I am not a puppet for your pride, nor a tool for your trade.

I checked my watch as the cab pulled up in front of the imposing gates of the Murthy Mansion—8:45 PM. I was on time, but my heart sank as I stared at the familiar structure bathed in soft golden lights.

The guard opened the gate without question, and I stepped out, smoothing my outfit and taking a deep breath to prepare myself. I didn’t know why Dad had summoned me here tonight, but whatever it was, I doubted it would be pleasant.

As I walked up the driveway, the front door opened, and before I could even step inside, I heard the sweetest, most innocent voice in the world scream, "Bua!"

Before I knew it, a tiny whirlwind came charging at me. I laughed despite myself, bending down just in time to catch Ansh as he flung himself into my arms.

“Ansh!” I exclaimed, picking him up and spinning him around. His giggles were like music, instantly brightening my mood. I peppered his chubby cheeks with kisses, and he squealed in delight, clutching my shoulders.

“Bua missed you so much!” I said, holding him close.

“Ansh missed you too, Bua!” he replied in his toddler way, his words slightly broken but full of emotion.
We were both giggling like idiots when a familiar voice interrupted us.

“Wow, I see how it is. Forget your dear brother the moment you see Ansh,” Rudraksh Bhai said, crossing his arms and mock-pouting as he stood a few feet away.

I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Oh, stop being jealous,” I teased, handing Ansh to him briefly before stepping forward to hug him. “Good to see you, Bhai,” I added, squeezing his shoulder.

“You too, Nandu,” he replied, a warm smile replacing his fake irritation.

From the side, Prisha Bhabhi chimed in, “Rudra, are you seriously competing with your own son for attention? Shame on you!” She teased him mercilessly, earning a glare from her husband and a giggle from me.

“Come on, Prisha,” he said, shaking his head. “You know she ignores me every time this kid is around.”

I laughed and stuck my tongue out at him. “You’re just mad because he’s cuter than you.”

Before Bhai could retort, Mom’s soft voice cut through. “Nandini, beta.” I turned to see my mother standing near the staircase, her eyes scanning me with a mixture of warmth and hesitation.

“How are you? Are you tired from work?” she asked, her tone gentle but careful as if she didn’t want to provoke me.

I rolled my eyes instinctively, the walls around my heart rising. “I’m fine, as usual. You don’t need to pretend to care.”

Her face fell slightly, but she recovered quickly, nodding silently as if she had expected this reaction. She stepped back, and I turned away, focusing on Ansh again to avoid any further awkwardness.

We moved to the dining room, where the table was already set. Dad entered a few minutes later, his expression as stoic as ever. He glanced at me briefly but said nothing beyond, “Let’s eat.”

Dinner was a silent affair, save for Ansh, who chattered endlessly to me about his day at school, his favorite cartoon, and some imaginary adventures he’d created in his mind. I listened intently, nodding and laughing at all the right moments, thankful for his innocence amid the tension.

Bhai and Bhabhi exchanged knowing looks throughout, probably wondering why Dad had called me here. Mom, as usual, looked torn between wanting to speak and staying quiet.

After dinner, we moved to the living room. I settled on the couch next to Bhai, while Bhabhi and Ansh sat nearby. Mom hovered near the staircase, clearly waiting for Dad to come downstairs.

I leaned toward Bhai, lowering my voice. “Bhai, do you have any idea why he called me here so suddenly?”

He shook his head, his brows furrowed. “No clue. He didn’t mention anything to me. But you know how he is—always playing his cards close to his chest.”

I sighed and nodded, leaning back against the couch. “I just don’t get it. Why now? It’s not like he ever calls me unless there’s some agenda.” Bhai gave me a sympathetic look but didn’t say anything further. The room grew quiet as we waited, the air thick with unspoken tension.

Finally, I heard the familiar sound of Dad’s footsteps descending the staircase. I straightened instinctively, my heart pounding in my chest. Whatever this was about, I knew it wasn’t going to be good.

As he entered the room, his eyes swept over everyone before landing on me. His expression was unreadable, but his presence alone was enough to set me on edge.

“Let’s begin,” he said simply, taking a seat across from me.

And just like that, the atmosphere shifted. I braced myself for whatever bombshell he was about to drop, hoping against hope that I could handle it without losing my composure.

The tension in the room was so thick it was suffocating. I sat on the edge of the couch, my hands balled into fists on my lap, waiting for Dad to finally speak. My gaze flickered to Mom, who sat across from me, her hands clasped together like she was praying to God for something. That only made me more suspicious. She knew something, and I was about to find out what.

