Bond to abide

Chapter-3♥︎

3
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Aaravika
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I woke up unusually early that morning, a strange feeling of heaviness resting on my chest. Normally, I'd skip breakfast, especially after yesterday's blow-up. My father's anger, the argument, the sting of his slap-they were all too fresh. Sometimes, avoiding him felt like the safest choice. But today was different. Today, I'd need to go to college, even if only to escape, to find some peace away from home.

I slipped on a light pink Anarkali suit and picked out the simplest, smallest earrings. Something about getting dressed made me feel a little more in control, a spark of independence in a place that often felt more like a cage. Ready at last, I took a deep breath and headed downstairs, bracing myself for the family gathered around the dining table. Skipping lunch and dinner last night had left my stomach growling, but the thought of eating in the same room with everyone... it was complicated.

As I entered the dining area, the tension settled around me like a familiar weight. Shreya and Shravya would undoubtedly comment on my recent exam results, finding pleasure in my not ranking first this time. But today, they said nothing. My aunt, however, greeted me with her usual biting tone. "Ah, our little princess finally decided to join us. Should we serve her first, everyone?" She smirked.

I forced myself to ignore her, choosing the least confrontational path. I took a seat beside Parth, my younger brother in 11th grade, who leaned in close to whisper, "Did you really get 4th rank?"

I nodded, quiet, serving myself a bit of food as the smell of my favorite dishes stirred my appetite. Looking up, I caught my mother's worried gaze. Her eyes softened as she noticed the faint mark on my cheek from yesterday's argument. She looked away quickly, but not before I could give her a reassuring smile. She was my one constant-always there for me and Parth, even amidst her own struggles.

Just as I began eating, savoring each bite before it went cold, my father's voice cut through the room. "Take a leave from college today. Guests are coming over for lunch."

I stopped mid-bite, nearly choking on my food. Guests? And I'm supposed to stay home for that? Confused, I looked toward my mom, who seemed just as baffled. Before I could even ask why, Parth spoke up, "Guests? Why does she have to stay home for that?"

Without missing a beat, my father replied, each word landing like a blow. "They're coming to discuss her marriage proposal. I've already agreed to it."

My mind went blank, the words hitting like a punch. Marriage? I struggled to find words, a mix of disbelief and protest bubbling up as I managed to stammer, "I'm not ready for marriage! I'm still studying... I need to focus on my career."

Mom looked as stunned as I felt. She said, "You agreed to this without even discussing it with me?"

My father's steely glare silenced her instantly. He was always like this, demanding compliance without question. And now, it wasn't just about control-it was my life he was deciding.

"It's for the family's benefit," he said coolly, brushing my protests aside as if they were trivial. "For profit and power."

A bitter thought took root. He doesn't care about me at all. Every word I wanted to shout lodged somewhere in my throat, and before I could find my voice, he had already left the room.