Parinayam

Conflict

“Mom! Please!”

My mother was not ready to listen to me. I looked at my dad.

“Don't look at him, Siri! Your father was the one who made the plan. I am just the one implementing it.”

I glared at my father, who smirked and went out of the room. I got really pissed off.

“Now get ready soon!" My mom ordered, as she moved out of the room. I had no option left.

I am Siri, an engineering student, and the only child to my parents. I am not a socialising person and have very few friends. All my free time, I spend writing, and that is my favourite hobby. I have already written a novel, which got published in an online website.

I was pulled out of thoughts by my mom, when she called me downstairs.

{OMG! Are they here already?} I rushed down, to greet my ‘guests’.

{Now is the time to implement my plan.} I smirked to myself.

My parents are not going to be happy with this.

I sat before them, as my parents introduced me to them. I did not lift my head. {Why should I? I am least interested in this whole thing.} I drifted into my dream world while everyone started conversing.

“SIRI!” My mom nudged me. I looked up at her. “Ramesh wants to talk to you. Take him to the guest room.”

I shook my head in denial. She glared at me. I hesitantly got up and he followed me. I reached the guest room and waited for him to begin his ‘talk’ which I was least interested. He cleared his throat and I tried hard to control my giggle. He was desperately trying to grab my attention.

“Can you please look at me?”

I looked everywhere except him.

“Don't you like me?”

I did not answer.

“Do you love someone else?” There was sudden seriousness in his voice.

{Thanks for the superb idea Mr. Ramesh! You made it so easy for me.} I nodded, but at the same time, I tried to control my smile.

“Okay! Then, I will think about it.”

I could clearly sense denial in his voice. I thanked god. He started moving out of the room, when I interrupted. “Please don't tell this to my parents!” I was still not looking towards him. But from the corner of my eye, I saw him nod and leave. I smiled to myself.

By the time, I reached the hall; they were ready to leave. “We shall inform our decision later.” I heard an elderly person announce before their departure.

I heard my parents sigh. I felt pity for them. But I was happy deep inside.

A week passed by, and one day; my father returned from office looking sad. I asked him the reason.

“They did not accept the marriage proposal.”