Arushi's POV

It has been a hectic week with back to back classes, scores of patients and a few surgeries lined up at the hospital.

I have been working as an assistant professor at a medical college which is also a hospital since the past 1year after completing my bachelors and two master degrees in dermatology.

Mumma Papa have been very supportive of me throughout the ups and downs of my career.

Though Papa wanted me to pursue engineering and take ahead his business he let me do what I wanted once he knew about it.

But the past 6months have been very tough on me as everyone in my family are forcing me to get married as they believe I have succeeded enough and have grown old enough to not get a suitable groom.

Its not that I dont want to get married but something stops me from having an arranged marriage.

Mahima, my best friend from school who is more like a sister to me had a tough time stabilizing her arranged marriage. I have seen her breaking down like never before. Her marriage suffocated her to such a point that she almost attempted suicide. And I just cant get over this fear of having such a ruinous marriage.

Ever since a teenager I have always thought of marriage as a bliss something that completes you that brings the best out of you that makes you believe that life couldn't have been more perfect than this. But some incidents leave this scar of fear.

I know mumma papa will choose the best for me but even mahima's parents thought it was the best for her which turned out to be worst.

My train of thoughts came to a stop when I heard my phone ring...It was mumma. Her name on my phone screen is enough to bring a smile on my face.

"Aru where are you its already 7.30 and its raining as well...havn't you left the hospital still?" she questioned as soon as I picked up the call....The possessive indian mother.

"Mom I had a follow up for a patient...I am leaving in another 10-15 mins I'll be home soon dont worry"

"Fine beta come soon I have to discuss some important thing with you.... Take care Bye"

And I very well know what her important thing is 'MARRIAGE'.
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The drive from Churchgate to Andheri takes what sounds like an eternity to reach that too at this point of hour in Mumbai.

Its almost quarter past 9 when I reached back home...God forbid the traffic of Mumbai.

Mom asked me to freshen up and come down for dinner soon as all of them had already started their dinner. Dad is very punctual about food on time.

The sight of gobi parathas on the dinner table could only make me run faster to grab that buttery delicacy in my mouth.
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After a silent dinner I came back to my room. I was damn tired and I wanted to sleep as soon as possible.

My sister Nidhi was in the study room as her exams were going on. She was in her final year of engineering.

I was just about to sleep when mumma knocked the door and came in.

"How was you day beta?" she asked as she sat on my bed and I slept on her lap.

"Very hectic maa 2 lectures a few patients and a minor surgery"

But all my tiredness flies away when mumma caress my hair lovingly.

"You remember your dadaji's(grandfather) friend Dev uncle?"

"Ya I faintly remember him....he use to come home to meet dadaji...why are you suddenly asking about him?"

"He had called your dad today....He was asking about you and Nidhi"

"Ohh"

"His grandson Vikrant is very good and has taken their business to greater heights in past 5years"

And I know where this conversation is leading to.

"Dev uncle has proposed his marriage with you.... If you are ok they want to meet you on the next weekend"

The next second I was up from her lap.

"Mumma you know that I dont want this...I just cant get married...I dont want to mess up my sorted life why dont you people try and understand me" a small tear threatened to fall of my eye.

"Arushi just stop being so negative all the time" Dad said entering my room from nowhere.

He came and sat infront of me and mumma stood beside me caressing my hair.

"What happened with Mahima was bad really bad but that doesn't mean you stop living your life and taking it ahead. Mahima is fine now she has divorced that bastard....she will find her perfect man when she is destined to find one. Its high time you overcome this stupid thoughts that you have"

"But papa..." He cut me off

"Vikrant is a well raised boy...we have seen his family all through our life...He will be the best man for you. If your Dadaji was alive he would be so much more than happy to see his favourite grandchild getting married in his best friend's family. You are mature and sorted enough to understand the good and bad. I just hope your fear doesn't overpower again. Think about it and let us know. We would be happy to listen to a 'YES' from you. "

Saying this papa kissed my forehead and walked out.

Mumma also asked me to think about it and left me alone in this dilemma.

I can easily say No and I know that they wont force me but one line that papa said "If your Dadaji was alive he would be so much more than happy to see his favourite grandchild getting married in his best friend's family." has stuck in my mind.

I loved Dadu the most. There is no one who can be more important to me than him not even mumma papa.

My tiredness overpowered my thoughts and I slept with so many thoughts running in my mind.

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