Not So Typical Indian Marriage

chapter-9

Karthick's silence was deafening, and Keerthi's heart sank with every passing moment.

She couldn't bear the thought of losing him, and her mind raced with worst-case scenarios. Just as she was about to give up hope, Karthick finally spoke up.

"Keerthi, I...I need some time to think. This is a big decision, and I can't rush into it. But I promise you, I'll find a way for us to be together. Just please, don't do anything rash."

Keerthi's heart skipped a beat. It wasn't a definitive yes, but it wasn't a no either. She knew Karthick was struggling, and she couldn't blame him. But she also knew that time was running out.

"Karthick, I don't have much time. My father is getting worse, and I can't bear the thought of losing him. But I also can't bear the thought of losing you. Please, Karthick, we have to find a way."

Karthick sighed, and Keerthi could sense his frustration. "I know, Keerthi. I'll try, I promise. But please, just give me some time."

Keerthi nodded, even though Karthick couldn't see her. "Okay, Karthick. I'll give you time. But please, don't take too long. I can't wait forever."

As they ended the call, Keerthi felt a mix of emotions. She was relieved that Karthick hadn't outright rejected her, but she was also scared that he might not come through in the end.

She knew she had to be strong, for herself and for her father. But it was getting harder by the minute.

Keerthi's eyes widened in shock as she felt a sudden jolt of pain on her cheek. She hadn't seen it coming, and her head jerked to the side from the force of the slap.

Her hand instinctively rose to cradle her stinging cheek, and she felt a warm sensation spreading across her skin.

As she slowly turned her head back to face her attacker, her eyes met the angry gaze of her mama (brother-in-law).

His eyes blazed with a fierce intensity, and his face was red with rage. Keerthi's mind raced as she tried to process what had just happened.

"Mama?" she whispered, her voice trembling with shock and fear.

"Why...why did you do that?"

Her mama's expression didn't soften, and he took a step closer to her. "You dare to disobey your father and our family's wishes?" he growled.

"You think you can just run away with that...that Karthick?"

Keerthi's eyes filled with tears as she felt a surge of fear and anxiety.

She knew her mama was a strict disciplinarian, but she had never expected him to resort to physical violence.

"Mama, please..." she begged, trying to placate him.

"Just listen to me..."

But her mama's anger was unrelenting. "You will do as you're told, Keerthi," he thundered.

"You will marry the man your father has chosen for you, and you will forget about Karthick once and for all."

Keerthi's eyes welled up with tears as she felt her world crumbling around her. The thought of losing Karthick was too much to bear, and she felt like she was drowning in despair.

"Mama, please...don't make me do this," she begged, her voice shaking with fear. "I'll do anything, just don't take away my chance at happiness with Karthick."

Her mama's expression was unyielding, and he crossed his arms over his chest.

"You're being dramatic, Keerthi," he said coldly.