Eternal Ties: The Heartfelt Journey of Rohan and Priya

11.) Breaking the News

As Rohan drove away from the Sharma house, his mind swirling with thoughts. His conversation with Mr. Sharma had been straightforward. He had confidently told him that they would marry in a month, but now, he had to face his own family. His heart raced as he thought about how to break the news.

He knew his mother would be ecstatic—she already adored Priya, but what about his father? Marrying an employee’s daughter, and on such short notice, might not sit well with him.

Rohan gripped the steering wheel tighter, his knuckles turning white. He had made a promise to protect Priya, to make her his wife with all the love and respect she deserved. There was no going back now.

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As he entered the house, the familiar scent of home greeted him. His mother was in the kitchen, preparing dinner. He hesitated for a moment, wondering how to start the conversation.

Gathering his courage, he walked into the kitchen.Taking a deep breath, he walked up to her.

"Maa, I need to talk to you," he said softly, trying to keep his voice steady.

His mother, turned to face him, immediately sensing the tension in his tone. "Kya hua, beta? Tum thik ho?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.
(What happened, son? Are you okay?)

“I need to talk to you about something important.” Rohan hesitated for a moment, but he knew there was no point in delaying the conversation. "Maa, I went to meet Mr. Sharma today," he started, his voice low but firm. "I... I told him that I want to marry Priya, and that we should do it in a month."

His mother’s eyes widened, surprise evident on her face. “Ek mahine mein? Beta, itni jaldi?” (In a month? Son, so soon?)

"I know, Mom," Rohan replied, running a hand through his damp hair. "But I couldn’t wait any longer. I love Priya, and I want her to be my wife. I promised her father that I'd take care of everything, but I need your support—yours and Dad’s."

Mrs. Mehra looked at her son, her expression softening as she saw the determination in his eyes. She walked over to him, cupping his face in her hands. "Beta, I'm with you."

Rohan exhaled a sigh of relief, feeling a little lighter. "Thanks, Maa. I knew you'd understand."

She smiled warmly, but then her expression turned serious. "Lekin yeh baat tumhe apne papa ko khud batani padegi. Main yeh zimmedari nahi uthaungi."
(But you’ll have to tell your father yourself. I won’t take that responsibility.)

Rohan’s stomach twisted. "Mom, please... can’t you tell him? He’ll take it better if you bring it up."

She shook her head firmly. "Nahi, beta. Tumhare papa ko yeh tumhe hi batana hoga. Tumne faisla kiya hai, toh tumhe hi samjhana hoga."
(No, son. You have to tell your father. You made the decision, so you must explain it to him.)

Rohan sighed, already anticipating his father’s reaction.

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They all sat down for dinner, but the meal passed in silence. His father didn’t say a word, his expression neutral, though Rohan could feel the weight of the unspoken conversation hanging in the air.

Later that night, Rohan found his father alone in his study, working on some business files. He hesitated outside the door, his heart racing, before finally mustering the courage to knock.

“Papa?” he called softly.

Mr. Mehra looked up from the files, his brow furrowing slightly at the sight of his son’s nervous expression. "Kya baat hai, Rohan? Tum itne pareshan kyun lag rahe ho?"
(What’s the matter, Rohan? Why do you look so worried?)