We had uncomfortably Awkard breakfast. I dragged Mom in a room while giving apologetic smile and reassurance look to hari . i looked at mom hoping for answers for bizaree statements which i didn't even knew about. she said nonchantly ' We are going to India and you can do job in country if you want and even your dad wants it ' i tried to survive with last hope by warning her that it's my last year of engineering and i would not be given certificate if i dropped out now . she smirkingly said "Don't worry about that i have talked to your principle as he is your father's classmate so he was lenient and said he will take care of your transfer cerificate and had contacts in indian university so that's the least thing u should worry". I was soo Dumbfounded and moved to my bedroom cursing principle. i lost whole battle before fighting itself as i am ashamly dependent on my parents. ya allah what will i do now?, i started secretly chanting in my head Astagfirullah("I seek forgiveness in God") for all my previous sins. Feeling defeated and drained after arguing with my mom, I retreat to the refuge of my room, seeking solace in the familiar surroundings. But instead of finding respite, a wave of helplessness washes over me, weighing me down like an anchor dragging me into the depths.As I sink onto the edge of my bed, the weight of the world feels almost too heavy to bear. Every argument, every unspoken frustration, it all swirls around me, suffocating me with its intensity. I bury my face in my hands, trying to push back the overwhelming sense of despair threatening to engulf me.But then, as I lift my head, I see Hari sitting there, her expression etched with stress and concern. My heart clenches at the sight of her, a silent reminder that I'm not alone in this struggle. Despite her own worries, she's here for me, ready to offer a listening ear and a comforting presence. As I pour out the whole saga to Hari, detailing my mom's sudden decision to whisk me off to India and the overwhelming sense of helplessness it's left me with, I notice a complicated expression flit across her face. It's as if she's been expecting this moment, bracing herself for the inevitable unraveling of my frustrations.When she looks at me with hopeful eyes, a part of me wants to embrace that glimmer of optimism she's offering. But in the midst of my turmoil, I can't help but shrug it off, brushing it aside as merely the reaction of a supportive best friend.Deep down, though, I know there's more to it than that. Hari's hopeful gaze speaks volumes, a silent reassurance that maybe this unexpected journey holds the key to something greater, something that could help me navigate the complexities of my emotions and find a sense of peace amidst the chaos.But for now, I push those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the comfort of having Hari by my side, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead together. With her unwavering support, I know I'll find the strength to confront my fears and uncertainties head-on, no matter where this journey may lead.Hari's eyes met mine and asks "I Need your help Sara Please". Without hesitation, I nod, a reflex born from years of friendship and trust. I may not know what she needs assistance with, but I'm committed to supporting her however I can. As she begins to speak about her family, tracing the roots of her heritage back to Tamil Nadu, I listen intently, captivated by the glimpse into her world. The mention of a village ruled by two powerful families intrigues me, sparking a curiosity about the complexities of life in rural India. she mentions of her grandparents had business in Rameshawaram ,Tamil nadu, India. which was ruled by two families Pillai and Panikar . I asked her who is panikar family thou i don't give a shit about that family about i felt attracted by name i would be lying if i don't admit!As I inquire about the Paniker family with genuine curiosity, Hari's demeanor takes a sudden shift. Her gaze darkens, and a seriousness settles over her features, dispelling any notion of jest. My initial assumption that she might be joking quickly evaporates as her words sink in."They are dangerous people," she says, her voice tinged with an edge of caution. "They could snap people's necks in seconds, and no action would be taken against them. They are in the mafia shit".Her words hang heavy in the air, punctuated by a silence that feels suffocating. I can't help but feel a chill creep down my spine as the gravity of her revelation sinks in. The nonchalant ease with which she speaks of such brutality sends a shiver of unease coursing through me.Despite my initial disbelief as it would only exist in movies and novels, there's a raw authenticity to Hari's expression, a sincerity that belies any hint of exaggeration. In her eyes, I see a glimpse of the harsh realities she's witnessed, the shadows that lurk beneath