6. log kya kahenge? Maine logon se shaadi thodi na karni hai. (What will people say? But I'm not marrying them, so why should I care?)

•°•

The moment her car was out of sight, I jumped and clicked my heels together in victory. The valet watching me startled and jumped back. With a sheepish smile, I bowed at him in apology, turning redder because who the fuck apologizes like that nowadays!? Monarchy ended long back. With my head ducked because I was too embarrassed to face him, I scampered out of the restaurant vicinity.

The walk towards the bus stop was a long one so I decided to phone Vikram and detail him the date results. I passed!

"Hello?"

"You sound bored. I'm offended."

He sighed. "I was working. Did your date end already?"

"Yes!" I beamed.

"That was fast. Did you guys just sit and eat?"

I frowned. "Yeah, how do you know?"

I heard a series of weird noises from the background and stopped walking. "Yo dude, you okay?"

"I- I-" he hissed. "God damnit, I fell back!"

I chuckled. "Did it hurt?"

"Of course it did," he growled. "Anyway, are you for real, man!?"

"What?" I resumed walking.

"You two didn't talk?"

"Not much." I shrugged.

"What?" He muttered in confusion. "And the last time you met?"

"We didn't speak a word to each other." I stopped after reaching the bus stop and took a seat on the empty bench.

"No way!" He gasped. "Please don't tell me you didn't talk to each other after that interrogation meeting!"

"We didn't."

"Do you text each other?"

"I don't even have her number," I mumbled. "Also, won't it be weird asking for her number already?"

"The fuck, man!? You asked her to marry you and you don't even have her number!?" He blew up like a fire-spitting monster.

I flinched. "Yeah, well, it worked out weirdly, I know. But the best part is, it worked! It's like a bug in the programme that ends up being the best feature later." I laughed.

"I can't believe you!" He chuckled harshly. "Where are you?"

"I'm at the bus stop."

"Which bus stop, dumbass?"

"Uh, it's in front of this huge Nexa Showroom," I answered. "Near the restaurant I had dinner with her. Retro Diners."

"Wait there, I'm coming to get you."

"You don't have to," I murmured. "My bus will be here in fifteen -"

"Stay put. I'm coming. And we're discussing this over beer." He instructed before hanging up.

I pulled the phone away, staring at the screen that turned black a second later. My brows furrowed together. For some reason, he sounded furious. I didn't understand why he was so winded up about me not having her number. I mean, I did not think it to be an issue. She's willing to share her life with me, her phone number is no big deal. I'll get it in my phone book one day.

With a shrug, I shoved it in my pocket and let my bus, when it came, miss willingly. It was empty though. I could have got a window seat. Tch, what a missed opportunity. It's rare to catch an almost empty bus during night hours.

Vikram's Kia drove in a few minutes later. I got up from my seat and walked to his car. He leaned in to unlock the door from the inside. Pulling the door open, I slid in and yanked it close.

"I can't drink tonight," I said the moment he started the car. I can't have my mother on my tail if she sniffs the alcohol on me. Especially when it's not the weekend.

"I will drink for both of us." He sighed, visibly frustrated.

I pulled the seatbelt and locked it at my hip. There was so much to see outside so I busied myself staring at the shining lights and the people. When we stopped at the red light, a couple caught my attention. I watched as he stretched his hand back, wiggled his fingers, and soon enough a slender hand slipped into his. He smiled at her over his shoulder before leading her across the road. She followed with a small smile, admiring him from behind for a fleeting second before getting distracted by her phone.

For a moment, I envisioned myself in the man's place and Priya in the woman's place. A giddy feeling built up in my stomach at the thought of us being like this in the future. I can't wait.

"For god's sake, don't be so obvious," Vikram commented. I turned my head, finding him staring at me in a combination of disgust and ridicule.

I chuckled. "Just drive, asshole." I shoved him on the arm.

He sighed for the umpteenth time. Looking back at the road, he shifted the gear and turned on the engine just as the signal turned green.

The place he took us to was filled to the brim. He requested a private booth and the manager led us inside a small AC-equipped room that thankfully had a window. We slid in and sat down on the leathered seats.

He ordered himself a beer and a variety of side snacks to munch on. I asked for a bottle of orange juice.

