The week leading up to Aarohiâs exams felt like a never-ending storm. Every moment she tried to study, something or someone interrupted her. Her textbooks stared back at her, their pages filled with concepts she barely understood. Sleep became a luxury, and the constant reminder of wedding preparations made her chest tighten with anxiety.
Late one night, Aarohi sat at her desk, her notes scattered like the fragments of her mind. She flipped through pages, trying to absorb formulas and theories, but nothing stuck. The words blurred, replaced by the growing list of tasks her mother had handed her earlier that dayâtrials for her wedding outfit, finalizing the menu, and guest list discussions.
Her phone buzzed with a text from Tanya: âHowâs the studying going? Feeling ready?â
Aarohi sighed, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. She wanted to vent, to tell Tanya how her mind felt like it was splitting into a thousand pieces. But instead, she replied: âItâs okay, I guess. Just overwhelmed.â
Her phone lit up with another message. This time, it was from her mother: âDonât forget, weâre meeting the decorator tomorrow evening. Be ready by 5.â
Aarohi clenched her fists, fighting the urge to scream. Why couldnât they see how much she was struggling?
By the time exam day arrived, Aarohi felt like a shell of herself. She entered the exam hall with a sinking feeling, clutching her pen like it was her only lifeline. The first few questions were manageable, but as she turned the pages, panic set in. She knew the answers but couldnât recall them clearly, her brain muddled from lack of sleep and stress.
When the final bell rang, signaling the end of the exam, Aarohi walked out feeling defeated. She knew she wouldnât fail, but the grades wouldnât be good enough to meet her usual standards. Her chest ached with the weight of disappointment.
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When Aarohi reached home, she found her mother and Shweta in the living room, surrounded by wedding decoration designs. Her mother looked up with a bright smile. âAarohi, come here. Look at these! We need to finalize the decor theme.â
Aarohi froze in the doorway, her bag slipping off her shoulder. She couldnât believe they were talking about wedding decorations when her mind was still reeling from the disastrous exam. Her frustration bubbled over, threatening to spill out.
âI canât do this right now,â she said sharply, walking past them toward the stairs.
Her mother called after her, confusion laced in her tone. âAarohi, wait! Just take a minute to look. It wonât take long.â
âI said I canât, Maa!â Aarohi snapped, her voice louder than she intended. She turned to face her mother, her eyes blazing. âDo you have any idea how hard this week has been for me? Exams, assignments, and now this? Canât you see Iâm already at my breaking point?â
Her motherâs smile faded, replaced by a mix of concern and hurt. âAarohi, weâre just trying to involve you in your wedding. Itâs importantââ
âImportant for you!â Aarohi interrupted, her voice trembling. âNot for me. My life is falling apart, and all anyone cares about is the wedding. Thereâs still six months to go! Why canât we wait?â
Shweta stood up, her tone placating. âAarohi, calm down. We know youâre stressed, but this is part of your responsibility too.â
Aarohi shook her head, tears threatening to spill. âI didnât ask for this responsibility, Shweta. None of this was my choice!â
Without waiting for a response, Aarohi turned and stormed up to her room, slamming the door behind her. She sank onto her bed, her chest heaving with suppressed sobs. For the first time, she wondered if she was even strong enough to survive the next six months.