Maybe in next life

chapter 23

Ruhi🌸

The tension in the room was suffocating, and I sat quietly on the couch, my hands clasped tightly in my lap. My father’s business partners were seated across from me, along with Aryan’s father. The atmosphere was formal, yet the weight of their stares bore down on me like I was some sort of asset they were negotiating over.

“Ruhi,” my father’s voice finally broke the silence, calm but with that underlying firmness I hated. “Aryan has already spoken to his professors. He’s excited about the idea of you joining him in Canada. It’s a perfect opportunity for you to study and settle down there.”

I looked up at him, my heart pounding. “But I never said....I....wanted to go,” I said, my voice hesitant yet trembling with restrained frustration. “Why are you deciding everything for me?”

My father’s face hardened. He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees. “Because this is what’s best for you. You don’t see it now, Ruhi, but you will thank us later. Aryan’s family is well-established. You’ll have every comfort there.”

“I don’t even know Aryan,” I blurted out before I could stop myself.

“Exactly!” Aryan’s father chimed in, chuckling like it was a joke. “That’s the point of studying together. You’ll get to know each other, build a bond. Isn’t that right?”

I felt my mother’s gaze burning into the side of my face. “Ruhi, this isn’t a decision to argue about,” she said, her tone sharp and impatient. “Your father has worked hard to ensure your future is secure. The least you can do is respect his wishes.”

“Respect?” I whispered, my voice shaking as I fought back tears. “You’re asking me to leave my life here—my studies, my friends, everything—just because you think this is what’s best for me? What about what I want?”

My father sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Ruhi, stop being stubborn. We’re not asking for your opinion. We’re telling you what will happen. After your exams, you’re going to Canada. That’s final.”

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. “Do you even care how I feel? Or am I just some pawn in your business deals?” My voice cracked, the anger and hurt spilling out despite my attempts to keep it together.

Aryan’s father shifted uncomfortably but tried to keep the mood light. “Ruhi, no one is forcing you. We’re just… guiding you in the right direction.”

I snapped my gaze toward him, my eyes blazing. “Guiding me? By making decisions for me without even asking? How is that fair?”

“Enough!” my father bellowed, slamming his hand down on the coffee table. The room fell silent, and I froze, fear creeping up my spine. “You’re behaving like a child. This isn’t up for debate. You will do as we say. End of discussion.”

My breath hitched, but I couldn’t speak. My throat felt tight, and my vision blurred with unshed tears. I wanted to scream, to argue, but the weight of their authority silenced me.

“Ruhi,” my mother interjected softly, though her words felt like daggers. “This is about your future. We all want what’s best for you. Why can’t you see that?”

“Maybe because no one cares enough to ask me what I think,” I whispered bitterly, my voice barely audible.

“Ruhi, listen to me,” my father said, his tone less angry now but no less firm. “Aryan is a good match. His family is respectable. You’ll have opportunities there you can’t even imagine here. After your exams, you’re going to Canada, and that’s final. It’s time to grow up and understand that we’re doing this for you.”