Truthfully Yours

Chapter 26

I was having my dinner. I saw everyone were smiling at me. I was shocked as this is unusual at our house.

" Enough mother. I'm full ", I said.

" Madhvi.. eat one more. Look at your face so pale and dull. Eat na ", she insisted me to eat another chapati.

I ate and was about to leave when I heard my father's voice.

" Wait Madhvi. We need to speak with you.. ", he said. I turned to him and gulped.

Please God don't take me today. I want to live for another 50 years. Too much ? Okay.. 30 atleast??

" Yes father ", i said fidgeting my fingers.

" Sit down ", he said smiling at me. I sat down.

" Actually, you completed your 12th grade now and your result will be out soon. Do you wish to continue studying? ", he asked me.

I was shocked. Study? My father? Did he just asked me to study? I felt so overwhelmed. How can this be happening?

" y-yes father ", I said as I was feeling so overwhelmed. But didn't show it out.

" You can. But.. after marriage ", he said and my face turned pale again.

What? Marriage? No..

" Father- "

" You are getting engaged to the person I chose after the result. Marriage after two weeks then. Dont worry about your studies. Your-in-laws are very nice that they just want you and nothing else. They'll take care of you and your studies.. ", he said.

Everyone looked at me for the answer. I couldn't comprehend his words.

" We don't need your consent. Just obey as it is.. ", brother said. I nodded and ran away to my room.

I started to cry. How can they force me like this everytime? They show me light and then push me into darkness. I don't want to be in this selfish place anymore. The fact that the groom is not asking for any dowry they are readily marrying me off to him?

........

I was waiting for today's newspaper to see the result. My family were sitting inside but I just sat near the doorstep. As I heard the newspaper being thrown inside, I ran and caught it in my hands.

The newspaper man  looked at me weirdly as i jumped and caught it. But when he saw my brother beside me, he just ran away with his cycle.

I ran inside and he got the newspaper from my hand. I pouted. I wanted to see my score.

Himself and my father were searching for my number and they looked at me. They looked at the paper and then at me.

" Madhvi.. you passed!! With a very good score!! We're really proud! ", Father said and my brother clapped. Prakash ran and hugged me.

I know he understand nothing we spoke but just excited seeing me happy. I just cried hugging him.

I then asked for the newspaper. I went inside my room. I started to check for Vir's number. I was breaking into tears as I couldn't find him in the 'pass' list. With my heabt heart, i looked at the failures list. I was partially crying and hoping.

He couldn't prepare his best as he had more responsibilities to see. He had no one to support him. He'd be broken if he is failed. It can't be happening. He's a great soul.

I couldn't find his number anywhere. I couldn't comprehend anything. I just closed the newspaper and threw it on the bed. Then I saw the front page. There was another list. I took it I my hands trembling.