Maryam's POV
I gaze out of the car window at the busy streets of Delhi,reflecting on how three months have passed since I arrived in this city.
Coming here was an escape ,escape from the toxic environment of the home,where Ammi( mother) constently nag about my marriage.
" What if you failed this time as well" She asked, her tone harsh.
"Just give me another chance, Ammi.I will make it this time.I promise." I replied.
" You have to get married by the end of this year.Dont you think about Rumi,after marrying you off I also have to prepare for her dowry."She brought the topic that always haunts my soul and dignity.
Dowry the reason for me to escape marrying at all.I feel dowry as a disrespect for my self respect and dignity.For escaping this distress,I decided to prepare for civil services.I want to save myself as well as other women from this distress.
" You are already 24 ,Maryam.Its time for you to get married." She says.
'I will" I replied with the safe option. I tell her I will get married but I never tell when.
"Okay,its your last attempt.If you failed this time.I am getting you married." She said.
So its a do or die situation for me this time.
" Why are so silent,Maryam." A voice pulls me out of the haunting memory.Anaya turns her head towards me,her gaze questioning.
" Anaya,I should have stayed at home.I dont wanna go there." I say.
"Why,Maryam?You cant stay alone at home."she replies.
" It was way better than staying with Suhana." I say ,my voice low.
Suhana is the daughter of Anaya's sister in law.She is a rude and mannerless person.
"Maryam,you guys are not kids.Be mature.I know you dont like her but can you tolerate her just for an evening."she spoke,her grip tightening on the steering wheel.
" I dont like her"I ask in a loud voice "She doesnt like me or most of the people." I reply
I remember Anaya's engagement day,vividly,the day our path had crossed in a humiliating encounter.Suhana had asked me for water and I hand her a glass.She stared at me for a moment before sneering,"Do you drink water from sewage."Then she spat out the water,leaving my face burning with a mix of embarrassment and anger.
" Whatever,but bear with it.Faris is busy in his office and I cant leave you alone at home.Anita( suhana's mother) is going with me and she said you can company her daughter as she is also alone."Anaya states.
"Company"I say and laugh at my situation.
When we reach at her home,Anita greets us with snacks,Suhana comes out of her room and address her mother not even noticing us.
" Mama,I have to go to the DES's Alumni basketball tournament.I forgot to mention that earlier." She says.
"Okay,Take Maryam along."Anita replies
" Do I have any other option." She says,rolling her eyes.
I share glances with Anaya.My anger boiling over me but I know there is no escape from this.
We have been waiting for suhana's friends for five minutes when a car finally pulls over.Its a luxurious one,offcourse,just like her friends must be.They probably share the same traits:flaunting their wealth,arrogant and rude.
As we enter into the backseat of the Car ,I see a boy sitting on driver seat and a girl on passenger seat.I can tell they are sibilings.The girl greets Suhana and that boy is busy typing something on his phone.
YOU ARE READING
ENTANGLED AND HEARTS (Her Price For Dreams)
Romance"I am really sorry I interrupted you ,its not a place for me to be here " I say " There is no such place in my life where you cant be,Love." His voice low. Its a warm tale of Love.Maryam is preparing for civil service exam living in delhi with her m...
