My Dream Marriage

“Hey dad, how was your session?” I greet him when we get to him at the physical therapy department. He was just seated so I presume his session is done. “Hi Neera, it was fine. I was almost leaving. How are you?” “I am okay dad, we just got from Mr Lawanson’s house,” I say. “Yes David, I see your session is done, we have shocking news though. You won’t believe what that family did,” my mom says. “What did Eric say? Did he terminate the agreement?” “No, can you believe that there won’t be any engagement party and that we have three weeks to prepare for the wedding? More over his son was not even present in this crucial matter,” my mom disappointedly remarks.

“See, I even have an engagement ring on my finger which he gave me,” I show him my finger with the ring on it. He registers surprise at the information we just gave him looking at me and then at my mom. “Why did he do that, why all that hurry?” He asks and my mum shrugs, “he said that it has been postponed for too long so we just go through with the wedding.”

He sighs then tells my mom that we should be leaving. My mom helps him push his wheelchair through the exit and we leave the hospital. We take a taxi home. It is already afternoon when we get home and I help my mom prepare lunch. At the table my dad eats his food lost in thought. I decide maybe this is the right time to ask the question that bothers me everytime. “Dad, could I get to know how or why this agreement came about.?”

“My dear, I promise I will let you know, but this is not the right time to tell you,” he says. “When is the right time dad?” “I know you desperately want to know but do not worry, this is a promise from a father to daughter,” he pats me on the head and I look at my mother who looks at me and agrees with my father’s decision. I bet I will have to push my curiosity at the time being and wait for the day my dad decides to confide in me. Maybe he will tell me before I get married. Or does he fear that when I get to know the story I will run away? Or decide not to continue with the arrangement. Or is it a devastating thing to hear so he doesn’t want to break my heart.

We are done eating and I finished washing the dishes and head to my bedroom. I close the door, take out my phone and jump on my bed. I have been dying to call Azila the whole time since we came from the Lawanson house. She picks on the second ring and her voice almost breaks my ears. “Tell me Azila how was it, and tell me how is Edward, did he fall in love with you at first sight, and am switching to video call.” I turn my phone to full screen for the video call and there she is her face revealing the ‘I am ready for this’ look. “So tell me, which question should I answer first, you have quite a number,” I ask and she smiles. ” All of them, and those are just a few and on this video you won’t hide anything from me. I tell her and her expressions are a sight to behold, I feel like laughing. “What is so funny?” She asks and I can’t help a laugh that escape my mouth. “It’s nothing, actually your expressions are on another level.” ” Neera, how did manage to get married into such a family, the first family of this city? And marry the most eligible bachelor in this city too?” “I really don’t know what I did to deserve this, am I on the right track Azila? Am I doing the right thing?”

“Oh Neera, who wouldn’t want to get married into the Lawanson’s family. And Edward, is every girl’s dream ooh…” “Azila, stop, you know what I mean,” I interrupt her train of thoughts. ” Sorry I didn’t mean that, I was just joking. See, I really am not a fan of arranged marriages but there are some which have been successful. Although your situation is complicated and there is no way out, whatever decision you make I am right behind you. So tell me, are you in or should I kidnap you on your wedding day?” I chuckle. “Thank you Azila, this was arranged by my late grandpa and I will have to go through this . And I want a favour from you, please?” “Tell me Azila, anything for you.” “Will you be my maid of honor? And that you have three weeks to prepare, from now.” “What? Three weeks, why that soon? It seems Edward can’t wait to get married to you,” I laugh and wipes my hair off my face when she exclaims. Oh yes, I didn’t mention the ring and the date for the wedding to her.

“Are you hiding more things from me?”she quirks an eyebrow at me. ” No that’s all I did not tell you.” When I decided to tell her about the meeting, I only told her about the house, how Edward couldn’t attend and everything except for the engagement and the date for the wedding.

“You did not tell me that you were going to be engaged today. Oh wait, Edward was not there, so how did you get engaged? And who the hell gets married three weeks after a meeting? Neera are you sure about this?”She asks with concern etched on her face.”Edward’s father gave me and I had to fit it on my finger, and that is how the engagement ring came about. As for the wedding, I came to know that it had been postponed severally so that’s why it has to be done soon. I will go through with this arrangement, I have no much choice. I know I’ll be fine.”

