Chapter 5

The evening after the dinner was unusually quiet. Niharika and Mayank sat across from their parents, the air thick with a sense of anticipation. Their families had clearly made their decision, and now it was time for the two of them to speak their minds.

Maya cleared her throat, breaking the silence. "Mayank, Niharika," she began, looking at the two of them with a smile that seemed far too hopeful. "We've all talked, and we've come to a conclusion. We believe that you two should get married."

Niharika blinked, caught off guard by the directness. "Wait, what? Married? But we don't even know each other," she said, her voice tinged with confusion and concern.

Mayank, equally shocked, opened his mouth to respond but paused. He couldn't quite believe they were having this conversation. "I've just recently started my career here. It's only been a couple of years," he said, looking from Niharika's parents to his own. "I have my job, my career to focus on. Marriage isn't something I'm ready for right now."

Niharika's voice softened as she spoke up. "I just got back from Berkeley three days ago," she added. "I don't even have a job yet, and I'm trying to figure out where I fit in here." She glanced at Mayank briefly, still unsure how to navigate this situation. "And we don't even know each other."

Her words seemed to hang in the air, but the families weren't backing down.

Madhun, with his ever-persistent nature, smiled at them. "But you will get to know each other, dear. It's a process, and we believe you two will be good for each other. Our families might not know each other for long—but character can be gauged within a meeting. And not to mention, this marriage will bring even more strength to that blossoming bond of our families."

Niharika shifted uncomfortably in her seat, glancing at Mayank. He wasn't looking at her; his eyes were fixed on his parents. But it was clear they both felt trapped in this conversation.

Yangeeta, in a gentle tone, added, "Think about it, Niharika. This will be good for both of you. Families are meant to support each other, and you have that support now. Marriage is just another step forward in life. I know you both seem like you're not ready. But if not now, then it'll come this time next year. And why let such a good match go forever only to delay something for another year?"

Mayank looked up at his parents. "But how can we say yes to something when we don't even know each other? We've barely spoken since school, and our paths are so different now."

Madhun, however, was insistent. "Sometimes, you don't need to know everything at once. Love comes with time, and this will be a beautiful journey. Plus, your charts say that you are destined to marry someone from your past. It all adds up!"

Mayank's brow furrowed slightly. "It's just a chart," he said, his tone skeptical. "Why take it so seriously?"

Niharika sighed, her frustration growing. She wasn't ready for this—wasn't sure she ever would be. Yet, as their parents continued to speak over each other, trying to convince them, she felt a quiet pressure building in her chest.

"Just think about it," Abhijeet said, his voice calm but firm. "This is a good match. Your horoscopes are aligned, your families are aligned. It's a good opportunity."

Mayank nodded slowly. "Fine. We'll think about it."

The moment they agreed to think about it, the atmosphere shifted. The families exchanged smiles, and Niharika and Mayank were left with their thoughts.

~•~

The next day, Niharika and Mayank were left alone to think. Niharika sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the phone in her hands but not really seeing it. She had never imagined her life would unfold like this—her parents pushing her toward a marriage with someone she barely knew.

She heard a knock on her door. "Niharika, can we talk?" It were her parents.

"Yeah, come in," she said, trying to sound composed.

Yangeeta sat beside her daughter, her expression soft but knowing. "I understand how you feel, Niharika. But we believe this is the right path for you. Your father and I think you two will work well together. Mayank is a good man."

Niharika shook her head. "But I don't know him, Mom. How can I marry someone I don't even talk to? It's not just about liking them; it's about compatibility, and I don't think we're compatible."

Yangeeta took Niharika's hands in hers. "I know it's sudden, but sometimes life doesn't wait for us to be ready. I want you to think about the bigger picture. Our family is strong because we've been together. This marriage can bring us even closer. And Mayank... he will take care of you."

Niharika's eyes welled up, but she blinked it away. "But what if I don't want this? I haven't even started my career here yet. I just graduated."

