I was just about to drift off when my phone rang, jolting me awake. Seeing my mom's name on the screen, I picked up the call, only to be met with a frustrated and angry voice.
"MEERA!! Where have you been? Shaam se call kr rhi hu mai! Why aren’t you answering?!"
Without missing a beat, I replied, "Sorry, Mom. I was at a construction and must have forgotten to call you back. I was just about to go to sleep." I was lying, but I knew why she called, so I had to cover up.
"It’s fine. By the way, remember the boy I told you about? Tumhare papa aur mai soch rhe the ek baar mil lete uski family se," she said.
"Yaar, Mummy, I don’t want to marry him. Aise hi thodi shaadi kr lungi," I retorted.
"Then you find someone yourself. I’ve told you this so many times," she snapped back.
"Yeah, jaisa aap to haa kr dogi meri pasand ko, meri choice ki ek dress nhi psnd aati aapko, ladka to kha hi aayega!" I said, frustration creeping into my voice.
"You’re getting more badtameez by the day. Don’t make me bring you back home," she warned.
"And don’t make me leave this family," I shot back before hanging up.
Ugh, why are they pushing me to marry someone I don’t even know? It’s not like I’m in love with anyone, but I just want to focus on my life. No matter how nice the guy is, I’ll reject him.
I finally managed to get some rest, but my alarm cut through the peace. Groaning, I saw it was only 6 a.m. I decided to grab an extra 30 minutes of sleep, sinking back into my blanket.
But of course, my phone rang again. "Ugh, I’m going to throw this phone out the window," I grumbled as I checked the caller ID. It was Dad.
"Hi, Papa... Why are you calling so early? Is something wrong?" I asked, trying to mask my irritation.
"Yes, beta, I needed to tell you that your mom and I are coming over today. We also need to meet the boy’s family today at 10," he said.
"Why so early, Papa? Can’t they come for lunch instead?" I suggested.
"We tried, but they declined. Their son has to go to the office," he explained.
"Alright, Papa. You and Mom come over comfortably today," I agreed.
For context, my parents live in Merrut with my siblings, while I’m on my own in Delhi. They visit often, and today was one of those days.
Since they’d be arriving soon, I decided to get ready and order their favorite breakfast. I got out of bed, completed my morning routine, tidied up the house, took a quick shower, and dressed comfortably, ready to welcome them.
