Tender Storm

Chapter 15

What's wrong with him? Is he barking mad?

These were Aman's thoughts as he tried to digest what was being told to him. "I'm not sure I understand" he said, trying his effort to be polite.

Ranjit looked calmly at him "I know this may seem bizarre and strange under the circumstances but I'm serious. Will you marry her?"

Aman gaped at him, totally nonplussed. Of all the things he had expected of the old man, this definitely wasn't on the list.

"I can't..." he began but looked at the other man's change of expression and added hastily "I mean...Sakshi's a great girl and all but I'm not ready for marriage..to her or anyone else. And besides, my parents will never agree to it and..."

"I'll convince them" Ranjit said slowly "I'll talk to your father and settle things...I'm sure he will..."

"You don't understand" Aman interrupted instantly "have you talked to Sakshi about this?"he asked doubtfully "because she would never agree to it".

"Don't you think I know that?" Ranjit looked at him intently "that's why I wanted to ask you first..."

Aman could feel the room suffocating around him and wanted nothing but to escape from there. How was he going to convince the ailing sick man who had a fresh attack?

"I know what you're thinking" Ranjit said softly and tried to sit up as Aman helped him "you must be wondering why I'm asking you of all the people.. we didn't leave things in a nice way last time. I know I'm supposed to hate your guts but at the same time I know you supported my daughter when no one else did. You were by her side when we all were against her. You believed in her when none of us did.."

"That's because she was supposed to be my sister in law" Aman explained as calmly as he could "she's my brother's fiancee...it would be so wrong to think of her otherwise".

Ranjit stared at him for a while and then Aman saw fresh tears escape from his eyes which was a red signal. He didn't want any more health issues in his presence "it's okay...you don't stress yourself..we'll talk about it later".

"No..I'm fine" Ranjit wiped his tears and Aman could feel the desperation in his voice...it didn't look fake or orchestrated.

"I was born and raised in a family where there's no room for questions. We had to fulfil our responsibilities without any inhibition and follow the traditions our elders laid down for us. I wasn't any different and hoped to follow the same footsteps. I know it's cruel but I've craved for a son too, just like my other family members. I wanted to raise my son just like how I was raised. But when Sakshi was born, I was disappointed a bit...but everything changed when I held her in my arms. She was the best thing that ever happened to me and I still feel it".

Aman wondered where this was going but listened in silence, half cursing himself for having landed here.

"She's everything I could ask for...she never once questioned me and obeyed me. And now, her life has turned to hell and there's nothing I can do about it other than to support her" Ranjit sighed in despair.

"You're doing a great job by being on her side..trust me" Aman clarified "marriage isn't a solution to every problem".

"You don't understand" Ranjit gasped "suddenly my daughter is stubborn...she doesn't want to give up the child...and I've supported her. She'll give birth and then what? Will she able to lead a normal life?"

Aman stared at him, unable to answer. Of course there will be lots of questions but that was Sakshi's choice. She made her side of bed.

"We're a normal middle class family Aman" Ranjit explained "we aren't powerful enough like some celebrities who can be single mothers and bear it all....we're not powerful enough to ignore any scandal that'll come our way...I don't think I'll be able to bear the ridicule my daughter will face in future...I don't think my heart is strong enough".