Chapter 17

“I don’t think I’m doing this right.”

“I don’t think you are either.”

“Relax, you’re thinking too hard.”

“It’s going to burn!”

Priya and Payal were busy in the kitchen.  Priya had convinced the chef to let her have the kitchen so she could teach Payal how to cook some traditional Indian dishes.  As of now, they both were struggling.

“Payal, don’t put that much in there.” commanded Priya.

“A little more won’t hurt anyone.” Payal replied, adding a pinch or two of salt to the concoction resting on the stove.

“You’re going to give your future husband food poisoning.” teased Priya.

“Future husband? No thank you.” Payal replied.

“Payal, you have to get married.” Priya said.

“No I don’t.” Payal answered non-chalantly.  She started chopping vegetables.  Priya reached over and stopped her.

“Yes you do.  Baba will be so disappointed if you don’t.” Priya tried to reason.

“I’ll only marry the man I love.” declared Payal, stubbornly.

“Payal, that’s against our traditions.” Priya said.

“Traditions are meant to be changed.” Payal answered.

“Look how happy Aman and I are.  Don’t you want to be happy?” Priya asked.

“I can be happy with a love marriage.  Jija-ji is amazing! You got lucky with him.  Not everyone gets that lucky.  Plus, who wants to get married? I’m staying single for as long as possible.” Payal said.

“Why are you saying this all of a sudden?” Priya replied.

Payal looked away.  She turned so that Priya couldn’t see her face.

“No reason,” replied Payal quietly.

“Good morning! What’s cooking?” Aman asked, excitedly as he entered the kitchen.

He took in the sight of the two sister before him and paused.

“Did I interrupt one of your sister moments?” he asked.

“No Jija-ji. Not at all.  Come taste my cooking!” Payal exclaimed.

Aman strode forward, eager to taste what Payal had made.  If Payal had half the ability that Priya had, Aman would definitely be in for a treat.  He took a spoonful of the aromatic concoction from the pot and carefully tasted it.  Suddenly, Aman stopped chewing and shot Priya a look.  Priya scrunched her eyebrows in confusion, while Payal stood there smiling widely.

“Don’t you like it?” she questioned.

Priya looked at Aman cautiously.  Aman reluctantly swallowed.  What seemed like pain was apparent on his face.

“It was…” Aman started.  He was at a loss for words.

“What?” Payal asked.  She took a spoonful for herself and tasted it.  Immediately she spat out what she had just cooked.

“Oh. My. God.  That was terrible.” Payal announced, “How did you swallow that?” she asked.

Aman took the spoon and handed it to Priya.

“Please, don’t ever let Payal cook again.” he pleaded.

Priya giggled while Payal feigned hurt.  Aman tried to stifle a laugh but was unsuccessful.

“Can I talk to you privately?” Aman asked Priya.

“Ooohhh Jija-ji is getting romantic!” Payal teased as she went back to the stove.  Priya blushed.  Aman led her out of the kitchen towards the living room.

“About last night…”Aman started as soon as they were far enough away from the kitchen.

“Aman, it’s okay. I was the one who was on your side of the bed, remember?” Priya replied.

“I know. The sofa really is okay though.” Aman tried to convince Priya.

“I don’t believe you.” Priya challenged.

Aman took a step closer.  A smug expression was on his face.  A smirk twitched at his lips.  Priya took a step back, unsure of what Aman was up to.

“Priya,” Aman said, watching her intently, “Do you enjoy sleeping in the same bed as me?”

Priya blushed deeper than she thought possible.  She lowered her gaze.

“I knew it! You do! That’s why you’re taking all this so well. Admit it.  You don’t mind what happened last night because you like me.” Aman declared.

“Stop being so childish.” Priya retorted weakly.

A wide grin spread across Aman’s face.  He lightly chuckled.

“I’m just kidding, Priya. Lighten up.” Aman said.  He started to walk back to the kitchen.

“Aman,” Priya said quickly, “Do you…”

“Do I what?” Aman said, walking back towards where Priya was standing.

“Do you like me?” Priya asked.  She always accused Aman of acting childish.  Now it was her who was being childish.

“Of course I do,” Aman smiled.  “If I didn’t like you, you wouldn’t be staying in my bedroom and I definitely wouldn’t have taken you out on a date.” Aman winked at her before walking back to the kitchen.

Priya’s heart fluttered.  Aman might be developing the same feelings for her as she’s developing for him.  She composed herself and followed Aman into the kitchen.  She tried to control her blush so Payal wouldn’t notice.

“So what’s up?” Payal eyed the couple suspiciously as they entered the kitchen.