"Now let me get this straight," he leaned in, hands interlaced on the table. "You're saying you want to marry a woman who can't even keep a conversation with you?"

"We both can't," I said to be fair.

"And you think that's okay?"

I shrugged. "We're new to this. It'll take some time."

"I know. But you should have a start to catch up on the speed later! In your case, all I see is a wobble."

I blinked. "Like a child taking its first step?"

He tilted his head in confusion. "Yeah, kind of."

I smiled. "Aw, that's cute."

He groaned. "Adi! She is older than you! What is she? 29?"

"No." I denied, offended.

"Okay, fine, let's say she is younger than -"

"She is thirty. Will turn thirty-one next month."

His jaw dropped. "An-And you're okay with that?"

I nodded.

"Adi! She was six when you were just born!" He hissed.

"What does that have to do with us now?" I asked, genuinely flabbergasted.

"I-" he grunted, throwing his hands in the air. "I don't know. But I'm worried this isn't going to work out." He stated.

"How are you so sure?"

He shrugged. "A gut feeling, maybe?"

I rolled my eyes. "Gut feeling, my foot. It's my future we're discussing. Let's be a little optimistic for my present sake."

He opened his mouth to say something when the door to our room opened, revealing the waiter with our order. The man walked in quietly and put the drinks down along with the multiple plates and bowls of snacks before leaving with a polite, "enjoy."

"Adi, you said she doesn't speak much. You told me when you asked her what type of men she likes she said nonexistent. Don't you get the hint?"

"What hint?" I sucked on my straw provided with the orange juice.

"That she doesn't want to get married? That maybe she said yes to the first man she found okay because she thinks of marriage as a task that needs to tick off her plans list?"

I put the bottle down. "That hurt. Stop filling my head with bullshit."

He heaved a loud breath. "Adi, you're going to regret this."

"Maybe."

"Adi, this is real life, okay? You're not getting your love story just by existing! There's no stupid red thread tying two soulmates. Because the soulmate bullshit doesn't exist. It's just some stupid myth people created to reassure themselves. If you think your married life with her of all people is going to be a smooth ride then you're in for a lot of mess!"

"You remember the red thread thing?" I smiled in surprise. "I told you about it when we were in college. Wow, you must believe in it for you to remember it so long."

He scoffed. "I can't believe you." He picked up the beer glass and downed it in less than ten seconds. Impressive. He slammed the glass on the table. "How do you only hear what you want to hear?"

I shrugged. "I'm being optimistic."

He snorted. "No, you're being blind to the future."

"And you're being pessimistic."

"Adi,"

"Vikram,"

"Adi, listen to me," he said in a panic.

"I don't understand why you're making a big deal out of it." I shook my head, getting frustrated with his constant poking now.

"Should I not!?" He snapped. "It's your life!"

"And I'm living it. So let me make my own decisions and believe in them. I'm not a child!" I snapped back.

He leaned back on the chair, closing his eyes to the cool breeze that invaded the room through the window before letting out a loud sigh. I picked up my juice and sucked on the straw until the bottle was empty.

"Adi," he opened his eyes.

"I'm done," I said, putting the bottle away.

"Maybe try dating her for a while?"

I considered his suggestion. "I- I can but- but I don't think she'll agree."

"Why?"

"I just have a feeling. I'm not going to humiliate myself by asking her."

"So you think she's okay with marriage but not dating?" He asked in disbelief. To be honest, the question sounded ridiculous even to my own ears. But it is what it is.

"I guess?"

"What do you mean by I guess!? This is not some guessing game! You need solid ground to build your relationship. You can't just start head-on with the roof! That's the final step! Ask her to go out with you! Date her! Get to know her."

I fell quiet. I can't do that. Won't she think I'm being the same as the men who once rejected her? Like I'm trying to check if she is worthy of my time or not? We agreed to marry each other, so there must be something between us, maybe an invisible spark, some chemistry! Right? I don't think I'm deciding in vain. I like her. And maybe she doesn't like me right now, but she must think of me as someone who she could like in the future. I can't ruin everything just for the sake of a few dates. And it's not that I'm getting married to her tomorrow. There's time. I'll get to know her slowly.

