My destiny
Ananya Prasad
f all the 7 billion people in this world, why’d destiny choose me? Look, how was I supposed to know
what was under that trapdoor?
righ
,
Group 3: Fiction, St. Margaret's Co-educational English Secondary & Primary School
Before you judge me, better know about the new tales I have from the Great Wall. That’s
t, the Great Wall of China.
I am Sapphira. I’ve been raised by my grandma since I can remember. You don’t have to
feel sorry for me. My grandma is an amazing person. I’ve never had any rules to follow ...except for just one,
which I didn’t mind following.
O
It was to never go into the storeroom at the back of her bedroom. It was okay because I was terrified of
ghosts or whatever dark I thought resided there, frankly, I just never cared to find out.
My grandmother let me hold parties, stay up late and play music so loud that even I doubted the house
could stand through it. However, there was one thing about her that totally freaks me out. What can I say; she is
very superstitious.
This single “story”, as you may call it, has forever changed my life. Apart from that, I try my very best
to lead a normal life.
Every day, I follow a not-so-strict routine; after coming home, I finish my daily assignments while
grandma carries incense sticks around the house. Then I am completely free until 6pm. After six, she teaches me
military drills. I had no idea why learning such things in New York City would help but she wouldn’t call for
any excuses.
Finally, only after my great experience have I learnt the truth. Every time I used to feel all she taught
me was useless, now only increases my guilt.
You see, one day, I was finishing my assignments when my grandma called me to her room. She never
interrupted me before, it had to be urgent. She told me it was time. Of course back then, I didn’t understand her
so I asked her what she meant.
She asked me if I knew about the red string of fate. It is from an ancient Chinese legend where a deity,
Yue Xia Lao, ties a red string connecting those who are destined to meet and help one another in a certain way.
Similar to what Western people think of as soul mates.
For the first time, she called me into that storeroom I’ve dreaded all my life. The first thing I noticed
was that it was filled with ancient statues with Chinese symbols on them. Everything was filled; except for a
small clearing for what I thought was a trapdoor on the floor. She told me that she has just received a sign and
pointed to the trapdoor.
I looked again, more closely this time. A feeling of anxiety and understanding washed over me. Tied to
the doorknob was a red string. That was the sign. She told me that if Yue Lao has decided it is time, then it’s
only better to consider his decision. However, grandma said that she doesn’t want to force me. I’ve been given
the choice. Once the red string is tied around my ankle, it can be stretched or tangled but it’ll never break. Then
I’m destined to meet and stay with someone I may not even know. I’ll have to go through that trapdoor and it’ll
take me to any place in the world, into any time period.
Okay, for one thing, this is really unbelievable; I mean it’s a lot to take in, even if I’m a fourteen year
old teenager. But I guess, living with a superstitious grandmother, it wasn’t really a surprise. If I don’t choose
that option, it’ll anger the old lunar matchmaker and my family will receive a curse.
Since I don’t have much of a family, it indirectly means that harm will approach my grandmother. I
had to choose by tomorrow. I had basically not much of an option, really.
My grandma said my Chinese horoscope mentioned that even if nobody knows the best choice, destiny
will make sure I choose the worst one. Where, he who helps shall also betray.
“
Great, whatever that means.” I thought “I have to make a choice knowing that the one I choose will be
the worst. How can I make a decision to do something when I know I will fail in the end? And what do those
numbers mean?” But she warned me that horoscopes generally do have a double meaning and that I shouldn’t
worry too much.
Again, how could I not worry? What does she mean?
That night, was a really memorable one. Well, as usual, I listened to some music, I read a book online,
and then I took a long warm shower, I was absolutely miserable.