Unwanted

Chapter 5

Archit

"I have a son from my previous marriage."

Her words were suprising. Not only was I going to be a husband but also a father.
"How old is he? You know... your son." I asked Priyodorshini in a curious tone.
"He's going to turn three in a few months." She replied with a straight face.
"Does he know about our..." I paused for a moment, as I felt a little hesitant asking about that.
"Our marriage?" I finally completed my question after a long pause.
"No."
"I think you should tell him." I suggested in a low voice as I was not confident in my advice. What if she takes this in the wrong way?
"I will." She said making me feel relieved. Thank god she didn't feel offended.
"I hope you have no problem with him." Priyodorshini said sounding serious.
"No. Not at all. Why would I have a problem with him? Infact I am quite excited." I replied with a smile.
"You know I have never dealt with a kid before this. This will be my fir-"
"Ok then. We don't need to talk anymore. Let's go downstairs uncle and Ma are probably waiting for us." Priyodorshini said not letting me finish my sentence. I guess she dislikes talking too much.
"Yeah. Let's go." I said nodding my head in agreement.

Coming downstairs I saw that Baba was going on rambling about something while the woman just sat there in silence. Suddenly the woman stood up from her seat upon spotting us and came near Priyodorshini.
"So what do you think?" She whispered into Priyodorshini's ear in a displeased tone. She must not be pleased about getting a jobless son-in-law.
"I really like him. It's a yes from my side." Priyodorshini replied making the woman frown.
"Are you sure?" She questioned Priyodorshini. I can still hear you aunty.
"You know he's-"
"Yes. I know that he is jobless. Uncle had already mentioned it to me." Priyodorshini said cutting off the woman. Straightforward, I thought to myself. I looked over at Baba, he was busy sipping his tea. I guess he only told her and not her mother.
"Baba." I said making him stand up.
"Yes?"
"It's a yes from me." I said making him smile.
"Good." He said coming towards me.
"You have made the right choice Archit." He said while running his hand through my hair. It felt nice. His words of affirmation sounded genuine.
"We'll get going then." Baba said to Priyodorshini's mother making her smile. Her smile looked fake, it looked like she was forcing it.

Soon my marriage date was fixed. Both Priyodorshini and I wanted to have a simple wedding with only Baba, her mother and a few people. But our parents were totally against it.

●●●●●●●

"Why are so against having a big wedding?" Baba asked while standing up from his chair. We both were in the dinning room having this conversation for the millionth time this week.
"I-I just don't want to have one." I replied in a low voice.
"Why? What is the problem?" Baba asked, anger was visible on his face. Everyone present there will definitely gossip about me, that's the problem.
"I just don't like social events. Crowded places make me feel nauseous, they make me feel suffocated." I replied, this time with tears rolling down my eyes. Upon seeing me cry Baba's expressions softened.
"Archit." He said in a soft voice while placing his hand on my shoulder.
"Why do I even need to get married?" I asked while trying to control my tears.
"Look, Archit I need someone to take over my business after my departure. Priyodorshini is perfect for that. She is very intelligent and knows how to get work done" Baba said making my eyes widen in disbelief.
"You must marry her."

After hearing those words my world came crashing down.
Who would've thought, that I would become just another investment for my father's business, an unwanted burden he no longer needed.

He wanted to marry me off because of his needs. Guess I am just a pawn for him.
I didn't say anything, I just got up and walked upstairs to my room. I locked my door from inside and layed on my bed. Why do I have to be stuck in a loveless marriage because he needs someone to take care of his business? I closed my eyes. I started recalling my life. How Baba used to ignore me, he never paid attention to me. The only time he didn't ignore me was when he needed to scold me. How I used to get picked on at school as I was weak in studies, I had no friends, I was awkward, shy and anxious. I was an easy target for the bullies. Whenever I told Baba about my problems he only told me to 'grow up' and handle my problems on my own. I slowly opened my eyes while a single tear ran down my face. I took out my phone from my pocket and dialed Priyodorshini's number.

"Hello. Who is it?" Priyodorshini said upon picking up.
"H-hello. It's me Archit." I replied.
"You still haven't saved my number?" I asked her.
"Why did you call me?" She asked without answering my question.
"Actually Baba wants us to have a big wedding." I said in a low voice.
"And?" She asked in an uninterested tone.
"Can you please convince him not to-"
"I don't have time for all this. Even I want a simple wedding but can't have one because of our parents' wishes. Instead of whining like a child I am just doing as they wish. Archit learn to suck it up." Saying this she hanged up.
I sat up on the bed and kept my phone beside my pillow. Rude, didn't even let me finish my words.

The days passed in an instant while I was busy reading parent blogs and tips on the internet to learn about parenting. Afterall I was going to become a dad soon. Baba was busy with the preparations, I was busy reading romantic novels besides parent blogs to learn a few things about romance. But that was of no use. The only thing I felt after reading them was sadness, whenever I read a romantic book I was only left with the realisation that I would never be able to experience love, atleast not in this lifetime. I felt empty. But, I wasn't completely hopeless,I still had some hope left. Maybe Priyodorshini will eventually start liking me. Maybe just maybe. Maybe if I try hard she will love me.

Finally it was the day of my wedding.