You keep a

lot to yourself
because it's
difficult to
find People
who understand.

"Abso-fucking-lutely not" Kat exclaimed.

"You seriously can't be thinking about this. Look, you cannot do it. You don't need to. " She added looking frustrated.

"But ....I need to help those children an.."

She cut me off, " yes, I know and we'll do something about it. We will find some way but you, you listen to me, you can't do that. Marriage is a big thing."

"Exactly, we want you to have a beautiful love story. Fall in love and then get married. You can't marry a stranger."
Kat added .

"Yes, we won't let you do that."

"I can't believe you even thought of such a thing and no matter how good looking, handsome and adonis type he is , you won't marry him"

Kat and Mia both were constantly telling me and trying to convince me not to marry Xander since the moment I told them about my decision.

"Guys" I started with my hands up a little in a gesture to say wait a minute.

"Guys, listen.
First if all, I'm not doing it against my will. I do want to help and if I won't help them, I'd regret it my whole life and be sad about it. Now, you guys don't want that, right? I asked in hopes they'll understand me.

They nodded their heads unsurely.

"Great!
Also, it's just an arranged marriage. People do it all the time. It's no different."
I tried to assure them.

"But because they are stupid, you are not stupid. You won't do arrange marriage"
Mia again tried to talk me out if it.

"Well, I'm from India. And arrange marriage is common there."
I tried to convince her.

"Well, it's not India. And you have a chance to fall in love and then marry."
Kat gave me a worried look.

"It's alright guys. Besides, who says I won't have a chance to fall in love.
It's just a matter of few months. I'll be fine.
Nothing's gonna happen." I again tried to assure them.

They still didn't look convince.
I know they didn't like my decision. I know I might be making a mistake. But one thing, I've learnt in life is to take chances, risks , experience everything.

"It's just that Maria wants me to .....you know like .....make Xander stop being a workaholic and it's just a few months I have to be with him. " I explained.

"You are saying few months, have you talked about it to Maria?" Kat asked , this time with a serious expression on her usually smiling face.

I haven't yet talked about it with Maria.
But I'm sure she'll understand.
I just have to make her understand that I can't ever be with her son for real.

Also, she's a sweet lady. Really sweet. Xander isn't even her own son, still she thinks so much about him, she loves him , maybe even more than his real mom might have loved.

This gets me curious about Xander's family. What might would have happened? Maria never talked about his parents, none of his family members, if there are any.
I guess that's not my concern. I shouldn't bother much about it.

"I haven't yet talked to her. But I'll do soon." I answered Kat.

"Well, we just hope you know what you are doing. We are always there for you."
Mia finally said.

I was surprised. Did they really...?
Wow! I really wanted them to be with me in this. I needed my two besties the most.

I immediately jumped on both and hugged them tight.

"Thank you , thank you, thank you , thank you so much guysss. I love you two. I really need you two." I spoke though it got muffled between our clothes. I am happy they agreed.

Kat suddenly withdrew from the hug .
"Oh wait! First lemme see him. I've heard he's really sexy and handsome." She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

I shook my head smilingly.

She we to bring her laptop from her room. Mia got a call from Talia.

I was sitting on the couch lost in my thoughts.
I truly hope what I'm doing is right.

"OH MY GOD!!!
GOSH! HE IS SOOOOO SEXY, SCAR!"

I jumped on the couch scared from how loud she screamed. She nearly made me deaf. That girl.

She came with the laptop and showed it to me.

It was true. There was Xander looking as handsome, maybe even more than I last saw him. He was a beautiful piece of art.

He was nominated as " the sexiest man alive" on the page.

It made me a little self conscious.
He can get any girl he wants, literally anyone. And I'm getting married to that man.

Maria called me this morning to tell that Xander has agreed to the marriage.

I can't believe I was taking such a big step with such carelessness. I guess that's just me. Hmm, what can I do anyways!

I'm wondering about Xander. Why did he agree to marry me? Does he has his reasons too? Is he doing this because his mom asked or is there something else too?

I don't know. I don't want to think about this right now.

After Kat fangirled about him, we all went out to eat something.

It was evening now. I was completing some of my assignments.

I remember I still have to talk to Maria about orphanage situation.
I have to know when she'll talk to Xander.
I thought I'll call her later .

As if on cue, her call came.
I answered it.

"Hello. Scarlett, I just wanted to know if you are free this weekend. We are going ring shopping as the engagement is next week only." She cheerfully said from the other side of the phone. I could imagine herself smiling widely while talking.

I totally forgot about that. Engagement has been fixed and it's next week on Friday.
Maria said she'll handle everything.
And I thought so too. I know nothing about handling marriages or anything.

"Yeah, I'm free. Also, can I meet you a little earlier, like tomorrow or something? I need to talk to you about something." I asked her.

"Yeah, about that orphanage, right? Don't worry, I already talked with Xander. He's not buying it now."
I sighed in relief.

"Also, I want to tell you a good news . We should meet tomorrow. At my bakery." She added.

"Yeah, alright. I'll be there. Around 11, okay?"

"It's okay. I can't wait to tell you.
Byee Scar!"

I exhaled. I don't know what I'm doing.

Next day, I woke up a little early. I needed to clear my mind. And what's better than a nice early morning walk along with enjoying sunrise.

I went out wearing a loose tank top with a black top underneath and grey joggers.
Putting my hair in a ponytail, I was ready to go.

All along while jogging, I was thinking about my decision.

I saw a couple a few feet away from me , talking and walking together with smiles adorning their faces. They looked so much in love together and so happy.

Oh god! What was I thinking? How can I do this ?
I seriously cannot just marry a person.
I never wanted to marry anyways.
It is such a big step. It comes with all the responsibilities. It's a whole new phase of my life which I'm not ready to start.
Maybe I will never be ready to .

I need to talk to Maria.
I can't....I can't marry her son.
This is ....not fair.
Not to him, not to me.

I decided I'll tell her this morning when we'll meet.

Soon, it was 10:45 and I was almost ready to meet Maria.
I just needed to get my phone and heels.
And...done!

I already told about my decision to Kat and Mia.
They both respected it but still I felt as if Mia wanted to say something but she held herself back.

I was on my way to the bakery just when I got the call from Jenny.

"Hey, Jenny!"

"Scar, I need you to come immediately here at the city hospital. Devin fell down the stairs and injured his head really bad. Just come here quick." She panicked.

"Okay, okay I'm coming." I immediately said and got the cab to turn around towards the hospital.

I reached there in about 10 minutes.
I approached the receptionist.

" Hey, a 5 year old kid named Devin, fell from the stairs, which floor is he on?" I quickly asked.

She looked at me for a moment and then said, " floor no.3, first room on the right.'

I quickly reached there and saw Jenny out in the corridor with her head in her hands.

The next moment, doctor came out of the opposite room.
© Asterin

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