When Papa asked me to leave the house if I wanted, I didn't argue back. I was done. Their behavior had drained me, and I silently accepted.

Papa's voice cracked with disbelief, tinged with anger. "What?! You can leave this house and family but... not that job...?"

I replied in a tired, steady tone, "Yes... because you are the one putting this condition... and I can afford my needs myself..."

Mummy's voice softened, trying to pierce through my resolve. "What is there in that job... which is making you leave the family...? Don't we matter to you at all...?"

I felt the manipulation in her words, the familiar tug at my heart she often used to make me yield. My voice grew firm. "Mummy... why are you trying to emotionally blackmail me...? You people only asked me to leave the house... then why are you trying to stop me now...?"

She didn't give up so easily. "Why don't you listen to us, child...? We are telling all this for your benefit only..."

I cut her off, my voice rising with the weight of years of frustration. "My benefit...!? You people are asking me to leave my 24 years of studies, my hard work... everything... and go to a new person's house... and cook for him and his family... whom I don't even know!"

Mummy's tone softened again, still trying to manipulate. "It's not like that... it's every girl's destiny to get married... and leave everything behind, dear..."

I took a deep, shuddering breath, my hands clenching into fists. "Destiny...?! It's not destiny, Mummy... it's societal pressure on girls. Why don't you ever ask me what I want from my life? Would you ever ask Kunal to do the same...?! No... right...?!"

Mummy was silent, dumbstruck. I turned on my heel and walked to my room, each step heavy with exhaustion and resolve.

In my room

I locked the door behind me, letting the click echo like a small victory. Slowly, I removed my jewelry, one piece at a time, my hands trembling. Tears blurred my vision, and I sank onto the edge of the bed.

Looking into the mirror, I whispered to my reflection, my voice choked with frustration and sorrow. "Why... why is it always only a girl who needs to sacrifice everything... may it be her family... her career...? Why a girl only...?"

The question hung in the air, unanswered, but for the first time in a long while, I allowed myself to feel it fully—the weight, the unfairness, and the quiet rage that had been building inside me for years.

💞💞💞💞💞💞

Though I had agreed to this alliance, I wanted Kavyashree's approval before proceeding. I said, "Maa... I like her, but I need her approval as well..."

Maa looked at me curiously. "Shivu... you didn't ask her for this...?"

"I wanted to ask, but... before I could, she got an emergency call and left..." I explained.

Dad nodded understandingly. "Oh... it's okay, beta. We'll call Mr. Sharma and confirm everything... alright?"

I remembered Kavyashree's condition and added, "Maa... you know what... Kavyashree said she wants to continue working even after marriage. I told her she can do whatever she wants, and I'll always support her."

Dad smiled proudly. "Well done, son!! She shouldn't leave her work... to become our daughter-in-law. Right, Sucheta?"

Maa nodded. "Of course... she doesn't need to sacrifice her career for our family. But... I have a question."

"Yes, Maa... what is it?" I asked.

Maa leaned forward. "What did you say to her that made her insist on this? Even if she hadn't said it, we would have supported her work anyway."

Dad added, "Yes... I was wondering the same."

I shook my head. "Maa... Dad... I didn't say anything... but..."

Chachu looked at me eagerly. "But... what?!"

"She told me that... before meeting me, she had met three other boys. All of them wanted her to quit her job." I said quietly.

Everyone gasped. Chachi maa exclaimed, "What?! But why?!"

I explained, "Because she's a doctor... she works late nights... and many times she can't even go home. Not just the boys... even her parents pressured her to quit."

Maa's eyes widened in surprise. "What... her parents as well?!"

"Yes," I said.

Dad's voice grew firm. "How can her own parents not support her?!"

I shrugged. "Maybe... societal pressure."

Dad frowned. "Yes... but still, they should support their daughter."

"I know... but you can't change everyone," I said softly.

Dad nodded thoughtfully. "Then she will expect that others will be the same... if her parents don't support her, how can she expect kindness from anyone else? I'll talk to Mr. Sharma tomorrow."

Everyone agreed silently, understanding the weight of what Kavyashree had endured and the strength of her resolve.

💞💞💞💞💞💞

(The next day)

It was around 7 P.M. when Rajesh ji called Shashi ji. As soon as Shashi ji picked up, Rajesh ji greeted warmly, "Namaste Shashi ji!!"

"Namaste Rajesh ji!!" Shashi ji replied politely.

"Well... Shashi ji... our Shivansh is ready for this alliance. But before taking any further step, we would like to talk to Kavyashree directly," Rajesh ji said.

The call was on speakerphone, and Kavyashree, who was nearby, overheard everything. Before she could respond, Shashi ji interrupted nervously, "I'm sorry, Rajesh ji..."

"Sorry?! For what, Shashi ji?" Rajesh ji asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.

Shashi ji sighed. "I'm sorry because... my daughter has put a... very stubborn condition. She wants to continue working even after marriage. I know it sounds unreasonable, but I'll try to convince her."

Kavyashree felt a pang of frustration. When my own family doesn't support me... how can I expect anyone else to? Is it too much to ask for just support for my career—from my parents and my life partner?

Before she could dwell further, Rajesh ji's firm voice cut in, "Shashi ji... what era are you stuck in? We called to tell you that we never had any issue with Kavyashree working. Why are you pressuring her to quit?"

Sucheta ji added gently, "Yes... Shashi ji. Even I am involved in our family business, and Lata works as a bank manager. Being professionally active doesn't stop you from being part of a family."

Shashi ji hesitated, "But... Sucheta ji... being involved in a business or a bank is different. Working as a doctor... she'll be away from home most of the day."

Rajesh ji replied firmly, "So what, Shashi ji? The family will make time for her if she's busy. You don't need to worry about that."

Kavyashree's heart swelled. She had never expected such understanding from someone else's family. Why are they supporting me so much? she wondered, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude.

Rajesh ji continued, "So... can I now talk to Kavyashree directly, Shashi ji?"

Shashi ji handed the phone to her, and Kavyashree took it, saying softly, "Namaste Uncle..."

Rajesh ji's voice was warm and welcoming. "Namaste beta! We all wanted to meet you. Would you like to join us for a family dinner tonight, if you're free?"

Her heart warmed by the kindness in their voices, Kavyashree smiled and said, "Sure, Uncle. Thank you for inviting me... I'll be happy to join."

"Okay then... see you at dinner, bete," Rajesh ji said cheerfully.

"Sure, Uncle," Kavyashree replied, smiling as she held the phone, feeling a little lighter than she had in days.

Author's Note

Oh, dearies... Kavyashree's courage is shining brighter than ever! 💪✨ Standing up for her dreams, refusing to be silenced, and demanding respect—it's what makes her so unshakable. And Shivansh... he's learning just how strong and independent she truly is. 💞

It's not just a love story... it's a story of respect, choices, and the battles women fight for their dreams. 🌸

How are you feeling about Kavyashree standing her ground? And Shivansh... is he ready to match her strength heart for heart? 💌 Drop your thoughts below—I need to hear your hearts racing just like theirs! 💖

With love and slow-burn tension,
– Your Author 🌷