7 Pre-Arranged Marriage (1/2)

When Akash comes back after settling his friends in the guest house, his mother and grandfather are back. His mother hugs and cries seeing him. Akash feels proud while telling everyone that he has scored highest in his institute and has broken all the previous records.

Grandma and Grandfather praised their own genes and said again what they always say 'Our family is the family of geniuses'

But the way everyone is sitting and waiting for something, Akash felt like situation feels a bit strange. Looks like everyone is holding something back from him. His other uncle and two aunts are not yet back from shopping. His youngest uncle, mother, grandfather, grandmother and even his cousins and own sister are all having odd expressions.

He looks toward his own sister and she lowers her head like a guilty party. He looks at his mother and asks discontentedly ”Mother! What is it? What do you all wish to ask me? Don't keep the suspense.”

Grandma asked him ”Grandson! Tell me, do you have any girl you love? Do you have someone in mind you wish to marry?”

Akash felt startled from his Grandma's question and while looking at the curious expression of everyone he felt emotional. He remembered Arushi and felt how easy it would have been for them to be married if she was his girlfriend today. But he kept his own expression calm and said ”No. I don't have anyone yet.”

After responding he suddenly understood and then asked ”Did someone brought some marriage proposal? Which business family are they? ”

”No, it is not like that.” His grandfather said.

Akash asked impatiently ”Then what is it?” He has a foreboding that something is amiss and it won't make him happy.

Grandfather said ”Listen patiently then. I have not yet told anyone about this in the family. Everyone has some Idea but not the reasons behind it.” He stopped and then looked at people who are looking at him and listening attentively. Akash also took his seat and started listening.

Grandfather continued in a calm voice ”There is a family of Ramlal Verma in our village Khirwa of Singrauli district in MP. Khirwa village is the place where we are from. The family of Ramlal Verma was our neighbor and we both were die-hard friends. Your grandmother was also a close friend with his wife. We had only 10 acres of land and farming was really difficult and then we decided to leave the village and come to Pune to try. We tried hard for 10 years in Pune while our kids were in the village. The family of Ramlal Verma took care of our family and farming at that time. They also sent us money and even wheat, rice and lentils when we were going through difficult times in Pune. If we consider that time of 40 years back, that help of more than 10 years cannot be bought by any amount of money. Your grandmother and I are deeply indebted to them.”

”Are you trying to say that we have to repay the debt now?” Akash asked with some uncertainty.