Uncle asked Shreya to decided to chose among Arvind Anna or her family…..
"I don't want to see that person even for one minute," uncle said.
There was complete silence in the room except for the sob of my friend, Shreya. My heart drenched on seeing her condition.
" I want both of you in my life. Please try to understand." She pleaded her dad kneeling on the floor which was not less than begging.
I quickly ran towards her and made her stand.
" Please stop crying. Everything will be fine." I consoled rubbing her back.
" Okay, I understand your decision. I don't want a daughter like you who don't even care about my respect in the society." Uncle yelled at her.
" Please uncle, once listen to her. They love each other deeply. Don't separate. She will be happy with Arvind anna" I requested him.
" Ohh… then I have to listen to an orphan who doesn't know the value of family. Now orphan will teach me how to treat my daughter." Uncle shouted at me.
" Then listen carefully, your friend is also an orphan like you whose parents are dead from today" he added with his annoying words.
I stood numb after listening to him.
Never in my life, I expect such kind of harsh words from my uncle who treats me like his daughter.
Shreya and I looked at each other helplessly. Uncle started walking towards the main door to leave her.
*********
"Go with your parents, Shreya," Karthik said making our shock.
" Are you mad?" Arvind Anna yelled at Karthik.
" I said let her go with her parents, Arvind" Karthik repeated his words again.
" At least one person is present here who understands parents' feelings" uncle said proudly.
" You can take your daughter from here but one condition. She should be happy as always. She should not cry for anything." Karthik said with a serious face.
" Why will she cry? She will be very happy with the bridegroom whom I selected. I know my friend's family for a long time. I always give the best one to my daughter" uncle answered.
" If you are sure about it. Then why she is crying now?" Karthik questioned.
" My daughter does not know about the bridegroom I selected. I always selected the best for my daughter" He answered rudely.
" Then why don't you think that my friend is the best then that person you selected for her" Karthik asked him.
" I don't know, who he is and what is the family?" uncle replied.
" Then how can you tell that your selection is the best and your daughter selection is bad. " Karthik questioned him again.
" At least you didn't try to know your daughter's heart. Just you are forcing your likes and dislikes on your daughter" Karthik yelled seriously.
" You are not the best father to your daughter" Karthik added.
Uncle stayed silent looking at Shreya's face.
" Do you know about my friend, he loves your daughter madly. Once look at them" Karthik asked him.
" You have to decide whether your daughter's happiness is more important to you or your promise with your friend…."
" If you cannot tolerate the person who does not like even for half an hour then think about your daughter who has tolerated whole life whom she doesn't like…." Karthik tried his best to convince his uncle.
" Okay, then I need some time to think about this matter. But I want to take my daughter with me right now" Uncle said.
" Okay, but don't try to force her to do anything. I treat Shreya like my sister" Karthik said like a warning.
" Okay son, I don't force her. It's my promise" uncle smiled at Karthik.
Finally, Karthik convinced Arvind Anna to send Shreya with her parents. While Shreya leaving with her parents, she hugged me and looked at Arvind Anna face.
Arvind Anna signaled to go with their parents and everything will be fine.
" Don't worry Shreya, I will take care of everything" Karthik assured her.
I never saw such a nice person till the day who could be convinced in this way. Really I thought it was impossible to convince Shreya's dad but Karthik made it possible. I think he can do magic with his words.
But deep inside my heart, my uncle's words hurt me so much. Maybe an orphan always remains as orphan forever.
*********
The next day, I continued going to the office My daily routine becomes boring, from Office to home and home to office.
It had been one week, Shreya left for her home. Everyday Shreya was calling me and telling the update that uncle was trying to convince his friend about the cancellation of marriage. Finally, my uncle was agreed to the marriage and my friend was on cloud nine.
Shreya informed that their parents are going to come to talk with Arvind Anna father.
Really I was very happy for my friend Shreya and Arvind Anna. Those people are lucky to have a loved one in their life until the end.
***********
If I was at my workplace, I used to be busy with my work whereas at the home I am really feeling bore. I completed my dinner and as usual, to kill the time, I was sitting on the terrace and looking around the city with lights and traffic.
Suddenly my mobile started ringing, Arvind Anna name is displayed. After a long time, he called me.
" Hi Anna, how did to remember your sister all of the sudden?" I asked him playfully.
" Come down immediately. It's urgent" he said hurriedly.
" What happened?" I asked anxiously.
My heart was beating fast as I didn't understand what happened and why he called me to come down.
I hurriedly ran down through the stairs.