Marriage at a Distance

fee and working on her assignment in between to catch up with the deadline was the only thing on her mind now. She was immers

towards the sound and instantly their eyes met. He froze for a second. The thin lips of his turned to a sardonic smile. And he was walking towards her. Oh God this is not happening. Is this a dream. Why is he here of all places in the world! Thoughts raced in her head without a stop. Every step he took, her heart beat doubled

e may I know?" , he questioned her with his

h her tongue and muttered "I

antly. He pushed his hands into his pockets and said

as drippin

ed her i

e elites like you stayed here. Trust me if I knew you were living here, I woul

e. He just shook his head and said "Oh, I trust you on that. Now that you have made i

h a resigned tone. At leas

y filled the space around her and his distinct yet mild cologne made her dizzy and instinctively she moved towards the edge of the couch. She didn't want to look at Raj's reactio

course?" He asked in a calm and relaxed ton

e and the result was for everyone to see. But this time she decided that it was

s are already done. Now I am working on my final project and hope to use it to get an internship in India and start

in life which gives you joy. I had almost given up hope on that one you know. Well congrats and now that I ha

hick lump in her throat to avoid him catching her in this weak moment. Oh no! She wouldn't give him that pleasure. She turned her face away from him and composed herself but heard him swear under

chin a bit and replied with, "Well, good for you. I

art an argument on it, here is my card with all my contact details. Take it..Please.!" He en

rd and was now str

isconcerted even further. She shook her head in dismay as if to rub away the last ten minutes of their exchange, but couldn't.

r emotions in tatters. Hasn't that been your weakness always? To remain unaffected by things around her? She taunted herself. She coul

her head and help her get back to her normal self. She got out of the coffee shop with her quick gait and waited to cross the road. The cool breeze was refreshing and she breathed in some fresh air as her e

ting area was flanked by two arching stairways both landing on a floor which housed all their bedrooms. She hesitated to enter the house and lingered at the doorwa

iness. You know that he lost his mother when he was just five and now my health has not b

s the worry we all have isn't it?" , to

case. They never loved her a

ught bi

inking we can have a marriage arranged between Priya and Raj. Of course, let

pped. This was

eard her f

Are you joking?", he replie

is your son-in-law he could help you ou

was si

he plant and I am approaching many banks to help me out fo

first tell me what do you think about my marriage proposal? Will Pri

a laughed

her interve

ill Raj come and visit us? Priya wil

bounds. She wanted to

y they pleased? She was 21 for God's sake. They were never available when she grew up and n

ross the garden onto the free pathway and let out a big breath. She decided to go to the near

at she started reading. Reading books of all kinds proved to be so therapeutic. It healed her wounds and opened up a world of dreams.

towards her and her father's lack of warmth. She never got a hug nor a kiss. There were no dinner times with parents, no playdate weekends with Papa. Every fortnight they travelled out of the country. She still remembered the day when she was 8 years and she had begged her mom and dad to stay back for her birthday. Her father told her a curse " I must attend this meeting otherwise we may lo

turned her into a amiable, happy person. She learnt to accept her parents as they were and soaked in the little love she received from

d to build her career first, make a name for herself , meet different people. And if in the course she meets someone, the

o do som

he removed her sneakers and socks and entered home. As she entered s

oved towards the stairs wh

something to t

you sure? I am surprised since you

herwise I will never disturb you"

ow disconc

posed a marriage between his son Raj and you. I feel it is a great match.

d said," Well, ok, will you l

her were delighted as

om?" , Priya told sternly and turned her back towards the st