Kismat

Chapter 3: Difficult Conversations

"Riya, go upstairs and look after maa, she might need something, and Aarav walks the doctor out for me please, then you also go upstairs," Shourya says as he walks down the stairs with his father. It's only a minor cut and Suman would be okay by herself but, he doesn't want his 18-year-old siblings to have to watch any of what's about to take place in the living room.

Shourya has always been like this about his family, protective and sometimes overbearing. The welfare of his family is not something he would ever compromise on. Ever.

"Dadi, I think you should also go and rest."

(Grandma)

"Nahi, I'll stay here. I want to know what's going to happen."

(No)

"Okay"

Shourya takes a seat next to his father, opposite the new bride who's been looking down since she walked in. Everyone is silent, waiting for someone to make the start on the difficult and tricky conversation ahead.

"Rohan, do you want to explain?" Raj says in a neutral tone, hinting at Rohan that he's not going to be let off easy this time.

"I love Priya, I've loved her for six years, since before being promised." He says to no one in particular. "Daddy, I don't want to marry your friend's daughter. When you guys arranged us, we were young. I thought over the years you would forget and move on. If not, you'd realise how ridiculous this is. I mean me, a guy who was born in this mansion, lives in luxuries, and can have anything at the snap of his fingers getting married to a girl who lives in a three-bedroom house the size of our foyer. I mean seriously, we're no match!"

This leaves everyone stunned. Neel looks over at his wife Reema, who looks more worried than shocked. "What did you just say?" Neel asks.

"You think Suraj's daughter is no match for you?"

Reema stands up as her husband's voice increases. She knows where this is going.

"Neel, my brother, sit down." Raj attempts to calm his brother down, but it's to no use. "No, bhai! Did you hear what this spoilt little brat just said!" Neel points at his son, his face is pure disgust.

(brother)

"I heard, but you need to calm down, your anger isn't going to help."

"Daddy, Priya is so much more like me, we have the same hobbies, likes and dislikes. We are so much more compatible. Why don't you understand?" Rohan says, his voice slightly higher but Shourya could hear the underlying fear.

"Look at what we've done Reema. We've spoilt him beyond limits, he lost his ability to think and be rational."

"Neel, pehle bahu ko aandar le jate hai, hmmm." Reema says.

(first let's take our daughter-in-law inside)

"Nahi"

"She is equally responsible for what has happened, she also needs to face the consequences."

Neel turns towards his daughter-in-law and says, "Call your parents here. Now."

"Baki ki baatein tab hogi. But, Rohan, forget that higher-rank job I promised you at my office. If you want to work at my office, you'll need to come in and interview for a position suitable to your degree and qualifications like everyone else." Neel's voice echoes through the mansion.

(The rest of the talks will happen then)

"Bhai, kal bank se kisi ko bulvake Rohan ke saare credit cards baand karvane hain, If he's old enough to understand who is a better life partner for him, then he is old enough to earn and provide for them too. He can live here, and I'll feed him and his wife, but anything beyond that he and his wife must do themselves."

(Brother, tomorrow we'll call someone from the bank. Rohan's credit cards need to be shut off.)

Priya's face drains in colour, she stares up at her father-in-law as she hangs up the call. Then turns her gaze to her husband, who gives her a small nod, trying to tell her it'll be okay.

"Neel! You can't do that! He's our only son, who's going to look after your business after us? You can't do that to our son and daughter-in-law." Reema's eyes tear up as she practically begs her husband to consider. "Aap ek bar aur soch len."

(please do think again.)

But her pleas fall on deafears as turns away from his wife, he knew if he listened to her anymore thenhe'll cave, like every other time.