“Dad’s not here?” I ask Mom quietly.
“It’s better he’s not here for the discussion I’m about to have,” Mom says, her tone clipped.
My fingers curl into fists against my thighs. “Mom, can you stop beating around the bush and just tell us what this is about? Then we can get done with it and go back to what we’re actually here for—setting the wedding dates.” Frustration creeps into my voice, but I can’t hold it back. Something about her demeanor tells me this won’t be pleasant.
Mom sighs, a gesture that feels more like a warning. “That’s exactly the problem. Setting the wedding date when we don’t plan to go ahead with this marriage.”
A heavy silence settles over the room. Sana and her mother exchange a tense glance, while I straighten, my spine stiffening.
“What do you mean by that?” A slow wave of anger washes over me. Trust Mom to come up with a new drama every single day.
Mom looks me straight in the eye. “We know the real reason why you chose a girl like Sana.”
“Mom,” I growl, warning clear in my voice.
“Don’t ‘Mom’ me.” Her tone is icy. “I’m aware of you two spending the night at your farmhouse. And let’s not pretend this sudden wedding isn’t a result of it. She’s clearly blackmailing you.”
A sharp gasp escapes Sana’s mom as I freeze, my pulse spiking with pure rage. How could Mom just blurt out something like that?
I glance at Sana, who has turned pale. Squeezing her hand reassuringly, I push myself to my feet, my hands clenched at my sides. “Did you seriously just say that? Mom, do you even realize how disgusting that accusation is?”
Mom crosses her arms, unbothered by my anger. “I’m simply stating the facts. I can’t accept a girl like this into our family. God knows how many men she’s…”
“Mom, don’t you dare finish that sentence,” I say, my voice sharp and burning with fury. “Don’t you dare insult the woman I love.”
Mom meets my gaze, unfazed. “I’m only saying what needs to be said.”
“No. What needs to be said is that you’re wrong. Dead wrong,” I bite out. “You have no right to disrespect Sana, and you damn well have no right to drag her through the mud just because of your personal issues with her.”
“I’m only trying to protect you from girls like Sana, Aditya,” Mom says firmly.
I let out a hollow laugh. “Protect me? From what? From a woman who’s done nothing but love me with her whole heart? Who’s never once used me or taken advantage of me? Who signed that damn prenup just to prove how committed she is? Who has always shown respect and never complained, even when you enjoy throwing insults at her? Mom, if you’re too blind to see that, then I truly pity you. But make no mistake—Sana is the one for me. No amount of your baseless accusations will change that.”
Mom’s eyes flash with steel. “Enough. End this now.”
I step closer, my voice dropping dangerously low. “You’re right, Mom. It’s enough. Your insults against Sana end now andif they don’t, trust me, there will be consequences.” My glare hardens. “Look, I don’t care what state of mind you’re in, but you have no right to sit here, demean my private life, and pass judgment.” I exhale sharply, fists clenched at my sides. “I just won’t tolerate you degrading the one who’s a part of me. Not now. Not ever.”
Mom’s jaw tightens. “Why can’t you get it, Aditya? As your mom, I’m trying to prevent you from making a mistake.”
I look at Mom squarely. “Loving and respecting someone isn’t a mistake, Mom. But tearing them down just because they don’t fit your narrow view—that’s a huge blunder.” I step back, my chest tightening. “You’re so blinded by your own prejudice, you don’t even realize how cruel you sound. If this is your idea of being a mother, then I want nothing to do with it.”
“Aditya, don’t do that. Don’t tear apart your family for some cheap girl like Sana who —” Mom doesn’t get to complete her sentence as Sana’s mom cuts in, rising to her feet.
“That’s enough!” she snaps. “Not a word more about my daughter.”
“I won’t stay quiet, especially when my son’s life is at stake,” Mom says, rising to her feet with a bitter scoff, turning her glare toward Sana’s mom. “If you think I’m going to let my son marry a girl whose character is questionable, you’re mistaken.”
Sana’s mom straightens, fury blazing in her eyes. “My daughter’s character is not questionable! Maybe you should take a closer look at the people around you before throwing stones.”
Mom’s eyes narrow. “Look closer? Funny, coming from someone who’s blind to the chaos their daughter brings.”
“Sana doesn’t bring chaos. My daughter is my honor and dignity,” Sana’s mom snaps back.
“Honor and dignity? Then help me understand—why was she alone with my son at his farmhouse? Why would a decentgirl spend the night with a man before marriage?” Mom’s voice drips with accusation
My blood turns to ice. I step forward, my voice a razor’s edge. “Because it’s none of your business!” I glance at Sana, who remains frozen, her face pale. Turning back to Mom, my jaw tightens. “Because we’re adults who make our own choices.” I force myself to stay calm, though every muscle in my body is wound tight. “And you’re not just humiliating Sana, you’re humiliating me. Your own son.”
“Humiliating?” Mom clicks her tongue in disbelief. “I’m not the one humiliating anyone—it’s this girl.” She looks down at Sana, her voice thick with contempt. “Tell me you knew exactly what you were doing, spending the night with my son.”
