Not letting you Free

10

Rahul

Music has always been my solace, offering peace to my heart. Yet, at this moment, as I cradle my little bundle of joy in my lap, my heart is conflicted. Watching him tinker with the keys, a smile dancing on his face, fills me with happiness, but my mind remains shrouded by the woman standing before me.

She flashes the most beautiful smile at Rudra, her eyes brimming with adoration and love. It's a smile that used to be reserved for me.

How can she be fiery one moment and serene as a calm river the next? She is the epitome of beauty blended with fierceness. It was that combination that first drew me to her on the day we met in India.

Flashback

"I don't want to get married. Who gets married at such a young age?" I tried to temper my anger, but my father scowled at my outburst.

"I was your age when I got married, so stop with your nonsense," he retorted.

"Dad, it's different now. We're not living in that era, and we're not even in India."

"So what?" His eyes ignited with anger. "I've let you live this life, and look at you, how you've come to this prestigious party, making a fool of yourself and me." I sighed; it was a grave mistake to attend this party right after my concert. I was dressed in faded jeans, a bandana wrapped around my head, a guitar slung on my back under a denim jacket over a white T-shirt.

"You didn't give me a choice, Dad. You asked me to join you by 10," I retorted in my defence.

"You know what? Stop it. If you had joined my business and acted your age, I wouldn't have to force this marriage upon you. We're leaving this weekend to meet the girl. If you won't come, you can go your own way because I will disown you." It was like a slap to my face, and it had become much more serious than I had anticipated. I thanked God my mom intervened at the right time.

"Calm down. Let me talk to Rahul," she said as she ushered me into my room and gave me a serious look. In that moment, I knew that I had to play on her tune.

And like Dad announced, we flew to India, and now I am sitting in a room full of strangers. They all gawk at me, scrutinizing me from head to toe. Whispering into each other unapologetically, as if I'm an antique piece up for sale.

"Mom, I am leaving. It's embarrassing." Mom flashed a smile, pretending we're having a normal conversation for the people.

"Rahul, we can't leave until we meet your future bride." Really? I haven't even seen her, and she's already my future bride?

"You told me it's just an act for mere satisfaction of Dad, I don't have to agree." Raising an eyebrow at me, Mom warned me to lower my voice.

"Yes, my son. Trust me, I am on your side." I didn't understand what was happening, but I trusted her words, as she always had my back.

Following my gaze, I looked around to avoid the ongoing nonsense around me. At this moment, I realized one thing very clearly: I don't like this place, these nosy people, and I absolutely hate that girl who put me through this humiliation. I am more than ready to meet this mysterious girl, so I can reject her.

My gaze stopped over the shadow hiding behind the door, a girl, as I guessed from the reflection of the figure. Before I could look more closely, I heard someone calling my name.

Diverting my gaze from the shadow, I continued a polite interaction with the unknown people who wanted to know all about me. Yet, I still felt someone's eyes on me the whole time. I looked back to the shadow, which moved instantly behind the door, as if we were tuning to the same chord. Now my curiosity spiked, and I felt compelled towards her. Someone wanted to play hide and seek, and oddly enough, it was more interesting than conversing with the people before me.