Blinded Fate

21. I belong to her♡

Author's POV:

The living room was quiet except for the ticking of the wall clock. A man in his fifty's sat on the edge of the couch, head bowed, a crumpled letter clenched tightly in his hands. His wife stood a few feet away, nervously twisting the edge of her dupatta, her face pale with worry.

"This is the third one," he muttered, his voice heavy with frustration. "They aren't just making empty threats. The time is slipping away, and we're still nowhere near a solution."

She sighed, her voice trembling. "But how do we even begin? She's so young. How can we force such a life-altering decision on her? And where do we find someone trustworthy in just eight months?"

He rubbed his temples, his weariness showing in every movement. "It's not just about trust anymore. We have no choice. They've made it clear-if she isn't married by her next birthday, they'll ruin her future. They'll ensure no family dares to accept her."

She sank into the armchair across from him, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. "I don't understand why this has to happen now. It was just a useless contract signed years ago! She has so many dreams, so much she wants to achieve. How can we ask her to give it all up for this?"

His expression darkened. "Do you think I don't feel the same? But these threats aren't going to stop. Every day we delay puts her in more danger. It's our responsibility to protect her, even if it means doing something we don't agree with."

The room fell silent again, the weight of their dilemma pressing down on them. Outside, the wind howled, rattling the windowpanes. She looked at him, searching for reassurance, but found none.

Just then, the door creaked open, and their son walked in. His face, usually calm and composed, was clouded with concern. He carried a folder in his hands and hesitated for a moment before stepping inside.

"What happened?" she asked, her voice filled with dread.

He walked over to the table, placing the folder down gently. "I've been looking into it for weeks. I know how worried you both are, and I know how important it is to act quickly. I think I've found someone."

Both parents sat up straight, their eyes fixed on him.

"What do you mean? You've found someone?" his father asked cautiously.

He nodded, pulling out a photograph from the folder and placing it on the table. "I've done my research. The family is respectable, well-established, and most importantly, they're kind-hearted. Their son is a good man-educated, grounded, and responsible."

His mother's hands trembled as she picked up the photograph. She studied it carefully, her emotions a mix of relief and apprehension. "Are you sure about this?" she asked, her voice barely audible.

He nodded again, his expression serious. "I wouldn't have brought it up if I wasn't. I know how delicate this is, and I know how much this means to all of us. And we know them very well. I know they will love her in all ways possible. They'll treat her even better,.... beyond are imagination."

His father leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply. "This could be the solution we've been praying for," he said. "But we need to handle this carefully. She needs to feel like she has a choice in this, even if time isn't on our side."

The three of them sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their decisions pressing heavily on their minds.

Finally, his mother spoke. "We'll talk to her soon. Let's take it one step at a time. This might be the answer, but we need to be sure."

He nodded, his determination evident. "I'll take care of the rest. If this works out, she'll be safe, and she'll have a future she deserves."

As the clock continued to tick, a sense of cautious hope began to replace the suffocating tension. The path ahead was uncertain, but for the first time in weeks, they felt like they were moving forward.