The Journey Ahead

16. Homecoming

The door bell of the Malhotra Mansion rang indicating that the girls of the house have arrived. The heads of the family went to the door to open.

Opening the door they saw their daughters standing in front of them.

"Mom. Papa. We both missed you a lot" the two sisters cried. "We also beta. Now come inside." their mom said.

They went inside the Malhotra mansion. It was same like seven years before. Their eyes started welling up. Nothing changed. The only change was that they were no longer 16 year old girl. They were 26 year old independent woman. For them the moment was truly nostalgic because they came back to their house after a long 7 years wait. They were seeing  their parents the second time after they went. Their parents only went to see their convocation ceremony.

"So how's life going??" their father asked. "Life is amazing papa. Indeed we imagined so much. But you know we are really happy with whatever we are getting." the sisters replied.

"Hahha" Mr. Malhotra laughed out loud. "My daughters are so mature. I am so proud of u girls." And he continued.

"Thank you papa." The two sisters smiled broadly listening to their praise.

"What you did with your car" their father asked. "It will be here I think by next week. They will courier us." Naina replied.

"Now enough of your father-daughter talks. Let them rest for sometime. You two now drink this lemonade and get fresh. Your room is ready." Nandini said coming from the kitchen with two glasses of lemonade.

The sisters drank the lemonade and went towards their room. They missed it really. Nothing has changed. Their childhood picture and all their Harry Potter posters. All are in the same place. They went inside the washroom to get fresh. After having lunch they went on a much needed nap.

In the evening they spent some time with their parents by watching Tv Or by talking about their daily routine.

Soon it was the time for their dinner and Nandini was in the kitchen preparing the arrangements.

They sat on the table and started eating. Mrs. Malhotra signaled something to Mr. Malhotra. And here Mr. Malhotra signaled back he will be doing it soon.

Finding it the right moment to start up the conversation, Mr. Malhotra spoke out, "Your mom wants to talk to you about something. So at first listen and then react."

The sisters knew where this was going. Because they were hearing to the same topic from the time they got their job. Their mother thought they have found the way to earn money. Now they need just to get married and be settled in their life.

"We're looking for boys to get you married" their mom dropped the bomb. And now she is dead serious not in a mood of joke. And with that the sisters lost their appetite.

"Look beta you're 26 now. Yes for us you both are still a child but you have to look at your age also. After this you will not find any boy. So try to understand." this time this was their father.

"You can also tell us if you like someone." their mother said.

"Mom. We have already told you that we don't have someone like that. And if there was any we would've told you only." Kajal said.

"But beta you also have to understand the situation right??" their dad said.

"You've done whatever you like in your whole life. We've never stopped you. Only this time please listen to us." Nandini said.

"But mom you also need to understand.  Marriage is not a silly decision. One wrong step can ruin our entire life. Besides you are telling that we are 26 this is the correct age to get married. Age is just a number mumma papa. Marriage is only correct when the person getting married is mentally and also physically prepared. Even though we are physically prepared, we aren't prepared mentally. We need time please." Naina tried her best to make them understand.

"Don't we have the right see you both happy??" Mrs. Malhotra now started throwing her emotional Astra.

"Mumma. Stop being so emotional always. And about the right to see us happy. Yes you both have the right to see us happy. But tell me what on the earth made you think that only marriage can bring happiness in our life. We are happy anyways." Naina ended.

Naina is only defending themselves. Kajal didn't dared to speak because she knows nobody can handle situation the way Naina will do.

"But listen to me once.." Mrs. Malhotra started to speak only to be interrupted by Naina.

"Do you know what mumma I don't want to talk about this matter anymore." Saying this Naina hurried towards their room.

"Naina listen. Come back yaar." Kajal called for her. She was equally surprised as her parents seeing her sister marching towards their room angrily.

On the table Mrs. Malhotra started crying of course due to Naina's behavior.

Can't figure out what to do Kajal went upstairs calling for her sister.

"Naina. Listen. Don't overreact. Mom is crying downstairs." Kajal said.

"So what can I do Kajal. Getting married means end of all. If we go to any that kind of family and they tell us leave the job what will we do. And marriage is a lifetime decision." Naina said.

"I understand Naina but you also try to understand the situation." Kajal said.

"Let's just sleep for now. I'll talk to her in the morning." Naina said.

"You will okay??" "Yes. I will."

Kajal said and Naina assured.

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~Shanshmita