Embracing Crimson: A Journey To Love

Chapter 1

MITHUS POV;

"Red it is then," I thought to myself, sliding my hand through the scattered petals on the bed.

I still can remember papa asking me what my favorite color was and me throwing away the red scarf and agreeing with blue.

Well, it was 12 years ago and now I am sat hunched on an unfamiliar bed, complete with the white sheet and rose petals. Tears dripped down my powdered cheeks, which I couldn't hold in anymore. I clutched at my red lehenga harder and wiped my tears carefully.

3 months ago......

"Mithu... You are home dear?"
Mom. She wants something I'm sure. Marvelous. Just what I wanted after a tough day of lecturing. And it was raining. Talk about gloomy... Today might be the most tiring day yet.

Does mom know that I went to a club party last year, ditching a whole day of lectures? Is she choosing only now to confront me about it? Or does she just want me to join in on a boring uno cards round with her batch mates... Or both?

I stepped into the house, walking across the living room leaving my slippers at the doorstep.

"Come duwa.... Mrs. Kumaran this is my daughter Mithya."
The older lady smiled at me and next to her there's....isn't it Mr. Kumaran from our university panel of donators. What is he doing here? And who is this young lady? Must be his wife.

Mr. Kumaran's eyes were focused towards me while I was full of confusion and a second semester question paper of what's happening and who brought the number one donator of our university to our house for tea?
I was all bewildered so it took me a while to greet them and say hello (courtesy of mom whispering from a corner "Greet them").

"Oh Hi, I am Mithya....so nice to meet you all."
I noticed a funny smirk on Mr. Kumaran's sculptured face. And it was annoying, like I made some mistake when I introduced myself.

"Hello, I am Haroshjith, and you can call me Harosh."
Hmm....
I looked next to him. Wow. This man, richer than the richest person in our country and I expected more from his wife. I thought he might have married a beauty.

"Ah sure...." I turned slightly to mom "I gotta go change." I gestured at my rain soaked clothes.
"Sure honey"
"Catch up with you later."
I smiled at them and slipped away. But maybe I should've asked about donations and if that's got something to do with why he is here.
Anyway, its none of my business.

I threw away my soaked saree to the laundry basket and took a hot shower to warm my body. I got into a comfy PJ and started doing my master's research.

As usual I was expecting my mom's typical cup of coffee after a pouring day in rain. And yes, the door swung open, and I expected my coffee with some evening cookies (yummy) but instead, "WHAT ARE YOU WEARING?!"

"Ah- what mom?! Why are you screaming? You almost scared the hell outta me."
"Go on wear something they are waiting for you."
"What do you mean mom?"
"They are here for a marriage proposal duwa."

A WHAT-

"That son is asking to see you and duwa those people are so rich and with a decent family background. Even papa is okay with this."
"Wait mom, but where is papa?"
"He is outside talking to those people. You go wear something good and talk to them."
"No way mom. Just don't accept the damn proposal."
"Oh god! What are you saying? Are you trying to embarrass mama and papa in front of our guests? Go wear something and come out!"
"But mom- "
"No buts. Here wear this and come out."
Mom handed over a batik gown from my wardrobe. I was so upset and annoyed. Then the girl beside him, was not his wife, maybe his sister.

This is ridiculous!
What marriage proposal, I am still 23 years old! I have life goals. I should complete my PhD before I'm 26. So, no I won't give up my education for a rich, tall, "Love at first sight" Fairy Tale believer.

"DUWA?!"
"Coming mom" (pfft)