Chapter : 51

Ananya's POV

Why can't my parent understand me?

It's not marriage and a 'happy family' that I want. I already have a happy family. Does dad want to get rid of me? I want to opt for higher studies and visit places around the world.

Of course, If I tell this to my dad, he'd say that I can fulfill my higher education after marriage too. And Dinesh, or whatever the guy's name is, will be able to take me to whichever corner of the world I please.

But that's the problem. I don't want someone to lead my way. I wanna fly solo on this ride. To explore the world on my own and not depend on somebody else. Am I not capable of it? Or am I not responsible enough? I really want to know this from my father.

"And I've heard Dinesh has a craze for bikes. Is it right dad?" Ravi asked his ninth question about the Dinesh guy to dad.

I sighed. I would have jumped out of their conversation long ago had it been possible. We were in the car, returning home from that stupid dinner which has ruined both: my appetite and the night.

"Oh yes, he keeps on importing new and pricey bikes whenever they are launched." Dad replied as he drove.

"Ananya would love him. I'm sure. She too is crazy for bikes after all." Ravi said and turned to look at me from the passenger seat beside dad with a cunning smile.

I groaned silently in exasperation and slouched back on my seat.

Dad's phone vibrated and he pulled it out and handed it to Ravi to check the messages since he was busy driving. Ravi went through the phone and grinned at me through the rear view mirror. I already knew what was coming.

"Dad, Mr.Mathur has texted you." Ravi said.

"Go on, what does he say?" Dad asked as he drove the car into our residence.

"He says that Dinesh is free on Sunday and he can pick up Ananya from our place for lunch at 1:30 in the noon." Ravi said.

Dad smiled in satisfaction.

I frowned, my eyes welling up with tears that had come with the fact that they are deciding my life without even asking me.

"What say Ana?" Ravi asked but his smile vanished when he took a look at my expression.

"Who am I to say anything anyway? Print the wedding cards already and get rid of me." I fumed in anger as the tears strayed down my cheeks.

There was dead silence in the Audi. I pushed open the car door and slammed it shut as I rushed into the house. Into my home. Entering my bedroom I locked the door and sank to the floor, my back resting on the door.

I cried for as long as I had the strength. When exhausted, I just sat there motionless, sobbing every once in a while. I pulled out my phone and opened the gallery where I found a picture of Mom. It was before I came to this world and mom was smiling with Ravi in her arms.

"Why did you leave me? I need you around...mom...I really do." I breathed, looking down at the screen.

My mother was the one who always had stood by me whenever my dad or Ravi didn't understand me. She was the only one who'd put herself in my shoes and try and see what I saw. She was considerate enough of my feelings. She was caring enough to ask my opinion.

But she was selfish.

She left me. She didn't stay by me. She used to tell me that she'll always be there for me. Then why did she go? Where is she now when I need her the most? When I've got no one to try and understand me?

***

"Do you think Mr.Barua is getting bald with every passing day? Look at his hairline closely." Rishav whispered to me.

"Hmm." I hummed as I doodled on my notebook, trying to think of ways to turn up ill on Sunday so that I can cancel that meet up with Dinesh.

I was brought out of my thoughts when Rishav abruptly pulled my hand down, underneath the desk. I frowned and looked at him, offended that he had interrupted my doodle. His gaze, however, was trained ahead. I followed his eyes and gulped once when I found Mr.Barua looking at me with a warning written on his face.

Thank the lords that he resumed to the sum, calculating efficiently and finding the answers. I sighed and tried to pull my hand back up to Doodle but Rishav held onto it, under the desk.

I turned my eyes to him and he was  looking at me with his green orbs which were brimming with concern and curiosity.

"You're okay?" He asked me.

"Yeah..." I managed to speak with a nod, trying to sound believable.

Rishav sighed and intertwined our fingers, clasping my hand securely into his larger one.

"You're telling me the opposite, Ananya." He whispered but stopped short on his speech when the teacher turned to face the class the read the next question.

I tried to think of different excuses about my sullen face while Mr.Barua explained the sum but I could come up with nothing. Rishav turned to face me the moment the teacher resumed to the board, facing his back to the students.

"You can tell me. I can help." He said.

I smiled wryly at his statement. What do I tell him? My Dad has settled a date for me and guess what? It's not with you.

"Earth to Ananya?" Rishav spoke.

"I didn't get enough sleep...It's really nothing serious." I tried.

I couldn't help but notice Rishav's face turn hard. He was definitely hurt. He let go of my hand instantly and turned to the board ahead.

"You don't have to make up excuses. Just telling me that you don't wanna talk would've been enough." Were the last words of that conversation from him.

I felt a stab on my heart. Though it was Rishav whom I had hurt, the pain was felt by me. He must've felt that I didn't trust him enough with my problems.

Why's life such a mess sometimes?