ʚ𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐧𝐞ɞ

KRITI'S POV

Date: 24th May 2021

London

6:00 AM

As the sun slowly rose across the dark sky, golden rays slipped through the curtains, causing my eyes to flutter open.

I slowly sat up and squinted, allowing my eyes to adjust to the bright morning light. Turning towards the window, I realised it was already morning.

I climbed out of bed and headed into the bathroom to begin my usual morning routine, starting with washing my face.

After brushing my teeth for two minutes, I performed wudu before returning to my room. I changed into a long, full-sleeved dress and wrapped my headscarf around my head before praying Fajr, the first prayer of the day.

A few minutes later, I carefully folded my prayer mat and headscarf, placing them neatly back on the shelf.

I then changed into my outfit for the day: a smart cropped grey blazer, a white blouse, and a pair of blue flare trousers.

Afterward, I completed a light skincare routine with cleanser, toner, serum, moisturiser, and, most importantly, sunscreen.

Making my way downstairs, I prepared a bowl of cereal with milk for breakfast and a cup of matcha tea to start the day.

30 minutes later...

Once I finished breakfast, I washed my dishes and headed back upstairs. After doing my makeup and styling my hair, I added a few pieces of jewellery to complete the look. A quick spritz of orchid perfume finished everything off perfectly.

I checked my bag one last time to make sure I had everything I needed before slipping my hand cream inside, zipping it shut, and grabbing the folder for one of my lessons.

Walking downstairs again, I took my jacket from the wall hanger and slipped it on. London's chilly weather wasn't showing any mercy today.

I swung my backpack over my shoulder, tucked the folder under one arm, and slipped on my grey sneakers. After making sure the front door was locked, I left for school.

The campus I needed to be at was only a fifteen-minute walk from home.

Once inside the building, I took out my ID card and placed it around my neck before heading to my first class-Art-which was located on the ground floor near the entrance and car park.

As I stepped into the classroom, a smile instantly spread across my face when I spotted my best friend, Maya. We had only been friends for a year, and despite her being a year younger than me, we had been inseparable since the day we met.

I walked over to her table and took the seat opposite her.

"Hi, Maya. How are you?" I asked.

Maya looked up and smiled.

"Hey, Kriti. I'm good. How about you?"

"Good, thanks. How do you feel knowing today is our last day?" I asked.

She sighed softly.

"I'm excited, but also a little sad. I'm kind of going to miss all of this. What about you?"

I nodded.

"I actually feel the same way."

As a quiet sigh escaped my lips, Maya's expression softened.

"Is something wrong, Ki?" she asked, using the nickname she had given me.

"Yeah... I'm okay. I just have a lot on my mind right now. My dad said no to the college I want to go to again, and honestly, I don't know what to do anymore. I'm worried about my future, Mai."

Maya smiled gently, understanding filling her eyes.

"It's normal to feel that way. I know things aren't easy with your dad. Trust me, I've got a lot on my mind too. But we'll be okay. You've got this, Ki. I believe in you."

A grateful smile appeared on my face.

"Thank you, Mai. I hope everything works out for you too. I'm so lucky to have you in my life."

Maya smiled and nodded.

A few minutes later, our teacher approached us with several documents, handing one to each student before explaining what needed to be completed before we were officially dismissed.

Mrs Rose then distributed a few more papers for us to sign so our exam work could be submitted to the examiners for marking.

I carefully read through each document before signing my name at the bottom.

Once everything was completed, Maya and I headed to the shops near school to celebrate the end of this chapter of our lives.

We bought bubble tea and a pastry each before wandering around the mall together, chatting and catching up after weeks of being buried in exam revision.

While browsing one of the stores, my eyes landed on a beautiful pair of jhumkas.

I gasped.

"I need these."

Without hesitation, I grabbed Maya's arm and dragged her into the shop.

A few minutes later, the jhumkas were officially mine.

"I'm in love with these!" I said, unable to stop smiling.

Maya laughed.

"Of course you are. They're your favourites, after all."

I laughed too.

"You know me way too well, bestie."

After spending the afternoon shopping with Maya and making countless memories, it was finally time for me to head home.

But the moment the thought crossed my mind, the smile on my face disappeared.

A tight feeling settled in my chest, and my palms became clammy with sweat.

As if the girl laughing moments ago had suddenly become someone else.

♡ 𝑬𝑵𝑫 𝑶𝑭 𝑪𝑯𝑨𝑷𝑻𝑬𝑹 ♡

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