You can have me

n

y don't know I was bullied, they don't know I have anxiety issues and I have been on medication for a few years. I don't think I have the courage to tell them either, not because they wouldn't understand but because they would blame themselves for my miseries. Because of my closed up nature, I have never been able to tell them what I want in life and if I do tell them, I never fought with them fiercely for my dreams. And

e yelled at me and asked me to say something

disguised my emotions well. I have mastered the art of perfecting a smile over the years; a smile that ensure

sponses in my head to explain my feelings to them and I thought I would say, Papa, I am sorry bu

I can get a job nearby. Don't worry." They both immediately sighed in relief after hearing my response. For the past 15

top disappointing me every time with their silly excuses. If we would

h me and your brother, I can talk to my friend and you can join his company. It is related to your area

ever be able to do a job peacefully which I didn't get by myself. I will fi

r wanted it. I knew I was capable enough to get a job on

your father, I will never do anything against you. It is f

't stress over it. I will be fine after some time.

s is me; I never voice my opinions, I never rebel or raise my voice for myself. I happened to be the most p

y life are not squeezing at all. I always knew my father would never allow me to do a job at a place that was like ten hours away from our place and I wouldn't be able to convince them to move out

so he could build a better future for us. My brother had always been interested in being a restaurateur so my father completely supported his ambitions. Today, our restaurant has multiple chains and the same people who never supported my father are always begging for his attention. He achieved everything in life without taking favours from anyone. He has always made it a point to tell us how much he loved us so that we never forget it. And I have never doubted his love for me but it's just his overprotection that gets too much sometimes. On the other hand, my beautiful mother is a housewife. She was a

work, she came knocking at my door. I immediately rushed to the washroom and washed my face. I wipe

bhi. I am in the washroom

ng to appear as relaxed as possible. I opened the

istaken," Bhabhi said keeping her hands on her waist in an intimidating gesture. I smiled at her nervously. She pulled me into her arms and hugged me warmly, no questions asked. "You can't be strong all the time, Khushu." Her words were enough for me to break down all over again. "Am I so bad, bhabhi? God hates

my life. They both have supported me in ways, no one else has ever

met through an arranged marriage set up a year and a half ago, they were not in love when they got married but t

fe, she became my strength, my best friend, my soul sister, the only person after bhai who understood me so much. She has seen s

h and I are going to talk to him. Papa never refuses me anything."

them. They will think that their daughter does not understand them. Please just let the

on't you ever voice your opinion in front of them? They won't say anything, they will unders

you sad. If Ashish gets to know, he will be very upset." I nodded my head

for once, Please. I knew everything was over and I was not getting to do that job anymore but somewhere deep, there

__

, faked a smile, read books, ate lunch, faked a laugh, watched movies I already watched a thousand times before, ate my dinner and slept again. One or two days, I even we

room to discuss something. He had this habit of taking all the major decisions of the family after discuss

" He said to me in a serious tone. I nodded at him and sat attent

sitated a bit. Seeing his hesita

ncouraging him to say because I w

ly. We wanted to know your opinion before calling them on Sunday for an official meeting." I

s desperately awa

ng out of my mouth. I was completely frozen. I looked at bh

married this early. She has a bright career ahead of her."

f them. They are affluent, sophisticated and I think they would love our Anvi. Most importantly they liv

to marry me off. Great just great. If I ma

Delhi, you will get Khushu married. Please, papa, she is s

u have to say about it?" Papa asked looking at me. Bhai and bhabhi looked at me and gestured me to

." I finally said after some time of silence. Bhai and bhabhi

our decision regarding the guy and his family. I promise we will say yes only if you are ready. And we won't bring any other alliance talk wit

od's sake. Just for once, you could have said no. Why are y

ty-three this year." He narrowed h

t it." "When did you become so mature and selfless? You always think about everyone. When are you going to start thinking about yourself?" "When you love your family so much, then you don't need to think about anything else. And don't worry, I am not sad. I am happy if all of you are happy. And you don't know, there is my benefit in t

u are my baby and I don't want to see you unhappy. Promise me, you will not just say yes to the marriage to make mom and dad happy. Pl