The Broken Heart Syndrome

CHAPTER 15

RHYTHM

As we enter the house, I am bombarded with hugs and congratulations like last two days never happened. Ignoring them all, I take mom's hand who looks like she is either going to cry or scream and take her to our room. Rohan follows us in and locks everyone outside.

"Calm down, Ma. Your blood pressure's going to rise. Please, I'm fine. And honestly, I'm not sad about this marriage anymore." I try to calm her down. Rohan gives her a glass of water.

"Why?" she asks in a sad voice after gulping down the water and calming down a little.

"You know why." I reply.

"Do you know what they have asked?" she asks, seething.

"What?" I ask as nonchalantly as possible. I don't want her to get worked up again and I don't want her to know my involvement in it as much as I hate it.

"They want a Christian wedding and don't care about what we want!" she exclaims.

"They want only the engagement in our Hindu rituals and customs and that too on 15th June. In 5 days! They want an engagement ceremony. And they said the wedding will be on 1st of July. 20 days! In 20 days, they want us to do all the preparations!" she continues, enraged.

"Mom! Mom! stop. What did I ask you to do with this wedding?" trying to divert her attention.

"Enjoy it." she sniffles.

"Yes, I don't care if they want a Christian wedding or a Hindu wedding, you know why? Because it doesn't matter to me. I don't love or respect him. I will just enjoy the festivities, the food and music and I want to enjoy them with you and Rohan."

"Can you do that for me?" I request, looking at them both.

"And why are you worried about the arrangements? Father arranged this marriage on his own, so he can plan the wedding on his own too." I add with a smirk.

I look between them and after a moment they both smile in acceptance.

Creepy but whatever.

Rohan exclaims in false excitement, "I'm going to enjoy the shit out of this rich ass wedding!" making us laugh.

I appreciate his effort.

****

Next morning, I gently wake up my mother as it's still very early.

"Mom!" I whisper.

"What is it?" she asks sleepily.

"Wake up! I have to tell you something."

"What time is it?"

"It's 4 in the morning."

"Then go back to sleep"

"Mom! I am going back home for a couple of days." I blurt out.

"What?" she exclaims and sits up on the bed, suddenly fully awake.

"Shhh!! I've a flight in 2 hours. I have some stuff to pack back at home, so I have to go."

"All alone?" she worries.

"I can go alone ma, I'm not a kid anymore."

She looks at my outfit and some luggage by the door and accuses, "You're already ready to go?"

"I'm sorry ma but I need some time alone and I won't get any time to pack my stuff after a while. you know that." I remind her.

She nods in understanding.

"Lock the door behind me?" I ask.

She nods again and kisses me goodbye.