The Arranged Marriage

Six Years later.

Anaya was combing the hair of her daughter, who looked like a mini version of her. She loved her daughter more than anything in the world. She asked, "Ma, are you coming to the parents meeting today?"

Anaya said, "Let's see Riya, I have a lot of work today. You know I have a deadline to meet." Riya wailed and said, "Ma, please come. Principal ma'am wants to speak to you it seems. She said it's very important."

Anaya said, "Okay Riya, I will come. Don't cry. At what time is it?" Riya said, "Now. We have to hurry." Anaya sighed and said, "Chalo. Let me grab my bag."

Then they both went to St.Mary's International School, where Riya was studying in the first grade. Anaya entered the Principal's office and saw a middle-aged woman smiling at her. The principal said, "Hello ma'am. Come in, have a seat. I'm glad you could make it."

Anaya sat in front of her and Riya next to her. She wondered what the principal wanted to talk to her about. She hoped Riya was not in any trouble. The principal said, "Ma'am, I have some good news for you. Riya has been selected for the quiz competition in Delhi. She is one of the best students in our school and she has a brilliant mind. She will represent our school at the national level."

Anaya felt a surge of pride and happiness. She hugged Riya and said, "Wow, Riya. That's amazing. I'm so proud of you. You are so smart and talented. You have worked so hard for this. Congratulations, my darling."

Riya smiled and said, "Thank you, ma. I love you. You are the best mom in the world."

The principal said, "Ma'am, there is one more thing I need to tell you. Riya will be accompanied by a guardian for the trip. And the guardian will be Arjun Sharma."

Anaya felt a shock of horror and disbelief. She felt her blood run cold and her heart sink. She said, "What? Arjun Sharma? No, no, no. That can't be. That's impossible. That's unacceptable."

The principal looked confused and said, "Ma'am, is there a problem? Arjun Sharma is one of our best sponsers . He is the quiz master and he has trained many students for this competition. He is very qualified and experienced businessman. He is also very kind and caring. He will take good care of Riya."

Anaya said, "Riya, can you go out please? I need to talk to the principal alone." Riya nodded and went out, sensing the tension in the air. Anaya said, "Ma'am, you don't understand. I can't let Arjun Sharma be Riya's guardian. I can't let him go anywhere near her. I can't let him be a part of her life. I hate him. I hate him with every fiber of my being."

The principal said, "Ma'am, I don't understand. What's going on? Do you know Arjun Sharma personally? Is there some history between you two?"

Anaya said, "Yes, there is. He is Riya's father. He is my ex-husband. He is the man who ruined my life. He is the man who lied to me and abused me. He is the man who I never want to see again. He is the man who I never want Riya to know. He doesn't deserve to be her father. He doesn't deserve to be her guardian. He doesn't deserve to be anything to her."

The principal said, "Oh, my God. I had no idea. I'm so sorry, ma'am. I didn't mean to hurt you or upset you. I didn't know about your past. I didn't know that Arjun Sharma was Riya's father. He never told me. He never mentioned you. He never acted like he was married. He always seemed like a good person."

Anaya said, "He is not a good person. He is a monster. He is a liar. He is a coward. He is a jerk. He is the worst person in the world. He doesn't care about anyone but himself. He doesn't care about me.. He doesn't have a heart. He doesn't have a soul. He doesn't have a conscience."

The principal said, "I'm so sorry, ma'am. I can't imagine what you have been through. I can't imagine how you feel. I can't imagine how you must hate him. But please, ma'am, don't let your personal feelings affect Riya's future. She is a very bright and talented girl. She has a great opportunity to showcase her skills and knowledge. She has a chance to win the quiz competition and make our school proud. She has a chance to fulfill her dreams and aspirations. She has a chance to be happy and successful. Please, ma'am, don't take that away from her. Please, ma'am, let her go to Delhi. Please, ma'am, let Arjun Sharma be her guardian. I will talk to him on your behalf. I will make sure he doesn't bother you or hurt you. I will make sure he respects your wishes and boundaries. I will make sure he does his job and nothing more. Please, ma'am, for the sake of Riya, for the sake of the school, for the sake of yourself, please agree to this."