The Billionaire's Scholar

Chapter Three: Seeking Answers

"Anu, come here for a moment," her father called from the living room, his tone serious. Anu's heart sank as she reluctantly made her way towards him, fearing what he might have to say.

"What is it, Papa?" Anu asked nervously, her mind racing with possibilities. She listened intently as her father reminded her about the upcoming medical entrance exam and instructed her to start preparing immediately.

Anu's disappointment was palpable as she reluctantly agreed to comply with her father's wishes. She knew she wouldn't be able to study with Nick as planned, but she pushed aside her frustration and resolved to make the best of the situation.

After bidding her parents goodbye, Anu quickly made her way to Nick's house, her mind still buzzing with thoughts of the exam. She rang the doorbell and was greeted by Nick's mother, who welcomed her inside with a warm smile.

"Nick's upstairs playing games," Nick's mother informed her with a chuckle, and Anu couldn't help but smile at the thought of her friend immersed in his favorite pastime.

"Thanks, Aunty," Anu replied gratefully, making her way to Nick's room. She found him engrossed in a video game, his attention completely focused on the screen.

"Hey, Nick," Anu said softly, trying to get his attention. Nick barely glanced up from his game, his concentration unbroken.

"Can we study together for the exam?" Anu asked hopefully, hoping he would agree to help her despite his preoccupation.

Nick sighed and reluctantly agreed to put aside his game, and Anu couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards her friend for his willingness to help her despite his initial reluctance.

As Anu and Nick immersed themselves in their studies, the atmosphere in the room shifted from one of quiet concentration to lively conversation. Between pages of textbooks and notes, they found moments to discuss life beyond their academic pursuits.

"You know, Nick," Anu began, her voice tinged with curiosity, "I've always wondered what our lives will be like after we finish college. Do you ever think about it?"

Nick looked up from his notes, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Yeah, sometimes," he replied, adjusting his glasses. "I guess we'll have to figure out what we want to do with our lives and all that."

Anu nodded, her mind buzzing with possibilities. "It's kind of scary, isn't it? I mean, we're expected to have everything figured out by the time we graduate," she mused, twirling a pencil between her fingers.

"Yeah, definitely," Nick agreed with a chuckle. "But hey, at least we'll have each other to figure it out, right?"

Their conversation soon turned lighthearted as they joked and teased each other, the tension of their studies momentarily forgotten in the warmth of their friendship.

However, their laughter was interrupted by the shrill ring of Anu's phone. She glanced at the screen to see Annanya's name flashing, and a sense of apprehension washed over her as she answered the call.

"Hey, Annanya, what's up?" Anu greeted her sister, her voice tinged with concern.

"Anu, I need you to come home right now," Annanya's voice was urgent, sending a shiver down Anu's spine.

"Why, what's wrong?" Anu asked, her heart pounding in her chest.

"I'll explain when you get here, just come home as soon as you can," Annanya replied before abruptly ending the call.

Anu's mind raced with worry as she hastily gathered her belongings and bid Nick farewell. Rushing home, she was greeted by the sight of her house adorned with decorations, a stark contrast to the tension that hung in the air. Finding her mother in the kitchen, Anu couldn't help but inquire about the sudden festive atmosphere.

"What's all this about, Mom?" Anu asked, her brow furrowed with confusion.

Her mother turned to face her, a weary smile on her lips. "Today someone is coming to see Annanya for marriage," she explained simply.

Anu's shock was palpable as she struggled to comprehend her sister's sudden decision. "But why?" she questioned, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"Why not, Anu?" her mother replied with a shrug. "Your sister has agreed to it, and it's time for her to settle down."

Anu's mind reeled with questions as she pondered her sister's motivations. With a heavy heart, she retreated to her room, her thoughts consumed by the weight of her sister's choices and the expectations placed upon her

Anu retreated to her room, her mind swirling with concern for her sister. She dialed Annanya's number, hoping for an explanation, but her call was met with rejection.

"Why are you denying my call, Annanya?" Anu's voice was tinged with frustration as she pressed her sister for answers.

"I can't talk right now, Anu," Annanya's voice came through the phone, strained and distant.

Anu sighed heavily, feeling the weight of her sister's compliance with their father's demands. She sent a message, her fingers moving swiftly over the keys as she questioned her sister's decision.

"Do you really want to marry someone?" Anu's message was laden with concern and disbelief.

"No, but Father has asked me to. I can't deny," Annanya's response came quickly, leaving Anu feeling helpless and frustrated.

"Are you crazy?" Anu's fingers flew over the keys as she vented her frustration through text, but her sister's silence only fueled her anxiety.

With a resigned sigh, Anu settled onto her bed, finding little solace in the distraction of a movie on YouTube. Each passing minute only served to amplify her unease, and soon enough, her mother's call to join them downstairs broke the uneasy silence of her thoughts.

"Anu, come downstairs, dear," her mother's voice floated up the stairs, gentle yet insistent.

Descending to the kitchen, Anu observed her father's stern admonishment of Annanya, who hurried to prepare herself under his watchful gaze.

"Annanya, hurry up and get ready. They can come anytime now," her father's voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Anu rolled her eyes at the familiar sight, bracing herself for the impending arrival of their prospective suitor.

Her father's abrupt exit from the kitchen left Anu and her mother alone, the tension in the air palpable.

"Did you have lunch, Anu?" her mother's voice was soft, a stark contrast to the heaviness of the moment.

Anu shook her head, her mind preoccupied with her sister's predicament. "I'm not hungry right now, Mom. I'll have dinner later," she replied dismissively, her thoughts consumed by worry.

Heading upstairs with Annanya, Anu couldn't resist probing her sister about her sudden change of heart.

"Why are you doing this, Annanya? I know you don't want to get married so soon," Anu's voice was pleading as she searched for answers.

Annanya remained tight-lipped, her silence only adding to Anu's frustration and confusion.

With a resigned sigh, Anu helped her sister prepare for the impending meeting, the weight of their father's expectations heavy on her shoulders.

As the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of their guests, Anu's heart sank, knowing that her sister's future hung in the balance.