MANDATORY MARRIAGE

Boring party

At Amaya's bachelor party, We are sitting in the corner with a glass of orange juice. The party is arranged in the garden. Firstly, I thought that the concept of arranging a bachelor party on the day of engagement was typical, but now I have come to understand why they arranged this separate so-called bachelor party. Or Rather, I say that there is nothing that qualifies as a bachelor party; it resembles more of a business gathering. The only difference is that there are unmarried men and women. Some of them are business owners and daughters or Sons of rich families. Most of them attend it just to benefit from making connections or to find a suitable spouse for the marriage alliance, and also some of them just come to enjoy the party. Here, most of them are Amaya's fiancé's friends and cousins. On the other hand, Amaya invited some college friends; they all came with pleasant smiles and congratulated Amaya on their engagement. Unexpectedly, no one can stay for the entire party, or I say they disappear after giving their wishes and gifts to Amaya. In the end, the remaining people are her brothers and their friends or business partners.

"Amaya, What time is it~!" I asked with a whine.

"Aashu ~< Yaar> !!!!, this is 13th time. Why are you asking me the same question every three minutes." Amaya replied with an annoyed face.

" Then who told you to set up this junkyard as your so-called bachelor party!!!!"I spoke in frustration, while Harry approached us, holding two ice creams in his hands.

"Oh-hello ~, My backyard is fine; it's just that now frogs are hopping around on two legs, holding wine glasses in their hands. " Amaya said.

"What are you talking about?? " Harry said unaware of our conversation. Amaya snatched ice cream from both hands, and he stood there dumbfounded.

"Hey, at least show some gratitude towards me," Harry said while sitting beside Amaya. She gave me a bowl and started eating.

"THANK YOU,", we both said in the same tone and focused on our ice creams.

"wht theee~ haaaaaaaaa! Okay-okay. I assumed you both would be utterly bored, so I considered taking you to an interesting place. However, it's fine. I understand that you don't need me." Harry said with a huge sarcasm.

"Whoa -wait, wait, wait~ brother Harry, we are just meditating while being silent and sharing our profound thoughts about this party We don't intentionally ignore you. Trust me! Amaya said

"PLEASEEE~Please get us out of here; it's so dull. Mother strictly told me to attend the entire party." Amaya started to plead.

"Did she? I'm sorry, then I can't be of any help to you," Harry said.

"COWARD," Amaya declared, taking a mouthful spoonful of ice cream.

"Feel free to speak your mind today, as it's your special day. Today is an exception for you." Harry spoke and then departed from that place.

"Amaya, let's take some photos; after all, so much hard work has been put in to get ready for today's event. "I suggested it to brighten her mood.

"uhmm~ Not here! , let's head to the Balcony. We get a nice view from the, re," She suggests, sts, and I also agree with her.

On the Balcony, we finally sigh in relief. The cold breeze touching our faces feels refreshing. Amaya takes selfies while seated on chairs, then she extends her phone towards me to capture her portrait photos. We take many photos together, and some are solo shots. Amaya's house has three balconies, one of which is connected to her room.

" Yaar~, When will this party end? " I question Amaya, who is busy with her phone.

" Which one ~???"I replied without looking in my direction.

"Do you remember I have a flight tomorrow?"

"uhuhuhh~ Why are you leaving so soon? Can't you stay here for a few more days?" She finally set her phone aside and began to whine.

"I CAN'T. You are well aware of it. I am lucky to attend your engagement without any scolding, despite the numerous conditions." I said

" WELL~!!!, it's midnight. The main hall must have been empty, and all the guests would have gone." Amaya abruptly changed the topic.

Suddenly, Amaya's phone began to ring; it was Harry. He asked her to return to the backyard because some of Akshit's friends were looking for her. She tries to avoid it by making excuses, claiming she is sleepy or something like that. Harry knew very well that she was making excuses, but he was not going to buy it today, even if it was her special day.

"Listen, your beloved is also missing, and his friends are all over me. Please come as soon as possible before I lose my sanity." Harry said and hung up without listening to any response from Amaya.

" Ahhh, ye Akshit ka bacha pata nhi kaha mar gaya", she groans in frustration.

(where did Akshit has gone?)

" AKSHIT kon?" I said it without even thinking.

"Don't say you've forgotten my fiancé's name." She was already on edge, and my question was like adding gasoline to the fire.

" O-Ofcouse I remember, it was just a tongue-of-the-slip. I meant slip-of-my-tongue." I fumbled with my words, which raised suspicion and doubt in Amaya's head. She glared at me, and I managed to respond with an awkward smile.

"Amaya, A- Akshit's friends are waiting for you," I spoke to distract her from me.

"What~" she replies without breaking the eye contact.
Amaya glared at me for a while then stood up from her chair and grabbed my hand.
"You are also coming with me, don't forget you are going to fly back tomorrow morning." She said that with a grin on her face which was scary for some reasons that are only known to me.
I followed her to the backyard like a timid cub. In our way someone standing their blocking the way.

It's her so called big brother. He spoke in a bone chilling tone.
"Are you still going to do it?"

"I-I don't know, at least it doesn't hurt someone. Or do you want me to throw a tantrum in front of everyone?" Amaya responded without looking at him. Her grip on my hand tightened as she spoke. I trembled behind her, fearing her brother would scold us for leaving the party without permission.