"I'll think about it."

He knew I was lying. I didn't have enough confidence to risk something I want and have the chance to get it.

Thankfully, he let the topic go but he was disappointed. The waiter was called again for more orders. I was afraid my best friend was planning to get hammered. I don't understand why he is drinking so much when there's nothing wrong going on in his life. I'm the one taking the risk. I'm the one who should be drinking.

I sat quietly until he was done. Finally, an hour later, he asked for the bill. After we paid, I helped him till we reached his car and buckled him inside the passenger seat.

I got behind the wheels and started the car.

"Adi," he slurred, sloppily lying on his seat.

I hummed in response.

"Don't get married to her. Marry someone else."

"Thanks for the advice. It's under review." I said, then tsked. "Sorry, to inform you. It was rejected."

He snorted out a laugh. "You have got a good sense of humor, Adi."

I rolled my eyes.

"What if she doesn't appreciate it? After all that I've heard of her, she gives me the same vibes as your brother does. People like them lead a mechanical life, Adi. They only care about time. They worship it. People like them want to be productive 24/7. You're not like them, Adi. You're normal. You need someone normal." He mumbled sleepily.

"I like her."

"I know!" He grunted, turning in his seat sideways. "But that's not enough. Like someone who likes you back more than you like them! If you keep liking her, she won't feel the need to reciprocate it. Because you're the type of person who'll go through hell to make the people you love happy. She'll think your feelings are enough. And you'll end up exhausting yourself to make your relationship work."

"Wow," I chuckled as I looked at him. "Trust you to judge someone when you haven't even met them."

"I haven't!" He huffed. "But I've heard a lot about her. She is a big deal in the corporate world, you know?"

I frowned. "What?" I glanced at him. "You already knew who she is?"

"Everyone does." He murmured.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I thought you're interested in her sister, not her."

"What else do you know about her?"

"Certainly more than you do," he chuckled drowsily, burping in a loud voice.

I clenched the steering wheel tighter in annoyance. After dropping Vikram at his doorstep, I handed the car keys to Nisha Bhabhi and wished her good night. She thanked me for bringing him back safe and insisted I stay for a cup of tea. I excused myself politely.

I caught a bus from the nearby stop and reached home around eleven-thirty. Mom as always was waiting for me.

"What took you so long?" She reached to grab my laptop bag. "You reek of alcohol. Did you drink?"

I shook my head. "Vikram did. I just kept him company."

She nodded and went to get me a glass of water. "Here,"

"Thanks," I took a few sips, holding the glass in my hands and rolling it subconsciously. "Is Bhai home?"

"Yeah, he came early today." She nodded.

"And Meghna?"

"She too."

I nodded back.

"Are you okay?" She leaned in, placing her hand on my forehead. "You're burning a little."

"I'm fine. I should get some sleep." I said and placed the glass on the table in front of me before getting up. She stood up after picking up the glass. "Mummy, I need to tell everyone something important tomorrow."

She nodded slowly. "Sure. But don't think about it now. Get some sleep."

I hummed, wishing her goodnight before heading to my room.

After getting fresh and changing into a pair of sweatpants and a tshirt, I climbed the bed to catch some sleep.

Tomorrow is going to be a long day.

The next morning, mom kept looking at me in hopes I'll tell her what it was I mentioned yesterday. I wanted to just say it, but for some reason, the words were frozen in my mouth. We breakfasted in silence, as though everyone was aware of the tension in the room. I had no idea my mood will affect everyone else' so obviously. I left for the office, taking on Bhai's offer of a drive. He was heading in the same direction for some meeting so didn't see a point in wasting my money on bus fare.

"Everything okay?" He asked, glancing at me for a split second.

"Not really," I mumbled.

"You know you can always tell me. I may not make it easy for you to reach out to me 24/7 but I'm still your big brother. I'll always support you no matter what." He reassured me.

"Hold onto those words," I said with a teasing smile. "I'll need you to stay true to them this evening," I warned him.

He chuckled, nodding in response at me. "Anything for you, Adi."

"I'm taking that literally." I nodded.

He laughed, and I joined moments later.