“Nothing,” Aman replied, nonchalantly biting into an apple.

“Then why all the secrecy?” Payal pushed further.

“There was no secrecy.  It was just something private between a husband and his wife.” Aman said.

A wide grin appeared on Payal’s face.  She looked over at Priya, who was desperately trying to refrain from blushing.

“I’m not even going to ask. I think...I may be too young to hear this.” Payal concluded.

“Payal!” Priya exclaimed incredulously, “It’s nothing like that.”

“Nothing like what?” Payal replied, feigning innocence.

Aman was curious to know where this conversation was heading.  He leaned back against the counter, waiting for Priya to answer.

“Nothing like what you were thinking.” Priya was beating around the bush, uncomfortable with approaching the subject.

“Whatever you say, Didi.” Payal answered sheepishly.

Aman smiled to himself.  Priya and Payal were so funny when they were together.  Payal is such an extrovert, confident and personable.  Priya is shy and modest.  Aman wondered how the two sisters get along.

“So what are your plans for today, Payal?” Aman asked.

“NYU this morning, then I’m taking a look at SUNY.”  Payal answered

“SUNY? Why would you go to a SUNY?” asked Aman. His sister-in-law would attend the best private university that will accept her.

“A SUNY? There’s more than one?”  Payal replied, unsurely.

“Payal, SUNY is a system of college.   It stands for State Universities of New York.” Aman explained.  “Didn’t you do any research about colleges here before boarding a plane and heading over?”

“Not...really.  I just missed Didi.” Payal answered quietly.

Priya smiled at her little sister.  Even though she constantly tries to make fun of Priya, Payal was a great sister, and Priya knew she was lucky to have her.

“Do you want to go to school here?” Aman asked seriously.

“Of course! It’s New York City!  And this way, I can’t get married before I’m twenty-two.  I can pursue graduate studies.  That’ll keep me single until at least twenty-five!” Payal said excitedly.

“You want to go to school in America...to stay single?” Aman asked, confused at what Payal’s motives are.  He thought back to himself and how he was so reluctant to give up his freedom and get married. He unconsciously looked over at Priya, who was busy preparing breakfast.  She seemed unfazed at the mention of Payal’s intentions.

“Yep!” Payal answered.

“Priya, did you know about this?”  Aman asked in disbelief.

“Well, she just told me this morning.” Priya replied.

“And you’re okay with this?  Studying in America to evade marriage?” Aman asked Priya.

“An arranged marriage.” Payal piped in.

Priya looked down.  Aman could feel himself growing angrier.  He and Priya were forced into an arranged marriage.  It wasn’t as bad as Payal was making it out to be.  It wasn’t as bad as he himself had thought it would be.

“Why is an arranged marriage such a bad thing, Payal?  You’re willing to give up the home you grew up in and travel thousands of miles to a foreign country just so you won’t have to get married.  What are you afraid of?” Aman confronted Payal.  Priya looked on in astonishment.

“I’m not ready to get married.” Payal answered.

“Neither were we, Payal.  We’re older than you are.  You aren’t getting married anytime soon.  You shouldn’t worry so much.  And an arranged marriage isn’t that bad.” Aman stated.

Payal looked down.  Priya examined her sister’s expression.

“Payal, why are you so worried about marriage all of a sudden?” Priya asked.

Payal refused to look up and stayed silent.  Priya moved closer to her.

“Baba said he has a suitor in mind.” Payal admitted, tears stinging her eyes.

Priya gasped.  Payal was eighteen.  She wasn’t ready to be married.  Priya, who was in her early twenties, wasn’t even ready for marriage.

“Shit!” Aman cursed.  “This isn’t happening. I won’t let it.” he declared.

“What did you tell Baba when you came to New York?  He doesn’t think you’re visiting colleges, does he?” asked Priya.

“He thinks I’m meeting...him….my future husband.” Payal replied.

“Here? All by yourself?” Priya asked.

“He lives in New York City just like Jija-ji.  I told Baba to send me, and I’ll have you and Jija-ji take me to meet him.”  Payal answered.

“Why did you tell us that you were looking at colleges?” Priya asked.

“So you wouldn’t freak out.” Payal said.

“What’s his name?” Aman asked suddenly.

“Rakesh Sehgal.” Payal said.

