19 Date Set Accidentally (2/2)

”Stop, let me conference Kripa and Rishi as well. I also have not talked with them for some time.” And then he connected them through a conference call.

They knew that Akash is visiting the village with his family for marriage talks and they avoided talking on this point. They just talked about their future plans and next steps and planned to visit each other. After talking with his friends, Akash smiled self-mockingly at himself thinking at least he has his friends and future plans where he has right to choose.

Finally, he thinks about all the reasons and believes that there is no way out because of the simple fact that his late father liked the girl and the pride of his grandfather. He feels a deep melancholy in his heart thinking about his first love. Akash thinks of Arushi whose marriage is fixed and she will be married soon. He walked toward the house in a daze remembering the voice and smile of Arushi which he missed for some time.

When Akash reached the house, he found his grandfather, her grandfather, a few village elders and a priest with his almanacs sitting in the lounge and discussing something. Akash sat beside his grandfather and then everyone looked toward him. Akash looked at his grandfather questioningly.

His grandfather asked, ”Tell me, when should we plan the date for marriage?”

Akash looked confused and said, ”Aren't we planning the date for engagement first?”

”Both things can be done at the same time if possible.” Grandfather looked at him expectantly.

Akash felt annoyed seeing his grandfather's expectant gaze. He is being forced but he cannot do anything about this. He also felt emotional thinking Arushi will be married soon as she is already engaged for almost one year now. He thought why not just get married and be done with and then he won't have a reason to feel sad or lament about anything else.

He looked at his grandfather and said nonchalantly ”As soon as possible.”

Before anyone could say anything, the priest spoke ”Ha ha. Good, as I said the almanac says there is a good day on July 1st which is two weeks away. Now that everyone agrees, no need to let this best auspicious time go to waste.”

Akash looked at everyone and found them nodding in agreement. Marriage is just in two weeks and yet everyone is nodding like they were only waiting for his 'Yes'. He got tricked it seems. Even his grandfather is smiling.

Akash does not know whether to laugh at himself or cry for being tricked.

”I said it accidentally.” He cried internally.