PERFECTLY IMPERFECT

THE WEIGHT OF FIRST BORN

Her father let out a slow sigh, then walked away quietly. Mrs. Prabha didn’t say a word—just turned and followed, her silence louder than any spoken disappointment. Across the room, Aaditya and Varnika suddenly burst into laughter, their moods light for reasons even they couldn’t explain.

Rithu stood still, unmoving, as the voices faded. A ticking clock. A shifting breeze. A pounding heart. Time had started counting down on a decision that could change everything.

She stared blankly at the floor, her thoughts scattered like broken glass. Being a girl with dreams larger than the world she lived in, giving up had never been an option. She had always chased what she wanted—even if it meant running uphill in a storm.

But there was one truth she couldn’t unsee: She was the firstborn.

And firstborns? They didn’t get to stumble. They had to walk straight, even when the road bent. One mistake, and the blame didn’t just fall on them—it spilled onto their siblings. Every step she took felt like a rule she didn’t write. Every choice was watched, weighed, judged.

If she refused marriage now, her brother and sister would pay for it. People would talk. Whispers would turn into words. Her “no” could become their burden.

So what should she choose—her dreams or their peace?

She longed for independence—not just the financial kind, but the identity that came with it. She wanted her name to stand tall on its own—not beneath her father’s shadow, or behind a husband’s title. And yet, she knew the world didn’t always make room for women who walked alone.

Marriage would come with compromise. Maybe even sacrifice. And age? That never scared her. She believed in her strength—middle-class or not, she was built for endurance. But she had spent her whole life letting go of little pieces of herself just to keep the balance right. This... this would be the biggest piece yet.

She opened the balcony door and stepped into the misty air. Rain had swept through the morning, and now the sky was painted in cool shades of calm. The breeze kissed her face gently. Wrapping her arms around herself, she rubbed her skin against the cold and closed her eyes. The scent of wet earth clung to the wind. As she tilted her head back, the sky greeted her with a vibrant rainbow.

Seven colors—bold, bright, and momentary.

Everyone loved rainbows. But no one expected to see them every day.

And yet... the love for them never faded.

Life was like that. You might not shine every day, but you still mattered. Your moment would come, in your own time, in your own way.

Why should marriage end her dreams? Her family had always supported her—why wouldn’t they continue? It all came down to one thing: the person she would marry.

A small, knowing smile curved her lips.

"Well, Didi?" came Varnika’s voice from behind.

"What’s your decision?"

Aaditya walked over, sitting across from her. “We’re not here to force you,” he said gently. “Just say it straight—are you interested in getting married or not?”

Rithu blinked at them, a little stunned. Until today, they had been the teasing duo, always quick with jokes and sarcasm. But now… they sounded grown-up. Solid. Supportive.

“Are you two really my brother and sister?” she teased, raising a brow.

“Of course not!” Varnika gasped dramatically. “Mom and Dad found us in the garbage bin!”

That made both Rithu and Aaditya laugh out loud.

“Okay then, seriously—are you interested or not?” Aaditya asked again, leaning forward. “Don’t force yourself for anyone—not even Mom and Dad. This is your life. Think carefully.”

Rithu hesitated. Her smile faded into thought. “It’s not that I hate the idea of marriage. It’s just... whenever I think about it, I see Mom crying. Dad shouting. Her tears going unnoticed. It’s been carved in my mind since childhood. And I’m scared. I’m scared I’ll end up regretting the choice if I give up my dreams for something that breaks me.”

She spoke softly, but each word felt like it had been held inside for years—buried beneath layers of silence.

“Ohhh!” Varnika widened her eyes dramatically. “So you have been thinking about marriage after all!”

“Hey!” Aaditya smacked the back of her head gently.

“Ow! That hurts!” she pouted.

“Go study,” he ordered with a smirk.

Rithu chuckled. It was one of those rare moments—where laughter, love, and pain all lived together in one room.

“So, Didi…” Aaditya leaned in again, this time with calm seriousness. “If that’s your fear, then maybe try looking at it from another angle.”

Rithu tilted her head. “How?”

“Let me explain,” he said. “Marriage isn’t just about love. It’s about trust, understanding, responsibility, compassion… all of it. You’re thinking about the fights. But think about how Dad tries to win Mom back afterward. How she eventually forgives him. That’s love. That’s understanding.”

He continued, his voice steady. “Mom gave up her job on her own. Dad didn’t stop her. That’s trust. Yes, their marriage isn’t perfect. But they’ve built something together. So maybe, just maybe... if you get the right person—one who believes in you—you can still achieve everything you’ve dreamed of.”

He stood to leave but paused halfway.

“And if there’s anything you need,” he added, glancing over his shoulder, “I’m here. Always.”

Then he walked out, leaving Rithu alone with her thoughts and a heart a little lighter than before.

She stared at the closed door for a moment, her lips curling into a small, grateful smile.

All this time, she thought Aaditya and Varnika were just her personal tormentors.

But now she knew—

They were her anchors, too.