Chapter Three

Durga

"Your in-laws will be coming next week for your engagement." I told Raj immediately I returned back home and without sparing him another glance, I walked upstairs.

I went into the room I shared with my husband and met him with his glasses on, reading a magazine.

"You're back. You took long." He said without looking up from his magazine.

"I went to our soon to be in law's home to make some small arrangements for the wedding," I explained.

"What! Didn't you see how Raj reacted to the news? how could you go ahead with all of our plans without consulting me first?" He asked angrily.

"I thought we've already had this conversation and you agreed to the date I fixed for my son's wedding." I  said, equally as angry.

"Your son? isn't he my son also?" He asked.

"Whatever. I'm not changing my decision, Raj must get married to Roshni," I said seriously.

"Don't you care about his happiness?" He asked in disbelief.

"I do and that is exactly why I'm doing all these," I answered. "He will be very happy with her, I guarantee."

"If he doesn't want to get married, that's his choice and we must respect that!" He said sternly.

"I know my son well, he won't disappoint me, he will agree sooner or later. I'm confident about that," I remarked. He always gave in to whatever I wanted and this time won't be an exception.

"You don't care about your son's happiness, you are just too self centered. You only care about what Gurmeet and his wife would think of us," Pratik fired.

"How dare you question a mother's love for her child! I'm only doing this for him. I don't want my son to make a mistake in choosing a wife in future," I stated. Why didn't he understand me?

"Your intention may be good, but you can't do that at the cost of his happiness. Just because you're his mom, doesn't mean you get to make life changing decisions for him. He is an adult and capable of making his own decisions," he reasoned.

"I am not ruining Raj's life, I'm just trying to be a good mom," I countered.

"I can see that very well," he said, sarcastically.

"Raj must marry Roshni and that's final," I stated. I was not ready to change my decision anytime soon.

"And what if he refuses? you can't force him into that marriage. I will make sure of it." he promised.

"If Raj doesn't agree, which I believe he will, I will take my own life. I won't live to face any embarrassment. I promised my friend, Pavitra to get my son married to her daughter years ago and I don't plan on going back on my words. The poor girl, she's so excited about the wedding," I said, sadly. I could vividly remember the look of excitement on her face when I told her everything was already finalised.

"And your son? How do you think he feels?" He questioned.

"She's a nice girl, Pratik. I am confident she can get Raj to fall in love with her easily." I reasoned.

"I still don't think this is right, Durga. Do not ruin your son's life," he warned.

"You honestly think that's what I am doing?" I asked, tears prickling my eyes.

He nodded.

"Do whatever you want then, I give up," I said, throwing my hands in the air in exasperation.

"Durga," he called.

"If you of all people think I am so heartless, what would others who are not family think?" I asked.

"I didn't say that," He defended himself

"You made it clear to me," I said.

"You misunderstood me," he tried to explain further.

"You don't need to explain anything to an heartless woman. Goodnight," I said, wiping away the lone tear that escaped.

"Where are you going?" He asked.

"To the guest room," I replied and walked out of their room.

Walking out of the room, I saw Raj standing by the door. All the while, he had been listening to our conversation. I averted my gaze from him and sauntered away without sparing him another glance. It was of no need. Everything had come to an end.

Rajveer

I haven't witnessed my parent having such serious argument in a long time and I feel so guilty being the reason.

Mom really wants me to get married to that girl. I think it would be best if I just agree to what my mom wants, I mean she's my mom after all, she wouldn't just get me married to a girl who isn't well behaved and cultured right?

My mind is finally made up. I will get married to the girl.

"Raj?" I heard my sister calling as she walked into my room.

"Sam."

"I know about everything that has been happening in this house lately.

You should never agree to what our parents want. You have the right to make your choice." she seethed.

"It has already been finalized, I'm getting married to her and I'm not changing my mind." I told her.

"Will you be happy?" She asked, knowing what the answer would be.

"Mom's happiness is more important than mine." I said. I would rather be unhappy than have mom unhappy instead.

"What about your own happiness." she asked, gazing intently at me.

"It's not important anymore," I answered. It truly isn't anymore.

"Of course it is Raj, you are still very young and you can't just throw the rest of your life away like that." she objected.

"You said it yourself Sam, it's my life,

I can and will," I said, irritatedly. Sam was starting to irritate me with her questions.

"You will regret this decision later Raj, please do not go ahead with the marriage," she pleaded.

"Don't worry Sam, I won't regret anything," I said, but doubtfully. I was doubting my own words.

"How sure are you?" She asked.

I rolled my eyes. "Mom chose her."

"Why are you so keen in getting married to her?" She asked again, irritating me further.

Didn't she already know everything?

"Because of mom and besides, I'm not in any kind of relationship now. I am single." I said matter of factly.

"But you have always believed in love marriages only." she reminded.

She was starting to frustrate me already!

"I don't really have a choice here Sam." I pointed out.

"You still do!" She yelled.

Gosh!

"I don't Sam. Please leave my room." I said, trying to be as polite as possible.

"I hate her already and I will make sure to make her life miserable if she eventually comes into our home," she said.

I could already sense the strong hatred in her voice. "Sam! I told you to leave," I yelled, no longer able to keep my frustration at bay anymore.

"Why?" She asked. Was that even a question?

She's giving me an headache

"I have had enough for today." I said, calmly.

"I am just concerned about you because you are my brother and I love you," she pouted.

"I love you too Sam, but you have to understand why I'm doing this. Don't you want mum to be happy?" I asked.

"Of course I do Raj, but—" she started, but I interrupted her.

"Then be happy with the decision I have taken, okay?" I asked.

"Do not expect that from me when you obviously aren't yourself. Goodnight," She said and stormed out of my room.

Sam could be very annoying at times, but I still loved her a lot. She was my kid sis after all.