"It will be so rude to go empty handed" Amma said pouring more curry into Papa's plate. All I can see is papa's plate floating with curry. Poor papa. "We are meeting them in a restaurant Amma, it's ok to not gift anything." Athira butted in. Now the real fun begins. Both of them will be arguing for no definite reason at all and at last papa would roar 'enough' and walk away.

I see this everyday, this so called family drama. On a second thought, I would agree with Di, what she said is correct, while meeting someone in a restaurant why is there any need of showering them with gifts. Yeah gotcha. Showoff. This old lady and her so called family has same thinking. Once we visited maternal family's temple in Kerala where we had to buy sarees for women, shirts for men and dresses for kids. Such a waste of time and money. I totally disagree with this but I have no say, so I will just act as whatever Amma says is correct. Are you guys pitying me,I am too.

"Enough" Papa roared . They have not finished yet I guess. " We are meeting to discuss about engagement, so keep it low. " Papa declared. Okays' 'the sang together. "I was just trying to be a good host" Amma clarified to which Papa said "We ain't hosting it we are invited, we attend,discuss and return, that's all, end of the discussion ". A bunch of 'ok' floated there after. I am still processing everything. I think Indian mothers get way excited for their daughters weddings, looking at Amma animatedly talking to didi brought a smile on my face too. She is a sweetheart, dramatic but cute. "Amma, my blue saree won't go with the heels you bought yesterday, should I wear a pink saree?" The fashion designer in Athira questioned. I tell you it's not because she can't decide, she just wants to know that Amma actually gives her genuine opinion and she is not deciding everything on her own , she is also a sweetheart. "No, no, no, the blue saree is just perfect, try any other heels but we ain't backing out on the blue saree at any cost" Amma answered as a fashion queen. I am literally hating the conversation. Fashion and I never go hand in hand. I will happily wear the old dress than to make a fuss about buying matching accessories or dresses.
It's just eight in the morning. I don't know for how long they are going to discuss this unnecessary( at least for me) things. I cannot walk off, as I am damn sure Amma won't appreciate that. Moreover, Papa is just a call away. So considering the risk factor , my safety is being at constant I mean stay where I'm now. Let's pretend as I am enjoying their conversation. "Akshu, will you be able to carry heels?" Di asked with a ' I already know your answer' look on her face. "Why should I carry a heel?" I asked almost puzzled. I am damn sure they are going to make me an antique piece, I am going to be a piece of laughing stock, I can see the future , I am damn sure that I'll be surely looking like a joker walking out of the Circus . "Hey Bhagwan, yeh ladki, you have to wear heels,beta." Amma retorted. As I said I am hating the fashion conversation, I am voting on it to infinity. "I won't be able to manage Amma , I will wear a sandal." I tried reasoning. Amma don't look satisfied but the least I expect is to fall on my face,break my specs and make all laugh at my expense. "Okay" she replied knowing that I won't change my mind.

The lunch is at 12:00 p.m. or after that what I am not understanding is why are they so restless, guys it's just a lunch, why so much preparations? I will be meeting my di's soon to be family for the first time. I will have to add that there are people like me who are shy and are unable to strike a conversation with others are treated as an alien. I hope as such things don't happen at all. Society even in this 21st century is unable to accept people who love the things they do. But we have no choice .

"Akhsu , get your dress ironed" Di barged into my room saying this. " Yeah,I'll. Di , is it necessary for me to adorn heavy clothing.Can't I just wear something normal?" I asked even I know she won't agree . " Nope , it's a formal family meeting plus I want everything to be perfect . Do you know Papa has agreed to wear Kurta ? I mean everything is going as I imagined them to be . I want you to look beautiful than your usual self." Di said in an astounded manner . Well I'm surprised to know about Papa's dressing, he never let go of his attire for anything, he agreed to wear a kurta means ' Amma's constant efforts '. My family is a bit unacceptable in normal terms. Like , Papa would never back off on any decision he makes but Amma's one tear would change the whole scenario but it's difficult to bring that lady to pester this man . She would only consider things we say if she feels they're considerable. So inconsiderate people. I sighed making my sister snap her fingers to bring me into reality . " Could you please for once not zoom out while discussing important matters " she chided. " I'll try " I retorted. She went away with a irritated look one her face while mumbling incoherent words . The greatest talent I have is to irritate people even without doing much .

