Five Weeks by Shruti Omar (any book recommendations .txt) 📕

“And we do?” Mukund countered, seething. “What about us, Anu? Your father rejected me without even meeting me because he promised his friend to marry you with his son. Is this right? He insulted me by already refusing to know that I can be better than that guy Yuvraaj who knows nothing but to annoy you and make you cry. Is this right? You pleaded him to cancel out the wedding and he paid no heed. Is this right? Do we deserve this struggle, Anahita?”

Anahita was helplessly silent as Mukund was right. She was wronged by her family. They never supported her and she knew that even if Yuvraaj killed her, they would find her fault but only support him. Mukund sighed on the other side, “Everyone is selfish, Anu. The whole world is selfish, so why can’t we be, for once? Why can't we think of our happiness for once without thinking about others?"

Anahita was on a crossroad. It was the toughest and most prominent decision in her life. She couldn’t just sit and let everyone make decisions for her. She knew it was her father who she was going to go against but she refused to give up on her happiness. If child’s happiness matters the most for a parent, then I am sure my dad will also be happy. Mukund will keep me happy and that is what matters to them. My happiness.

Her happiness!! She at least hoped so. She made her mind to disregard her morals and ethics and go with the idea. Her voice was all determined when she spoke. “What do I have to do?"

"Really? Will you do that? Oh! I so love you baby. I love you so much." Mukund squealed in glee, making her lips widened. "I love you too. Now just tell me what I have to do?"

Mukund explained her everything and she suppressed every bubbling why in her heart, making notes in her mind. She was chewing on her nails when he finished off and her heart was pounding in her ribcage. “Do you think it will work?" She expressed her fears.

“Have faith in me baby and I will strike the right note, I promise. Now go back to your home and promise me that you will take care of yourself." Mukund asked and she smiled. They cut the call biding bye and she found a taxi. She opened the backseat door, pushed her luggage inside and settled on the seat, gesturing the driver to start. Resting her head on the leather headrest, she messaged her eyes with her index finger and thumb.

She wasn’t sure of her father’s reaction and honestly, she didn’t want to ponder on it because it was giving her jitters. In an era where people backstabbed each other the moment other one turned his back, her father was keeping his ‘words’ that he had given to his friend when she was born. The word that he would get his daughter married to Yuvraaj who was barely four years old then. It had been twenty three years and her father refused to step back, even when it was costing her smile, her happiness and her life.

It is my life. Only I have the right to make decision for me. She thought determined.

***

Anahita stood on the sill of 'Maurya Mansion', heart pumping loudly in nervousness and in fear. She licked her lips exasperatedly and watched the closed iron gates.

"Ma'am? Will you please give me my money?" She made a face as the taxi driver nudged her, she turned to him with contorted face, "What do you think I'm going to run with some 150 rupees of yours?" She fished out her wallet from the back pocket of her jeans and taking out required money, handed it to the driver, beckoning him to move.

"Thank you ma'am." The driver nodded and whooshed away leaving her all alone in the road in burning summer. Hot, humid wind continuously slapped her face as if it was punishing her for coming back, the silent atmosphere around her bride adorned house could easily calculate that either everyone was sleeping, which was not possible, or everyone must be mourning over her departure which meant if she went inside, she wouldn't ever be seen.

"Dad will chop you into pieces and then grill you with salt and pepper on the barbeque. Don't go inside Anu, just run away. Take a deep breath, turn around and run for your life. I can't do this. I can't do this." She breathed heavily and wiped the sweat from her forehead. She phoned Mukund for some moral support and he picked it up at first ring.

“I can't do this." Anahita said in a breath.

"Anu baby...where are you, tell me?" He asked and Anahita dropped her shoulders looking at the gate. "In front of my home but my legs are not moving ahead."

"They won't move ahead on their own, you have to be brave and take steps."

"No no, no, dad will kill me for sure. He would never accept me and -"

"Are you going to stay with him all your life? No right. Then why are you so afraid? Just go and confess everything."

"It's not that easy Mukund. I don't know what will he say and mom, mom is going to do hell of a drama and I know she is like mother India, she just won't accept it all as it is fed. I'm sure she will help dad in burying my body in the backyard if she comes to know that I eloped." Anahita cried.

"Anu, listen to me very carefully. I'm not going to help you out in this, and you have to face the situation alone. Now if you want to be with me, do it else I will understand that I loved a coward." His words made her frown.

"I am not a coward, understand." She seethed.

"Then prove it. Go inside, and apologize. Now you will call me only after work is done, understand?" He challenged.

"But... but how can you leave me alone to handle this. We are going to be together then wouldn't you be helping me in each step I take like a good partner?"

"Your mind runs like Rajdhani express when it comes to me and you want to get your work done but when your wit is needed, it's of no use. Stop telling me what I should do or not and go inside, fight for our love. Understood?" Mukund propelled.