I cried all night.
I’ve known Samesh from next door my whole life. Born on the same day in the same hospital and best friends for years before we fell in love. My family adore him, and his love me. So, the shock when Dad said ‘No’ was like an elephant stampede in my chest.
Our palms had stuck to each other’s outside his study. Samesh had slunk in, and I’d pressed my ear to the door, the throb-a-throb-a-throb against the wood like a quiz show clock. When he came out, Samesh looked more upset than the day their dog ate his Paddington Bear.
Maybe it was too soon after my sister Meera’s ‘arm-and-a-leg’ wedding, so I offered all of my savings, but Dad just looked at me and laughed.
We considered eloping, like Nani had, but Samesh said that as an only child he couldn’t do that – who would look after his parents now they were getting old?
I began to get suspicious. Was there something no-one was telling me?
I decided to ask my dad straight up; why wouldn’t he give his blessing?!
I was respectful, but I demanded to know the reason.
“My sweet girl,” he smiled, “it’s impossible for you both to marry – it simply isn’t allowed…”
I felt my lip start to wobble as he continued,
“…not when you’re seven years old.”