He dropped me off in front of my office building. I waved him goodbye until his car was out of the premises. Pari caught my attention while she was headed towards the entrance after parking her car so I decided to wait for her. She began to jog after noticing me. "Thanks for waiting up,"

I smiled back at her as we both walked inside the revolving doors.

My day at the office went its usual self. I had a few meetings lined up with my team for the afternoon with the higher-ups, so I decided to skip lunch to prepare for them. I clocked out at five, bought myself two Vada Pav, and ate them during my travel back home. I don't know when I'll have the confidence in myself to walk into the subway or any other popular fast food restaurant and get myself a sandwich like other people.

My arrival back home seemed like an anticipated event. Mom, Dad, and Meghna had been waiting for me in the living room. My gait slowed upon feeling their stare on me.

"What?"

"Your mom said you've something to tell us?" Dad asked curiously.

I swallowed.

"What is it? You look nervous. Did you commit a crime?" Meghna inquired looking inquisitive like a cat.

"At dinner," I mumbled. "I'll tell you at dinner," I said and rushed into my room.

For the next one hour, I recreated different scenarios in my head about how this will end up. Five of ten ended up tragically. Two had a happy ending. Three ended on a cliffhanger. I blew out a breath tiredly, my cheeks puffed in annoyance as I laid back on the bed. This is so exhausting.

My phone on the nightstand began to ring. I scrambled to grab it. The number was unfamiliar. I suspected it was Preeti but hers didn't start with eight. If the number belonged to the one I was thinking it belongs to, I'm in for a heart attack.

With a deep breath, I whispered a prayer heavenwards and answered the call.

"Hello?" My voice came out feeble.

"Aditya?"

It's her!

Oh my God!

Shit!

I think I need to take a dump. There are some weird knots in my stomach.

"Aditya, are you there?"

Focus, Adi!

"Yeah," I breathed out. "I am."

"Okay," she whispered before falling quiet.

"This is your number?" I asked, in a miserable attempt to keep the conversation going.

"Yeah," she mumbled.

"Okay."

I can't believe we are sharing awkward silences even over the phone call. Can this get any weirder?

"Did you talk to your parents?" She asked softly.

"I- I didn't. I was planning to tonight. Over the dinner." I answered. I hope she doesn't think I'm not sure about us considering I haven't talked to my parents yet.

"Okay. I talked to my Uncle."

"Already?"

"Yeah, should I have waited? I didn't see any point in prolonging this."

"That she doesn't want to get married? That maybe she said yes to the first man she found okay because she thinks of marriage as a task that needs to tick off her plans list?"

I shook my head, getting rid of the negative thoughts. So what if she already told her family about us? Maybe she is confident this will work if we give it a chance.

"Right," I said. "I'll call you after dinner to let you know how it went."

"Sure. Bye." She hung up before I could get a word out.

What?

I did not mean we hang up now! I could have talked for a little while!

I heaved a shaky sigh and looked down at my phone screen. With a defeated breath, I saved her number in my contacts.

"Dinner is ready!" Mom screamed from the kitchen.

I prepared myself for the war I was about to face.

Surprisingly, even Bhai was present at the dining table for dinner tonight. When our eyes met, he winked at me and mouthed all the best. I smiled in return.

Pulling myself a chair, I sat down and we all began to serve ourselves. Meghna was busy on her phone to pay attention to me, and Bhai was reading his files. Only Mom and Dad sat like they were about to be exposed to a human missile.

Once we reached the end of dinner, I sucked in a sharp breath.

Here goes nothing.

"I want to get married."

Everyone looked at me in confusion.

"We already know that?" Meghna scoffed.

"To Priya Mathur," I added firmly.

Meghna's elbow slipped down the table in shock. Mom gasped and Dad froze, his spoon halting halfway to his mouth. Even Bhai looked shocked.

"What!?" He was the first to overcome.

"Priya Mathur. Preeti's elder sister."

He stared at me blankly.

"When did this happen?" Mom grasped my arm, making me face her.

I swallowed. "The first time I met her. I like her."

"But you still insisted on meeting Preeti," Dad reminded me.

"It was my last chance at convincing her. I needed to meet her. Preeti knew."

"Pri-Priya Mathur as in?" Bhai asked.

