Chapter 7 THE SACRIFICE

Hello, heaven! Are these games or what?

They will let me do all that? Even giving my child their name? They finally want to expose the bad omen that they have been hiding for years. Expose the stain that they have pulled all strings to cover? At the expense of what? I should perhaps be melting with glee and hope, wondering what sort of miracle has been achieved, but, naah! I am not that stupid. When the deal is so enthralling as this one, summon your ninth sense. What is the deal here because I know they cannot just develop some damn consciousness overnight?

“I thought, as a loving parent, you should be jumping up and down with the news. This is what you have always wanted for your child, right?”

I turn to my mother, then I cruise my eyes around them. Seriously? What do they think of me? What kind of idiot do they think I am? “I am not as stupid as you people think I am. There is more to this sugarcoated offer. What is it? What do I have to sacrifice in return?” I quiz.

They trade questionable glances, as if they are about to drop a bomb. Then, after their eyes decide who is to relay the news, the mother speaks. “Not much of a sacrifice. This is actually a favor given your case and how you messed up your life.” She locks eyes with me, speaking in a low but clear voice. “You need to marry someone in return!”

Mental breakdown!

I went through a series of mental blackouts for a while.

I think my years are playing tricks on me. I couldn’t have heard that right, right?

My flat gazes are still fixed on hers, asking her to explain or, better yet, repeat what she said, but she either has nothing to clarify or she is not getting the memo.

Marry someone? That must be the joke of the century!

“I take the silence as a yes!” I shift to my father, and I find him gawking at me. Yes? To what? “I expected as much. You are getting married in a week!”

"I think we have a bad misunderstanding here.” I speak before this despotic old man can lift his leg to leave. What in a week? “I am assuming I didn’t hear what I think I heard. Mother, what did you say?” I speak as the possibility of this joke turning into a reality starts sinking into my system.

But, marriage?

Of all the things, an arranged marriage? Come on! No! This cannot be possible!

“You heard your mother clearly. You are set to marry someone in a week. Be grateful; at least we did not toss you off to a useless moron like the one who got you pregnant and dumbed you. You will be marrying a wealthy man from a distinguished family.” Father does me the honor to break down the shock into bits that I can understand, but even at that, I am still dumbfounded. I am floating in confusion and disbelief.

I am at a loss.

Marriage? What sort of marriage? Why marriage?

Why?

I am still trying to absorb the authenticity of this absurdity, but I am failing. I am trying my best to understand what is happening here, but I can’t seem to comprehend anything. Even when it is clearly etched on their faces that they are dead serious, I am trying to validate it as a joke. How can this be possible?

What sort of nonsense can this be?

But then, for them to have swallowed their pride and come all the way to this den, this must be deeper than I am gauging it. And judging by their no-nonsense looks, this is one messy, deep shiiet!

What?

They arranged me for marriage? Without my consent? To top it all, they are calling it a favor? Selling me off like an object, like trash, is a favor?

“When you are done thinking, come to the mansion so that we can start the preparations. You need a lot of work to fit in as the bride of such a distinguished family. You have to look like De'Mario on that day!” I turn to the appalling face of my mother, confusion and disbelief decorating my face. Having made themselves crystal clear, I only managed to get a slight glimpse of their faces as they turned towards the door.

Are they really serious about this madness? They have really sold me off to some devil? They have finally found a way to get rid of me. And they expect me to just consent to their absurd arrangement blindly and walk into some maniac’s home just because my parents do not want me?

“There will be no wedding!” I howled, clenching my fists tight.

At the door, they both snap at me. They turn around, unbelieving of what reached their ears. “What did you say?” Mother asks as they both take slow, calculated steps towards me.

I keep my stand, bold like a cucumber. Becalmed. Unflinching. I am hugging all my cool tights. I am better off in this cage forever than being pushed around like an object. Bundled into some jerk’s home like garbage is something I will not allow. “You heard me! I am not marrying anyone, much less a guy I do not know. If you are looking for a way to get rid of me, try something else because this will not work.” I speak.

For the very first time since that day, I disclosed my pregnancy news to my family, and my father smiled at me. But I would be stupid enough to not read behind the iciness of his smirk. It isn’t a genuine smirk. Rather, a bittersweet smirk. Or a mocking smirk. He racks an inch before me. “And who said you have a choice, huh?”

Who said? Me, of course! I am an adult! I cannot be traded this way, and my word is final. “You may not give me the choice, but I will still decide for myself. You people have messed with my life just enough already. I have had enough! This is a no! It will happen only if I am dead."

That slaps them pretty hard. It caught them off guard.

Mother walks closer. “Will you just listen to us for once? This is best for..."

“For who, mother? Because it definitely is not for me! How can you both do this?” I query.

“It is necessary! We need to save the reputation of this family. The company is going down, and if we don’t agree to this merger, Ayana, we are ruined!” Mother speaks, her motherly instincts kicking in as she tries to hold my hand, which I yank away.

This…

All this madness is just for their company, which I am no longer a part of. Which does not benefit me? All this is just for...

Ooh, goodness! I think the ground is shaking!