Chapter 295

Chari looked at his wife and as if understanding exactly what was in his mind, she got up and came back with a book. It had very few pages and had a light yellow page on the front and back. On it was written something in Sanskrit or Hindi which Diya couldn't make out as it was difficult to read upside down as she was sitting opposite to them. She also had a pen and a paper and the calendar next to her. She looked at something, turned pages and started writing something. Pryag interrupted, "Mom. What are you doing? It doesn't matter. You can take your time in doing things your way. But I am not going to change my mind." Diya understood what was going on. Pryag's mom was checking out an auspicious date for the wedding, exactly as she had feared. She paid no attention to her son and continued to do what she wanted and lifted her head up and handed over the calendar and a piece of paper to Chari. He went through it and said, "Pryag, to do things right and to make everyone happy, we can set a date for the wedding. I will confirm this with the pandit but it looks like we have some good dates available in the next three or four months. In order to make all the preparations I believe we would need at least three months time, so...". Before he could finish Pryag interrupted, "Father. I understand where you are coming from. I am fine with setting up a wedding date but I am not sure if Diya's brother will be able to come in such a short notice and also that the work involved in all this and there are many more things to consider. We can all sit together and leisurely discuss this issue. But for now I want you to trust me with my decision in staying with her. One thing I do not understand is that, before we got engaged, and even before you all knew I was ill, I have stayed over in her house many times. It didn't bother you at all, of course it always bothered mom."

Chari smiled and said, "Yes. That is true. You know something, when you are in love and considering your age and the turmoil you have gone through, I know your outlook has changed a lot. If things were different I am not even sure that you would have asked Diya to marry you. You are not the same person anymore, you are different and I myself am getting to know you son. Considering all that, I am not sure how much I really know you so I don't think it is a good idea. Let me be blunt in what I am trying to say. If Diya gets pregnant before you guys are married, you know considering our culture I think it won't be nice. I am still an old fashioned man and there are certain values and morals I believe in. So such a thing would embarrass and shame me even though we are living in the west. I have never stood against any of your wishes and I have always been a support to you and you know that very well. So, now all I am asking the two of you is that to respect my wishes. If you still continue to ignore it, I will not stop you, but I believe you know me too well to understand the state of my mind." Once he finished talking, there was silence through out the room and even though Diya didn't totally agree to what Chari was saying as she didn't believe in a lot of things he did, the one thing that she agreed on was to respect Chari. She held him at very high esteem in her life. She was like a father to her and the last thing she wanted to do was disrespect him in any way. It also presented an excellent opportunity to handle the situation by turning down Pryag's suggestion and at the same time make her look good with both of them. She leaned towards Pryag and in a low voice said, "Can I have a word with you in private?” He immediately looked up and said, "No. I know what you are thinking. You are agreeing with my parents aren't you?" Looking at his wife, then looking towards the both of them, Chari said "We will give you some privacy" and walked out of the room leaving Diya and Pryag alone.