YOU AND ME

Amina

As the car pulled into the driveway, I felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Goa had been a much-needed escape, a chance to breathe and connect with Ayush without the weight of our everyday troubles. But now, returning home felt like stepping back into a storm.

Father stood waiting in the living room, his expression grave. “Amina, Ayush, we need to talk,” he said, his voice low and serious.

“What’s going on?” I asked, sensing the tension hanging in the air like a thick fog.

Father took a deep breath, the lines on his forehead deepening. “Priya is getting married.”

My heart sank. “But she’s still in college!”

“Her mother arranged the marriage,” father explained, his voice steady yet heavy with unspoken consequences. “She believes it’s best for Priya. This was decided two days ago when we went to court.”

I glanced at Priya, who looked both excited and nervous, her hands twisting in her lap. “Priya, is this what you want?” I asked, searching her eyes for clarity.

Before Priya could answer, mother-in-law, stepped forward, her tone as sharp as a knife. “I’m her mother, Amina. I know what’s best for her. You shouldn’t come here and try to change everything.”

Kavya, t, nodded in agreement. “Mother-in-law is right. We follow her decisions.”

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm despite the anger bubbling inside me. “I understand, but I think Priya should have a say in her own life. If she wants to continue her education, she should be allowed to. If she wants to get married, that’s her choice too.”

Ayush stepped forward, his voice steady and firm. “Amina’s right. Priya should have a choice.”

Turning to Priya, I asked gently, “What do you want?”

Priya hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering between us. “I want to get married,” she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I nodded, though my heart ached for her. “But Priya, you need to be sure you’re ready for this responsibility. You should be financially independent and able to take care of yourself.”

Mother-in-law interrupted, her voice firm and unyielding. “She said she wants to get married, and that’s it.”

Later, Grandma pulled me aside, her eyes searching mine. “Amina, what happened in Goa? You seem different.”

I felt heat rush to my cheeks, knowing she had noticed the change in me. “Grandma, Ayush and I… we grew closer,” I admitted, a shy smile creeping onto my face.

Grandma smiled knowingly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “I knew it. Your skin is glowing, Amina. But what if you get pregnant?”

“Don’t worry, Grandma,” I reassured her, feeling a mix of embarrassment and pride. “I won’t let my children be born into this chaos. When the time is right, and when Mother-in-law can accept me and my children, then I’ll give this family grandchildren. But for now, no.”

I paused, then added, “I’m also worried about Priya. She’s so young and still in college. I just want what’s best for her.”

The house buzzed with the arrival of Priya’s future in-laws. I had been briefed about the visit, but it felt surreal seeing the well-dressed family in person, their polished smiles and formal greetings filling the room. Priya had been rushing around all morning, her nerves betraying her every move, and now, with the introductions underway, the weight of her situation settled in my chest.