Neha
" you're not a trash! Stop thinking so low of yourself! Tell them you don't want to marry."
" I did...several times . I couldn't change their mind, neither their decision. "
" They are forcing you into this! Do you even know the boy? Does he know you? How can they just tell you to marry a stranger!? "
He pinched the skin between his brows while closing his eyes and exhaled. His eyes turned to me again.
" Did you tell the boy that you don't want to get married yet ? "
" I did. "
" then what did he say? "
I sniffed. My hands clenched on the dress. I stole a glance from him. I took a sharp breath.
" My parents didn't tell them that...that I was raped. Cause, they know they won't accept a non-virgin girl as their daughter-in-law. I didn't like that but I couldn't do anything against their will "
I stopped and sniffed. Wiped my tears with my palms. I couldn't repeat the lunch in my mind without feeling a pang in my chest. I looked at my hands as I played with my fingers. Call me weak , call me scaredy cat but I couldn't say all of that while looking at him. It would make me nervous.
" after we had lunch. Manoj, the boy asked our parents if he could have some time alone with me . He said he would drop me home safely later."
" And you agreed ? "
He glared at me.
" I didn't want to . But mom and dad agreed and they left with his parents leaving us alone . "
" The f**k! They never trusted me then how could they trust a stranger! What the f**king f**k man!? "
" I didn't even want to go for lunch at the first place. I should have known they will not do something that doesn't include any motive. "
I sniffed again. A little bit louder then before. I looked at him for a second before returning my gaze to where it was.
" it was a private area of the restaurant, where we all had lunch. He came and sat beside me. H-he suddenly touched my .....thighs and started complementing me."
I again looked up at him to watch his reaction. His eyes looked somewhere. Fists clenched at the blanket that we were sitting on.
" continue. "
He said. His deep voice made me shiver to the core.
" i-i removed..his hands and backed away . I said that I didn't want to get married. Said that my folks were forcing me . "
My sobs became louder. No matter how much I tried to stop the tears it didn't. I got frustrated. He gave me his handkerchief. He rubbed my back in circular motions.
" it's okay. "
He would say to comfort me. Once my sobs came in control. He asked-
" what did he said after that ? "
I was nervous to answer that one. Scared imagining the ways he would react.
" He-He said...he was marrying me to get his father's properties. He said..he doesn't believe in marriage. He just wants me to...."
" to what for? "
" to warm his bed."
I whispered. When he didn't react I continued.
" once he gets his properties, he will divorce me and pay me 20 percent of his share as a payment for being his concu-"
" what a mot***f***er ! "
He shouted. He got up in a flash and stood infront of me . His index pointed at me .
" Listen to me Neha! And listen very well . You are not going to marry that A****le! ? "
I flinched . I got angry.
" Why are you shouting at me!? It's not like I want to marry him! I am forced! I don't have any choice okay!? "
I burst into tears. My palms covered my face. Sobs turned into hiccups. I came into the level where I couldn't stop my hiccups. It was so annoying, so frustrating. You know? you cry and cry and at certain time you make a ' heh' sound repeatedly with your breaths. When you reach that level , it's not in your hands to stop crying anymore.
Thank god there were not people around us , otherwise it would be so embarrassing both for me and him.
Pulling my knees to my chest , I hugged them and leaned my forehead against them. My crying continued. I didn't have any idea when I could stop.
Someone blocked the warmth of fire as he crouched infront of me.i felt his presence. I knew him.
" I am sorry ."
He said. Nothing left my lips as a reply as I was trying to calm myself. A pair of arms embraced me . I felt hot breaths falling on my ears .
" I am sorry. Please Stop crying ."
He said rubbing my back .
" oh my god ,Neha.shhh.Calm down budd. You'll pass out if you continue to cry like this."
He muttered in my ears .
" I am sorry. Sorry for yelling at you . I couldn't control my anger and let it out on you . "
" I..it's not ..easy...to give_ up. You won't...understand. you won't understand what...a-and how much I have went through..to finally give up."
" shhh. Don't talk. Just breath. Forget about it. Forget what we talked about. Forget about the engagement. Forget what had happened and what is going to happen. Just focus on now . Okay? Take deep breaths. "
We sat there like that until I got normal. His grip didn't loosened a bit through the entire time. I pulled away from the hug.
" jeez. You look hilarious. "
I glared at him.
" all because of you"
I muttered while wiping my tears and runny nose with his handkerchief. His face looked like he was going to puke.
" what? "
I asked offended.
" nothing "
He said shaking his head. He sat at beside me again. We were silent for minutes.
" where is my birthday gift? "
I asked looking at him. He looked back and smiled a little. He pulled out an envelope from his pocket and gave it to me.
I looked at him confused what could it be inside.