I frowned at his question. "I already told you. Preeti's sister."

"Do you mean-"

"So that is why Preeti wanted her to come along that night when the elders sent you off to talk," Meghna nodded with a smirk. "No wonder I found it to be weird when she seemed so outspoken and extroverted. Oh Bhai, khel gayi ladki. (Damn bro, the girl played us all.)" She chuckled brazenly.

"Meghna," Dad said in warning.

"But why do you want to marry her sister!? The Hitler!" She looked at me in shock.

"Shut up." I glared at her.

"Meghna, this is a serious topic. If you can't be mature, go to your room." Dad instructed her strictly.

She swallowed and mumbled an apology before focusing back on her plate.

"Jalsa's owner? Priya Mathur? Are you talking about her?"

I closed my eyes in frustration. "Yes, Bhai," I glared at him. "Now can we please focus on the main topic?" I looked at my parents.

"She said yes to you!?" Bhai leaned in slamming his hands on the table.

We were all startled.

"What is with this reaction?" Meghna asked with a frown.

I looked at him in confusion. We all did.

He blinked and sat back straight. "I- I'm just surprised, that's all." He whispered.

"She said yes. That is why I'm telling everyone about her." I answered.

He looked at me in visible surprise, then he abruptly got up and left the kitchen.

I found his reaction weird. What's up with him?

"Adi," mom called out, catching my attention. I looked at her, anticipating her answer. "I don't think it'll work out. Let's not take this any ahead. We'll find a nice girl for you."

My stomach dropped. "But what's wrong with her?"

"There's nothing wrong with her," mom said getting up and beginning to pick up the empty dishes. "She is just not right for you."

"I like her, Ma!" I screeched my chair back and got up to match her eye level.

She paused with the cutleries in her hand, her gaze connecting with mine. "Adi, please-"

"No, give me a reason. And not a vague one." I demanded.

She sighed. "She- she cannot be someone's wife. Or a-"

"Ma!" I interrupted harshly.

Mom swallowed audibly. "I know you like her and this may sound harsh to you, but it's the truth, Adi. She is thirty-one years old. Did you know she was rejected by almost fifty men?"

"I do."

"Well, do you think they were fools?"

"No, they have their own reasons. I've mine. If anything, I should thank them."

"Adi, she is older, more successful, and she- she is not the one for you. I know you. You're my son. She is not the woman who can keep you happy. She can be with someone- someone like your brother-"

"Ma!" I snapped, cutting her short. My eyes drew towards my brother who had entered to grab his files. He looked at me for a second longer before grabbing his file and walking out.

Mom let out a troubled breath. "It isn't going to work."

"You can't conclude that without letting me take the chance."

"I know it won't work. Her aunt and I got acquainted over the last few days. She told me everything, Adi. Priya is the kind of woman who prioritizes her work and money. Not relationships. She doesn't care about anyone else but her sister. She doesn't even talk much to her cousins. Can you believe it? She has no bond with them. She is not a social person, Adi. She keeps to herself. And she can't- she just can't do it for you, Adi. Please." Mom begged me. "Anyone but her."

"No, Mummy. Only her."

"Adi," she sat down on the chair with a thud, clutching her head tightly.

"Why her?" Dad asked breaking his silence. "Why not her sister?"

"Because I like her, dad! Not her sister. And I don't see the problem-"

"Then I'm showing it to you! Why can't you see it!?" Mom got up rather abruptly.

I flinched back.

"Your Dadi will have my head on a platter if she even gets a hint about you wanting to marry a woman six years older than you!"

"And it's a problem?" I scowled. "Sachin Tendulkar is six years younger than his wife. Nick Jonas-"

"They're celebrities for God's sake! You can't be comparing yourself to them!" She screeched.

"Why not? They are humans too!" I justified.

"Adi, she is nothing like you! You still act like a child sometimes! To be honest, all the damn time!"

I blinked awkwardly.

"And she- she is a serious woman. She won't entertain your personality! You two are so mismatched!"

"Yeah, I agree," Meghna nodded. I glared at her. "Don't look at me like that. Mom is right. You'll get bored with her in the long run. Crush lasts for a certain time. You're just fascinated by how she looks and all that materialistic stuff. Once you get married and get to know her intimately, you'll realise how wrong you were."

