Learning to Love

Chapter 5

Major testing going on in my life right now! It’s driving me crazy. I have to study SO much that I can’t write regularly. I decided to write this chapter over the course of several days whenever I have free time from studying, so forgive me if it’s a bit choppy. Here it is!

 

            Aman’s gaze burned through Priya. She immediately felt embarrassed and looked away.  He continued to watch her.  He sensed that someone was behind him, but couldn’t break his gaze away from Priya.  Even though she was traditional, there was something mesmerizing about her. 

            A hand crept from behind Aman into his view.  “Hi Jija-ji! I’m Payal, your future sister-in-law.” Said a petite and very confident girl.  She looked a few years younger than Priya and held her hand out, waiting for him to shake it.

            “Hi. I’m Aman.” Aman replied coolly.  The girl beamed with happiness as she eagerly shook his hand.  Aman couldn’t help but smile at her.  Optimism simply radiated from her.

            Aman noticed Priya stiffen in front of him. Her eyes grew slightly wider and she mumbled something to her sister.  Aman smirked at Priya’s disapproval.  At least Payal was polite enough to actually shake his hand.   

            Aman continued to watch Priya.  She was pretty in her own way. She had beautiful caramel skin and captivating eyes.  He especially admired her long, black hair that reached all the way down to her waist. 

            “Priya,” said, interrupting the banter between the two sisters, “I need to speak with you.” He continued. 

            Priya turned her attention away from Payal and towards Aman.  Aman glanced at Payal.

            “Alone.” He said.

            Payal smiled, understanding that this was her cue to leave.  She eyed the crowd and spotted her father.  She instantly walked off in his direction. 

            A slight frown appeared on Priya’s face.  If Aman wanted to talk to her alone, it must be about something serious. 

            “Follow me.” Aman said, abruptly turning around and walking off. 

            Priya hesitated for a moment before silently following him.  He maneuvered them through the thick crowd into a hallway.  He stalked through the lengthy hallway and stopped in front a closed door at the very end of the hallway.  He opened it and stood aside, waiting for Priya to enter.  Priya again hesitated before stepping into the room. Aman followed and closed the door. 

            He turned to Priya, “Priya, I need your help.” He said. 

            “Of course, what kind of help?” asked Priya.

            Aman turned and walked towards the door.  He locked it.  Priya froze.  He slowly walked back to her, this standing much closer.  Priya took a step back trying to put some distance between them, but Aman took a step forward as she moved back. 

            “Do you want to marry me?” asked Aman suddenly.  His eyes pierced through her.  Priya couldn’t bring herself to look away though.  She was unsure whether to tell him how excited she was to marry him. 

            “Priya, please, I need you to reject me.” Aman almost pleaded. “We can’t get married.”

            Priya was shocked.  She felt tear forming in her eyes.  She tried to blink away, but she couldn’t.  Even though she had just met Aman, she felt like he just broke her heart.  She stepped back and turned away from him so that he couldn’t see her tears.