” Okay if you say so. I will be your maid of honor. I have got your back.” I thank her and end the call.

***

It is on Monday. I woke up earlier than usual to get to work. I will have to ask for a leave for the wedding. I find the bookstore already cleaned only boxes of shipped in books placed at a corner. I place my bag at the reception area and begin unpacking the boxes. Just then a movement catches my eye and I already know who it is. I place the books down and face the direction of the entrance. Samara, my boss walks in. “Good morning, ma’am, hope your weekend was great,” I greet her and she chimes,” good morning too Neera. My weekend was fantastic. How come you are in so early? Do you want a salary advance?” Advance? I hadn’t thought about that. Maybe it could come in handy, but I will have to ask about that later.

“No, ma’am, I just wanted to ask for a leave,” I answer.

“Why are you taking your leave now, in the last two years you have never asked for a leave, even your arranged leave I always give you, you always decline, why now?” I preferred working on my leave days because I could get to be paid extra to the usual pay rate, I was okay with my off days on weekend so working rather than taking a leave was beneficial. ” I actually have a wedding to attend to in three weeks time that’s why.” ” You could take maybe two or three days, wait you wanted leave, that is 21 days, why, is the wedding not in this country, is it abroad?” ” No, the wedding will be here in this city.” “Why then do you need leave for?” “Because it’s my own wedding,” I answer and she can’t conceal the shock that is evident on her face. “You are getting married in three weeks time? You also get engaged,” she points to my fingers, “and you did not tell me about it? Who is the lucky guy?”

I think about not telling her but given the status of the family I am getting married into, I give in and decide to tell her. “Edward Lawanson,” her shock couldn’t be more evident. “My goodness! That Edward Lawanson, the billionaire bachelor? I can’t believe this? Are you serious? Where is the invite?” “No invites yet, and yes Iam serious, I am getting married to Edward Lawanson in three weeks time,” I answer and she looks at me for sometime before she leaves for her office. I thank the heavens when she leaves without asking much and getting deeper into the matter. I continue with my work waiting for her response, she definitely will give me the response before we close for the day.

***

Lawanson house.

“Edward, why didn’t you come for the introduction on Saturday? What was so important that you couldn’t come back, it wasn’t such a trivial matter, you could have sent an engineer to take a look at the site and you know that,” Eric asks. “Dad, it was important that I go besides you are done with it right? You were there so I knew you could push through,” Edward says. “You are aware this is your marriage we are talking about right? What could be more important than that?” ” My company needs me and this marriage was arranged a long time ago so it will go on with or without my permission. Did you ask for my opinion before you decided on my fate? Dad I am tired of this discussion.” Eric Lawanson furiously looks at his son and fists hand, his knuckles turning white in the process.

“Edward, your wedding is in three weeks time, so you better prepare yourself. It’s a good thing you came today so you know. What were you even doing since Friday until today?” “Eric, let him be, he was definitely busy , he needs to rest. Don’t worry I will talk to him,” Edward’s mother says when she walked in and found them arguing. “You better talk to your son and make him understand, I am leaving, see you in the evening,” he pecks his wife on the cheek and exits the room.

“Edward, how was your trip?”

“It was nice, thanks mom. I came in a few moments ago and met dad here, I landed an hour ago. Mom, is the wedding in three weeks time?” “Yes son, and I want your wedding to be the talk of town. My son cannot be a laughing stock. I have started preparing for the invites and by Wednesday they will be ready for delivery. But you have to do me a favour.” “Which favour mom?”

“Since you weren’t here on Saturday, you have to do this for me. Next Friday I have to attend an important function and I had booked a designer for Neera’s wedding gown so you have to find time to take her. You two will also get to know each other,” she says.

“Alright mom, I will. I need to go get my rest. See you later,” he says and turns to leave. “Did you have something to eat? Do not starve to death. You are no girl to stay in shape. You need energy for your wedding, you know. Eat before you sleep,” his mom remarks but Edward brushes her off, “I will eat later mom,” he says and leaves the room.

***

The day passes on slowly and finally it is time to close for the day. I am done and I pick up my bag to leave, then I remember there is an unresolved matter with my boss Samara. I head towards her office and find her on a call. I wait until she is done and she looks up at me. “Oh you are here,” she says and I nod.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.