(𝓡𝓪𝓷𝓳𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓪 𝓥𝓮 )

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A/N : Sorry peeps, for not posting yesterday. I had my exam and this part was little big. I wanted to give it proper time and space. That's why, I'm posting it now. Anokhi's internal turmoil and her adamant behavior, all needed to be properly signed up. But, don't worry, I have increased up the words limit in this. Normally it's between 3k-4k but, today it's 5.5k. So enjoy guys. And don't forget to write me your thoughts on this chapter. I'm eagerly waiting for your replies.

I was sitting disheartened, near the feet of my dad, when his phone rang.
"Yes Lali? " and he stood from his sofa seat in order to go outwards. I in a failed attempt called him once more, "Dad. " But, ignoring me he was talking to another person on phone, "Yes, that's what I was saying.. " I tried once more, "Listen to me. " But he didn't pay any heed, he went out with phone near his ears saying,"Yes. Okay." I was left behind yet again. I turned to see bhaiya also going, so I tried my fate with him. "Brother Raja. You know everything. Atleast you try to understand. I need to give the entrance exam and after two days, I'll have to arrange for the fee as well. I don't want to marry that guy from Bhatinda. Tell Dad that I refused. That I can't do it." He listened me before being irritated and almost yelling on me, "Nikki, why don't you want to get married? And I'm not going to pay for your test. From where will you manage it now?" I was just watching him, changing his colors in a matter of hours, "Stop this pointless wastage of money. And tell me something. What's wrong with Monty? See he's handsome, good looking and most importantly he's settled in Canada. Along with you even my life will be better."
Ohhh, so that's the case. I stupidly thought for a mere second, that he was worried about me. That, although he wasn't concerned with my studies, he anyway wanted my best as what's best in his eyes. That, he somehow wanted me to be happy. How Big Fool I was, thinking that. But, he opened my eyes. He was shamelessly telling his plan, "Once you settle over there then even I can go. And I can start my business after going there. In a single shot we both will be set for a good life." He was trying to explain me that it's good for both of us, but deep down he too knew that it's all for his sake. Only he mattered for himself, not even his sister. "What do you say?"
So, he had guts to ask his biological sister to get married to a stranger and give up her life, her dreams for the sake of his business which he hadn't even planned what was it going to be.
I answered, " So, you want me to consent to this marriage only so that you can settle in Canada?" I somewhere thought that maybe speaking his actions loudly would bring any shame, any guilt in his eyes, but I was proved wrong in a second, the sentence left from my mouth as he answered, "Yes, so? " without any wait. I didn't have anything to say further.

"Lali try to talk to them at least once. Their demand is increasing with time. Yes tell me." My father had re-entered the hall. So, I went to him again. "Dad. Please you can't force me. I have ny entrance exam after two days. Just let me take the exam. After that you won't have to worry about my future Dad. Please." I found no need to hide this thing from him now, maybe he would accept my offer. On hearing about my exam, my granny, Mom and Babli Di had also came in hall. Dad asked, "What exam are you talking of? And what did you just say? Am I forcing you?" Oh no.. The thing was turning to worse. I just shook my head.
"Fine. Let it be so then. Do whatever you want. I'll do whatever I feel is right.
Your marriage will be done.
And what good will come by taking this exam? Forget about this exam."
I stayed silent for time he talked and then gently said, "This time you won't be able to stop me, Dad." Color of his face turned, but it was something I said more to myself. It was a determination. I just said that and took the long Walking stick that my grandma used to use for balancing her posture during walk. I handed that stick to my Dad, "Here, Dad." Afterall it couldn't be bad than shattering of my dreams. It's not that he hadn't rose his hand on me before, or hadn't hit me by that before. So, be it. When Dad didn't take it, I took the initiative and put that into his hand. "Go ahead. Beat me up if you want. Do whatever you want, Dad. But don't stop me from taking this entrance exam. I must take this exam Dad. I have to." I wanted to make sure that they would know that I was damn serious about it. I didn't have much choices.
"I'm sorry Dad. But, this is my decision." Surprisingly he put the stick down on sofa. And took me hand, "Let's go. Come."
But, where? Did he agree? Okay, let me process it.
"Dad.."
"Come."
"Listen to me dad.. " He was sounding serious, maybe I celebrated it too early. He had another plan in his mind.
"Come."
"I don't want to listen to you. Go inside." He just pushed me in my room.
"Listen to me once, Dad."
"Just shut up."
"Dad.. " And, he closed the door from outside.
I beaten up the door, frantically. "Dad! Dad! Dad open the door. Listen to me once." I heard him putting the lock on the door handle and locking it by keys. I slammed the door again.
"Dad, please. Just listen once."
I heard my granny saying, "Such a wild child. I knew she'd cause a ruckus."
Then, my mom's voice came from near the door. "Listen. I wanted to say that you should sit and think calmly. The expenses are big. Such financial burden.. Even if we take a loan what if we couldn't repay it? I hope you understand what I'm saying. Moreover, even our Anokhi is adamant on studying. I would suggest you decline this alliance. We'll get several good proposals for our Anokhi. You know, she asked Mr. Khanna so many times regarding studies but he didn't say anything clearly. It's not really her fault." Yes Mom, you are right. Thanks for taking my side. I wondered if the harsh reality I showed her on Dolly Di's wedding functions, made her come to this conclusion. Nothing more matter when she was with me. Atleast someone tried to understand me. Now, I just wish that father would listen to her. My all stakes were put on his decision now. Oh God, if there's any luck in my lifeline, put that all to this moment. Just.. Do it. For once, I wanna believe in universe. I wanna believe in destiny, but please lemme do it, by proposing a chance. Just when I heard a tight slap behind the door. I shooked out from my thought train. "Dad. Mom", I heard Babli Di's faint sound.
"Your daughter is audacious enough to challenge me while you watch me getting humiliated standing over there. At that you take her side as well. Instead of teaching her manners you taught her to back answer her father." My heart was pounding at this. I cried, "Mom, what happened?"
I heard Babli di answering my question, "Dad is beating Mom."
I cried, "Brother Raja, Sister Babli do something. What are you doing? Open the door!" Dad was angry on me, and is now putting off his frustration on Mom. "Now suffer for your mistake. Get out of here", Dad said. I heard Babli Di's pleading voice, "Dad."
Then, a stern order from Dad, "Move. Leave. Step back. Don't you interfere. She's my wife before she became your mother. I have the first and last right on her. Do you understand?" What was he saying? What was he gonna do to my mom? Why am I stuck here? I should be with Mom right now. I yelled, "Babli Di, say something."