Bound by Vows

Chapter-5

Payal’s POV

It's been a week since that emotional day. Luckily, maa did not discuss anything about marriage topic

luckily.

College is going on monotonous with all rubbish acts of boys. Sana said sorry many times but I told her

it was not her fault.

I am now sitting on the sofa having my dinner with amu & ma.

"Payu, today Mrs. Singh called me to inform that those people liked your photo very much and now

want to meet us for further discussion" ma informed.

"What??? You gave my photograph to them without informing me…"I asked with a shocked expression.

I didn't expected ma to move forward this fast.

"I don't need your permission. And if you don't want me to interfere in your matters then say it clearly. I

will right away deny them" ma said in an angry tone.

"You are mistaken me ma. I am saying it’s too fast. And I am not ready to move on" i said while tearing

up.

"Till when, you will live in your past" she asked me.

"I don't know but I am not interested in marriage right now" I declared.

"Stop right here, I have heard this thing a lot, now i will not listen to you. And I have already agreed to

the proposal. They are coming tomorrow to see you. So, come home early before 3" She announced.

I looked towards amu for help. She shrugged her shoulders but did try to interfere.

"Mama, but di doesn't want t-..." Amu said.

"Shut up, don’t interfere while we elders are talking & till when she'll live in past. She have to move

forward" she scold her.

Amu rolled her eyes.

"Okay fine. I will come early. But I will only agree if he would be ready to accept me with my past" i

announced as she will not leave this topic until i said yes.

Ma looked through narrowed eyes but eventually agreed.

"And you amu, take leave for tomorrow and help me with the preparations" ma informed amu

"But mama I have my practical from next week and I have to attend college" amu said

"Nothing will change if u won’t go for one day " ma scold her.

I chuckled while covering my mouth while amu showed her tongue to me. She is very childish.

Amu make faces but eventually agreed.

Don't know why but I have a feeling tomorrow will be a hard day for me.

Next Day

I am standing in front of my mirror while adjusting my dupatta. I am wearing a simple pink suit. Guests

have arrived some time ago. Ma will call me anytime.

"Di, let’s go...ma is calling" amu said while entering the room.

We reached the living room while I kept my gaze on floor.

"See, Payal came" ma announced.

I lifted my gaze only to see an old lady around 60 years old.

I folded my hands to say namaste.

She acknowledged with a smile. Next was an old man & I did the same with him.

Then, there was a guy sitting wearing a blue denim with white shirt. He gave me a small smile when

our gaze met.

I lowered my eyes instantly. Then aunty called me to sit beside her.

I sat with her. She started asking questions.

"How are you doing?" she asked politely.

"I am doing good" i answered.

"I have heard that you are a professor in college. Which college" she enquired again

"SRCC College of Commerce" I told her.

"Okay, Can you cook"? She again asked

She needs a bride or a maid for her home. I thought while mentally rolling my eyes. Before I could

answer, ma intervened.

"Veena ji, Payal cooks very tasty food. She even did a course in her vacations" ma told her in

excitement.

I looked at ma while narrowing my eyes. Like seriously. I don’t know much of cooking. I can cook only

basic food. Nothing else.

"Impressive, our son Rahul loves eating different food. So, Payal be ready after marriage, u will have to

prepare different varieties daily" aunty told me.

So, his name is Rahul. Okay.

But am I looking a chef to her who will treat her son as god daily with chappan bog (56 types of dishes).

Apart from that I have a job to look after.

"Yes she will definitely" ma nodded with her.

Like seriously ma, are you kidding me.

Our conversation goes on like this for another 15 minutes.

I feel like I am being interviewed for some job.

"Suchitra ji, we like your daughter very much. But it would be better if Rahul & Payal talk alone for

sometime. After all, they have to live together" veena aunty finally announced the results of the

interview.

Ma face lit up instantly after hearing her approval. And I thought now comes the main part of this whole

meeting.

"Why not, Amu guide both of them to the balcony. They can talk there" ma suggested

We stand up & i looked towards Rahul who told "after you".

Okay, trying to be gentleman.

We reached the balcony. Our balcony is spacious having 2 chairs with a round table as sitting

arrangement.

We sat opposite to each other simultaneously.

He passed a smile and i reciprocate the same.

I want to directly come to the point but it would be very uncomfortable for me to share something

important to a complete stranger.

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After 1 hour

Mom is sitting on the sofa while sobbing while amu is trying to pacify her. I am standing while wiping my

tears gulping the humiliation which we faced sometime before.

I knew it beforehand this would happen when I will reveal him my past. I did not even told him whole

truth. Only after hearing my first few words he stood up from his seat & left the balcony only to told his

family my truth.

We faced the humiliation & taunts which his mother said left us in tears.

Is it my fault that I am....

My thoughts interrupted by ma's word.

"I told you many times not to reveal anyone anything but you won't listen to me na" ma said while

wiping her tears

"Ma, this is my past, my reality, my life. If anyone wants to accept me then accept me as I am. No

relationship stands without trust. And for that we have to be truthful about our life" I said sternly

"If you won't leave your stubbornness, then nobody will agree to marry you ever" she told me the fact.

"I am okay without marriage. I am not even interested. I am happy with my life as it is going on" i told

her

"Now you are being selfish. You are okay with this now. But what about after some years no one will

marry amu if you won't be married. Everyone will ask many types of questions why you are not married

and all. Do you want all this" she showed the harsh reality to me.

I gulped my tears and nodded no.

"Then listen to me for once bacha. I only want your happiness" she pleaded.

"What you want ma" I asked emotionally

"Promise me you will not reveal your past to your prospective groom before marriage" ma said

"No ma, that would be a cheating with the guy and his family. I won’t do such things" i straightforwardly

denied.

"No, you have to promise for my sake, for amu's future" she tried to blackmailed me emotionally.

"No, I won't make such promise" i again denied

"If you won't promise me now, then you will see my dead face" ma blackmailed me.

"No ma, please don’t say such things" I pleaded while sobbing. She is my everything. Because of her

only, I know what is mother's love.

"Promise me Payu'' she again asked me.

"I promise, I won't say a single word. I will not reveal anything from my mouth" I finally promised her.

She hugged me immediately.

I can't bear any other loss in my life. I have already faced a lot in my life. I won't lose again. If it makes

her happy, then let it be.

I will see afterwards if any other proposal come. Will think about it later on.