“You are not ready yet?” Sheena was surprised to see Disha still in her pyjamas. “Close your book and get ready,” she told her daughter.
“But mom, I have to prepare for the test,” Disha responded.
“I know. But this is important as well. Get dressed and come downstairs,” Sheena said and left the room.
Although Disha was just 23, her mother wanted to marry her off. Whenever she questioned her mother, Sheena would tell her: “This is the right time. How long do you want to wait?”
Maybe, this is my destiny, she thought as she wore a blue silk saree listlessly and walked down the stairs. She saw a young man around her age, wearing a black shirt and khaki trousers, sitting quietly on the sofa next to his parents.
Disha came and sat next to her dad. He introduced her to the family of the prospective groom. After the introduction, they conversed for a few minutes. Then they headed to the garden so they could speak freely.
As they walked, the young man introduced himself. “Hi, I am Surya.”
Disha looked at him curiously and said, “Hi. So, what do you do?”
“I am a software engineer. I recently got a job. But before I could join the organisation, my dad called me back. Now I know why,” he laughed.
“Can I ask you a question?” Disha changed the topic.
“Umm, sure,” he replied politely.
“What kind of a partner are you looking for?” she asked.
“Honestly, I don’t really know,” he stopped and looked at her. “I wasn’t planning on getting married. But my parents insisted that I do. So, I came here.”
“Really? Actually, me too. I want to continue with my studies but my parents don’t want me to,” she sighed.
“Maybe, I can help with that. I’d never want my partner to sacrifice her dreams,” he looked at her and smiled.
The two gelled along well and shared their dreams and aspirations.
Later, when the time came for Surya to leave, he asked Disha, “I really liked talking to you. Can we be friends?”
“Sure,” she replied enthusiastically.
As they exchanged numbers, they looked into each other’s eyes and smiled.
Maybe my destiny isn’t that bad, Disha thought as she waved him goodbye, hoping to see him again.