Entwined Lives

XIII

'Who the hell is that boy you were talking about? Don't bother lying! I heard you in school today, I heard the whole talk about that boy you like!'

'What is wrong with you? You were standing there and listening? So what's so wrong huh? I like a boy, I'm 16 after all. Why are you making it such a big issue?'

'Since when have you become such a grown lady that you think you can do anything you please? You are still young, there's a lot of age left for you to waste, chasing and dreaming about boys. Listen to me and stop all this foolishness. It's for your best.'

'You care about me now? It's for my best? What bullshit! And by the way, who says I'm chasing and dreaming about guys? I'm not horny and I'm not a slut! Just because I like a boy, like him in the most honest way possible, I am not wasting my time!'

'You watch your mouth! How dare you speak like that to me? And Sivi, I am elder than you, have seen this world and lived and survived in it for a lot longer than you have. I am telling you, listen to me now and you will not be sor.....'

'Oh shut up! It's such a small issue! I like a boy! That's it! Why can't you just let it be?'

'Sivi I am being very patient and calm with you. And you are treating me like a dog. I am your mother and I love you very much. I am your parent and guardian till you're 18. So for the next two years do yourself a favour and be obedient. And from now on I forbid, listen to me very carefully, FORBID you from meeting that boy again.'

'Whatever.'

'If I find out that you are still talking to that boy that's when it will be whatever!'

*******

Ms.Mytla stood there sobbing, staring straight at her mother who was in shock. The slap felt like a slap across everyone's face. Their cheeks pulsating.

'Mytla!'

'What appa? She insulted him. He is human. Some old caste can not tell who he is. He is smart. He is genuine. He is a good person. What else matters? Nothing else matters.'

Ms.Mytla's mother slapped her back. Her daughter had just hurt her, her pride. That too, in front of a stranger who she is treating like family and being open to do anything in front of, without a care of how their family name might get hurt. It had crossed the limit, Ms.Mytla had crossed the limit.

'You are not marrying him. You are not seeing him ever in your life again. Understood? Now, stop this nuisance and get back to your senses. And you, get out of my house.'

'Amma, it doesn't work this way. You can't just say anything and expect it to happen. I love Gapo and want to marry him. It's my life. You are my parent, not my owner. You need not be at peace with every decision of mine but you need to accept them if you want to remain my parent.'

'Mytla, enough. I am not listening to anymore of your 'I am grown up' talk. You haven't even passed your 12th yet. Now show some respect and go inside. Right now....

I don't know what you've told and promised my daughter. But you can't marry my daughter. I suggest you leave with your dignity and never talk to her again. Both your lives could be more ideal that way.'

'Appa! Why aren't you saying anything? Amma thinks she can do anything! She can't! Tell her that she can't! You don't think it's wrong to marry Gapo na?

'Mytla, you are still young. Decisions like these are best left to me and your mother. And yes your mother can do what she believes is right for you. She is your mother. Now listen to us, go back to your room and forget about this boy.'

Ms.Mytla was overwhelmed to the extend that the situation felt like a skit that was put up. She couldn't take it anymore. If she had to stand in that room any longer looking at her mother, father and Gapo she would drive herself crazy. She indifferently walked inside to her room.

'You can leave.'

Gapo with little choice walked out the threshold realizing what his life further on would be like. Without Ms.Mytla. The future appealed lesser suddenly. How did he come to this? Everything was perfect until this morning when he knocked on her door. In less than 2 hours, his fate had been designed for implementation. But he didn't like this design. He wanted Ms.Mytla to be in it. And wouldn't have it any other way.

He stayed back in the village. He thought a next move had to be planned and this had to be done in Ms.Mytla's presence. He would go back to her window once he thought the tense situation would have dissipated into dreams, around mid night.

******