Chapter 9: chapter 9

GOWRIIt is been two days since I made up my mind to get married. I am giving up on my task to call off this marriage. I have pulled all the strings but nothing worked. I am surrendering to fate. Like my father said if fate wants me to get married then who am I to stop it?But the problem is no matter how much I tell myself that the marriage will be a happy one, I know very well that it will not be. Not after what Shiva informed. I am insane for marrying someone who told me outright that he will not keep me happy. But my father was right, I don't need a man to keep me happy. I dial Shiva's number for the umpteenth time. But I get the same reply ‘The number you are calling is currently switched off or unreachable’. Besides his phone number, I don't have any other means to contact him. I can't show up at his workplace like he did because he is in Chennai. Also, I don't even know his workplace name. It was not mentioned in the biodata. Maybe I can go to Savitri aunty's house in hopes of seeing him–Savitri aunty lives here in my hometown–but I am not supposed to go to my MIL's house before the marriage.I sigh. Okay, Mr.Shiva. I tried calling you to inform you about my failure to call off this wedding but you didn't pick up. You are the one to suffer for not picking up.I think. If only you could send messages by just thinking! No use thinking when that thought would go nowhere out of my head.🍀🍀🍀🍀My days in my hometown are coming to an end. There is still a solid week left for the marriage and  I have already received my transfer letter. I am to report to work a week before my marriage.Chennai is not a new place for me as I had stayed a few times for work-related stuff but this time it is going to be different. Since visiting a place for a short time is different from living there.“But how will you stay alone?” my mother asks when I tell my parents about the transfer.“Ma, I already told you that I am staying with Sara until my marriage,” I tell. Usually, when I go to Chennai under my parents’ strict conditions I had to stay in my uncle’s house but this year, unfortunately, he and his whole family moved abroad. Since the culture doesn’t permit the bride and groom to spend time together before marriage, I definitely can’t stay with Shiva before marriage. The only other close person I know who lives in that city is my best friend Sara.“But Sara is not a male and she is staying alone you say,” tells my mother.I sigh. I know this is what would happen beforehand. Some parents send their girl child abroad without any male support and then there are my parents who are apprehensive about sending me to a city six hours away.“Sara lives in a secured apartment with a lot of CCTV cameras and security. It is a residential area. I am staying for just four days. Besides, tell me where else can I stay in the city? The only other choice is Shiva.”  “What is Shiva’s opinion about you staying in Sara’s house?” “He is okay with it,” I lie. My parents assumed that I am having frequent conversations with him. I tried to tell them the truth but they didn’t believe me as they thought I was too shy to admit that I am speaking to him. I left it there and am still maintaining it.  “But Gowri, it is not safe for a young woman like you to stay alone in a big city,” says my father. “I am staying with my friend and then I am moving to my husband’s house. I don’t understand why you both make such a fuss about it.”“Gowri, we are not making it a big deal. We are just concerned about your safety,” my mother tells.I am suddenly surprised by the unity of my parents. They haven’t argued a word since I told them about my departure. If this non-violence continues in my house then I wouldn’t have to marry.“Alright, I understand your concern but it is only four days. Besides, you know Sara very well. So, why do you worry?”“Gowri, before your marriage, you are our responsibility and we have to make sure you are safe and healthy,” my mother tells.  But this is my life and I am responsible for it. I wanted to tell but past instances have taught me to keep my mouth shut. My mother's phone rings. She frowns at the screen and shows it to me. Savitri aunty is calling her. I sigh in relief. Last night, Savitri aunty called me regarding my transfer to Chennai and I told her about all my arrangements. I also told her that my parents wouldn't allow me to stay with Sara and she promised to get consent from my parents.I watch as my mother speaks in a civil tone to Savitri aunty. “But it may not be safe for her,” my mother says on the phone.Savitri aunty replies something.“Oh, your elder daughter is also in Chennai. You say there is nothing to worry about. But, you see she is a young woman and the society is not safe for her.”Savitri aunty says something and my mother nods her head with a dissatisfied expression.“Ok, fine,” she tells finally in a defeated tone. “I will let her stay with her friend.”🍀🍀🍀🍀Â