Love is a spontaneous emotion

Chapter 10 I Was Gobsmacked

Raghunandan Cont...

I said, " Papa, what do you mean by you are not a healthy man?What are you hiding from me?"

Papa spoke, " Why are you changing the topic, Raghu? we are talking about your marriage here, not my health."

I said, "Let's first talk about your health, and only after that will I get back to the marriage topic. Tell me what is going on?

Papa sighed and continued, "I am suffering from cardiovascular disease. I have a few blocks and had a mild heart attack 4 months ago, and the doctor has suggested bypass surgery.I don't know how long I am going to live for. Honestly, I am not worried about my health, but I want to see you settle down,Raghu, before I leave this world."

There were tears in Papa's eyes.

I can't believe this. He knew about the blocks and damn it, he also had a heart attack and I am not even aware of it. I was told about the blocks this morning by Dr Lee, but Papa already knew about it and many more things that he kept from me.

I said,"Papa,why did'nt you tell me about it? Does Naav and Naani know?"

I am furious now.How can he keep such serious matter a secret from the family.

Papa said," Nobody knows, but now you do. Raghu, I can take care of myself, and I did'nt want you all to be worried about me. I was planning to get the surgery done by next month. I am not ignoring my health. But you know something, Raghu. I am living because I have to. I lost interest in life a long time ago. But now I want to live again and will you give me that opportunity ?"

I know what Papa is asking for, and I can't say no to him. I said, "Papa, I will get married if that is what you want, but promise me you will not keep any secrets from me in future? and Papa 10 years ago, you lost your wife, who was indeed your life, but we lost our mother, and Naani lost a daughter, but life goes on ,you should find ways to heal. We need to discover the purpose of life. Life is a gift, a beautiful gift of God. Please don't say you have no interest in life. Make it interesting. Mom would never have liked what you have been doing to yourself for all these years. You have been depriving yourself of a chance to lead a happy life. If me getting married will boost your interest in life, then I will do it, but trust me, happiness is a choice that you make for yourself no matter what the situation. "

Papa spoke, " You are right, Raghu. Although you are so much younger, you are wiser than me ,I have to admit. I will promise you that I will change and I will find my purpose in life.I feel so proud of you,Beta."

I smiled and said, " Papa, so shall I book the tickets for tomorrow?"

Papa said, " Yes , Beta. Now, once we get back, we have a lot to do. we have to start preparing for your wedding since you have given a green signal. "

It was my turn to be shocked. I said, " Whatt.?what do you mean Papa? who am I getting married to ? I said yes to get married, but you are speaking of marriage preparations already without even finding a girl?"

Papa said," Who said that there is no girl.I have already found a match for you."

I was gobsmacked to know that Papa had everything planned. I now couldn't ignore my curiosity and asked, "Papa,may I know who am I going to get married to?"

Papa spoke, " Raghu, do you trust me ,my decision?"

I said, "Of course I do."

Papa said, " Maithili is the bride I have chosen for you. "

I just couldn't believe my ears, " who Maithili, the only Maithili I know of is Naav's friend who is younger than Naav, and that means she is not even legal to get married?"I remember she used to come to play with Naav, and I had mistaken her for one of our servant's kids and ......

Stopping me from continuing any further , Papa said, " You are right about everything, she is the same Maithili and yes she is actually 17 but on her birth certificate she is 18 years old so she is indeed legal age to get married."

I am more than sure now that my Papa has hit his head during the attack. I am so going crazy. How does he expect me to marry a kid? God! she is 11 f*****g years younger than me and who is nothing but a beggar.

I couldn't take it anymore, I said, "Papa , there are millions of girls out there why she , a mere destitute?"

It didn't take long for him to answer,he said, " because she is one in millions, Raghu and mind your language. The next time you speak about her ,you will speak with respect, understood?"

I said, " She is 17,Papa. For God's sake. I have agreed to get married even though I am not inclined to do this... this... is too much, how can you expect me to marry Maithili, a mere kid and a girl with no class. I never approved of Naav back then to keep company with people of that class . Now you expect me to marry her. I feel like you are asking me to marry some maid or maid's daughter."

Papa said, " Raghu, I did'nt expect this from you. What class are you speaking of? She definately has class just because she is not rich does'nt make her any inferior to you if that is what you are thinking and coming to age difference ,your mother and myself were 10 years apart too but we had an absolutely great marriage. I know the age gap between you and Maithili, and honestly, it doesn't matter. She will be a blessing to our family. You will soon fall in love with her. Sometimes, it is better to leave certain decisions for elders, and I promise you will not regret it. Someday, I am sure you will thank me. "

Now I am convinced that Papa has really hurt his head, and I am the one to bear the brunt of it .What do I do now?

When I agreed to get married, I was not prepared for this.

Papa asked, "When was the last time that you saw her,Raghu?"

I thought for a long minute, but I really didn't remember when I saw that kid the last time.

I said that I didn't recall when I saw her last.

Papa pulled out his phone and then he kept looking for something on his phone and finally with a satisfied smile on his face he said " Here, take a look at this,the most recent picture of Maithili. "

I took the phone and looked at the screen.....