Scars Of Marriage.

chapter 3: Brother's call.

Tanti's mother and father lovingly sent her off to Zire's house. We hugged and cried as I wished her the best in her next step.

I had to go home after the ceremony was done,my mother  was already waiting for me at Tanti's house.

"Your father wants you to meet someone,he told me to take you to them" my mother said. My father rarely called me for anything out doors,I figured that it must be an important matter,we then headed there.

"Aha,Shiba. Come meet Charpil. You must have heard of him" My father said after seeing us approached.

Of course I knew Musa Charpil,he was always in the news about establishing a new project here and there,he was what can be called big money in Muni. However,it was abit awkward as I had never talked to such a big person before.

"Halo" I politely greeted.
"Haaaa...this girl,she is abit shy Infront of people she doesn't know" my father laughingly said to Charpil.

"How old are you this year Shiba?". Musa inquired.
"19 years old sir" I replied in a low voice.
"Oh,your father told me that your education had been stalled? How about you resume your studies". Musa said.

I was slightly surprised,did he want me to pursue my studies? But father had bluntly refused such a suggestion when it was raised.
"Of course she would be thrilled to go back to school. Come on Shiba thank Mr Charpil" my father said.

" No problem,Shiba seems to be a very cultured and polite girl. She deserves this simple thing.". Musa said.

It's not like I didn't have any misgiving towards Charpil's offer,why would he suddenly want to elevate my education.

I knew men like him,they always lusted over different young women because of their money,if it was marrying such a man. I would have to rebel for the very first time.

After the meeting with Charpil,we sat in my dad's old car and headed home.
"Why were you so dull just then? You are always laughing and talkative while at home. You just can't grasp opportunities!" My father sternly said.

I became silent at his words,what did he want me to do? brightly smile at Charpil and be enthusiastic at someone I don't even know. Of course I was talkative at home!that was home,with people I knew and people who knew me.

I however couldn't try explaining this to him,he had been short tempered ever since he lost his job. It felt like we were walking on eggshells around him.

When my father saw that I was silent and didn't want to talk,he was even more enraged.
"Ha!Do you think Musa would want to have anything to do with a country bumpkin like you? He is always among high class women,him extending his hand is just like it is! Don't think he was lusting after you!" My father angrily said.

"Okay Dwanti,that's enough,Shiba has always been like this. A girl shouldn't be so open minded outside least people talk" my mother interjected.

"You are always shielding her,her attitude gets worse the more you do so!" My father said but he cooled down after my mother's words.

When we arrived, swanti run towards us before being carried by my father.
"How has my greedy girl been?" My father asked as he lightly patted swanti's cheeks. Swanti giggled happily.

I couldn't lie and say that I wasn't jealous,I don't remember the last time my father treated me like that. Would swanti's fate also be like mine?

I had just entered the house when a phone call came in from our house's phone. It would normally be my brother calling so I rushed to receive it.

"Halo?" I said
" Shiba,how have you been? I heard that Tanti is now married,I sent her a little gift. Unfortunately,I wasn't able to come" my brother said.

"Yes she got married,we were just from her wedding" I replied
"I thought no one would pick up the phone. Isn't it late,what took you so long to come back home?" My brother asked. I told him about meeting Charpil. He was silent for some time.

" I am working on getting a better job,if you want to study,there are many schools I can take you" my brother said. I however could feel his exhaustion from the phone.

"How old am I? I know how to sew, crotchet,bake etc. If I start working,I will make more money than you!" I said. My brother laughed at my declaration.

"Is that Funa?" My mother asked as she entered into the house.
I slightly took the phone from my ear " yes mom,brother is on the call" I said.

"Let me talk to him!" She said as she approached me. I then passed her the phone.

"You boy,others are getting married and you are still not married! How old are you! Quickly find a woman or I introduce one to you!" My mother lashed out.
"Mum,how are you?" My brother said,when my mother heard his tired voice,she was slightly hesitate to scold him.

"You boy,stop working so hard,your father will be fine,just settle down. You also deserve a good life!" My mother dotingly said.
"Okay mum." My brother said,I could feel his mood lift from the phone.

My mother and brother talked for a long time before hanging up the phone.

" I remember there was that girl you used to learn baking from,what was her name? " My mother asked.
" Vicky? Why are you asking about her all of a sudden?" I replied

"Your brother has been single for a very long time,look at your sister,she is already married and expecting her first child but your brother hasn't even said anything about his future. It's better if I arrange things for him. He doesn't even have time to do that!"  My mother said.

"Mom,why don't you let Ady make his own choices" I suggested.

"Look at you,your brother needs someone to Carry some of his burdens,he always sounds tired and exhausted whenever we talk. A wife can help calm him down" my mother said. I also wished my brother the best but the best had to have been decided by him.

My brother had sacrificed a lot from our family,the best we could repay him with was to let him be happy and content with his choice.