuring her sister.

“How much?” Charlotte questioned.

“Fifty cents.” Zara replied pursing her lips and then burst into a laugh. Seeing her laughing Charlotte and her mother giggled.

After that they completed their breakfast.

“Charlotte what are you plans for today? Will you be home soon?” their mother asked

“Sorry mom, I can’t. You know the tournament is near so I have to practice some extra hours…” Charlotte said

“But I’ll be home before 8 in the evening so that we can celebrate.” She said smiling on which her nodded sipping her coffee.

“What about you Zara?” Her mother asked

“I don’t have practice as Mr. Khan (Zara’s fencing coach) is going on family vacation so I’m free. Hence I’ll be home after my classes in the afternoon.” Zara replied politely.

“Ok then…” their mother said. With that Charlotte and Zara got up from their seats, picked up their belongings and went out of the house towards their car. Before getting in the car both placed soft kisses on their mother cheeks and drove away.