I woke up to the sound of continuous knocks on my door. My parents' voices followed softly.
"Tanvi, wake up," my mother called.
Still half-asleep, I opened the door, rubbing my eyes. "What happened? Is everything okay?"
My father stood there, looking calm but serious. "Everything is fine. Just get freshened up quickly and come to the dining room."
I nodded. While brushing my teeth, my thoughts kept circling. What could be so important that they've been wanting to talk about it since last night?
Then suddenly, a memory flashed, Papa went to meet his billionaire friend yesterday. Maybe something happened. Maybe he wants to tell me about it.
Curiosity took over. I hurried through my chores and walked to the dining room.
Mom and Dad were already sitting there. I sat across from my mother, still trying to read their faces. "Okay, now you can start," I said lightly, hoping to ease the tension in the air.
Papa sighed deeply. "Tanvi, I don't know how to say this, but… you want to help us pay the debts, right?"
I smiled instantly. "Of course, Papa! I've told you so many times. I want to help you both. Then we can start a new life together."
He looked at me carefully. "Are you sure?"
"Of course, Papa," I repeated, a little confused. "You can use my salary for the payments."
My mother exchanged a worried glance with my father before saying quietly, "No, it's not about your salary, beta. We're asking for something… more."
Her tone made my chest tighten. "If it's not about money, then what is it about? But don't worry, I'm ready to give anything."
My mother took a deep breath, her eyes glistening. "You need to get married, Tanvi."
Her words hit me like a slap. My body froze, and for a few seconds, there was complete silence, so heavy that even the clock ticking on the wall sounded too loud.
"Marriage?" I finally managed to whisper. "What? I'm not ready for that."
Papa said softly, "Beta, you're already twenty-five. We think it's the right time. We worry about your future. And it's not like you're seeing someone."
I stood up, anger welling inside me. "Papa, why? Why are you bringing marriage into this? Can't I stay with you for a few more years? Am I that worthless?"
A tear slipped down my cheek.
My mother started crying quietly. Then, for the first time, she raised her voice. "You said you wanted to help us, right? Then get married. That's the only way you can help."
Her words pierced through me like a dagger. My chest ached as I whispered, "Am I such a burden to you both? I've been working hard. I'm earning more each month, trying to become stable… and now you want to get rid of me?"
Papa's voice trembled. "No, beta. We don't want to send you off. But the debts… they're crushing us. It's not possible to handle anymore."
That was when I saw it, tears in his eyes. My strong, calm father was crying.
The sight shattered something inside me. "I'll work harder," I said desperately. "I'll take another job. I'll work day and night if I have to! Just don't make me get married."
Mom wiped her tears and said, "You don't understand, Tanvi. The debts are huge. We never told you because we didn't want to burden you. Even if you work all your life, you won't be able to pay it. It's in millions."
Her words made my heart drop. Millions? I didn't even know it was that bad.
I asked, barely able to speak, "Papa… if I get married, how will that help?"
He hesitated. Then, in a low voice, he said, "Your in-laws will pay the debts for us. They'll settle everything. Then your mother and I can start over… free from worry."
He tried to smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "We'll know you're safe and happy. You won't have to struggle like us."
My fists clenched. "Papa, Mumma, how could you do this? How can you use me just to pay off your debts?"
My mother looked up sharply, her eyes red. "Because you don't know what it feels like to live under this burden!" she cried. "We're drowning, Tanvi! Every day feels like dying a little more. We kept you safe from all this, but now we can't anymore."
Her words broke me. I wanted to shout, to cry, to run away, but all I could do was sit there, trembling and sobbing.
Papa placed his hand gently on mine. "Tanvi… think about it. Don't listen to us. Don't listen to anyone. Just listen to your heart. You're my child, not an object. I won't force you. Just… tell me your decision by evening."
Unable to bear it any longer, I stood up and ran to my room. I locked the door and switched off my phone.
I didn't go to work that day. I lay on my bed, staring blankly at the ceiling as silent tears soaked my pillow. At some point, exhaustion took over and I fell asleep.
When I woke up, the sky outside was dark and roaring with thunder. My clock showed 6:30 PM. I have to give them my answer, I thought bitterly.
I had decided I would say no. No to this forced marriage, no to sacrificing my life for debts that weren't my fault. Even if it meant suffering, I'd rather live on my own terms.
But as I stepped out of my room, I heard my parents' voices from the dining room. I stopped near the doorway.
Papa's voice was low. "Bhoomi, we already know her answer. She'll say no. Don't force her. I've found another way. We'll sell this house. That should cover a part of the debt."
My mother's voice cracked. "And the rest? What about the rest of the money?"
"I'll sell the land my father left me," he said quietly.
Mom's voice trembled. "Manas… you always said this house and that land were your most precious memories, the only things left from your parents. Selling them won't help much either. I'll sell my wedding jewelry."
"No, Bhoomi," Papa said quickly. "Don't do that. I'll find another way. More than this house or that land, my daughter is precious to me. I won't trade her happiness for money."
Mom broke down. "We'll find a way together," she whispered through tears. "Don't worry about the jewelry. We'll make new memories once things get better."
They both cried softly, holding each other's hands.
I couldn't hold it in anymore. My tears streamed down as I leaned against the wall, my heart aching painfully.
They were ready to lose everything… just to protect me.
In that moment, I realized what I had to do. Maybe I couldn't save them from pain. Maybe I couldn't bring back the smiles they'd lost. But I could at least stop their suffering.
So I wiped my tears, took a deep breath, and whispered to myself,
"I'll do it. I'll get married."
Even if it meant sacrificing my freedom. Even if it meant giving up my dreams.
Because for me, seeing them smile again… was worth everything.