FF: Geet-The Song of Life (note pg 35) - Page 6

Chapter 1: Persuasion- Part III

01:00- Handa Residence

"Geeet," Gurpreet whispered outside the door, "bhalu, open the door." He could hear her sobbing halt for a second, just to start at a faster rate again. "Geet open the door please, let's talk about this."

"What's there to talk about, you've already made up your mind!" exclaimed Geet.

"That's not true Geet. I just need some time to think about this. It's an enormous decision and I can't just say 'yes' without taking the time to contemplate it," reasoned Gurpreet, patiently standing outside the door.

"Well then you did you say 'no' without thinking about it?" came the retort.

"I got overwhelmed and said the first think that came to my head. Please Geet, open the door, won't you let me come in and explain?"

Gupreet heard the bed creak as Geet got up to walk towards the door. Opening the door, she turned straight around and walked back to the bed, plonking herself upon it. Gurpreet walked towards her, a slight smile now crossing his lips. Taking a seat next to her he asked, "Now tell me why you really want to go on exchange to India? If I'm happy with your reasons I might just change my mind."

Speaking through her sniffles, Geet finally looked up at re father and responded. "Daddy, I wanna go somewhere with just my friends, meet new people, do new things and have some exhilarating fun. I've always been so sheltered and have seen the world only as you've shown it to me but now I want to see it from a new perspective, my own perspective."

"But why New Delhi, why not somewhere else like Canada or Britain?"

"Because I don't know anyone there and if I went to Canada or Britain you'd make me stay with one of our relatives. I don't want that, I want to explore new surroundings without someone directing or keeping an eye me."

"Is there anything else you want to add?" questioned Gurpreet.

"Yes. Please let me go!" Geet pleaded.

"Ok, I will think about it tonight and discuss it with your mother. I'm also going to have a word with Aman's parents and find about their relatives." Geet suddenly jerked her head up, surprised by Gurpreet's response. He's actually considering it, she thought surprised, I had given up all hope. "Don't look at me like that, i haven't said 'yes' yet. I'll let you know my answer tomorrow afternoon."

With that Gurpreet gave his daughter a small hug and got up to leave the room. Half-way out the door he turned back and whispered, "Geet, just remember one thing; your mum and I have never made any distinction between you and Ansh and we never will."  Spinning back around he walked out the room, leaving behind a guilt stricken Geet.

13:00 - Handa Residence

Hearing the phone ring Geet ran towards it. "Hello?"

"Geet, its daddy. I'm at work and just wanted to let you know that your mother and I have made a decision." Geet held her breath, waiting for the moment of revelation. "You and Aman may go to Dehli."

"What?"

"I said you can go."

"OH MY GOD, really?!" exclaimed Geet, a massive smile breaking out on her face.

"Yes really, but there is are two conditions and you have to agree to both. No compromises Geet."

"I agree!" Geet replied, already thinking about how much fun she was going to have.

"No, Geet. I want you to here the conditions beforehand so you can't back out of them later."

"What are they?" Geet questioned, starting to get a little anxious.

"First of all, you will live in a girl's hostel on campus so it's easier for you to get to your classes and you won't be wondering around the streets of Delhi. Secondly, when your semester in India finishes you will go to our home in Chandigarh and meet us there."

"Are you all going to come to India at the end of the semester?"

"Yes but this is not the entire second condition. Once in India will start looking for a groom for you, and will keep our eyes out for one here as well."

"WHAT?!?!" screamed Geet. "But daddy, I'm only twenty-three!"

"You will be twenty-four by then and as you've already pointed out; you won't have any time once your internship starts."

"But daddy, marriage?"

"If you have any one else on your mind tell me now Geet."

"It's not that daddy, but marriage?"

"You don't have to get married straight away, we'll just do the engagement and then you can come back and complete your studies. The wedding can be organised for a later date."

Geet did not reply. Marriage, already? She thought.

"Those are the two conditions Geet, let me know when you've decided. Bye."

What do I do? Go on exchange and come back engaged or continue living life in ignorant bliss.

Ok, so tell me what you alll think in a long comment. Don't forget to hit the 'like' button if you enjoyed it.

Jiwan