Her mother smiled gently. "I understand. But this could also be a chance for you to grow. You have time to figure it out, but you need to trust us."

Niharika didn't respond immediately. She didn't know how to argue with her mother. She could feel the weight of their expectations, and as much as she wanted to push back, a small part of her wondered if she was just being selfish.

~•~

Meanwhile, at Mayank's house, his conversation with his parents was not much different. He sat in the living room with Madhun and Maya, the same sinking feeling in his chest.

"I don't understand this, Mom," he said, his voice tinged with frustration. "I don't even know her. It feels wrong to get married just because the families think it's a good match."

Madhun placed a hand on his shoulder. "Mayank, We've asked around about the Doshi family. They are good people, respected and well-known in the community. We've heard nothing but good things."

"But I'm not ready for this," Mayank protested. "I'm focused on my job. I don't have time to think about marriage."

Maya nodded understandingly. "I know, son, but this isn't just about you. This is about the future—about building something strong."

Mayank sighed, rubbing his temples. "But I don't know if this or she is the right choice for me."

Madhun smiled softly. "We're not asking you to rush into anything. Just think about it, Mayank. You'll be glad you did. It's not just the charts, son. Everything we've observed about Niharika, how she handled things at the dinner, how calm and collected she was—it all adds up. You're both from school, you've known each other. It makes sense."

Maya added, "Niharika is the kind of person who could bring balance to your life, Mayank. She's soft-spoken, manages a household well, and cares for those around her. We saw it when we were at her home. It's exactly the kind of quality you want in a partner."

Mayank stared at his parents for a long moment, the weight of their words pressing on him. "Okay. I'll think about it."

~•~

Later that evening, after much contemplation, both Niharika and Mayank had come to the same reluctant conclusion. They both went to their parents and said yes, though neither of them was particularly enthusiastic about the idea.

"Okay, I'll do it," Niharika said quietly, her voice almost a whisper.

Mayank, with a resigned look, echoed her sentiment. "I'll go along with it."

They both were secretly hoping that the other one says no, and the marriage wouldn't go through.

Their parents exchanged excited glances before rushing to call each other. Madhun and Maya spoke first, then Abhijeet and Yangeeta joined the conversation. The news spread quickly: Mayank and Niharika had agreed.

The next day, the families met again to discuss the wedding plans. Mayank sat with his arms crossed, trying to stay disengaged from the excitement in the room.

"We need to start planning," Yangeeta said, beaming. "This will be a joyful event!"

Mayank spoke up, his tone calm but firm. "I just want a quiet wedding. Something simple."

Madhun raised her eyebrows. "No, no! It's a big occasion. We need a little celebration—loud, joyful."

Niharika, who had barely spoken through the discussion, simply nodded, her face neutral. She had no interest in the details, but she knew this wasn't about her opinion.

After much back-and-forth, they agreed on a compromise—a small but meaningful wedding, just as Niharika and Mayank had wanted, but with a touch of celebration for the families. They decided on a Marathi wedding, with the traditional rituals and ceremonies.

As the families finalized the plans, Niharika's phone buzzed. She picked it up and smiled faintly as she saw the message: "Congratulations! You've been selected for the position at Microsoft!"

She hadn't expected the job offer so soon, and though she felt a small sense of pride, her mind was still elsewhere. I should be excited about this, she thought, but all she could think about was the wedding, the marriage that seemed to be pushing forward without her involvement.

Mayank, who had been sitting beside her, and noticed the small smile she was trying to hide. The excitement showing through her flickering eyes and fingers. He had understood that she got in. He whispered to her in a polite smile, "Congratulations," he said, though his voice held no real enthusiasm. Just basic respect.

Niharika nodded and thanked him, but didn't engage in further conversation. She didn't know what to say, and honestly, she didn't know if he cared.

The families continued to make wedding plans around them, their excitement palpable.

🩷