"Shut the freak up. I can decide for myself." I gnashed my teeth together.

She shrugged and leaned back relaxed.

"Mummy-"

"Your Dadi will never accept her. Like she never accepted me." Mom looked up at me. "You have no idea how much that stings, Adi. You're her favourite grandson. Don't do this to yourself. Don't lose the relationships that matter for the relationship that hasn't even started yet."

My eyes brimmed with tears despite trying so hard to not fall weak during this argument. "Mummy, please. I like her so much. I tried so hard to get over my feelings but I couldn't. Didn't you say, when someone makes you nervous, yet you can't get enough of them, is when you know you can have something beautiful with them? She makes me feel that way, Ma. Please, accept her. For me." I held her hands desperately.

"You think she'll be happy here with my disapproval towards your relationship? Will you be happy?" She asked.

My hands dropped. I clenched my jaw and sighed harshly. "I really thought you wouldn't be so against the idea of us," I said honestly.

"I'm a mother, Adi. I know you. And I know she can never be the one for you."

I scoffed out a mirthless chuckle. "Take some time to think it over."

"I'm not changing my mind."

"Well, too bad. Neither am I." I stated.

She glared at me for a moment longer before storming out of the room.

I sat down on the chair defeatedly.

"Adi," dad leaned forward to cup the back of my hand that was on the table. I met his eyes. "Don't worry. I'll talk to her. You know how much she loves you all. Your happiness comes first to her."

I nodded, thankful at least he was willing to understand me.

He left the kitchen.

"Should I get you some water?" Meghna asked.

"No," I answered.

She hummed and left shortly after.

I got up from the chair, my feet striding with purpose towards my brother's room. His reaction had caught me off guard. I need to know the reason. I knocked on his door twice. He opened it a few seconds later.

"What was that in the kitchen? I thought you will support me?"

He didn't meet my eyes.

"Bhai?"

"I- I was just surprised when I heard the name."

"Why?"

"Adi, are you sure you want to get married to her?" He asked instead, looking up at me.

"Why not?"

"I'm more surprised she said yes to you."

I frowned. "And what's wrong with me?" My voice came out harsher than intended.

He startled. "No! That's not what I meant. I just- she didn't seem the type to get married."

"You know her?" I asked then shook my head. "Then again, everyone already knows her."

"Yeah," he whispered.

"But-" my phone rang. I fished it out of my pocket, stiffening when I saw her name on the screen. "It's her."

"You- You have her number?"

I frowned. "I mean, we want to get married. It's obvious we'll have each other's number." I said and answered the call.

"Aditya?"

"Yeah, Priya," I mumbled.

"Aapne baat ki? (Did you have the conversation yet?)" She queried.

"Excuse me," I whispered to my brother and left his room. Sliding open the balcony doors, I stepped outside in the cold night. "I did,"

"What did they say?"

"Dad has no problem. Mom is..."

"Not agreeing?"

"Unconvinced. Yet." I answered.

"It's okay. We can call it off-"

"Priya," I interrupted, shocked at how easy it was for her to say those words. "I'm trying. Give me some time."

"I'm sorry." She whispered. "I just don't want to create any trouble in your life because of me."

I hummed.

"How much time?"

I licked my dry lips. "Give me time until Monday."

"Okay. Good night."

"Did you-" she hung up.

I dropped my arm, leaning in to clutch the railing.

"That she doesn't want to get married? That maybe she said yes to the first man she found okay because she thinks of marriage as a task that needs to tick off her plans list?"

I closed my eyes as Vikram's words echoed back in my head.

"Priya is the kind of woman who prioritizes her work and money. Not relationships."

I opened my eyes to the ringing of my phone. My spine straightened seeing her name flash on the screen.

"Yes?"

"You were saying something. I apologize for hanging up without letting you finish." She mumbled. "So, what is it?"

I chuckled.

"What?"

"Nothing." I smiled, shaking my head.

"You're laughing."

"I guess you're not much of a talker either."

"Oh," she let out softly. "Yeah, I guess so too."

I burst out laughing.

This feels nice.

A long chapter for y'all greedy asses.

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