My Life Companion

Chapter 28: Meera's Family Finds Out About Their Meeting

The next morning dawned with a sense of foreboding that Meera couldn't shake off. As she went about her daily chores, she noticed her parents' hushed conversations and their furtive glances in her direction. Anxiety gnawed at her, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the memory of her time with Arjun.

Later that afternoon, her father called her into the living room. His face was a mask of controlled anger, and Meera's heart sank. Her mother and brother were already there, their expressions tense.

"Meera," her father began, his voice stern and unyielding, "we need to talk."

Meera felt a cold sweat break out on her forehead. "Yes, Appa?"

"We know you met with Arjun last night," he said, his eyes narrowing. "You've disobeyed us, despite our clear instructions."

Meera's breath caught in her throat. "Appa, I—"

"Enough," he interrupted, his voice rising. "You have brought shame to this family. We gave you a chance, and this is how you repay us?"

Tears welled up in Meera's eyes. "Appa, please try to understand. I love Arjun, and I can't just let go of him."

Her mother stepped forward, her voice softer but equally firm. "Meera, we want what's best for you. But you must understand that sneaking around and defying us only makes things worse."

Meera's brother, who had remained silent until now, looked at her with a mixture of concern and frustration. "Meera, you need to listen to them. This isn't just about you. It's about all of us."

Meera felt trapped, her heart aching with the weight of their words. She wanted to scream, to make them see how much Arjun meant to her, but she knew it would be futile. Her family's expectations and their sense of honor were immovable barriers.

"From now on," her father declared, "you will stay at home. You will have no contact with Arjun. This is for your own good."

Meera's heart shattered. She nodded numbly, unable to find the strength to argue. As she retreated to her room, she felt the walls closing in around her, her dreams of a future with Arjun slipping further away.