Rising Phoenix

Chapter 10; Unyielding Flames

Aanya's POV

Standing before the colossal gates of the prison, memories of my day of release flooded my mind. It was a sunny day, but the air felt heavy with emotions—anger, pain, and determination. I felt a surge of energy coursing through my veins, a burning desire to exact revenge on those who had shattered my life. Stepping out of those gates, I knew I would never be the same person again.

The prison had taken away my will to return to a normal life. All I craved was to see my tormentors pay for the atrocities they had inflicted upon me. In the depths of my anguish, I would often cry out to God, yearning for justice and the chance to reclaim my life.

Yet, life can be cruel, even to those who have done no wrong. Unfortunately, I found myself among those who had been unjustly treated. It seemed that when your life was destroyed, whether, by fault or circumstance, you had to bear the burden indefinitely and suffer the consequences.

My vision was clouded by anger and sorrow, but deep down, I knew I needed help. I understood the truth behind the famous saying, "You can only win when your mind is stronger than your emotions." Winning this game of betrayal, started by my own family, was the only choice I had. And winning it, I was determined to do it.

Realizing my goal, I understood that knowledge was the most valuable asset one could possess. Knowledge may not be power itself, but it surely was the key to unlocking it.

Thus, I sought education and skills to take control of my life and seek my revenge. During my time in prison, I was fortunate enough to have access to educational programs. At the age of 17, I seized the opportunity to acquire my high school diploma and undergo vocational training to develop essential skills and knowledge.

To unlock my true potential, education became the key. After my release, I set my sights on achieving my goals. I joined a support group for former prisoners, and with their guidance, I discovered a college that offered specialized education and training programs for ex-prisoners. I enrolled and pursued a degree in criminal law, which equipped me with the necessary knowledge and skills to legally confront my tormentors.

In addition to criminal law, I pursued a degree in business and management to establish my own company. This venture would not only provide financial support but also facilitate my pursuit of justice. Furthermore, I trained myself in self-defense, honing my physical and mental strength to be ready to face any challenges life would throw at me. In hindsight, accessing educational and training programs during my time in prison proved to be invaluable in my transformation.

The best investment one can make—one that will yield lifelong dividends—is investing in oneself. Strive to be the best version of yourself by acquiring knowledge and skills to thrive in any situation.

Last year, my team and I successfully launched a tech company. Our groundbreaking application aims to provide safety for individuals, particularly those who have experienced assault and harassment. Alongside safety, it offers the necessary resources and support to those in need. The app gained popularity at tech conferences, securing funding from various investors. Now, we are ambitiously expanding our services to reach more regions and nations.

In a similar vein, at the end of last year, my team launched another application. This platform offers legal advice and assistance to victims of crime and injustice, particularly those who lack the financial means to seek legal help. Its main goal is to connect individuals with pro bono lawyers who can provide them with much-needed legal representation. Both applications are yielding promising results, and it fills me with pride to witness the positive impact they have on society.

My parents always instilled in me the belief that initiating work for the betterment of society and those in need would set the universe in motion. They taught me that taking the first step toward such noble endeavors would attract the necessary resources to fulfill my purpose. This profound belief has played a pivotal role in the rapid growth of my company.

Always strive to find your purpose in life and pursue it relentlessly.

Nevertheless, despite my achievements, Miller's Industries remains a distant goal, and I acknowledge that I still have a long way to go.

When my name was called, it jolted me out of my reverie, bringing me back to the present moment.

Standing before me was Anisha, a friend from prison who had also participated in the education and training programs. Like me, she had been falsely accused of a crime she did not commit. However, our timelines differed—while I was released four years ago due to being a minor at the time of the crime, Anisha's journey to freedom was just beginning. Being an adult at the time, her sentence was not as lenient as mine.

The difference in our cases lay in the fact that I knew who accused me, whereas Anisha did not. Despite this disparity, we both found solace in the educational and training programs that equipped us with the knowledge and skills to navigate society and overcome the challenges ahead.

Anisha would never have been in prison if her father believed in her innocence and supported her. Unfortunately, he did not, and she had to face the consequences of his actions. Her father's abandonment left her to navigate the legal system alone.

As the daughter of Don Gomez, leader of one of the world's top criminal gangs, Anisha's life was anything but ordinary. In the criminal underworld, three dominant gangs maintained territorial power and influence. Governed by their own set of laws, these gangs strived to preserve a delicate balance. While the identities of their members remained mostly hidden, fate had entangled me with two of these gangs due to the betrayals I had endured.

"You've lost weight, and you cut your hair short," Anisha observed with a smile, noting my physical transformation.

"I wanted a fresh start, both physically and mentally," I replied earnestly.

Anisha happened to be the only person who knew most of my darkest secrets—though not everyone. After my family's betrayal, I found it challenging to trust anyone fully. However, Anisha had remained a loyal friend, standing by my side as I navigated the emotional turmoil within the prison. She had witnessed my breakdowns and vulnerability firsthand. Despite my reluctance to show emotions, she understood the significance she held in my life. In this vast world of uncertainty and darkness, she was the only family I had.

"It looks good on you," Anisha complimented, appreciating my transformation. I nodded, acknowledging her words. To protect myself from further hurt and betrayal, I had mastered the art of concealing my emotions.

Once I realized that my tormentors found it entertaining to watch my emotional breakdowns, I shut down those emotions and locked them away in the deepest recesses of my heart.

My transformation extended beyond the physical realm; it encompassed my emotional and mental well-being as well.

"Want to get a coffee? It's something I missed during my time in prison," Anisha suggested, her eyes reflecting a fiery determination as she vowed to annihilate her enemies.

I agreed, and we made our way to a nearby café. As we settled in and placed our orders, our gazes drifted to the passing cars outside, lost in our thoughts. Sipping our coffee in silence, we cherished this moment of solitude.

"So, what's the plan?" Anisha finally broke the silence, her eyes fixed on me, ablaze with determination and purpose. The spark in her eyes revealed her unwavering commitment to her quest for justice.