As Liam entered his bedroom,he felt a sense of relief. The conversation with his mother had been intense but he gained clarity on what she wanted to discuss. After a refreshing shower,Liam settled in to rest, picking up his laptop. He saw a notification from Beverly about Johnson's report submission. He reviewed the contract all over again and gave the go ahead to accept submission.
Liam was focused on making the Art-tech integration project a success . He was determined in combining innovation with creativity.He also had to finalize the details of the charity gala next week.
Liam's focus shifted to the charity gala, ensuring every detail was perfect .
He headed downstairs,after the housekeeper informed him dinner was ready.
Upon reaching home,Ruby was greeted with the evident display of affection from her family members -her father, Michael Ali;Emily Ali,Ethan Ali,her elder sister and younger brother respectively . She could guess her mother, Victoria Ali was busy in the kitchen. She always felt alone.
The aroma of roasted vegetables and spices filled the air ,a familiar comfort for Ruby.
Just then Michael eyes met hers and his face which had been all smiles instantly turned dark.
Michael's gaze lingered on Ruby,his expression stern. "Ruby, Emily's medical school fees are due soon. We'll need you to contribute more." Feeling the weight of her father's words while knowing she had to meet up or else she wouldn't have it easy.
Her voice barely above a whisper,Ruby answered "I'll try, Father."
As Ruby's Father turned back to Emily and Ethan,Ruby felt a pang of jealousy. Why did she have to always bear the burden. She glanced towards the kitchen, Victoria remained unfazed,never taking her eyes from what she was doing.
Emily, engrossed in her studies, barely acknowledged Ruby's exchange with their father. She murmured a distracted "thank you" without looking up,her focus solely on her books.
"You don't have to thank her", Michael replied seemingly disapproving
Ethan looked up from his phone,his eyes flicking briefly to Ruby before returning to his screen. He didn't seem to register the conversation or its implications for Ruby.
Ruby's mind wandered as she watched her family interact. "Why does Father always prioritize my siblings needs over mine? Doesn't he see how hard I'm struggling?" She felt a mix of resentment and sadness.
As she turned to head to her room, Ruby's eyes met her father who was watching Emily and Ethan as if they were some sort of Art work. "I'll just go and start working on getting the fees", she thought, feeling a sense of resignation while walking to her room.
Ruby closed the door behind her, feeling a mix of emotions. She leaned against the door,her eyes scanning the small space that was her sanctuary. She felt trapped
She was always torn by her Father's constant reminder that Emily was her elder sister and Ethan was the youngest and the only Male.
One of the many incidents was when she was forced to sacrifice her prize money from one of the Art competitions held by the community to help pay for Emily's study materials.
She felt hurt and overlooked. Her father felt it was okay to prioritize family obligations over her own aspirations.
Ruby's tears flowed as she leaned against the door,the weight of her responsibilities and her father's expectations crushing her. She felt unseen and overwhelmed.
She stood up heading to her small table stand. As she picked up her drawing paper she felt a sense of relief. A scratch of pencil on paper has always allowed her to express emotions she can't speak out. All her art was a reflection of herself.
Ruby's thoughts pour onto the paper, creating a piece that reflects her feelings of being trapped. The Art piece takes shape, with bold lines and expressive shading.
Ruby's artwork depicted a bird breaking free from chains, symbolizing her desire for freedoms.
Just as she was lost in her creative process,her phone buzzes with a message from an art competition she has been eyeing. They are accepting submissions,Ruby feels a spark of excitement.
She called Ava wanting to share the good news but the call didn't go through, just as she was about to put her phone down
"Ruby, dinner is ready!" Victoria called out from the kitchen.
Ruby put her phone down and headed downstairs . As she sat down for dinner,she shared the news about the art competition and her decision to submit her work.
Michael's expression turned serious . "Make sure you get accepted,we need the income"his voice firm.
Ruby felt a mix of emotions-pressure, expectation and a hint of disappointment.She wanted her to be supportive of her art not just see it as a means to an end.
*I'll try Father", she whispered.
Victoria watched Ruby with a mix of concern and admiration , knowing her daughter's art was more than just a hobby.
The rest of the dinner conversation focused on the financial benefits, leaving Ruby isolated.
After dinner, Ruby retreated to her room. She picked up her phone and tried to call Ava again eager to share the news with someone who would understand.
This time,the call connected and Ava's cheerful voice lifted Ruby's spirits.
After ending the call with Ava, Ruby's doubts crept on as she thought about her father's expectations. "What if i don't get accepted? What if my art isn't good enough?"
Her thought turned to her university status. She wondered if her student status would be a factor in the Art competition decision-making process.
Listening to the chatter from the living room,she felt more isolated. While trying to distract herself, laying in bed,Ruby's mind kept swirling with possibilities and doubt until she fell asleep.....
In her quiet room, Victoria reflects on the sacrifices she made and the dreams she let go of . How it has affected her relationships with her children, particularly Ruby.
Her thoughts filled with her past. She kept asking herself. "What would life be like if I'd pursued my art ?, why did I let him control me? Was it love?
Her reflections were disrupted by Michael's arrival, while pretending to fall asleep.
After turning off the light, Michael gets into bed seemingly unbothered by Victoria's presence.