The Unsaid

Chapter 4 - Decision

Prithvi folded his hands and knelt on the terrace wall, taking in the sweet fresh fragrance of dawn. This was his favourite time of the day. The air slightly chilly, birds chirping, sun rising by the distant fields, his mind and body recharged; this was the time to contemplate and plan his tasks. The time when he would argue with his mind about issues such as how he could convince the farmers to think about the long term harm of using tons of fertilizers. Today though, his mind was occupied with something else… Pallavi. He was not ready for marriage, but perhaps he would never be. But he had given his word. It had to be Pallavi or someone else.

He recalled her “usual” ice cream and smiled. He could make all of her wishes true; they could travel the world every summer. She could be closer to her parents and could visit her brother in USA occasionally. Perhaps, this wasn’t a bad idea. Though a bit childish, she was easy going and respectful, judging by her behavior towards the waiter at the ice cream shop. He had seen the gentle glint in her dark eyes as she watched his niece and nephew. She would make a good mother. Perhaps, this could work out.

At Pallavi’s house-

Sitting still in front of the temple, Pallavi prayed with her eyes closed and her hands folded. “Oh god! You know everything. Please make this match work only if you think that this is in the best interest of me…  and… in the best interest of Prithvi… and… in the best interest of my family…and… and in the best interest of his family… uff... I mean… in the best interest of everybody. Please god. I know you will take care of everything. Talk to you later.”

She opened her eyes, stood up and walked into the living room where her father and mother were discussing something seriously. They stopped speaking when they saw her approaching.

“Come here Pallavi,”

“Did they reject her?”  Her mother’s tone was so… soft.  Her heart sank but she tried to remember her prayer. If it did not work out, it was for everyone’s best.

Her father spoke up. “Prithvi’s family has accepted the proposal.” Huh! Her heart stabilized but she kept a blank face and replied, “Oh”.

“Now… the decision is upto you.”

Decision. Pallavi suddenly tensed at his words. She wanted help from her parents, suggestions, anything to say that she was not absurd; that this was the best thing to happen to her. But they were not saying anything. For once she wanted them to take a decision on her behalf, yet, accepting no for Prithvi didn’t seem acceptable. Why wasn’t her mother pressurizing her to marry Prithvi like she did with Girish?

Phew! Maybe she was thinking in circles. What she really wanted was their whole hearted blessing and confidence in Prithvi. But how could they do that when they must be in the same boat as her?

Sensing her dilemma, her father said, “Take your time dear and let us know what you think. We don’t have to give them an answer right away.”  Slightly relieved, she locked herself in her room. Her heart was asking her to say “Yes” immediately but her mind warned her to be cautious. Finally she stormed out of her house to discuss the situation with Swapna, whom she trusted more than herself in decision making.

"Swapna! I have so much to talk to you!" Pallavi said excitedly to her friend as she walked into Swapna's house. She froze the next instant. Something was wrong. Swapna's face was red and puffy. Her parents were sitting in the sofa in all seriousness.