/0/97970/coverorgin.jpg?v=d3dd0e78880f3b4401807e5fd447af78&imageMogr2/format/webp)
"Chanda, can we talk?" Sharon asked, her voice laced with a hint of concern.
"Of course, Mother. What's on your mind?" Chanda replied, setting aside her book.
"I've been thinking... you're 25 now, and I want to see you settled down. You deserve a good life, a loving husband, and children to call your own," Sharon said, her eyes filled with a mix of love and longing.
"Mother, we've been over this. I'm not ready for marriage. My career is just taking off, and I want to make a difference in the world. Can't you understand that?" Chanda asked, her voice firm but gentle.
"I understand your dreams, dear, but life is short. You don't want to miss out on the joys of marriage and family. Trust me, I know what's best for you," Sharon said, her tone soft but persuasive.
"But Mother, that's exactly what I'm trying to do – build a life that's meaningful to me. Can't you support me in that?" Chanda asked, her voice laced with a hint of frustration.
Sharon sighed, her expression a mix of love and worry. "I just want what's best for you, Chanda. But I suppose we can compromise. Find a good man, someone who supports your dreams, and we'll talk about the rest."
Chanda nodded, a small smile on her face. "I can do that, Mother. But promise me one thing – you'll support me, no matter what I choose?"
Sharon smiled, her eyes shining with love. "I promise, dear. I'll always be here for you, no matter what.
Chanda thought she had won a small victory, but little did she know that her mother had already set wheels in motion. The next day, Chanda received a call from her mother, inviting her to dinner.
"Who's coming to dinner, Mother?" Chanda asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Just a few family friends, and someone special I want you to meet," Sharon replied, her voice mysterious.
Chanda's heart sank. She knew her mother's tactics all too well. She arrived at her parents' house, dressed in a elegant black dress, her hair styled perfectly. As she entered the dining room, she saw a handsome man sitting next to her father.
"Chanda, this is Larry, a successful businessman and a family friend," Sharon said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Chanda forced a smile, her mind racing with thoughts. She knew her mother was trying to set her up, but she wasn't interested. As they sat down to dinner, Chanda tried to make small talk with Larry, but her heart wasn't in it.
As the night wore on, Chanda found herself feeling more and more uncomfortable. She excused herself and stepped outside into the garden, taking a deep breath of fresh air.
"Chanda, can I join you?" Larry asked, appearing beside her.
"Sure," Chanda replied, her voice polite but distant.
They stood there in silence for a moment, looking out at the stars. Then Larry spoke up.
"Chanda, I know your mother is trying to play matchmaker, but I want you to know that I'm interested in getting to know you for who you are, not just because of your family connections."
Chanda turned to him, surprised. No one had ever spoken to her like that before. Maybe, just maybe, this night wouldn't be a total waste after.
/0/57723/coverorgin.jpg?v=20240702120627&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/84566/coverorgin.jpg?v=d6dc7a92d21512153cc35bd135530168&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/84889/coverorgin.jpg?v=80a439fe9d66c36e14c12eedb19d8723&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/25788/coverorgin.jpg?v=cf9f92480c606ae0ea38570c8ee19d5d&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/84067/coverorgin.jpg?v=baaf0bedb7c4be852374df914fdcf1fe&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/83896/coverorgin.jpg?v=20251103164331&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/83206/coverorgin.jpg?v=89b0aee421c1145d0a91032019fd14ca&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/83897/coverorgin.jpg?v=7215f5eec55b69b0d7df89e70e7a17da&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/84059/coverorgin.jpg?v=034d17b701e4667e4cebbcd9ebcb5b74&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/78965/coverorgin.jpg?v=cb35c281b317dc0149f7b0e95a17f1b9&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/82714/coverorgin.jpg?v=20251103121227&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/75996/coverorgin.jpg?v=d120edfc595220e29f599bab7a546f88&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/79701/coverorgin.jpg?v=20250710190225&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/20205/coverorgin.jpg?v=daded8d1b344c7ed2cc6f1fefa7807a7&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/85235/coverorgin.jpg?v=4bd03e523426fa037957bbdcac0ac010&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/86783/coverorgin.jpg?v=d56b44c1e58122a3b79534fd1eed28fe&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/84895/coverorgin.jpg?v=46a956a2e8f6ab0c16304ca297a673b0&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/28022/coverorgin.jpg?v=20221220183413&imageMogr2/format/webp)