Scented Roads

(24) Why should we get married though?

Ayaan & Ala

Ayaan has always had everything sorted in his life. From his friendships to his career plans, everything was drafted for him before he even had the time to think about these things. His parents took care of everything, so he never had to put in much effort into anything. Things seemed so easy to him, as if everything he wanted was already planned for him to get. 

The same happened with love. Although not created by his parents, he had found a lover as easily as he had achieved any other thing in life. Because of this he recognized how little effort he needs to put into things to make them theirs. It was fun for Ayaan, achieving milestones in his life as otherwise his life was too easy to live.

This year, getting married would become his latest milestone, he thought. He had never thought about it before, but he loved Ala and wanted to spend more time with her.

"I think I want the decoration to be completely floral, with flowers everywhere." said Ayaan, gleaming with excitement over the phone.

"I was inclining towards themes though Ayaan, like how about a harry potter themed wedding? I think that would be cooler." remarked Ala.

Ayaan laughed. That was a horrible concept for a wedding but he didn't want to hurt her feelings. "We could have a side dedicated to it, but the entire wedding has to be more of a floral forest vibe wedding." 

They started discussing about the wedding the moment there families met and agreed to proceed further. It was crazy, and definitely going too fast for the both of them. But they wanted to get wed, the sooner the better. 

They were happy and excited. Well, at least Ayaan was. Ala was going through another phase in her life altogether. There were too many things that were not going her way. First things first, there was not one thing in the wedding that was from a mutual decision. Ala noticed how everything was going according to Ayaan's wishes. She wasn't involved in most of the planning even though the couple spoke about it for hours, the final say was always Ayaan's and somehow Ayaan never thought there was any wrong in ignoring Ala's opinions about the same. This created havoc in Ala's mind, but she decided to ignore her feelings for the sake of Ayaan's happiness.

'Love is sacrifice,' Ala would thing and let go of her frustration.

But I ask you, exactly how much of a sacrifice is love? 

After five whole months of planning and waiting, the wedding was finally near. Ala was nervous yet extremely eager for the day to come and Ayaan felt the same way. The couple were happy, ready to take the next step in their lives. 

"It's unreal!", Ala exclaimed

"How many times are you going to repeat that?" Fehmeetha says groaning. She is so tired of her lovesick friend and just wants the old Ala back. She wants Ala to quickly get over this phase and become a normal human again.

"Can't you look a little more excited today? My parents are worrying about me getting married because of you!". Apparently, Ala's parents were concerned about Fehmeetha's disinterest in Ala's marriage as they took it as her disapproval of Ayaan. 

Fehmeetha is just tired from overworking these days due to her brother's debt. It's not the marriage she isn't happy or interested in but the mental toll all the financial debt is taking on her. She's trying her best to be happy so that her friend doesn't worry during this precious time but since she is mentally exhausted it is a challenge for her. 

Fehmeetha looks at her friend guiltily and mummers sorry to her. 

"Once you fall in love, you'll know why I am going crazy these days." Ala says while playfully poking her friend "I want you to experience it soon too. It's the most amazing feeling in the world, loving someone." she says

Fehmeetha laughs "No thank you" she says

"Don't say that yet!" Ala rambles back

"You know, I would really just focus on my career right now. Falling in love, Marriage, all this stuff it's something I cannot afford right now." Fehmeetha replies truthfully. She can't afford to use her time in anything but work. Even with overtime she earned barely to get by, after paying the monthly interest she had so little for herself and her brother that she couldn't even think of something except work right now. 

Ala keeps praying for her friend though, she prays she finds love and stability in her life. She knows how hard Fehmeetha works and prays she finds someone that does her justice.

"Honestly Ala, I have been meaning to ask you something..." Fehmeetha says softly, looking like she is deep in thought.

Ala urges fehmeetha to continue. 

"What's next for you? Are you going to stay at home with Ayaan for a few years or continue your dream of having your own business one day?"

Ala stares at Fehmeetha, blank.

Several seconds pass and there's only silence.

Ala hasn't thought about this at all. 'What next?,' she thinks to herself. Marriage is just a few months fiasco, it's fun but it ends. What next though?

Fehmeetha's question leaves Ala at a very confused state of mind. She takes the entire day after that, alone, trying to think of what she has been ignoring all this time.

What next?

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When you read this chapter, think to yourself: the person that you love, will he/she help you grow or stop your growth?

Love is all about growth. If you meet a person trying to stop you from growing and loving yourself, leave. immediately. 

I wish you all a happy ending <3