ANAYA, S POV
On reaching home, we hurriedly entered the house to find my project, the only thing on my mind. My attention to finding the project disappeared after I saw everyone sitting. My father said something that seemed to have their attention, as they didn't notice me entering the house. ''Anny, you are here,'' my father asked; when he saw me approaching the sitting room where they were assembled, he seemed tense, as if they were caught doing something they should not be doing. I sat down next to them, curious about what was happening. I recalled my father had mentioned a family meeting this evening.
''Shay, please join us, please. It's important, and you are like family. '' My father asked Shay. ''Dad, what's happening? You people are acting strange''. I asked, looking at my mother and sisters, who were busy whispering and laughing at something my mother said. They nodded as if agreeing with what she was saying. ''Anny, we have something to inform you, and just know whatever decision we've made, it's for the better of this family''.My dad said, looking at me, desperation oozing out of him as he looked at my mother, signalling her by hand to continue from where he had left off. ''What is it?.''I asked, getting impatient and frustrated, as it was now apparent that everyone knew what was to be said, and I was the last person to know, as usual.
''Your wedding is in three days, everything is arranged and agreed upon together with your husband's to be family''.Said my mother so casually, as if it was not something that mattered. ''I don't have a boyfriend; what do you mean getting married? I have to have a boyfriend for that to happen, right?'' I asked, laughing as I thought they were pulling a prank on me.''It is an arranged marriage, sweety''.I told my father, who seemed so serious and stressed as he kept scratching his head, that is something he does when he's worried. ''Dad, nooo, it can't happen; who gets married in an arranged marriage? We are in a different generation from yours. Besides, I am younger than my big sister, and I am only nineteen. She should be the one getting married ''.I said tearfully, realising that it was not a prank.
''Shut it there, young woman; we decided it is you, and it's final; my daughter is not suited for that life with a disabled man. Look at her; she needs to be pampered and loved, she said, pointing at my elder sister proudly. And that man cannot do that in a wheelchair''.She finished the sentence, murmuring the last words, which I caught on. ''And what's wrong with a man in a wheelchair?''I asked sternly, disappointed at how she discriminates against people that even I have fallen victim to because of my complexion. I walked towards my father, leaving my mother embarrassed that I dared question her.
''But Dad, I am just 19 and in school. I have so much to do and dreams; I want to get a good job after graduating, fall in love and have a beautiful family with the man of my choice''.I cried to him as he held me, saying things I couldn't hear as I was crying, trying to persuade him. I saw my best friend coming to comfort me. I hugged her, asking her to help convince my dad, tell him all the plans we had together, how hard we were working in school for our dreams, and that marriage now would ruin everything, but I knew she had no say in anything and all she can do is be there for me as a friend.
''Our company is bankrupt, and for it to be saved, we have to take the marriage proposal from the patrakis, who promised to help our company get back to its former glory and discharge our loan debt. We agreed to the marriage proposal as it was either paying the loan in three days or getting sued. Our company is bankrupt, and we can't afford to be sued. My father said as he looked sadder, hoping I would understand and agree. Seeing my father so sad and desperate broke my heart as he's the only person who loved and cared for me in this family. I understood why he was desperate to save the company as it was our family's legacy, but why at the expense of his daughter's happiness? I asked myself. '' We can't afford to pay them now, and neither can we allow them to sue us and drag the family name to the mud. I can't be the one that brings my family's legacy to the mud''.My father started, tears lingering in his eyes, and for the first time, I saw desperation and fear in a man I looked up to and saw as my hero since I was small.
''You know you are so selfish. Our parents give you everything, and now that they need you to do this small thing, you want them to beg you to save our legacy''.argued the favourite daughter while busy chewing gum in her mouth so loudly while popping it. ''you have no right to say that to her as you were supposed to be the one marrying him, saving the family as the eldest daughter''. Interrupted my dad, answering my sister back, who sat down angrily.
''Anny, you know I love you and will respect your decision, but we will be for the streets as we have nothing left''.Said my father, now embarrassed, wiping tears from his eyes. ''I will do it''.I uttered, then walked away, as I left everyone speechless. It is a sacrifice I am making for my dad and the family legacy. Maybe I wasn't meant to find love or make a choice of it. Does happily ever after matter? I asked myself