"You know we have helpers to aid Breakfast right?" Dad said all of a sudden.
I shook my head in agreement.

"You do not need to do all this here sweetheart!" He said pursuing me to leave the household chores to the helpers.

"Agar apko mere hath ke parathe nahi khane toh I can sure ask the helpers to make something for you!"
(I can ask the servants to prepare something for you if you do not wish to have the Parathas I made)

I replied pointing the spatula at him.

He raised his hands in surrender making me giggle.

"Where were you yesterday?" He asked even though he was very well aware of my whereabouts. I tried ignoring the conversation.

"How many times to I have to remind you that you are not in Mumbai, People here do not take it casual to roam around the streets of the courtesan." He almost shouted.

"I do not change while changing the states Dad. And you know I was just there to help." I replied.

I took the hot case and set the table for both of us serving him piping hot Paratha.

"I wanted to talk to you about something!" Dad said, his voice trembling a bit as if scared of my regular outbursts.

I motioned him to continue while pouring myself a glass of juice.

"Ek Rishta aaya hai!"
(We've received a proposal") He said, very well aware where this conversation was going I replied sneakily.
"Toh karlijiye if aap ko pasand ho toh, mumma ko mai mana lungi."
(Please go ahead if you like it, I will get mom to agree to it)

"Aadhya!" He reprimanded.

"Dad!" I responded.

"You're 27 and he is a nice boy! I talked to your mom and even she liked him."

"I am sure he is but I am not getting married to him!" I said.

"Do you like someone else, we can talk about it." He tried bargaining

"No Dad, I do not like anyone and no I will not get married!" I stated getting up.

"You can atleast meet him once till the time you are here!"

"Dad, for the last time, I am here for your birthday, not for anything else." I deadpanned as I picked my handbag and my car keys.

"Where are you going now?"

"Airport, Mom's coming!" I replied almost out of the house.

"Aashka is coming?" He asked happily surprised.

........ 2 hours Later......

"Is the decoration done?" Mom asked

"Yes" I replied

"Did you talk to the caterers?" She asked again

"Yes Mom!" Feeling like a game of rapido fore

"Did you invite everyone? She asked once again.

"Oh God Mom! Yes. Everything is done. Will you please relax!" I replied annoyed

"How's your Dad?" She asked all of a sudden.

"You are about to meet him in an hour I replied looking at my watch.

"Did dad talk to you about Something?" Mom asked cautiously while I was very well aware where the conversation was leading.

"Hmm, I refused !" I replied like it wasn't it big deal.

"Why don't you want to get Married Ady, you are 27, you'll need someone for life. Your parents are not always going to be there!" She tried

"Mom, you know I do not believe in Marriages" I responded

"You should atleast meet the guy!" Here goes the bargaining again.

"Mom you are very well aware I am not into creating false theories, if I meet the guy and say no , it will be far more embarrassing for you guys." I said.

"Marriage is important Aadhya." Was her answer.

"You got married, married to the love of your life, did it work for you'll?" I asked annoyed.

"Just because it didn't work for us doesn't mean it won't work for you either. I know we have not been the greatest example of marriage to you but that doesn't mean I don't love your dad or vice versa. It just didn't work out together. Have you ever seen either of us with anyone else?" Mom pointed out while I nodded negatively.

If one hasn't perceived uet, my parents are separated, Separated but not Divorced. I am still unsure what that means, they both love each other the most but the compatibility amongst them sucked and so they mutually decided to separate. Now mom stays in Mumbai managing her event management company while Dad, is the Birbal in the court of Udaipur!
Jokes apart my father was the legal advisor of the so-called royal families of Udaipur.
While dad had all the luxuries for mom, he never had the time for his family. And on the other hand my mom being a self made business women only needed time and attention from him.
Like I mentioned things didn't work out and they separated. I on the other hand was living with my mom.

It was a weird silence in the car, when my mom intervened again.

"Aadhya, your dad is an amazing lawyer, you know right?" I nodded.

"He could have easily sued me for your custody and both of us are very well aware that he would have won it. He had the power and skill for it " She continued and I nodded again.

"But he didn't, for me! He knew I needed you and he let me have you! Giving away his biggest blessing." She whispered and I could see the glint of tears in her eyes.

"What if it doesn't work out for me either Maa?" I asked

"What if it does? " She counterpanned.

"What if I fall in love and he doesn't or the other way round? Or what if we aren't compatible either?"

"Aadhya, your parents separation is not a measure to judge Marriages, I have seen wonderful marriages working out. Marriage is not about getting everything straight at once, people make mistakes, they deserve a second chance, even a third sometimes. Life is all about learning the only difference is whether you wish to learn alone or with someone." She tried making me understand.

"I am not sure maa!" I replied entering my father's mansion.

"Then trust your parents Aadhya, they only want the best for you."

Unaware of what was to come I slowly and cautiously nodded my head and the happiness on my mom's face was unmatched.

She got out, while I on the other hand had some last minute detailing for the party, left again with confusion hovering my mind .

"Will it work ? What if it doesn't?"

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What do you think will happen next?