House Of Gold

Chapter 1: Who is Mina Chetti?

Mina Chetti is a gifted young woman whose dreams were cut short after her father and grandfather announced her marriage to a man five years older than her. Mina is a quiet girl who always does what her parents ask of her.

However, upon hearing about her marriage, she wanted to rebel against it… Her mother, Gauri, convinced Mina that this marriage would benefit the family business and bring lots of fame and fortune. ‘Doesn’t she care about my happiness? I’m only seventeen, not yet fully matured, and only a teenager!’ Mina thought to herself. I, myself, was too much like Mina. My grandparents made me marry someone who tripled my age and at the age of fourteen…I thought it was normal and never knew something could be so illegal.

However, let’s not talk about my story because this is about Mina, and today she is going out Saree shopping with her mother and Auntie Kareena. Mina hated this with all her soul because she hadn’t met the guy, nor did he know what he did for a living. Mina knew his last name was Sharee, but she couldn’t care less about that… She wanted to go to school and be independent for herself. They arrived at the saree shop, Sew & Tell; as they entered the shopkeeper, Indira greeted her mother, and the two caught up, “It’s been a long time. How have you been, Gauri?” she asked.

“I’ve been wonderful, just been busy with work,” Gauri replied.

Understandable. Let me guess: we’re here for Mina today… Congratulations on your wedding,” she said.

“Say thank you to Auntie Indira,” Gauri scolded.

Mina smiled and said thank you to Auntie Indira, and she gestured to Mina to follow her to the dress fitting. Mina tried several dresses, but Gauri and Kareena didn’t seem pleased with them until she wore a beautiful red and gold saree. “This is the one,” Gauri and Kareena said in unison. ‘Finally!’ Mina thought. You might be wondering about Mina's wedding tomorrow morning around 7am, as her parents believed the earlier, the better. They bought the dress, and Indira agreed to deliver it tonight after saree shopping; it was for her gold jewelry.

Meanwhile, Mina’s father had sent the dowry for the wedding three days prior, and even her husband also sent dowries to Mina’s family… The Chetti family was wealthy, owning several hotel businesses and a few gold and diamond stores. They were known as one of the richest families in New Delhi, after the Sharee and Khan families. However, the Sharee and Chetti families have had a good relationship with each other for generations, so there was no doubt that their children would follow suit, even if it meant marrying each other. Mina looked exhausted, and then suddenly, she spotted her best friends, Priya Vaikar, Karam Patel, and Aasiya Goyal, trying to hide from them. But Priya saw her and approached them, “Good afternoon, aunties,” Priya, Karam, and Aasiya said in unison.

“Good afternoon,” Gauri and Kareena said.

“Mina, why didn’t you come to school these two days? Are you sick?” Aasiya asked.

“No, she’s not sick. Mina wouldn’t be coming to school anymore because she’s getting married,” Kareena replied.

Her best friends stood there in shock, their mouths hanging wide open. “Married? Mina, you’re getting married, and you didn’t tell us,” Karam questioned.

“I found out about it too. I’m sorry, guys… I was trying to process the news and couldn’t even find the words to tell you about it,” Mina said.

“When is the wedding?” Aasiya asked

“Tomorrow at 7am!” Gauri replied.

“Mina, Congratulations, and we wish you luck,” They said in unison.

“We should get going; they look busy,” Priya said, making the other two nod in agreement. They hugged Mina and bid farewell to them. Karam looked back at her sadly because he knew Mina didn’t have a choice in the matter, but she would agree to her parents’ request nonetheless.

After a long day of shopping, Mina finally returned home and plopped on her bed. Then, suddenly, a notification pops up on her phone, and the group chat posts about her wedding tomorrow. ‘How did they know? Did they reveal?’ Mina immediately goes on the group chat with her best friends.

“Guys, who told the whole school?” Mina asked.

“I didn’t reveal anything,” Priya replied.

“Neither did I! Karam, did you?” Aasiya said.

“You’re annoying, Aasiya. Why would I reveal? I’ve been friends with Mina since elementary school, and I know she doesn’t want anyone to know about this besides us. Maybe you did! Karam replied.

“Guys, Please stop fighting like a married couple! I mean, do you think Mina needs this now?” Priya said.

“You’re right. I’m sorry, Mina… But Priya, I would marry Aasiya even if she’s the last woman on earth.” Karam said.

“I’m sorry, Mina. Karam, it’s the same for me.”

“Then, How did you think the school found out?” Mina said.

“Maybe your parents told them about it?” Karam replied.

“You might be right, Karam,” Aasiya said.

“I’ll find out. And anyway, guys, please do you really think I should go through with this? Is it the right decision?”

“For me personally, I believe you’re still too young… I mean, they could’ve waited until we graduated high school.” Priya said.

“Agreed!” Aasiya replied.

“If we wait, then I’ll marry you, Mina,” Karam said, trying to lighten the mood.

“Oh shut up, Karam.” Priya and Aasiya replied at the same time.

Mina and her friends continued texting until around 4 a.m., remembering that they had school tomorrow and that her wedding was also early in the morning. Mina tossed and turned but couldn’t get a wink of sleep.

‘Am I making the right decision?’