Week 4 Story: Destiny > Our Plan

All through high school Margaret was a straight A student, community service activist, and surrounded herself with friends of a high moral code. Her dad owned a large finance company in Dallas, and everyone knew that once she graduated college, she was going to be in line to take over the company. She also had an incredible boyfriend, Ryan, who had also committed to the same university as Margaret. From the outside looking in, Margaret had it made. The week before leaving for college, Margaret's father called her into his study and explained,

"In order for you to take over the family business, you need to complete college in 4 years, receive a B.A. in Accounting, and have a minimum of a 3.75 GPA. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I understand father."

"Okay, great. Please don't get too caught up in everything else college has to offer. If you fail to complete any of the terms and conditions I've laid out for you, I'll have no other choice than to give your younger sister a shot at the title, and Lord knows she still counts on her fingers. Don't let us down, Margaret."

"I won't father. I understand what's at stake."


And with one firm handshake, Margaret and Ryan were off to the University of Oklahoma. They both were off to a good start both socially and academically, but after week 4, Margaret started to lose her firm grip on things, while Ryan joined the Hockey team, maintained his 4.0 GPA, and kept his relationship with Margaret as a top priority.

The week before Thanksgiving break, Margaret realizes that she has been completely neglecting her studies and her relationship with Ryan. She had gone down the rabbit hole of campus activities, and while she might be able to save some her grades, her relationship with Ryan may not be salvageable. The next afternoon after her epiphany, she waits for him outside of his class in hopes of talking things out. What she wasn't expecting was to see was him walk out of the building talking with another girl. When Margaret approaches him, all Ryan said was that he and his friend Shelby had a huge test they needed to go study for, but that he would catch up with her later.

Margaret watching as Ryan talks to Shelby. Link to original image

After not hearing from him until the end of the break, Margaret realizes what a mistake she's made. When they got back to campus, Margaret did everything she could to fight for him and their relationship. While Ryan assured Margaret that he was never unfaithful to her, she still knew that they couldn't just pick up where they had left off.

They gave an honest effort at trying to fix their relationship. But they decided that only time would be able to tell what was in store for them. While they both loved each other, they simply were not in love for each other. That year they split ways, and didn't cross paths again until graduation their senior year. Margaret had made her grades and was preparing to move back to Dallas to take over the company. And Ryan had accepted a job in NYC and was making arraignments to move far away; and took longer than he thought to get over Margaret and had just started to date again.


While this wasn't the story book ending they had planned, they both knew that their destiny was greater than the plan they had for themselves and wished each other all the best.



Bibliography: Sita Sings the Blues by Nina Paley Watch on YouTube

Author's note: My story this week was based off of the film Sita Sings the Blues, by Nina Paley. In this animated version of the Ramayana, Paley focuses in on the ancient story of Sita and Rama. While the Ramayana includes kings, palaces, and gods- my story is set in a modern/practical setting.