Chapter 7: The Engagement Question
Rohan’s mother swept in from abroad, sari crisp, sunglasses perched on her head. She sat beside me, arm around my shoulders, the scent of jasmine and expensive perfume soothing. "Meera beta, you’re better now? I’ve scolded that brat for two hours, vented your anger!" She squeezed my hand, affection shining in her eyes. "We plan to get you two engaged after you graduate. That way, he can settle down."
Rohan stood stiffly, fists clenched, but before he could speak, I smiled and said, "No rush, Aunty. Let’s wait." He was startled, watching as I gently persuaded his mother to let the matter rest. When she left, he turned to me, voice casual, "Didn’t you say last year you wanted to make it official after graduation? Why aren’t you in a hurry now?" I looked away, fumbling for an answer. Before anything more could be said, Aunty Sharma called him away. I turned on my phone, reading Teacher Nair’s message about my transfer. The future was finally opening up—terrifying, but finally mine.