Day we met

Chapter 32 - House arrest?

When I entered the house, I was startled to see my dad on the couch, clutching some photos in his hand. His face was a mask of anger, his eyes bloodshot.

"Where in the hell have you been at this hour, Saakshi?" he demanded, glaring at me with an intensity I had never seen before. "And why are you drenched? Weren't you supposed to be with Dia and Aadhya?"

His uncharacteristic tone and demeanor threw me off balance. My dad had always been calm and understanding, but now, seeing him so worked up, I felt a pang of fear and confusion. I tried to sneak a glance at the photos in his hand, but his grip tightened around them.

"I was hanging out with my friends, and that's why I'm drenched," I lied, hoping it would defuse the tension.

"Friends or a friend?" he pressed, his voice cold and accusatory. It felt like he was interrogating me for a crime. Panic set in-did he know about Ric?

"Dad, you're making a fuss over nothing," I said, trying to sound nonchalant as I attempted to leave the room. But then, to my utter shock, he slapped me. The sting on my cheek was nothing compared to the sting of betrayal and disbelief.

"Am I making a fuss over nothing? Don't you know about our relationship with his family? Why are you roaming around with him?" He threw the photos onto the table. They scattered, revealing images of Ric and me near the lakeside, looking happy and carefree.

"Do you want me to live in shame?" His voice was harsh and filled with disappointment.

"Dad, enough! What's wrong with you?" I yelled back, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt. Why couldn't he understand? Why couldn't he see that this was about love, not shame?

"This is not about understanding, Saakshi. It's about respect, family, and consequences," he said, his tone heavy with finality.

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I held them back. I needed to stand my ground. "Dad, I love him. And he loves me. Can't you see that?"

He looked at me, a mix of pain and frustration etched on his face. "Love isn't enough, Saakshi. There are other things at play here. Things you can't understand yet."

I felt a deep sense of helplessness, standing there in the middle of the living room, torn between my love for Ric and my loyalty to my family.

"Dad, you always taught me to follow my heart, to stand up for what I believe in. Why is this any different?" I asked, my voice softening as I tried to reach the father I knew was still in there somewhere.

"Because this is about more than just you," he replied, his voice breaking slightly. "It's about our family, our reputation. It's about the future."

"And what about my future?" I countered, tears finally spilling over. "What about my happiness?"

He sighed deeply, looking more weary than angry now. "I just want what's best for you, Saakshi. And sometimes, that means making tough decisions."

I shook my head, feeling the weight of his words but unable to accept them. "I can't turn my back on Ric, Dad. I can't turn my back on love."

For a long moment, we stood there in silence, the air thick with unresolved tension and unspoken words. Finally, my dad turned away, his shoulders slumping. "We'll talk about this later," he said quietly, retreating to his room.

Left alone in the dimly lit living room, I sank onto the couch, my mind racing. I knew this battle wasn't over, but I also knew I had to find a way to make him understand. Love was worth fighting for, and I was prepared to fight with everything I had.

"Stay in your room, you're not going anywhere," my dad commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. He snatched my mobile from my hand, and I felt a sinking sensation in my chest. I had never gone against him before; I had always tried to be the obedient daughter. I had thought about telling my dad about Ric one day, but now everything fell out of my hands. Without another word, I left his sight, contemplating the perfect time to have a proper conversation with him.