Page 83 of 12 Years
‘What do you mean private moment?’ Yashodha snapped, eating a sugar-filled modak from a box purchased from the mithai store next to the tea stall.
‘Let’s leave all that behind, ma’am. I’ve apologized multiple times for it. The Jains are known to be the most forgiving people. You have this beautiful concept of “michhami dukkadam”, isn’t it? It means to seek forgiveness. That’s all I ask from you.’
Payal’s parents looked at each other, surprised. For a moment, their anger seemed to subside, before Anand remembered the situation again and regained his stern expression.
I continued, ‘Anyway, coming to the point, in the interest of time …’
‘There is no point,’ Anand said, picking up a modak from the box his wife held out towards him. ‘We’re being forced to sit here.’
I wished they would offer me a modak too. I was hungry. I needed sugar to deal with the stress.
‘Okay. I know about Parimal,’ I said.
Payal looked at me, surprised.
‘You told him?’ Yashodha said to Payal, looking at her daughter with her default expression of disappointment.
Payal shrugged her shoulders.
‘Yes, she told me,’ I said. ‘And I understand you think he’s the right match for her. I can see why.’
Payal’s parents looked at me, surprised again.
I continued, ‘However, I don’t think Payal will be happy with him, if that matters to you. Neither will Parimal be happy with her. Sometimes, it isn’t only about what looks right on paper. It’s also about chemistry and compatibility.’
‘And you think you and Payal are compatible?’ Yashodha said, smirking. ‘There’s a huge age difference between you two.’
‘I understand that. But we are compatible—it isn’t about biological age alone. Even if it were, I’m fitter than many twenty-year-olds. Also, I plan to remain healthy.’
‘You’re divorced. And not even a Jain. Do you see what that will do to us in society? And what work do you do now anyway?’ Anand said.
‘I’m a professional stand-up comic,’ I said.
‘Stand-up what?’ Yashodha said, genuinely confused.
‘I perform on stage and make people laugh. I get paid for it. Reasonably well now.’
‘I’ll tell all my relatives that Payal is marrying a stage artist?’ Yashodha looked horrified.
‘I’m doing this by choice. This is my passion. If need be, I can always get a tech job or start a business. In India or abroad. I still get offers,’ I said.
‘What’s your name again?’ Anand said.
‘Saket, sir.’
‘See, that’s all fine, Saket. But we don’t approve of this match.’
‘Why not?’
‘We just don’t. You can’t force us to.’
‘Neither can you stop us,’ I said.
Anand stood up with a disgusted expression. ‘If you threaten us like this, I don’t want to be here. Payal, Yashodha, let’s leave.’
‘Sit, Dad, please,’ Payal said.
We stayed silent as Anand fumed for a few seconds. Then he sat down again.
