1091 words.
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The unwelcomed guest were to arrive. The atmosphere was maintained. New table cloth, sofa covers, curtains and carpet all positioned carefully. The money plant hung on the entrance door. The chandelier was lit casting a criss cross beam of lights across the room. The crockery was being wiped. The room was soaked with exotic room freshners.

I sneezed. "Maa, are they coming to buy all these things? If they say no, your endeavour to empress them would be a total waste." I wiped my nose with the free end of mom's saree. It was not my way but i felt good harassing her.

She snatched her saree and tugged it at the corner of her waist. "Stop talking rubbish. They are coming for something more precious and that is you, my dear. I hope everything goes well. Now go inside an come only when you are asked to and put on a little make up."

Makeup to impress them! God forbid i would prefer to eat green chillies with vinegar than to impress them with my grotesque makeup. I went to my room and waited for the inauspicious call. The guests arrived and my parents played host to them. Treating as if they were a spiritual beings. I was called in. I hung my dupatta on my shouldier and moved reluctantly to the drawing room. The first thing to catch my attention was the stupenduous snacks on the table. The sweetmeats looked fantastic. The combination of samosas and chutney was the heart of the table. The cookeis, halwa, chips, strawbeery shake etc looked overwhelming. I had a tough time controlling myself. I sat opposite to the guest giving them unhindered view. The next object of my observation was a lady. She wore a headscarf. only the face visible like an owl popping his head from the wood hole. Her face was radiant. I bet she had applied a considerable quantity of foundation. As she losely sat on the sofa i imagined the stuffed bag of potatoes that dad brought home yesterday.

Next to him was a man as tall as the house cleaning stick. He wore expensive watch and his moustach was almost over his lips. "How will he drink the strawberry shake?" I contemplated and wished that he would recline his drink and that i can savour it later when they left.

Then the boy. The odd figure between the two. Wearing a black siut and tie he looked good. He had sturdy limbs which actually spoke about his gym addiction. His grave look was fixed on me. I wanted to slap him for eyeing me infront of my family. Then the owl head lady whispered something in his ears and he shifted his gaze.

"She is studying and will continue after marriage." My father said striking a conversation.

"No problem. We will let her opt for distance education." The tall man said. Now this what turned me off. Its my right to have education and the way i want. They should know that they are not doing favour on me. I waited for dad to speak up for me but the owl head lady was the one who opened her mouth." Do you cook?"

I was about to answere but bhaiya enterfered in between. "She cooks maggie well and is learning how to make tea." I was taken aback. Of all the years of serving him with various recipes this is how he praises my culinary skills in front of guests. My ears blew with rage and cheeks puffed anger. He winked at me.

"Your hair is not long enough." Another remark from the lady. Will she use my hair to dry clothes in the sun.

"Long enough to suffocate you to death" i felt was the fittest reply but i kept quite just for my dad.

"It is much bigger than last year, aunty. She loves having short hairs." another reply from bhaiya. This time maa gave him an angry look. Seeing the conversation go wrong the tall man asked me.

"Tell us what are your hobbies." A good question after so long. But again bhaiya opened his mouth to speak trash. "She catches moths in the house during rainy season and enjoys collecting foam from washing machine."

I wanted to twist his neck if i was allowed, then and there. I doubt if they ever will ask about hobbies of a girl. An uncomfortable silence spoke volumes and i assumed that they are not going to take a flying arrow on their bums by saying yes to me.

"Can we get confirmation from the boy and the girl. Lets not delay." My mom said knowing well that i would decline.

The boy sat up straight, smothed his coat and said, "I dont think she would be a perfect wife." I smiled at bhaiya and gave him a secret flying kiss. My parents went in shock. "But i think i can help her to be one." The boy completed the sentence. My face fell. Now the owl head lady and the tall man went in shock. The lady pressed his son's hand. A warning signal. Seeing his son adamant the lady said. "The match is fine. I guess you wont hessitate to bestow you dauhter with 10 lakh cash."

I couldn't believe she was such a naive. Dowry! I looked at my father. I didn't want to him to be ashamed just because he brought me up well. He removed his glasses and kept it on the table. My eyes went moist. First time I felt sorry for being a girl because all i ever wished was that dad should stand tall. I made up my mind, if dad agreed to this marriage then i would demand heavy meher(dower) on my marriage from the boy. My tongue was tied. I waited for the descision from my dad. Seconds passed silently. The owl head lady smirked at her credulity.

"I wanted to gift my daughter with a car and gold worth rupees 20 lakhs. But since you have set the limits i thinks you all deserve nothing." My dad gave a killing reply. Bhaiya rejoiced, mom was astonished and the guests were embarrased. One sentence but too many reactions. "Thanks for coming to our house and better be careful with the next one." The closing ceremony was hilarious. They all left with haste and anger without uttering any leaving salutation. "Clear out the mess." My father directed disgustingly looking at the table laden with snacks. As the door closed shut behind them, i and bhaiya attacked the snacks and feasted for a long time.
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*is the boy going to make a chapter in farha's life?*
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