Pleasing his parents...

#5

"Ma, can you help me? Abhi will be here any second!" I shout.

I try in vain to drape a saree perfectly so I ask my mother for help. I live with my parents now. Abhi's mom even came and checked the apartment just to make sure that I moved out. It made her happy to know that he didn't have to cook dinner for me.

And yesterday when I met him he asked me to start wearing sarees instead. Though I'm not comfortable with the idea, I agree for his sake.
I really want to make him happy.
I really want to please his parents.

*Honk honk hooonk*
Abhi honks outside. I quickly rush out and meet him. "Don't you want to come inside?"

"Another time." He says sternly. "You always make it late."

"Hello Abhi!" My mom calls, coming up to the car.

"Good morning Aunty. I will meet you later. Bye" He says and he starts the engine. Before I can say bye to her he speeds ahead.

"I'm sorry" I apologise, "I had trouble with the saree. How do I look though?"

"Good." He grunts.

I smile. A small compliment is a compliment enough.

***

"Namaste!" I greet his parents.

"Beti, you look so beautiful." Aunty compliments.  She has been happy with me and even compliments me now when Abhi isn't around.

"Who is this young model?" His father jokes.

We sit down for lunch and eat in silence, until Aunty speaks up. "Pooja, your uncle and I have a small request."

"Yes?"

"Do you promise to fulfill it?"

"What is it Aunty?"

"My husband's friend owns a company and he is willing to offer you a job. It will require less working hours and it's closer to the apartment. Yes, the pay is a little less but you can tend to the work at home. What do you say?"

"Huh? But I love my j-job!" I protest.

"But this job will ensure more time at home and you can take good care of Abhi and your future children."

What? What about my colleagues? What about me?
No. This isn't about me. My work is secondary. Abhi is more important to me.

"Okay Aunty. Whatever you think is best. Thank you Uncle."

They both beam at me and before we leave that day, his mom hugs me and whispers. "Thank you. I still don't think you're good enough for my son, but you are not that bad either. I accept you. We accept you."

I should be happy...this is what I worked so hard for. This is what I sacrificed so much for. Then why am I not happy?

I force a smile and say goodbye.

***

Today is our engagement day. His parents are coming over to our house for the ceremony at 10 o' clock.

I keep glancing at the clock every five minutes, and tuck strands of hair behind my ear repeatedly.

At 9:54 exactly, as the clock on the wall tells me, they arrive with huge smiles on their faces. I'm forced to go into the bedroom as I'm not supposed to meet them until it's the right time. I hear laughter and cheers from the hall and sigh inwardly. This is it.

Ready. Set. Go.
Ready...to meet his parents and understand their needs.
Set...to marry the man I thought I knew.
Go...but I don't want to.

I hear my name being called and I get up. I walk into the room, now filled with people and decorations. I find Abhi staring at me, smiling. I smile back and sit next to him. Everything I've done, I've done for him.

The processions take place and Abhi takes a ring to slide on to my finger.

Just as he picks my hand up, I retract it from his grasp and scream, "Stop!"

I hear my mother gasp and see my father soothe her nerves. I love them. But I don't love the man I am about to marry.

"I am sorry. I am sorry Abhi, but I thought I knew you, when I agreed to marry you. I was wrong. I am sorry Uncle and Aunty for not being good enough for your son. And I'm sorry for being such a disappointment. I tried to make you happy. I tried to be the perfect bride. But in order to please you, I've made changes in my life, and ultimately I've forgotten who I am. I've gained you, but I've lost myself. And I'm not happy. And becoming a part of your family now I will only make you unhappy too. And I can't let that happen. I want you to be happy." I turn to face Abhi again. "I want you to find someone perfect for you, because that woman, isn't me."

~~~*~~~

A/N:

Do you think Pooja did the correct thing?

I think you will do the correct thing by voting for this chapter! :P

~ Alexis