[a desi arranged marriage story] ── bound by an arranged marriage, they never saw love coming-until it did, without warning ──
[Mentions of BTS, if you hate or dislike them then please leave respectfully]
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As the first rays of the morning sun peeked through the window, casting a warm glow upon the checkered tablecloths. I walked into the bustling kitchen of my restaurant, the aroma of various spices and ingredients filling the air. I glanced around at the chefs feverishly working on their respective stations, chopping, sautéing, and grilling with precision and focus. I approached the group and cleared my throat to get their attention.
"Did you all cut the vegetables?" I inquired, my voice firm but with a touch of concern. The chefs looked up from their tasks, their expressions a mix of determination and exhaustion.
One of them, a seasoned chef with a tall white hat, wiped his hands on his apron and replied, "Yes, Sir. We've chopped, sliced, and diced everything according to the menu specifications. The vegetables are ready to be incorporated into the dishes."
I nodded, relieved to hear that the preparation was on track. "Good job, everyone. Keep up the pace and ensure the quality is top-notch," I encouraged them, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. The chefs nodded in unison.
As I emerged from the kitchen, I sighed and informed the chef about my departure. I left the restaurant and climbed into my car, to check on the another restaurant. As I sat behind the wheel, exhaustion washed over me, and I let out a weary yawn, my body aching from lack of sleep. The traffic signal ahead turned red, and I waited impatiently, my mind racing with thoughts of the long day ahead.
AT NIGHT
As I walked through the front door, I called out, "I'm home, Mom!" Hearing her familiar footsteps padding towards me, I could tell that she was eager to catch up on my day.
"Welcome back, dear. How was your day?" my mom asked, her warm smile lighting up the room. "It was good, just a bit tiring," I replied, settling down at the kitchen table while she poured a cup of tea for me. She sat across from me, her gaze full of love and understanding.
"Tell me all about it. What happened at work today? "I launched into a detailed account of my day, from the hectic morning to the funny incident with one of the customer. Mom listened attentively, offering words of encouragement and support along the way.
I took a long sip of water from the tall glass on the kitchen counter, feeling the cool refreshment trickle down my throat. Just as I set the glass down, my mom glanced over from the stove and reminded me, "Don't forget to change your clothes before dinner.
I nodded, knowing that my sweaty clothes would be uncomfortable during dinner. I hurried upstairs to my room to change. As I rummaged through my closet for a fresh outfit, I could hear the clinking of pots and pans in the kitchen below as my mom prepared our meal. Within a few minutes, I emerged from my room in a clean set of clothes, ready to enjoy dinner.
Amidst the sweet symphony of clanging utensils, I descended the staircase, entranced by the heartwarming spectacle that unfolded before me. My Mom, Ruhani , with her radiant smile, delicately arranging each morsel upon our plates. My Dad, Aman, with his infectious charm, teased her playfully, eliciting a rosy blush that illuminated her face.
In the periphery of this domestic ballet, my younger brother, Aditya, sauntered into the dining hall, oblivious to the enchanting scene, his eyes glued to his smartphone.
As we sat around the dining table, enjoying a cozy family meal, I turned to my brother Aditya, who was busy savoring his favorite dish. Swallowing a mouthful of food, I seized the opportunity to inquire about his job.
"Aditya, how's work going? Are you still enjoying your job at the tech firm?" I asked, genuinely interested in his career progress. Aditya looked up, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Work's been great, Bhai . I recently got promoted, and I'm really excited about the new responsibilities. It's been challenging but rewarding," he shared proudly, a sense of accomplishment evident in his voice. Our parents looked on, nodding approvingly at Aditya's achievements.
I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride for my hardworking brother. "That's fantastic, Aditya. I'm so happy for you," I replied, offering my heartfelt congratulations.
As we silently finished our dinner, the clinking of utensils against plates was the only sound echoing in the room. I pushed the remaining food around my plate. Just as I was about to excuse myself and retreat to my room, my mom's voice shattered the quiet.
"Sweetheart, before you go..." Her tone was hesitant, a hint of apprehension lingering in the air.
I turned to face her, noticing the nervous fidgeting of her hands in her lap. "What is it, Maa?"
She took a deep breath, her gaze faltering for a moment before meeting mine. "There's something your father and I have been meaning to discuss with you."
I braced myself, sensing the gravity of her words. "What is it?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral.
"It's about a marriage proposal," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
My annoyance surged, but I took a deep breath, determined to keep my composure in the face of their expectations. "Mumma, Papa, I appreciate you thinking about my future," I began, my voice measured, "but marriage isn't something I'm interested in right now."
My dad's stern expression softened momentarily as he spoke up. "Beta, this is a great opportunity. You need to consider it seriously," he said
My frustration simmered beneath the surface, but I held it in check, meeting my dad's gaze with determination. "I understand your perspective, Papa, but marriage is a major decision, and I'm just not ready for it," I replied, hoping to convey the depth of my conviction.
My mom reached out, her hand resting gently on my arm. "We just want what's best for you, sweetheart," she said softly, her eyes pleading with me to understand.
I sighed, feeling torn between my own desires and their expectations. "I know, Maa, but I need you both to trust me on this," I said, my voice tinged with a hint of desperation. "I'm asking for a little more time to figure things out."
My dad's expression softened slightly, a hint of resignation flickering in his eyes. "We'll give you the time you need, beta." he conceded, his voice softer now, though still tinged with disappointment
Relief flooded through me, grateful that they were willing to listen, even if they didn't fully understand. "Thank you," I replied, a weight lifting off my shoulders.
With a nod, I excused myself and retreated to my room, the weight of the conversation still heavy on my mind.
As I retreated to my room, my mind buzzed with conflicting thoughts about marriage. It wasn't that I was entirely opposed to the idea; rather, I simply felt unprepared for such a significant commitment at this stage in my life. Marriage represented a merging of two lives, a union that demanded time, dedication, and compromise - qualities I feared I hadn't yet fully developed.
Yet, as I reflected on my parents' words and their earnest desire for my happiness, a seed of doubt crept into my mind. What if they were right? What if this proposal truly was an opportunity for a brighter future, one filled with love, companionship, and shared dreams? Could I afford to dismiss it so easily, to turn my back on a chance for happiness?
With each passing moment, the weight of my decision bore down on me, pressing me to confront my fears and uncertainties. With each passing moment, fatigue tugged at my eyelids, beckoning me into the embrace of sleep.
