Benjamin's POV
I tried to warn Sita about dangers but she yelled at me. I got angry when she asked who am I to her and when she brought Santosh in between, my anger peaked.
Just then I saw Achamma coming, I tried to warn Sita but she can't stop the flow of her words, i kissed her lips and escaped. She would kill me.
Why did I kiss her? Is it to just shut her mouth or to show my claim on her too, I don't know. I went to our Aluminum factory, looked into some urgent pending files and came back for lunch. I want to see Sita.
She was chatting with Achamma... they both are lost in their own world, no one can believe they just met. Everyone returned and we sat for lunch
"We will arrange engagement this weekend" dad announced after dinner
I looked at Sita, there was fear in her eyes
"Dad, why suddenly? Let's wait..." I tried to object
"You should have thought about it before going public, remember you are in India Ben" dad said angrily
"It's not my fault dad, Athiraj..."
"I'm not talking about hotel incident. What is the need to romance in public places?"
When did we romance in public places?
"I don't know what you are talking dad?"
"Your pictures from shopping mall yesterday are viral. In a way it's good... it proves Sita is really your fiancé but remember you are not in America" uncle said looking away
I opened my phone. There are pictures of us from mall. In some pictures we both are looking into each other's eyes intensely... we both look cute together. I should pay the person who took these... other pictures are from wrong angle, like romancing.
It's so embarrassing. I looked at Sita, she too saw pictures in my phone and is blushing like tomato looking down
"I will take out all the pictures and news uncle" she said
"It's easy for you because you were the one got pictures clicked and distributed to paparazzi" Nisha said
"Shut up Nisha, I already warned you, not a single word against my Sita..." I shouted
"Everyone already saw, your tweet that you are engaged and the pictures... everyone is calling, asking about your marriage. I'm unable to handle. It's better if you make official ceremony" dad said
"Sita, I will talk to your parents... give me their number" dad said
"Dad is very angry uncle, he is very religious. I thought to slowly convince him but he fixed my marriage. To add to that I left home.
If he knows I'm here, he would take me right away...he can get my VISA cancelled immediately.
Maybe after few weeks I will call and ask for forgiveness" She tried to convince dad
"Do you love Ben so much that you can go against your parents?" He asked
She looked at me, i held her hand. I was scared she would deny but she agreed nodding
"We will get you engaged first, then we will talk to your parents" dad said
"Dad..." Ben tried to say
"Ben, our reputation is at stake... just engagement. Take Sita and buy engagement rings and dresses after lunch, just the two of you. Talk about your future"
I was scared to look at Sita
She excused herself and went to her room. I followed her, she is crying
"Sita..." I called
She hugged me tightly and cried harder. I patted her back consoling
"Sorry Sita" i apologized
"I escaped from home to avoid marriage with my childhood friend. I can't get engaged to a stranger. Maybe I should have told uncle truth now, I wanted to but looking into up your eyes I couldn't. You didn't want me to tell"
"I don't like India, I want to go home" she said like a kid
Her words pinched my heart. She hid the truth for me? Am I taking advantage of her?
"I'm selfish to drag you into this. Sorry Sita, I should have told my parents but if I tell, dad would force you to get married to me.
Dad is very good person but when it comes to his reputation...can go to any extent to save his reputation. He is very influential" I explained her
Everything is getting out of control
"Take me away from here. I'm scared, can't take it anymore. I turned 22 last month. Why is everyone after my marriage?
Dad is not strict, always gave me freedom... He assumed me and Santhu are in love, everyone thought that. I tried to explain but he was adamant and forced me to go on date with Santhu.
I couldn't take it, booked ticket and came. I don't even know what I was thinking. Dad would be thinking I'm in US because he doesn't know about my job. If he gets slight idea that I'm out of country, he would track me easily and gets my VISA cancelled.
He is ambassador of Indian embassy" she said
I didn't know she was serious when she said, her dad can get her VISA cancelled
"I don't want to marry you, save me please" she begged
Seeing her cry is hurting me. She didn't know about dad but she agreed for my sake. I can't let her get hurt for my selfishness and dirty politics
"I don't know how but I will make things right. You want to return in couple of months, I will make sure you return. Trust me Sita, I will never marry you against your will. It's Kurien's promise. Give me sometime, please.
I will try to take you around India as you wish but I can't promise you that because it's not safe for you" I said
"Thank you"
"Take rest, I will go tell something"
"Hold me like this, don't leave me"
I heard phone ring... Nithya and Joseph are at the door with tears
Sita came out of my embrace seeing them
"Achamma asked you both to see her. Dad asked me to send you to shopping. He is calling me, probably for the same" Joseph said
I sighed
"Nithya, take care of Sita... I will see what I can do"
"Ben, I will come... you asked for sometime...till then we will go with this story... I trust you. I will wash my face and come" she went to restroom
YOU ARE READING
Ego over Relations
General FictionGirl runaway from home to escape from marriage only to be betrothed to a stranger. They fall in love but their ego and families come in their way. Can they overcome the hurdles and become one?
