Chapter 10

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The tension in the air was palpable as Priya and Vikram stood outside her family home, the night heavy with unresolved emotions. Priya’s hand gripped Vikram’s tightly, offering silent reassurance, but even that couldn’t mask the fear gnawing at her. She had expected resistance, but what lay ahead was an open confrontation with her family—the people who had raised her, loved her, and now felt betrayed by her choices.

“I don’t want you to go through this alone,” Vikram said softly, his eyes filled with concern.

“I know,” Priya replied, her voice low but determined. “But this is my fight too. I need to stand up for us, for what we want.”

As they approached the front door, Priya could hear raised voices coming from the living room. Her parents were already worked up, likely discussing the storm she had unleashed by refusing to marry Rohan and choosing Vikram instead. Priya’s stomach tightened as she opened the door, her heart pounding in her chest.

The moment they stepped inside, all conversation ceased. Her father, mother, and older brother sat in the living room, their faces a mixture of shock and anger when they saw Vikram with her. Her father, especially, looked livid, his fists clenched as though he was trying to contain an outburst.

“What is he doing here?” her father demanded, his voice hard as steel.

Priya swallowed hard, stepping forward slightly, as if to shield Vikram. “Dad, I brought Vikram because I want you to hear him out. You’ve judged him without even giving him a chance to explain himself.”

“There’s nothing to explain!” her mother interjected, rising from the sofa with a look of betrayal etched across her face. “This boy isn’t from our world. He’s beneath us, Priya. He has nothing to offer you, no status, no wealth. How could you even think of choosing him over Rohan?”

“I didn’t choose him for what he has or doesn’t have, Mom,” Priya replied, her voice quivering with emotion. “I chose him because I love him. Isn’t that what’s supposed to matter most?”

“No!” her father shouted, his voice booming through the room. “Love isn’t enough, Priya! Life is more complicated than that. You’ve been blinded by your emotions, but one day you’ll wake up and realize the mistake you’ve made. This boy,” he said, pointing an accusing finger at Vikram, “will never be able to give you the life you deserve.”

Vikram, who had remained silent until now, took a deep breath and stepped forward. His gaze was calm, but his voice was filled with quiet strength. “I understand that you have concerns, Mr. Iyer. And I respect that. But I want you to know that my love for Priya is real. I may not have the wealth or status you desire, but I’m willing to work hard to give her a good life. More than anything, I will love and respect her every day of our lives.”

Priya’s father narrowed his eyes, unimpressed by Vikram’s words. “Respect? You think respect is enough? Do you think love will pay the bills or secure a future? You’re nothing but a dreamer, Vikram, and I won’t allow my daughter to throw her life away on someone who can’t even provide for her.”

Vikram’s jaw tightened, but he held his ground. “I may not have as much as Rohan right now, but I have ambitions, sir. I run my own small business, and it’s growing. I’m not asking for anything from you except the chance to prove myself. I love Priya, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to give her the life she deserves.”

Her brother, who had remained quiet up until this point, spoke up, his voice dripping with condescension. “Vikram, do you even understand what kind of life Priya is accustomed to? You can’t just walk in here and expect to be accepted because you’re ‘in love.’ Love doesn’t pay for the kind of lifestyle she’s used to. And what if things go wrong? Are you going to come crawling back here, expecting us to pick up the pieces?”

Vikram met her brother’s gaze head-on. “I’m not here to ask for anything from you. I’m here because I want to spend my life with Priya. I understand the responsibilities that come with marriage, and I’m ready to take them on. I’m not afraid of hard work or challenges.”

Priya’s father shook his head, disbelief etched in his features. “You’re delusional if you think that’s enough. You have no idea what you’re getting into.”

Priya, who had been silent, finally spoke up. “Dad, Mom, I know you’re worried. I know you want what’s best for me. But Vikram isn’t some irresponsible boy with no future. He’s one of the most hardworking and genuine people I’ve ever known. I’ve seen him build his business from the ground up, and I know he’ll continue to grow.”

“Priya, you’re thinking with your heart, not your head,” her mother said, her voice softer now but still pleading. “We’ve raised you to have certain standards. You deserve a life of comfort, not struggle.”

“I don’t care about comfort, Mom,” Priya said, her voice breaking with emotion. “I care about being with someone who loves me for who I am. Vikram understands me in ways that Rohan never could. I can’t live my life based on someone else’s expectations. This is my decision.”

Her father’s face turned red with frustration, his patience wearing thin. “And what about your family? What about the sacrifices we’ve made for you? You’re willing to throw all of that away for some... some foolish fantasy?”

Priya’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at her father. “I’m not throwing anything away, Dad. I’m choosing the life that will make me happy. I know this isn’t what you wanted for me, but you have to trust me. I love Vikram, and I want to be with him.”

The room fell into a heavy silence, each word weighing heavily on everyone present. Priya’s parents looked at each other, their faces a mixture of sorrow and disbelief. Her father turned away, pacing the room as if trying to contain the anger bubbling within him. Her mother sat down, her shoulders slumped in defeat.

“This isn’t over,” her father said, his voice low and dangerous. “But if you go through with this, Priya, don’t expect us to stand by you. You’ll be on your own.”

Priya felt the sting of her father’s words, but she stood firm. She had expected this reaction, and though it broke her heart to think of losing her family’s support, she knew she couldn’t back down now.

“I understand,” Priya said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. “But I’m still choosing Vikram.”

Vikram placed his hand on Priya’s shoulder, silently showing his support. “I know this isn’t what you wanted, Mr. Iyer. But I promise you, I will take care of Priya. I’ll prove to you that I’m worthy of her.”

Her father shot Vikram a cold look. “You’ll never be worthy of her in my eyes.”

With that, he turned and stormed out of the room, leaving Priya standing there, tears streaming down her face. Her mother followed him silently, offering no further words. Only Priya’s brother remained, looking at them with a mixture of pity and disdain.

“Good luck,” he said sarcastically before leaving them alone in the now-empty living room.

Priya turned to Vikram, her heart aching from the confrontation. She knew things would never be the same with her family, but as she looked into Vikram’s eyes, she felt a sense of peace. They had faced the storm together, and though the road ahead would be difficult, she knew they could weather it.

“I’m sorry,” Vikram said softly, pulling her into his arms. “I didn’t want things to end like this.”

“It’s okay,” Priya whispered, resting her head against his chest. “We’ll figure it out. We’ll get through this.”

And as they stood there, wrapped in each other’s embrace, Priya knew that no matter what came next, they would face it together. They had made their choice, and though the battle was far from over, their love was strong enough to withstand whatever challenges lay ahead.

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