Dons of Punjab: Fluke of Reality✔️

Chapter 26

Prabhneet Kaur

Resting my head on my Dadi's lap, I stared at the ceiling, my mind swirling with thoughts of Aman. The idea of him forcing me into marriage made my stomach churn. Would he really do that? Would he take away my right to choose my own future? The thought made my chest feel tight, fear creeping into my heart like a shadow I couldn't shake.

But even as worry gnawed at me, I knew one thing for sure—my brothers would never let anything happen to me. They had always protected me, standing by my side no matter what. The love they had for me was unshakable, and I knew they would never allow anyone, not even Aman, to force me into something I didn't want.

I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling the warmth of my Dadi's hand gently stroking my hair. She had always been my safe place, the one person whose presence alone made me feel calm. Beside me, my sister sat quietly, her fingers twisting the edge of her dupatta. She had always been my confidante, the one who understood me without words. I knew she would fight for me, just like my brothers would. We had always been each other's strength, and that wouldn't change now.

The sharp ring of the doorbell made me jump. My eyes flew open as my oldest brother, Ajit, stood up and strode toward the door, his steps quick and firm. Curious, I got up as well, following close behind him. The air felt thick with anticipation as he pulled the door open.

The sight that greeted me made my heart swell with happiness. My sisters stood at the doorstep, their smiles wide and warm. Before I knew it, I was running toward them, my arms wrapping around each of them tightly.

"You took too long to visit!" I scolded playfully, burying my face in their shoulders, inhaling the familiar scent of home.

They laughed, hugging me just as tightly. "We missed you too, Prabh," my eldest sister said, ruffling my hair.

Just as I pulled back, I noticed the small figures standing behind them. My nephews! A squeal escaped my lips as I rushed toward them. They grinned, their tiny arms reaching up for me.

"Masi!" they shouted in unison as I lifted the youngest one into my arms, spinning him around while the others clung to my legs.

"I missed you all so much," I murmured, hugging each of them tightly. Their laughter filled the house, bringing a warmth that chased away the lingering worries in my mind.

As everyone settled into the living room, my three sisters-in-law and I busied ourselves with preparing drinks. The clinking of glasses, the fizz of soda, and the soft chatter filled the air as we carefully poured each glass. The men, meanwhile, took over the kitchen, arranging trays of snacks. The rich aroma of freshly baked pastries mixed with the salty crunch of chips, making my stomach rumble in anticipation.

We all gathered back in the living room, squeezing onto the couch. The room was alive with laughter, playful banter, and the occasional clinking of glasses. It felt perfect, surrounded by the people I loved most in the world.

Then, Kanwar Jija called my name.

"Prabh, come here," he said, his voice firm yet gentle.

I looked up, noticing the serious expression on his face. My heart thumped a little harder as I walked over and sat beside him. Something about the way he looked at me made my stomach knot with unease.

"Prabh, I want you to know that I would never force you into anything," he began, his eyes searching mine. "But I truly believe that marrying Aman is the right decision for you."

His words hit me like a slap. I blinked, my breath catching in my throat. "Jija, how can you say that?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. My hands clenched into fists in my lap. "I don't want to marry Aman. He... he scares me."

Kanwar Jija sighed, leaning in slightly. "I know you're afraid, but Aman loves you, Prabh. I've seen the way he looks at you, the way he talks about you. He will protect you, care for you."

I shook my head, trying to find the words to explain the dread curling inside me. "Love isn't about control, Jija. He doesn't listen to me. He doesn't care what I want. How can that be love?"

I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see my sister watching me with pleading eyes. My chest tightened. I knew that look. It was the same one she had when she needed me the most, the same one that always made me put her needs above mine.

"Prabh," she whispered. "Please."

I swallowed hard, my throat dry. The weight of the room pressed down on me. The laughter from earlier felt like a distant memory, replaced by this crushing moment of decision. My eyes burned as I looked at my sister, then at Kanwar Jija, then at the document placed before me. My vision blurred as a single tear slipped down my cheek.

"Alright," I whispered, my voice barely audible. My hands trembled as I picked up the pen. Each letter of my name felt like another chain locking around me. I signed the document, sealing my fate.

As I set the pen down, a heavy silence settled over me. I felt as if I had just handed away my future, as if a part of me had been taken away.

I had made a choice. But deep down, I knew it wasn't mine to begin with.