I sigh, already knowing where this is going. “Just catching up with Ranveer.”
She hums before speaking, “I was just thinking… You should meet this girl once before you say no.”
I clench my jaw. Here we go.
“Before we discuss this, tell me something, Mom. Did you have a word with Sana?” I confront her.
The other end of the line falls silent. I grip the steering wheel, my patience hanging by a thread.
Seconds pass before Mom speaks. “So, that girl complained about me? I knew it! She…”
“I won’t let you blame her for this! She has nothing—” I begin, but she cuts me off.
“Yes, I spoke to Sana. Yes, I went to the café. And yes, I showed her where she stands. And I don’t regret it because everything I did was for your own good.”
“You did it for my good?” I let out a sarcastic laugh, shaking my head. “Mom, do you even hear yourself? What exactly did you say to her?”
“The truth,” she hisses. “I told her she needs to stop leading you on, stop making you believe there’s something real when all she has is her own selfish motive. I made it clear that this...whatever this is between you two, it’s not meant to last. She needs to step back before she ruins your future.”
I feel the anger rise, burning through my veins. “And you think you had the right to do that?”
“Yes!” she snaps. “Because you refuse to see what’s right for you! You’re blinded by her, Aditya. But I won’t sit back and watch you tie yourself to some girl who isn’t even worthy of you.”
I inhale sharply, trying to rein in the fury curling in my chest. “You had no right to go to her, to interfere like that. Do you even realise the damage you’ve done? Do you have any idea what she’s been going through? What I’ve been going through?”
“Oh, I know exactly what you’ve been going through!” she fires back. “You’re angry, restless—snapping at everyone, breaking things, walking around like a storm ready to explode. You’re miserable, but that’s just temporary. Once you realise she’s not worth it and that I was right, you’ll be fine.”
I close my eyes, breathing deeply through my nose. “Wow, you’ve got it all figured out, mom. Maybe you should actually win that Mom of the Year award.”
“Aditya, quit acting like a child. You owe it to us to at least try with the girl we’ve chosen for you,” she insists.
“Looks like you and Dad have already decided I’m not capable of choosing a girl for myself and that someone you both know is the one who can give me the happiness I deserve.”
“Yes. And I’ve arranged for you to meet her tomorrow.” Her voice softens slightly. “Just one meeting, Aditya. She’s from a good family and is well-educated. I think you’ll like her.”
I stay silent for a moment, knowing no matter how much I argue, Mom is hell-bent upon making me agree to her. And for now… I have no choice but to play along.
I finally exhale and reply, “Fine.”
There’s a beat of silence before she responds cautiously. “Fine?”
I nod to myself. “I’ll meet the girl you have in mind for me.”
“That’s all I’m asking, Aditya—”
“But on one condition.” I cut in, my voice firm. “If I meet this girl, you will stay out of my personal life. No more interfering, no more pushing, and most importantly—no more hurting Sana with your words. Ever again.”
“But will you say yes to this girl?” her voice comes out hesitant.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. For now, I’m just agreeing to meet her. Nothing more.”
She sighs, her voice laced with reluctant acceptance. “Alright. I agree to your condition,butonly if you agree to meet the girl with an open mind.”
I let out a slow breath. “Fine,” I say, my fingers tapping against the steering wheel. “But don’t bother booking any fancy five-star restaurant or setting up some grand setup.”
“You have a place in mind?” she asks, confused.
“I do,” I smirk, though there’s no humour in it. “I’ll be taking her to Sana’s café.”
