Uncharted Lovers

Amara Singh was typing the last few lines of her presentation at her desk with her fingers speeding over the keyboard. The late-evening serenity was broken only by the quiet hum of the workplace air conditioner. Within the workplace, the world was a flurry of deadlines and statistics, even as the city lights shimmered like a sea of stars outside. She groaned, realising that her job was never really done, as she took a quick look at the time.

She was startled out of her reverie as her phone rang on the desk. Her mother's name was on the screen. After hesitating, Amara said, "Hello, Mom," sounding tired.

"Hey, Amara, how are you doing?" The tenderness in her mother's voice contrasted with the seriousness of the topic.

Though tiredness was pulling at her, Amara tried to seem upbeat as she answered, "I'm fine, just finishing up some work."

"Work, labour, labour." Sweetie, when are you going to take a break? You know, I've been speaking with your father lately-

Amara got her bearings. "Yes, Mom, I understand. You want to discuss the wedding.

It's not only about the wedding, Amara, I assure you. It concerns your future. Your father and I have discovered someone who would be the ideal match for you, and you're not getting any younger.

Amara felt her heart sink. It was a story she had heard numerous times before. "Mom, I truly can't do this at this time. Can't we discuss it later?

Later on? This is something we've been discussing for months. Rohan Mehra is his name. He is well-known, hails from a reputable family, and "Moreover?" Amara cut him off. "What else? Does he possess a dozen more attributes that would make him the perfect fit?

Her mother's tone became more rigid. "Amara, he's a nice guy. Before you write off the concept, you have to at least get to know him.

Amara rubbed her temples and closed her eyes. "Mom, I'm busy. Why can't we wait for this?

"Amara, it's crucial," her mother whispered. You're not being asked to decide right now. This weekend, just grab supper with him. Please.

Amara felt a mixture of despair and anger as the conversation ended. Leaning back in her seat, she gazed at the bright screen. She was being pulled farther away from the life she had painstakingly constructed by her mother's persistent pressure, which was like a weight she couldn't get rid of.

**Saturday came and went in a whirl of organising and anxious expectation.** Amara was standing in front of her wardrobe, deciding between two outfits. She felt stuck in a social routine that each one of them appeared to scorn. In the hopes that it would strike the correct mix of professionalism and warmth, she finally decided on a simple but attractive attire.

Her phone buzzed once again as she got closer to the eatery, a sleek, contemporary place tucked away in the middle of the metropolis. Her mother had sent her the following message: *"Remember to have an open mind. Waiting is Rohan.*

Despite rolling her eyes, she inhaled deeply to prepare herself for what was about to happen. The warm glow of ambient lighting welcomed her as she walked inside the restaurant, along with the sound of courteous conversation. Her gaze swept over the space, coming to rest on a guy sitting at a two-person table. When she got closer, he glanced up, and Amara was startled. Remarkably attractive, Rohan Mehra had a calm confidence that belied his experience in demanding attention.

He stood to meet her, saying, "Ms. Singh?" Although he spoke in a smooth and courteous manner, Amara didn't like the subtle formality in his tone.

Indeed, Mr. Mehra. It's nice to meet you, she said with a forced grin as she sat down.

The dinner talk flowed well yet awkwardly. They said hello and spoke about their origins, yet there was tension in their relationship. Although polite, Rohan seemed aloof, acting more like he was reading from a screenplay than having a real conversation. Amara couldn't help but wish she could hide in her cosy office from the staged nature of this meeting.

"So, in your spare time, what do you like to do?" As he drank his water, Rohan broke the stillness with a question.

Amara paused, then answered with her typical well-prepared responses. "I enjoy travelling and reading." Nevertheless, I don't have as much spare time as I'd want since I'm really busy at work.

With a non-readable expression, Rohan nodded. "I understand. Maintaining one's concentration on one's work is crucial. How is your family doing?

The enquiries became more intimate as the evening went on, and Amara started to feel a little awkward. Finding her true self appeared to be less of the focus of the talk than trying to fit her into a preconceived notion. She was glad to leave the formal setting at the conclusion of the lunch.

Her mother had left her a message on her phone when she got home: *"How was dinner? We look forward to hearing your opinions.*

Frustrated and depressed at the same time, Amara glanced at the screen. She found herself torn between what her family expected of her and her yearning for freedom. Which way was best for her? Would she ever be able to balance these opposing needs?

With her mind racing, she collapsed onto the couch. Was this the life she had imagined for herself, one governed more by custom than by her own decisions? A fresh doubt settled in her heart as she considered these issues. She was about to make a choice that might change her life's trajectory, and the way ahead was murky.

Amara continued thinking about Rohan and the supper as she turned off the lights and got ready for bed. Had her being so aloof been a mistake? Was there any possibility that this agreement would turn out to be more than a compromise?

The questions remained unanswered in the dimly lit room, suggesting that this was just the start of a trip she wasn't quite sure of.