Page 9 of Shattered

“You wish, son,” Dad says, and we both burst out laughing. I love the bond we share. To any observer, it’s unmistakable that we’re more like buddies and our affection for each other knows no limits. We share not only a deep bond but also striking similarities in our appearance. We’re almost like copies of each other. From the curve of our smiles and the way we carry ourselves to our height and features, it’s clear we’re cut from the same mold—except for Dad’s gray hair, of course. He’s a big part of who I am, inside and out.

“You two can keep up your banter while I get you something to eat,” Mom chimes in, making her way toward the kitchen, but I shake my head to stop her.

“Later, Mom. I had my third coffee before coming here.Let’s sit and catch up before I start feeling hungry,” I suggest.

Nodding, my parents take a seat on the couch while I settle across from them. Taking a deep breath, I gather a moment to look around, noticing how much it’s changed. Mom had recently redecorated the house, transforming the once plain white walls to a soothing shade of blue. Even the sofa covers had been changed to match the new colour scheme. Her prized scenic paintings still hang on the walls, complemented by her favourite oversized, expensive vases strategically placed around the house.The space feels more elegant, with Mom’s personal touch visible in every corner of the room.

“Rough night?” Mom remarks, a knowing grin on her face. “It looks like the party and the girls kept you awake until the wee hours.”

I jerk my head back to look at her. “Do you still smell liquor?” I give myself a quick sniff, but there’s no scent of it. Glancing up at her, I roll my eyes at the ever-present look on her face that says,‘You can’t hide.’“I suppose Mom’s sixth sense is in full swing today.”

Both my parents burst out laughing, and Dad says, “We’re your parents. We know you too well for you to hide anything.”

“You sure know me too well for my liking,” I mutter under my breath.

“Fuss all you want, son, but it’s a parental superpower you can’t escape,” Dad retorts with a wink.

“So, is there a special woman among the many you hang out with?” Mom asks, a mischievous glint in her eye, suggesting she’s already planning the wedding.

“Mom, not this topic again,” I reply, rolling my eyes. “There’s no one right now. I promise I’ll tell you if I ever happen to find someone.”

“Take your time, son. There’s no rush,” Dad says reassuringly. I give him a nod, grateful that at least Dad understands me well enough not to push the matter further.

Mom shoots him a look. “Are you kidding me, Rajesh? Did you just tell him there’s no rush? He’s in his thirties, and he’s still not married. At this rate, I don’t know when I’ll see my grandchildren. God,men can be so laid-back about these things sometimes.”

Dad looks at Mom with a calm smile. “Sweetheart, what I meant is, we shouldn’t rush into these matters. It’s about his entire life. One wrong choice, and it could spell disaster. Not everyone is as fortunate as me to have a life partner like you.” Ican’thelp but chuckle at my dad’s cleverness. He is indeed a true businessman, one who knows how to play his cards wisely.

Shaking her head, her cheeks tinted red, Mom turns her attention back to me. “If you’re not seeing anyone, let us helpyou find someone. I’ve reached out to a few of my friends and collected photos of some girls. If someone catches your eye, we can plan a meeting.”

“I am not sure if I am quite ready for marriage yet, Mom.” I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to alleviate the headache that’s starting to build.

Both of them exchange a look of concern before turning their attention back to me.

“Son, it’s completely normal to feel nervous about marriage. We get it; it’s a big step for you. But at some point, you will have to take the leap of faith. You can’t stay single forever,” Mom says gently.

“Your mom is right, son.I, too, was in your shoes once, but I took a step forward eventually. You’ve got to do the same. And remember, we’re here for you every step of the way, to support you through it all,” Dad chimes in, his tone supportive yet resolute.

“At least give it a chance before you make a decision,” Mom adds.

Dad’s lips curve into a faint smile. “You know your mom won’t give up until you agree. You know how determined she can be when she sets her mind to something.Even after all these years of marriage, I still can’t win against her.”

I sigh. I know I can’t argue with them forever. Deep down, I want to give them everything and make them happy. “Fine, I will give it a try and meet whoever you have in mind.”

Dad smiles at me, while Mom squeals with joy and rises to her feet. She then comes to sit beside me, wrapping her arms around me.

“Thank you so much, son, for giving us this. I promise you won’t regret it,” she says earnestly.

I nod and gently pull back from the hug, meeting her gaze. “But I should have the final say in who I want to marry.”

“I promise, we won’t force you. The final call is yours, as long as you don’t keep us waiting for years,” Mom says, her eyes twinkling.

“I won’t,” I promise. After witnessing the joy on my parents’ faces, I realise I don’t want to deny them this happiness, no matter what surprises marriage might bring my way.

“That’s my boy,” Dad pitches in.

“Now that this is settled, I hope you two remember we have Aditya’s parents party to attend tonight,” I remind them.

“We do,” they both say simultaneously, nodding in agreement.

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