Annika- The Scorned Wife

1. The Proposal

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Annika

I stood by the window, watching the rain streak down the glass, lost in my thoughts. The distant rumble of thunder matched the turmoil within me. I always knew that my family would eventually arrange my marriage, but the reality of it still felt surreal.

Do I want to get married? Someday, perhaps. But at 21, with a year left to graduate, marriage is the last thing on my mind. I can still manage to convince my parents to hold off on the proposals, but my grandparents are another story. Their orthodox beliefs leave no room for negotiation; they'll keep bringing proposals for their ideal granddaughter, regardless of my wishes.

My family would be at my door any moment now. Growing up in a traditional household, I've mastered the art of staying one step ahead, knowing exactly how to fulfill their expectations to be the ideal daughter. As I strolled past the kitchen, the voices of my mother and grandmother caught my attention, their hushed tones hinting at something significant. I could have brushed it off as mere gossip, but the mention of my name instantly piqued my interest. It seemed I had become the subject of discussion, and not for something trivial. It appeared I had garnered the attention of some wealthy suitor, and the tone of disdain in my mother's voice made it clear that this was no ordinary proposal.

I love my family, I really do. But there's this invisible barrier between us, a barrier that prevents me from showing them who I truly am. They have their expectations, their ideals of what a daughter should be, and I know deep down that my raw, unfiltered self would never fit into their mold. They wouldn't understand my quirks, my wild thoughts, my crazy dreams. So I hide behind this facade, this version of myself that I've crafted to please them. But sometimes, it feels suffocating, like I'm living a lie. I long to break free, to be accepted for the person I am, flaws and all.

Growing up, I've always felt like the black sheep of the family. While my elder sister followed the rules, I was the one sneaking out at night, attending parties, and drinking behind my family's back. It's not that I wanted to defy them intentionally; I just couldn't suppress the urge to experience life on my own terms, away from the suffocating grip of their expectations. But with each secret adventure, the gap between us widened, and I realized that they would never truly accept the real me.

Kabir, my older brother, is a force of nature. He moves through life with a confidence that borders on reckless abandon, caring little for the approval or disapproval of others. It's a trait I've always admired, his unwavering authenticity in a world full of pretense. But as much as I look up to him, I've never been able to emulate his carefree attitude. Unlike Kabir, I find myself tethered by the weight of others' expectations, constantly striving to meet the standards set for me. It's a burden I carry willingly, driven by a need to please those I love, even at the expense of my own desires.

A knock on my door interrupted my reverie.

"Annika, dear, can we come in?" Maa's voice was gentle yet firm.

"Sure, Maa," I replied, trying to mask my reluctance. I smoothed my face into the picture of dutiful innocence, knowing my family expected me to be the perfect, obedient daughter.

My parents entered the room, followed closely by Dadu and Dadi. The air was thick with anticipation. I could almost taste their excitement.

"Annika, we have something important to discuss with you," Papa began, his tone serious but kind.

"We've received a marriage proposal for you," Maa added, smiling tentatively.

I widened my eyes in feigned surprise, hiding my mischievous amusement. "I see," I said, keeping my voice even. "From whom?"