Dad cleared his throat, his voice commanding as always. “Nandini, the reason I asked you to come here tonight is because… on Friday, someone is coming to see you.”

I frowned, confused by his cryptic words. “To see me?” I asked, my tone laced with sarcasm. “Am I a museum exhibit now? Are they coming for a guided tour or just to admire the view?”

Rudraksh snorted, clearly finding my response amusing, but his laugh was cut short when Dad shot him a glare sharp enough to silence even the boldest person. I gave Rudraksh a pointed look, silently scolding him. This is not the time to joke, Bhai.

Dad’s gaze shifted back to me, his expression hard as stone. “For your marriage,” he said firmly.

I blinked, the words not quite registering at first. “What?” I asked, leaning forward. “Marriage? Did I hear that correctly?”

“Yes,” he replied, as calm as if he were discussing the weather.

“You’re meeting someone on Friday, and I expect you to be here on time.”

I closed my eyes, counting to three in my head, trying to control the storm brewing inside me. “Dad,” I began slowly, opening my eyes to meet his. “I don’t want to meet anyone. I have just started my career. I’m not interested in getting married right now.”

“No one is stopping you from working,” he countered, his tone dismissive. “You can continue your career after marriage. You can even join their company. This alliance is important for both families. We are you going to start a business partnership with them.”

And there it was. The real reason behind this sudden arrangement. My blood boiled as his words sank in. I clenched my fists tighter, my nails digging into my palms as I fought to keep my voice steady.

“Oh, now I get it,” I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “I’m not your daughter, am I? I’m just a piece of property to be bartered for a business deal. A monetary value to seal a partnership.”

“Watch your tone,” Dad snapped, his voice rising.

Mom flinched, her hands tightening around her dupatta. “Nandini, beta, calm down,” she said softly, her voice pleading.

“Calm down?” I repeated, turning to face her. “You’re asking me to calm down, Mom? You’re supporting him again, even when you know he’s wrong! Why do you always do this? Why do you let him control everything? Why do you let him control me?”

“Nandini, enough!” Dad barked. “I am your father, and I know what’s best for you. This alliance will secure your future and ours. You will meet them on Friday, and that’s final.”

“No, it’s not final!” I shot back, standing up from the couch. “You don’t get to decide my life. Call them right now and tell them not to come. I don’t want to get married, and I won’t meet them.”

Dad’s face darkened, and for a moment, I saw the full extent of his anger. “If you don’t agree to meet them,” he said coldly, “then remember this—I will not let you work in that company you’re so fond of. And you know me, Nandini. When I decide something, I make sure it happens.”

His words were like a slap in the face. I stared at him, disbelief and fury swirling inside me. “You’re unbelievable,” I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. “You think you can control me by threatening my career? By taking away the one thing I’ve worked so hard for? Do you even care about how I feel, or am I just a pawn in your power games?”

“Nandini, stop this right now,” Mom interjected, her voice shaky. “Please, try to understand—”

“Understand what, Mom?” I interrupted, turning to her. “That my own parents don’t respect me enough to consider my feelings? That I’m nothing more than a tool for their business ambitions? You always stand by him, no matter how wrong he is. Why, Mom? Why do you let him treat me like this?”

“Nandini!” Dad shouted, his patience finally snapping. “I am doing this for your own good. You will thank me one day.”

“For my good?” I laughed bitterly, tears stinging my eyes. “You’re doing this for yourself, Dad. For your business. For your ego. Don’t pretend it’s for me.”

Bhai stood up, placing a protective hand on my shoulder. “Dad, enough,” he said firmly. “You’re crossing a line. Nandini has a right to decide her own life. Forcing her into something she doesn’t want isn’t going to help anyone.”

Dad glared at him, but Bhai didn’t back down. “I know you think you’re doing what’s best, but this isn’t the way,” he continued. “You’re only pushing her further away.”

The room fell into a tense silence. I looked at Dad, then at Mom, my chest heaving with the effort to hold back the storm of emotions threatening to consume me. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore.

“You know what?” I said, my voice breaking. “I’m done. I’m done trying to reason with you. You can control everything else, Dad, but you don’t get to control my life. Not anymore.”

Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heel and stormed out of the room, ignoring Mom’s calls and Dad’s furious voice behind me. My vision blurred with tears as I reached the door, but I didn’t stop.

I needed to get out. Away from this house. Away from them. Away from everything.

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