Relationship Status - It's complicated

Chapter 9 - Give us time to discuss

Shiv

I smacked my palm over my forehead. So much for promising to not saying anything about marriage Dadi, I groaned internally.I glared at Shivani who seemed to have also become uncomfortable too from the sudden statement from Dadi as she put down her snack plate on the coffee table infront of her. I then glanced at Anjali and our gazes met for a split second before she glanced away to look at her parents and then lowered her gaze down to her lap. 

Uncle and Aunty both looked at each other and then at their daughter. Before they could say anything , Dadi continued "I know this is sudden Shekhar ji and Mohini ji. Infact, these kids did not want me to talk at all today but I can't control myself. Your daughter will brighten up any house that she goes to and that is only if you are thinking and she is thinking along these lines too. You already know that my grandson Shiv recently got a divorce and we don't think Shiv should remain alone all his life. Galti to kisi ki bhi nahi thi lekin kismat ko shayad ye manzur nahi tha"

It was nobody's fault but their destinies didn't like it seems. 

"Ma ji, I don't know what to say. I have only one child and all I have ever wanted is to see her settled in her life with a loving and caring family. Unfortunately, my daughter has seen too much in a very little time. I am sure you want to know about it but I don't know how to respond to you now. Give us time to discuss among ourselves."

"I understand and we will respect whatever decision you make. Her past will not bother me now that I have spoken to her. Life is not always fair and I have seen that. I do want to suggest something."

"Of course Ma ji,  please tell us, what can we do for you."

"If all of you are ok and permit Anjali, I want Shiv and Anjali to meet and talk to each other few times." Turning to face Anjali, she continued, "Anjali beta, think about it. You don't have to immediately say yes or no to the meeting. Regardless of whatever you end up deciding, you will come and meet me whenever I am in this city, ok?

She didn't respond. My heart broke for her as my family had suddenly brought this upon her. On the other hand, I was stumped by Dadi's request, she had handled the 'rishta talks' very well, what she said about allowing us to meet was certainly a modern move. Arranged marriage didn't seem very bad right now if both the parties involved in it approached the concept practically. 

Dadi continued looking at her. "Beta, listen - I have seen life and I will tell you that when life is giving you another chance, just grab it. From my perspective, you both will make a very happy life with each other. Shiv is my grandson and I won't praise him as I cannot stop praising him then. Meet with Shiv, talk to him and make a wise choice my bache. " 

"Ma ji, we will discuss among us and let you know. My daughter is very innocent and probably at loss right now."

"That's not a problem. It's just another sign of her good upbringing and good values instilled in her. " Dadi then turned to face me and slowly rose from the sofa taking support of the arm rest. 

"Let's go Shiv beta, Shivani call Riya beti. Shekhar ji, do visit us and see things for yourself. Betiyan hamare ghar me bhi hai aur unki chinta rehti hai. Aap aayein, ache se jaanch padtaal bhi karayein, zaruri hota hai ki hum betiyon ki liye ye sab karein." Dadi said while uncle and aunty nodded with a smile. I was glad my Dadi was just the sweetest being here right now. 

Even we have daughters and we worry for the. Do come and see things for yourself, also get good information about everything. Its important we do all of this for our daughters.

"Uncle! Aunty! may I say something ?" I wanted to voice my concern.

"Sure beta, What is it ?" Uncle gently patted my back. He was a balding man couple of inches shorter than me.