As The Pink Blush Appeared....

36.

Saanvi and Manjiri were sitting near the window. Everything felt at peace. They talked about all the different sorts of things. Manjiri laughed at their silly behaviours back in the Healthcare lectures. They recollected how they had to do sit ups when they forgot their books. Both of them at the moment didn't care about the next day. A number of rituals would begin early in the morning, maybe even before the sun rose and then in the evening Miss. Manjiri Diwekar would become Mrs. Manjiri Raut.

Saanvi woke up the next day with soft golden light falling on her face. She smiled softly when she recollected the way yesterday her love confessed her love to her. After spending years of sleepless nights, Saanvi drifted off into a peaceful slumber. Manjiri, Manjiri, where was she? Oh, it was her marriage! How could Saanvi forget such an important day? It was late, the rituals must've started. She overslept. Uttering profanities at everything she saw, Saanvi got ready to go outside and find Manjiri. As she was about to open the door, she heard loud voices from outside. She looked at the clock on the wall, it struck quarter past nine in the morning. She facepalmed herself.

Then one of Manjiri's cousins opened the door and entered the room while saying in a confused and panicked voice, "S-Sa-Saanvi di, Ma-Manjiri di i-is cr-crying." Saanvi immediately jumped on her feet. She rushed outside in the living room. No, she couldn't see Manjiri crying. Manjiri was sitting in front of her parents, a fierce look in her eyes. Saanvi rushed to her. 

Upon seeing Saanvi, Manjiri got more courage. She faced her and asked, "Saanvi, I ask you now, please answer honestly as you feel, okay?" Saanvi could do nothing but nod her head. Manjiri continued, "Would you let me spend the rest of my life with you?" Saanvi's eyes widened in surprise, yet she nodded again. She looked around, all the eyes were on them, some showed anger, some disgust and others both. The vibrant decorations meant for the marriage somehow looked stale. Then she heard Manjiri say, "I've decided now, I don't want to marry and lose my identity forever. I dreamt of flying high and everybody was set on chopping off my wings, then she, Saanvi helped me, supported me. I'd like to spend the rest of my time with Saanvi, I love her." Her father was boiling with rage and threatened that if Manjiri didn't stop this, she'd never be accepted in the house and that she'd be dead. Saanvi was terrified, she turned towards Manjiri and shook her head negatively, trying to plead Manjiri through her eyes. But Saanvi was stunned when Manjiri said, "I'm sorry."

A/N: A short chapter here. Choosing between family and one's love is always heart wrenching. What do you think Manjiri will do? How do you like the story so far?

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