Swiping for Shaadi: Episode 19 - Finally Revealing Her Feelings

Missed the previous episode? Read it here.

When Anjali stepped into her house, she could find dead silence as if no one had spoken for ages. She noticed her father and uncle, whispering to each other with grimaces of sadness on their faces.

“What happened? Why is everyone so quiet?”

“Nothing,” her father murmured, his voice was heavy and his eyes looked tear-struck.

“Papa, is Daadi alright…what happened to her…is she..” Anjali struggled to speak more words, observing her father’s expressions. But it was Daadi’s agonized voice that brought her to senses.

“Kuch nahi hua hai mujhe. I am alright.” Daadi screeched at the top of her voice.

“Oh,” Anjali smirked and placed her backpack on the floor. “Then, why is there a complete hush in our house? As if something sinister has happened.”

“Your younger cousin sister is getting married,” Mishraji spoke strongly. Though it was great news for Alok Uncle and Shanti Aunty, it was a severe blow to Mishraji. Divya, who had turned 21 recently, had found her match.

“She is only 20. Turned 21 last month. What about her career? Don’t you want her to get settled?” Mishraji agitated Alokji for his sudden approval to get his daughter married.

“She is a graduate. That’s enough to get a decent job. And anyway, she can help in her husband’s business. What’s the use of higher education?” He glanced at Anjali from the corner of his eye. “I opposed the proposal first, but I think it is a win-win situation. I don’t have to wander places around Agra to get her in wedlock.”

Mishraji couldn’t stand the passive nagging and humiliation, so, he smirked, “You are saying this? You were the one who always opposed love marriages and now, you are ready to save dowry and all the hustle of an arranged marriage. Suddenly, sour grapes have become sweet, Alok.”

Alokji didn’t argue with his elder brother, he never had the guts to do that. He mumbled, “I was not ready, but I can’t help, bhaiya. She is involved with that guy. If I reject, the whole town knows about their affair and no one will marry her.” He added, lowering his head in shame.

Divya entered the heated scene and didn’t show any signs of embarrassment. She seemed to be proud of herself that she was going to be the first one to get married.

“You should have at least thought of the Mishra family before fixing up marriage by yourself. The whole city knows about your affair.” Alokji grumbled when he noticed Divya shamelessly glancing at them.

“Papa, why are you mad at me? And it is not an affair, it is love. Pure love. And it is better to get married early than to marry late. I can clearly see how much trouble you have to undergo when you cannot find a suitable groom for Didi.” She said, pointing to Anjali, which made her red with anger.

Anjali pounced on her little cousin sister and grabbed her ear.

“What did you say? No one cannot find a suitable groom for me. You are the one being a burden on the family, couldn’t even clear graduation in one attempt, and hang out in the whole city shamelessly. You are the leftover and it is a good riddance that you are getting married.”

Shocked by Anjali’s sudden attack on Divya, both the gentlemen approached them and the ladies also tried to resolve.

“Leave her, beta. Leave her, beta. We know she is not right, but she is your little sister.”

After a brutal tug-of-war, the two girls were separated and Anjali screamed in anger, “This is what you all think of me. I am a leftover woman in this house.”

No one responded to this indirect question and remained calm instead. The silence gave away a lot and Anjali was furious, “Okay. So, today, I am visiting to make an announcement.”

Everyone held their breath when Anjali decided to reveal her decision. Mishraji was so sure she had found someone in Mumbai, Alokji doubted whether she liked men anymore, and both the ladies had weirdly guessed that Anjali had taken sanyas from the whole world.

“Henceforth, I am not going to look for any marriage proposals. No more swiping, no more checking, and no more biodata sharing.”

“Have you found someone in Mumbai?” Mishraji asked her.

“No. Sorry, no Papa. If I had found a man, I would have straightaway told you and you would have never known from a third person about it.” She blurted out, eyeing Divya.

“Papa, I want you to respect my decision. I have always been an obedient daughter in my life. Now, I want you to understand my predicament and be with me.”

Alokji simply wanted a reason to argue and defend Divya’s random marriage. Hence, he showed spite towards what Anjali said, “Hope you are interested in only men.” He said with a wicked smirk on his face.

“And if I didn’t have any interest, would you stop showing your substantial interest in other women?” Anjali said with a double-wicked smile on her face. She had decided on the Mumbai to Agra flight that she wouldn’t be tolerating anyone’s rough remarks that day. She would be revealing her true feelings and decisions without any fear or inhibitions.

“What are you saying, Anjali? Have you lost your mind?” Alokji roared. He turned towards Mishraji and added, “Look at your daughter. Not only does she likes women, but she has even stopped respecting others. Bhaiya, look at her else, she might slip out of control.”

“I am in control, Chacha. I am in complete control of myself now. Henceforth, I won’t be entertaining anyone’s expectations.” She turned a deaf ear to what he had alleged and continued her little speech, turning towards her father.

“Papa, I have quit my job. I have found an interesting internship in Mumbai. I also want to pursue an advanced photography course for which I have been saving money. And don’t worry about me being a burden on you, I have found a few freelancing gigs as well.”

Mishraji couldn’t figure out how to evoke expressions at the sudden news. He was already overwhelmed with Divya’s marriage. When he heard that Anjali had left her job, his hopes were shattered.