“Rakesh?” Aman said.  His fists clenched.  Payal was like a sister to him, and he wouldn’t let just anybody marry her.  Rakesh and Aman have been friends for years, not close friends but friends nonetheless.  Rakesh was nearly five years older than Aman and had previously been married.  He had a lapse in judgement when the two of them along with Hiten had gone to Vegas a year ago.  Rakesh met a girl in a bar and, after spending only three days with her, decided that they just had to get married.  He didn’t even regret his decisions until his business contacts began to doubt his decision-making skills and branded him as hasty and irrational upon hearing the news of his impromptu Vegas wedding.  Rakesh and Aman were one and the same.  They were afraid of commitment.  The only difference now is Aman is married, and Rakesh is still a womanizing player who has absolutely no respect for women.   There was no way in hell he was going to marry Payal.

“Do you know him?” asked Payal, breaking Aman’s train of thought.

“Yeah.  Pretty well actually.” Aman said, “You’re not marrying him.”

“What?” Priya asked, “Why not?”

“Don’t question him, Didi!  I think Jija-ji is on to something!” Payal exclaimed, traces her joyful self started breaking through the solemn exterior she’s erected.

“He’s not good enough for her.” Aman said.

“Aman, Baba decided that Payal will marry Rakesh.  He wouldn’t choose someone who wasn’t good enough her her.” Priya reasoned.

“He’s five years older than me! He doesn’t respect women, Priya.  The number of girlfriends and flings he’s had is larger than his bank balance!” Aman tried to explain.

“Five years?!” Payal exclaimed.

“Five years older than me, Payal.  He’s in his thirties, and you’re barely an adult.” Aman replied.

Priya looked at him in shock.  Rakesh didn’t sound like a decent man to marry.  Why would her father choose such a suitor for Payal?

“A business deal.” Priya said to herself, quietly.

“What?” Aman asked.

“Aman, can I talk to you privately?” Priya asked.

“Didi! This isn’t the time for romance! We’re trying to solve a major problem here!” Payal interjected.

“It will only take a minute, and it has nothing to do with romance.” Priya said, taking Aman by the arm and pulling him out of the kitchen behind her.  She led him up the stairs to his bedroom.  Once inside, she closed and locked the door.

“Priya, what are you doing?” Aman asked suspiciously.

“Aman! This isn’t time for that kind of thinking.” Priya chided.

“Sorry, I didn’t know what to expect.  Why are we here?” he said.

“A business deal!” exclaimed Priya.

“Okay…?” Aman replied, still confused.

“Why else would Baba choose such a husband for Payal?” Priya said.

“Damn! You’re right.  There must be some sort of benefit coming from this alliance.” Aman said.

“It’s just like what happened with us!” Priya realized.

“But I’m not as bad as Rakesh.” Aman countered.

“Aman, you’re not bad at all.” Priya answered sincerely.

“Priya,” Aman said moving closer, “We can’t let Payal marry Rakesh.”

“But Baba…” Priya said hopelessly.

“Let’s convince him to let Payal go to school here.  She shouldn’t get married before completing her education.  If that fails, then I’ll find her someone to marry, someone who’s worthy of her.

Priya wanted to shed tears of joy.  She wanted to jump into Aman’s arms and embrace him forever.  He was treating Payal like she really was his sister.  He cared more about her than their own father.

Priya and Aman walked downstairs and into the kitchen.  Payal was no longer there.  She had gone into the living room and was talking to a man.  Priya looked at Aman questioningly.  Aman looked angry.  Sitting on the couch, next to Payal was Rakesh!  Payal was laughing at whatever he’d just said, and he was trying to work his charm to its fullest extent.

“Rakesh.” Aman called.

“Aman! Hey man! How’s it going?”  Rakesh answered as he stood up.  He walked toward Aman, shaking his hand vigorously.

“What are you doing here?”  Aman asked.

“I just got back from Australia!  What is this?  You didn’t invite me to the wedding? Hiten said you got married in India.” Rakesh said.  His eyes traveled to Priya, trying to assess whether or not she was Aman’s wife.

“I did get married. This is my wife, Priya.” Aman said gesturing to Priya, who was standing beside him.

“It’s nice to meet you, Priya. You’re so beautiful.  How did Aman get so lucky?” Rakesh said.  He reached to shake her hand, but she folded her hands together and offered a quick “Namaste” before retreating behind Aman.

“Okay. Namaste.” Replied Rakesh, copying Priya’s hand position.  “A bit traditional for my taste, but it’s alright.” He turned to Payal, “And who is this lovely lady? I’ve never seen her here before.”

“Payal. My sister-in-law.” Aman answered, gritting his teeth.

Payal stood there, stunned.  Rakesh tried to greet her, but she didn’t respond.

Priya led Payal out of the room.  They walked upstairs into Payal’s bedroom.

“Payal, say something.” Priya pleaded.  “Payal!”

