"You should be grateful I didn’t insist on the marriage when you were just 18,” my father said, his voice unyielding. “Now that you’re 21, it’s time to fulfill this commitment, and that’s final.”
“But I can’t! I don’t want to marry him; he doesn’t even like me! In fact, it feels like he hates me, and you want us to get married,” I protested, fighting back tears that threatened to spill over.
“Shadi ke baad sab sahi ho jata hai (After marriage, everything will be fine),” he replied, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. “Your marriage was arranged when you were a child, and there will be no further discussion on this.”
“Papa, please try to understand. How can you insist on this when he makes it clear he wants nothing to do with me?” I pleaded, sensing the weight of despair settling in my chest, knowing deep down that my words might not change his mind.
“Fine, don’t marry him,” he said, but his next words cut deep. “However, you’ll have to give up your studies. I’m the one funding your education, and it’s my decision to make.”
“Papa, how can you use my education like this? It’s not fair,” I said, my voice trembling as tears streamed down my face. I felt a storm of emotions swirling within me, each one pulling at my heart.
“It’s your choice now. Marry him, and you can continue your studies. If not, then you will have to let go of that dream.” With that, he turned to leave.
I glanced around at my mother, my brother, and the others, hoping for a voice of reason or support amongst them, but silence hung in the air like a heavy fog.
"I... I’m ready," I finally whispered, my voice breaking. “Tell them I agreed.” I felt an overwhelming sense of defeat wash over me, knowing I couldn’t bear to sacrifice my future for someone who seemed to despise me.
"That’s settled then," he said, relief evident in his demeanor. "Your alliance was already secured; your opinion doesn’t factor in."
In that moment, I felt shattered. My dreams felt like they were slipping away, leaving me in despair.
With heavy steps, I walked to my room and locked the door behind me. Sliding down to the floor, I collapsed against the door, allowing the tears to flow freely. I had held back for so long, and now they poured out uncontrollably.
My heart felt heavy, and I struggled to breathe as memories I wished to forget came rushing back—hurtful words he'd said, derisive thoughts he harbored. Despite my efforts to push them away, they played in my mind like a haunting film, leaving me feeling more alone than ever.
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