Hearts In Harmony

16 | He's coming.

| RESHMI |

"This isn't right... Appa will kill me," I muttered, trying to focus on the book in front of me. It's been two weeks, and I still can't get rid of that stupid picture of that monkey from my phone-or my mind. What is wrong with me? I was never like this.

I let out a frustrated sigh and grabbed my phone from the table. Switching it on, I opened my gallery. The only human picture I had was his; the rest were just flowers, sceneries, and notes. I clicked on his picture, ready to delete it, but then I stopped. I couldn't help but smile as I looked at Vikram's picture. His infectious grin and sparkling green eyes had a way of making me feel warm inside.

I kept staring at the photo, "what is wrong with me?" I muttered again. The more I tried to push him out of my mind, the more he seemed to invade my thoughts. Sighing, I locked my phone and set it aside, unable to bring myself to delete the picture.

I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes for a moment. Just then, the door flew open and my sister came running towards me. "Akka! Karthik mama is coming here today!"

Karthik? Oh no. No, no, no. Please no.

I snapped my eyes open and looked at Mayu. "Why? Why is he coming here?" I asked, almost irritated. He's my first cousin, the one Appa always talks about. I can't stand him-he gives me weird vibes, and he's almost 16 years older than me.

Appa had been hinting at this for weeks. He actually wants me to marry Karthik. The very idea made my skin crawl. Karthik, with his creepy smiles and constant need to invade my personal space, was the last person I could ever imagine spending my life with.

I glared at Mayu, who seemed oblivious to my growing rage. "And aunty is allowing him to come here," I muttered under my breath, my voice shaking with frustration.

Mayu looked at me with wide eyes, sensing my anger. "Amma just said he's visiting."

I stood up abruptly, my chair scraping loudly against the floor. "When is he arriving?" I asked.

Mayu hesitated, then answered, "He should be here in an hour or so."

I felt my blood boil. "Great. Just great."

I was about to storm out of the room when the door opened again, and my aunt walked in, holding a beautiful half saree draped over her arm. She smiled warmly, oblivious to my turmoil. "Reshmi, look at this! I brought you this purple half saree to wear. Isn't it lovely?"

My eyes narrowed as I looked at the saree. Appa and aunty were making sure everything was perfect for that Karthik. As if dressing me up like a doll would make me more willing to accept their ridiculous plan.

"Why should I wear this?" I snapped, my voice barely controlled. "This isn't some grand occasion. He's just visiting."

My aunt's smile faltered. "Reshmi, don't be rude. You need to respect your appa's decision. He knows what's best for you."

"What's best for me?" I shot back, my frustration rising. "...I don't think he even knows me."

My aunt's expression turned serious, her voice stern as she spoke. "Reshmi, maa you have no right to question your father's decisions."

I could feel my anger bubbling up inside me, but I bit back the retort that threatened to spill out. My aunt continued, her tone softening slightly as she reached out to place a hand on my shoulder. "You have to understand, maa. Your father is trying to protect you. After your mother left..."

The mention of Amma sent a pang of sadness through me, but it also reignited the fire of resentment I felt towards Appa. "But Amma left because of him," I blurted out, unable to stop the words from escaping.