I heard commotion from downstairs like some fish market , they both get to my nerves , can't they for once behave like normal people?.Are they normal or am I abnormal ? They are getting ready for the lunch, myself going down now will make me the center of attraction, which I'm avoiding. I was thinking if I'll remain the same or would change when I'll get married . Maybe I'll change . Change is constant . "Akshu , are you ready ?" Amma screamed from her room downstairs. She's too loud. I rushed downstairs only to receive her glares as I wasn't ready . I made a sorry face and rushed to my room , got dressed and walked down , for them to do my hairs. " Here I'm " I made my self visible to those two ladies. " See I told you, yellow looks good on you . Come let me do your hairs and make up ." " No makeup please " I pleaded to which they paid no heed .

And finally we've reached the restaurant, a fancy one , ofcourse money speaks . I'm all set to faint if someone comes up and asks me anything, my heart is beating irrationally. 'Don't faint, don't panic, it's okay ' I'm chanting this time and again since I've entered. We soon were welcomed by the family, wow ,literally wow, so many people. I think they have invited their whole village. I can feel my hands turning cold. "So this is Akshara , hello beta, how're you ?" An aunty inquired. " I'm good , thanks " I replied nervously . After all the introduction scenario, we sat to have lunch . Food was amazing but I lost my appetite somewhere between my nervousness.

After lunch, we all were gathered in the lounge for discussing matters . They are joint family I guess. My soon to be Jiju's name is Dev , he's an advocate and businessman. His mother is a quite good lady and his father too . Ambika Malhotra and Kishanlal Malhotra, quite old names too. They have two sons. Dev Jiju the eldest son and Rudra, younger one , he isn't here , studying abroad. And the other family along with Jiju's family is Ambika aunty's sister and family . Janki Malhotra and Nandalal Malhotra. They both brothers married those sisters. And living in neighborhood since. I can see my mom praising them at everything. And then Janki aunty's daughter Arya and her husband Jagan, they have a son( who's not here) .

So much of information, right . Since I'm sitting quite and watching the things around feeling awkward Arya didi stopped my train of thoughts and asked me " Akshara , do you study or work ?" I'm trying to answer without showing my nervousness " Studying, first year PG" . " She's very quite, reserved and sophisticated " Ambika aunty kinda praised me, this woman don't know me but then it's okay she just complimented , should I thank her, I don't know what to do , hey bhagwan ,help please . Suddenly I heard laughter and it was Jagan jiju who cracked a joke and everyone started laughing, everyone excluding Papa and me . I'm not laughing because I didn't pay attention to what he said and Papa never laughs but he has a smile on his face . Not pondering over my thoughts I gave a smile .

So much of smiling is hurting my jaw . Why aren't they wrapping up this meeting? I tried to not show my irritation . They have almost discussed about everything, keeping it simple and elegant . Okay, I like it. But not the glances Janki aunty is passing at me time and again. I can smell something wrong . "Alright , then we should just wrap Athira and Dev's engagement discussions and discuss about the one we're actually here for." Janki aunty said grabbing everyone's attention . What is she talking about ? Are we here for something else too. I'm not liking the silence. I want to go home , somebody take me home.

"As we have discussed over the phone that I liked your younger daughter for my Arjun , let's discuss about that too ." I heard Nandalal Uncle say this and alot of gasps from the Malhotra siblings and my sister . I looked at Papa and saw him talking but I can hear nothing , I am feeling numb. I don't want this , let this be a dream or my overthinking, please bhagwan ji.

But it was not.........

Signing off
Ashwani