“Didi...it was him. He’s who I’m supposed to marry.” Payal said.  She wasn’t thinking straight.  She was still in a state of shock.

“That was him.” Priya confirmed.

“He seemed so nice.  He said I was pretty and all these other nice things.  He was...just...so old.” Payal reasoned.

“I know.” Priya answered.

“I don’t want to marry him.” Payal said, nearly breaking down in tears.

“I know.  We’re going to fix this. Don’t worry.” Priya consoled her.

Meanwhile, Aman continued his conversation with Rakesh.  He wondered what Priya and Payal were talking about upstairs.  He desperately wanted to know if Payal was okay.

“So how are things? Any big news?” Aman asked.

Rakesh took a sip of coffee and eyed Aman, trying to figure out what he wanted to know.

“Big news?  You’re the one with the big news around here.” he said.

“You should get married too. It’s the best feeling ever.” Aman said.  He knew this was a lie, but he hoped Rakesh would believe him.  There was nothing wrong with being married. If Aman could choose between the life he’d had before he’d gotten married and the life he has now,however, he’d choose the life he’d had before.  Men like him and Rakesh weren’t meant to be tied down by the bonds of marriage.

“Really?  I never thought I’d hear those words coming from your mouth.” Rakesh laughed.

“It really is wonderful.  Are you planning on getting married soon?” Aman asked.  He needed to be sure whether Rakesh knew about his impending marriage or not.  He didn’t know that he was marrying Priya when he was called to India, so there’s a chance that Rakesh might not know either.

“No way! I’m a bachelor for life.” Rakesh stated.

“Good.” Aman said, “You should stick to that.”

“What happened to ‘marriage is the best feeling’?” Rakesh asked mockingly.

“It is, but it’s not for everyone.” Aman said.

He and Rakesh talked for a while longer.  Aman was eager to get Rakesh out of his house, so he could check on Payal.

“Payal.” Aman knocked on  Payal’s door.  Priya opened it and stepped aside, so Aman could come in. Payal was sitting upright on her bed, tightly clutching a pillow.  She rocked back and forth uneasily.

“Jija-ji! What happened?” asked Payal, nearly jumping off her bed.

“He doesn’t know about the marriage.” Aman said, “and he’s not too keen on getting married at all.”

“That’s great!” Payal exclaimed.

“Payal, his father and your father might have arranged the marriage without telling him.” Aman said.

Payal’s smile faded.

“What do we do now?” Payal asked, helplessly.

“I need to speak with your father.” Aman said rushing out into the hallway.  He went into his bedroom, Priya following swiftly behind him.

“You’re going to call him now?” she asked, as Aman hurriedly searched for his phone.

“Yes.” Aman said.

He tossed aside a pillow and found his phone lying underneath.  He quickly looked up Priya’s father’s number in his contact list and called him.  Priya waited anxiously.  She wasn’t sure what Aman was going to say or how he was going to convince her father to cancel Payal’s marriage.  Her father had threatened to disown her if she didn’t marry Aman.  She didn’t want that Payal to have to make the same decision she did.

“Hello? Namaste.” Priya heard Aman greet somebody on the phone.  She heard him ask her father’s secretary if he was available to discuss something very important. After exchanging pleasantries, the men got down to business.

“You don’t understand.  Payal is too young to get married.”

“She needs an education, and New York is one of the best places to get an amazing education.”

“Yes, I do know Rakesh.  He’s not right for Payal. The age difference alone…”

Aman and Priya’s father were arguing back and forth.  Priya knew she should be with Payal, but she couldn’t pry herself away from the Aman’s conversation with her father.

“Look, I’ve tried being nice about this, but I absolutely cannot allow this marriage to happen.  I don’t mean to disrespect you, but I don’t think you have Payal’s best interest or her happiness in mind.”  Aman said.  There was a long pause.  Priya’s father was replying.  Priya held her breath.  She could sense the tension rising.

“If you aren’t going to respect me as your son-in-law and at least listen to what I have to say, then what was the point of forcing Priya to marry me?” Aman retorted angrily.

“Aman.” Priya couldn’t believe he was talking to her father like that.  She understood that he was angry, but she couldn’t help but intervene.

Aman glanced over at Priya, but didn’t apologize.  He was too angry to even think about respecting his elders right now.

“I’ll let you make the decision.  If you force Payal to marry Rakesh, I’ll divorce Priya.”  Aman challenged.

Priya felt numb.  One decision by her father could send her crashing down.

I’m the worst! I know! I’m so so so so sorry! I have exams this week, and instead of studying, I wrote this chapter.  Hopefully, I’ll never ever update this late ever again!! Major drama in the next few chapters, so keep reading!

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