2. Emotional blackmail

Anika

A couple of days later, my parents gave me a call , saying they needed to chat urgently.

Even though we all live in the same city, I rent an apartment close to work. But, I miss them. Even if I do see them quite often.

I reached my parents' place in like an hour and a half. I gave my mom a big hug once she opened the door, and there was my dad, who was busy watching TV just like always.

"Hey, papa," I greeted.

My younger sister, Varsha, was glued to her phone. She's in her last year of uni. Seriously, with her fashion sense, she's gonna soar high.

I went over and snatched her phone, just to annoy her. I mean, what's a sibling for if not to annoy, right?

"Ani, give my phone back."

"Nopeeee"

My dad cut in before I could respond to Varsha's pleas.

"I've got something important to talk to you about."

"Yeah, dad."

"We're done with your drama Anika, this time 'no' isn't an option," my dad said, pretty serious.

"What is this about?" Actually, I've got a pretty good idea. My marriage. I knew this day would come sooner or later, but I didn't think it'd come so quickly.

"Anika, you've got to get married!" my mom added.

"But why? I'm just 24. I've got so much I want to do, and I don't see how marriage fits into the picture."

"We need money, kiddo. If you marry some dude with a good social standing, it will do good for the company."

"But we're doing alright financially, papa."

"Nah, your sis wants to jet off abroad for studies, and the company's not exactly thriving either."

"But you said everything was okay."

"We're middle-class people, Anika. 'Okay' for us means it's barely running."

"So, I need to marry for that?"

"Yup, we've shortlisted a few guys for you. Just pick one," my mom said.

"Great" I muttered sarcastically.

"So, what do I need to do to change the topic here?"

"Just a pair of sneakers for me," my sister declared. I'm seriously gonna strangle this girl. The least she could've done was give me a heads-up about all this. I'm definitely having a chat with her later.

"No dodging this one, Beta. You've got a marriage in your future." Mom says

"But I'm not ready, mom. I just got my independence, and what if...?" A million thoughts were racing through my head. Marriage was a big leap, and marrying a stranger? Even worse.

As if my mom had a direct line to my thoughts, she chimed in, "Chill out. We're not telling you to marry tomorrow. Start by getting to know each other, go out a few times. Once you're comfortable, you can get engaged. Marriage can wait."

Okay, that's somewhat of a relief (emphasis on "somewhat").

"Alright, I'll consider it, but only if I actually like the guy."

"Oh, trust me, you will," my sister added with a wicked grin. That little...!

"Can we move on to having my favourite biryani now?"

"Sure thing, let's go. I made it just for you," my mom replied with a smile.

"I'm pretty sure we all know who's the favourite child here," my sister playfully whined.

"I think we all know the answer to that," my dad chimed in.

All of us started laughing..

Things were good. Life was good. But the whole upcoming marriage thing? Not so good. However, I wasn't ready to meet a guy anytime soon, so I was in the clear for a few months at least.

We all dug into dinner together. It felt heartwarming to spend quality time with the family.

"Mom the food was amazing." We got hooked on a crime series, a shared love between me and my dad. Back in the day, as soon as a thriller hit the screens, we'd rush to the theater.

Those were the fun college days. I used to stress about exams, now it's life decisions. We binge-watched a few episodes and eventually retired to our rooms.

Tomorrow being Sunday meant I could hang around here for another day. I was already dreaming about my mom's signature dishes. But then reality hit me – after marriage, there's gonna be another person to cook for. I mean, I cook for myself, but a whole other family? The stress came rushing back.

I dialed the one person I knew could lighten the mood. I called up Aarav.

"Hey, still alive?"

"You know I am," he replied. I swear that guy doesn't need sleep to function.

"So, what's going on?"

"Why do you sound like something's up?"

"Can't I just call you at night and ask 'whatsup' without something being off?"

"Because, Ani, you never call at this hour and ask that question, plus your voice sounds a tad off." Ugh, I was on the verge of tears. This dude knows me way too well.

"My parents want me to get married."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah, and dad's saying 'company's not doing well'."

"Can't you just ask my dad for help with your company? He'd totally back you, Ani."

"Trust me, Aarav, Dad will think it's pity, and he's too proud to accept help." I love my dad but he's too proud to accept anything from anybody.

"So, explain to me how marriage suddenly fixes everything."

"Supposedly, this guy brings recognition and a partnership, which, according to dad, will somehow make the company grow."

"Well, that kind of makes sense."

"Seriously?"

"No, the logic makes sense. I'm still on your side, duh."

"I know, and I'm thankful you're around, you idiot."

"So, what's the real 'whatsup'?" I finally asked.

"Not much, same old boring life. I thought working at your dad's company would ease things, but it just heaps on more stress. I'm on call round the clock. It sucks."

"Nah, you thrive on creativity, not in those endless meetings and mingling with strangers." His inner introvert is loud and clear.

"Absolutely true," he chuckled.

Aarav's been privy to my Jai crush since college. But I don't get why he ships us. He seriously thinks Jai would pick me out of all the women? Yeah, right. But I decide to throw out a question that's been bugging me for days.

"So, Jai's officially back here now?"

"And how do you know that, Ms. Sharma?"

"He dropped me home the other night. Or have you forgotten that you were supposed to be my ride?"

"Oh, come on, I asked Adi to drop you. That jerk didn't offer?"

"Nah, it's fine. Jai made sure I got home safe."

"Bet he did."

"Shut up." my cheeks turned pink.

"No, seriously, Ani, both you and Jai need to get married. You could literally marry your crush, dude! Seize the moment."

"Keep dreaming, you idiot." With that, we exchanged goodbyes.

But the idea just didn't sit well with me. Jai needs a marriage for his inheritance. Even if he agrees to marry me, it'll be for the money, not love. And that doesn't sit right with me at all.

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