Page 87 of 12 Years
‘They won’t. Saket, I called to tell you something. Promise you won’t get upset?’
‘What?’
‘They’re coming today. That’s why I came to the salon, to get my make-up and hair done.’
‘Who’s coming?’
‘Parimal and his parents. Along with a few of his close relatives. Mine as well.’
‘Why?’
‘They wanted to do the roka … I said no. Anyway, it’s just a small family dinner with twenty people.’
‘Payal!’ I screamed so loudly that two passers-by turned to look at me. I lowered my voice, ‘How could you?’
‘Saket, don’t assume I’m on board with any of this. But Mom and Dad gave up food—’
I cut her short, ‘They manipulate you like this and—’
‘They ate nothing for four days, Saket. Mom fainted once. The doctor said she could’ve died.’
‘What are you even saying?’
‘Jain Paryushan is eight days of fasting. Mom and Dad said that if they ever find out I’m in touch with you, they’ll sit on an indefinite fast during the next Paryushan. They’ll keep going until death.’
‘What?’
‘I’m serious, Saket. They’re devout, practising Jains. They’re trained to bear a lot of suffering.’
‘And to manipulate you with it.’
‘I don’t know, Saket. But I can’t just run away and move to Bandra like this.’
‘Then convince them. Do something. You’re just toeing their line.’
‘No, I’m not. I’m calling you, aren’t I? Even though they made me swear I wouldn’t,’
‘Thanks for the big favour,’ I said, kicking an empty mineral-water bottle in frustration.
‘Don’t fight, please. I’m already stressed,’ Payal said.
‘Yeah, stress will spoil your make-up. You need to look good in front of your groom and your in-laws.’
‘Stop it, Saket, please.’ Payal started to weep.
‘Payal, please don’t cry,’ I said.
‘Then don’t say such hurtful things.’
‘Come see me. Now. Leave your phone at the parlour. Or I’ll come there.’
‘There’s traffic. It won’t work. I’ll have to go back before either of us can reach.’
‘Fine. Whatever.’
‘I’m sorry, Saket. I’ll try to see you soon.’
‘It’ll be even harder to convince your parents after this roka, you know that, right?’