the surface of her seemingly ordinary life.As Hari reveals this unexpected aspect of her background, I find myself grappling with a mix of surprise and confusion. We've known each other for years, yet this revelation about her powerful family and their involvement in the mafia comes as a shock. Her upbringing in the UK had always seemed so ordinary, so far removed from the shadowy world she's now describing.Puzzled by the timing of her disclosure, I can't help but wonder why she's choosing to share this information now. What prompted her to open up about her family's dark past, especially after keeping it hidden for so long? The pieces of the puzzle don't quite fit together, leaving me with a sense of unease and uncertainty.Despite my confusion, I'm keenly aware of the trust implicit in Hari's decision to confide in me. She's revealing a side of herself that she's kept hidden, trusting me to accept her without judgment or fear. And as I grapple with the weight of her words, I realize that this newfound understanding of Hari's background only deepens the bond between us, forging a connection that transcends the boundaries of time and distance.HARI: sorry sara for not saying before as it was not something memorable and irrelevant as my family left business after my grandparent death and moved to UK. Something terrible happened my grandfather made a engagement of mine to his friend's youngest grandson, which Panikar's family youngest grandson "KANNAN PANIKAR".As she continues, the pieces start to fall into place. The engagement orchestrated by her grandfather, linking her to Kannan Panikar, unravels a tangled web of familial obligations and expectations. I can only imagine the pressure and turmoil Hari must have experienced, caught in the crossfire of her family's history and the machinations of others.Come On hari who still thinks follows old rituals , i laughed and said. she gave me disbelief look and said "You don't know what they can do and my parents are pressurizing me to go India to get to know Kannan paniker and get to know him, if i still don't like him there is room for negotiation but..."My initial reaction to Hari's story is one of disbelief, and I can't help but laugh incredulously at the idea of childhood engagements and old rituals still holding sway in today's world. But as I glance at her, I realize the gravity of her words, the weight of the expectations and dangers she's faced with.Her expression shifts to one of solemnity, a silent plea for understanding and respect. I feel a pang of guilt wash over me, recognizing the insensitivity of my reaction to something that clearly holds such significance for her and her family.As she continues, detailing the pressures from her parents to go to India and meet Kannan Panikar, I can't help but feel a sense of unease. The notion of negotiating her future like a business deal seems inconceivable, a stark reminder of the stark realities she's grappling with.As Hari's friend, I want to explore all possible avenues to support her, including finding alternatives to the difficult situation she's facing. With a gentle and understanding tone, I broach the subject, hoping to provide her with a sense of relief and freedom from the pressures she's under."Hari, what about your boyfriend?" I suggest tentatively. "Could you perhaps reveal his existence to your parents and paniker family? Maybe if they knew about him, they wouldn't feel the need to push you into this situation in India."She looked at me with terrified look and said "Sara if they discover, i had boyfriend while being engaged i am afraid for Kane's (hari's bf) life so i have go India to personally to tell 'kannan' and explain him "With a sinking heart, I reach out to grasp her hand, offering whatever comfort and support I can muster. "Hari, I had no idea," I murmur, my voice filled with empathy and concern. "I can't imagine how terrifying this must be for you."In that moment, I'm reminded of the immense strength and courage it takes for Hari to confront such a perilous situation head-on. Despite her fears and uncertainties, she's determined to protect Kane and navigate the treacherous waters of her family's expectations.As the weight of Hari's revelations settles between us, I take a moment to compose myself before gently shifting the conversation. With a calming tone, I inquire about the help she mentioned needing earlier, acknowledging the gravity of her situation while also offering a sense of reassurance."What about the help you mentioned earlier?" I ask, my voice soft and understanding. "Is there anything specific you need assistance with?"I meet her gaze with sincerity, ready to lend a listening ear and a supportive hand wherever she may need it. HARI : Sara i am assigned to aid for military and civilian for 4 months in Africa so i can't go or else i would be failed in exam. So Would you go to rameshawaram in my place ?