Burned By Love

chapter 5

"In silence, my heart whispers your name,
A restless longing, an unquenchable flame.
Every heartbeat echoes a silent plea,
Why does love bring such agony to me? "

Arohi

On a quiet Sunday morning, Arohi sat in her room, lost in thought. The sunlight streamed through her window, but she barely noticed it. Her mind was filled with dreams and hopes, until her parents entered the room, snapping her back to reality.

"Arohi, we need to talk," her mother said, her tone serious.

"What's going on?" Arohi asked, a hint of apprehension creeping into her voice.

"It's time for you to get married. We have some prospective matches coming over today," her father announced, his expression grave.

Arohi felt as if the ground had slipped beneath her feet. "Married? But... I'm not ready!" she exclaimed, her heart racing. How could she possibly explain that she had been in love with Danish for five years?

"Enough, Arohi. You're of age now," her mother replied firmly. "You need to be prepared."

As they left the room, Arohi felt a wave of panic wash over her. She immediately grabbed her phone and dialed Danish's number.

"Danish! My parents are saying that some prospective matches are coming over today. I don't know what to do!" she blurted out, her voice trembling.

"Relax, Arohi," Danish replied casually. "They're just coming to see you. It's not like they're going to get you married today. Just make up an excuse to say no."

"But Danish, I can't just let them do this!" Arohi protested.

"Just breathe. You'll figure it out," he said before hanging up.

Arohi stared at her phone, frustration bubbling inside her. Did he really not care? Or was he too wrapped up in his own world to see her distress? No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake off her feelings for him.

As the evening approached, Arohi got ready, her mind swirling with confusion and anxiety. When her mother called her down, she felt her heart pounding. "Arohi, the guests have arrived!"

She descended the stairs, each step feeling heavier than the last. In the living room, her parents chatted amiably with the guests, who were smiling and laughing. Arohi took a seat, forcing a smile as questions started flying her way.

"So, Arohi, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?" one of the guests asked.

Caught off guard, she stammered, "Uh, I... I study and hang out with friends."

But her mind was elsewhere, lost in thoughts of Danish. Suddenly, she heard her mother say, "We are pleased to inform you that we agree to this match."

Arohi's heart dropped. She glanced at her mother, who had a proud smile on her face. "What? No!" Arohi wanted to shout, but the words got stuck in her throat.

The guests celebrated the news, and Arohi felt as if she were in a nightmare. How could they decide this without even consulting her? She was paralyzed, unable to respond, her mind racing as she tried to comprehend what had just happened.

After the guests left, Arohi confronted her parents. "Why did you do this? Why today?" she demanded, her voice shaking with anger.

Her mother looked taken aback. "Arohi, we just want what's best for you. You're a girl, and you need to settle down. It's time."

"But I'm not ready! I don't want to marry someone I don't know!" Arohi shouted, feeling tears sting her eyes.

"Arohi, stop arguing. You'll thank us later," her father interjected, trying to calm the situation.

"Do you even care about what I want?" Arohi replied, her voice breaking. "Do you think I'm just going to sit here and let you decide my future?"

Her father, trying to soothe her, asked, "Do you have someone in mind?"

Arohi fell silent, her heart racing. She wanted to tell them about Danish, but the memory of his words stopped her. He had asked her to wait until his promotion before considering marriage. Would they ever understand?

"I... I don't like anyone," she finally managed to say, though it felt like a lie.

"Then why all this fuss? Accept this match," her father said, his patience wearing thin.

"Because I don't want to! I don't care about getting married right now!" Arohi exclaimed, frustration spilling over.

As her parents argued back, Arohi felt trapped. She turned and ran to her room, the tears flowing freely. She slammed the door behind her, throwing herself onto the bed. How had everything spiraled out of control?

Lying there, she thought about Danish. He was her confidant, her friend. But now, even his reassurance felt distant. "Why can't he just be here?" she thought, wishing for his presence.

The thought of tomorrow loomed over her. How could she face another day filled with pressure and expectations?

Arohi took a deep breath, trying to gather her thoughts. "I have to talk to Danish," she decided. "I need to tell him everything."

With renewed determination, she picked up her phone and typed a message, her heart racing with each word. "Danish, can we talk? It's important."

But as she hit send, doubt crept in. Would he understand her struggles? Did he even care enough to listen?

Hours passed, and Arohi lay in bed, tossing and turning. She replayed the day's events in her mind. Her parents' expectations felt suffocating, like a weight she couldn't bear. She wanted to scream, to break free from it all.

Finally, sleep took over, but her dreams were filled with uncertainty and confusion.

As morning light seeped through her window, Arohi woke up with a heavy heart. The day ahead promised more challenges. Would she be able to stand up for herself?

She took a deep breath, reminding herself of her love for Danish. "I have to fight for what I want," she told herself, the resolve slowly building within her.

As she got ready, her thoughts remained fixated on Danish. "I'll talk to him today. I can't let this go on any longer."

And so, Arohi prepared herself not just for the day, but for a battle-one that would define her future.

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