Ishq hua (Duet 1)

Chapter 5: No escape

Arsh:

The tension in the study room was beyond me. I just couldn't understand all this. My father stood by the window, his arms crossed as if what I did actually needed some debate on it.

I mean I did what they asked me of. Didn't I?

My grandfather sat with his back straight in the armchair, his stern eyes fixed on me.

Adhikrit bhai was massaging his temples throwing me threatening glances I couldn't care less about.

They have been discussing what had happened, their words still hanging in the air, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

I shifted my gaze between them, obviously not understanding their anger. "I don't get it," I said, my voice calm but edged with frustration. "You all wanted me to bring her. I did exactly that."

My grandfather's cold stare softened just a fraction, but his words remained harsh. "We wanted her here, yes. But not like this. You brought her against her will."

I shrugged, the tension building in my chest. "So what? She is here now. Isn't that what matters?" My father's gaze shifted from the window, locking onto me with a mix of disappointment and frustration.

"That's not the point," he said, stepping away from the window, his voice a low rumble. "You took away her choice."

I looked at him for a moment beofre I scoffed, "And? Did you actually think she will come with me willingly after what I did?"

She preferred dying than coming with me.

But I didn't say that out loud.

"Atleast you realise." Adhikrit fixed me with a glare as I cast away my eyes.

My Dad shook his head, throwing his hand up as he gritted his teeth. "Can someone please make this man understand just what we meant when we said we want our daughters in law home?"

Adhikrit bhai gently squeezed his shoulders and looked at me, his voice a little softer, "You were to ask her if she wanted this too."

My brows furrowed. "You all are telling me this now? After I have already brought her here? Now you have a problem with it?"

My grandfather's voice cut in, firm but still tinged with concern. "We are not saying we didn't want her here. But it's the how that matters. You brought her here against her will."

I clenched my fists, feeling the frustration churn inside me. "What matters is that she is here, with me whether she likes it or not. That's what should matter to all of us."

A heavy silence followed my words, the weight of it pressing down on me. My father exchanged a glance with my grandfather, a silent conversation passing between them. Then my father spoke again, quieter now, but no less firm.

"She deserves to be heard," he said. "You can't make decisions about her life without giving her a say. What kind of men would you be?"

The words hit me harder than I expected. I opened my mouth to argue, but nothing came out. Instead, my father continued, his voice much gentle now.

"We will call her parents," he said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "She will have a chance to chose, to tell us what she wants. If she chooses to stay and give this marriage a chance, then so be it. But if she decides she wants to leave, if she wants a divorce, then that will be her choice."

I felt a sudden surge of panic, though I managed to hide it behind a cold exterior. Divorce? That shit was never happening.

I was not going to leave her and that's it.