The Only String Attached

12

"Bela your college is over"?dad asked.

"No dad. I'm just having a headache", I said entering inside my home.

"Are you Ok now", my dad asked taking me in a hug.

"Relax dad. I'm OK", I said.

I saw Sumi aunty looking at me. I went and greeted her.

"What happened Bela? You are looking so pale"?she asked.

"Nothing aunty. I'm fine. Just a headache", I said.

"Bela sit here. We are discussing about my marriage", di said and my eyes started pooling again.

"I'm so sorry di. I'm really not feeling well", I said looking around.

"Let her go Bani. She is not needed in this discussion", Mahir said looking at me.

Everyone must be thinking that it was our cute banter. But only I and Mahir knew what does those words mean.

I left and went to my room and started crying. I heard a knock on the door.

"Come in", I shouted.

"Bela can I talk to you for a minute"? Sumi aunty came inside.

"Aunty don't be so formal. You can talk to me", I said.

"How are you feeling after Mahir's surprise"? I asked hiding my pain.

"That was a shock to me", she said.

"Trust me aunty. You will not get someone better than Bani di for Mahir", I said.

"I'm happy Bela. But I expected someone else from him", she said.

"Me and Mahir are just friends aunty. Nothing more than that. You just saw our banter right"? I said.

"Ya I know", she said.

"Congratulations aunty. I'm happy that they are getting married in just nine days", I said faking my excitement.

"Thank you Bela. I will shop for you in this wedding", she said.

I don't have that much luck.

"Thank you aunty. But it's OK. Actually I'm a bit busy with my college work", I said.

"It's your sisters wedding Bela", she said.

"It's not my wedding aunty", I said.

"You just shop for Bani di", I said.

"You escaped from me this time Bela. But on your wedding I will not leave you", she said kissing my forehead.

My wedding is never gonna take place.

"Sure aunty", I said.

She left and I started crying again. The wedding preparations are taking place.  It's better if I leave soon.

I went down after they left. I saw my dad selecting wedding cards.

"Dad", I called him.

"How is your headache beta", he asked kissing my temple.

"I'm fine dad. Can you check are there any flights for London before November 27"? I asked.

"Why Bela? Don't you want to see your sisters wedding"? my dad asked.

"Sorry dad. I don't have that much guts", I said.