Sometimes we create our own heartbreak through expectations .

Ananya

It took us about an hour to reach the temple—Siddhivinayak, the renowned Ganesh temple. This temple holds a deep sense of history and spirituality. It is said that any wish made in front of the Ganesh idol here is granted. Whether that's true or not, I can't say for sure, but there's certainly no harm in having a little faith.

As I approached the Siddhivinayak Temple, a sense of reverence washed over me. The temple stood tall and majestic, its towering spires reaching toward the heavens. The air was thick with the scent of incense and marigolds, blending harmoniously with the sound of bells ringing in the distance. The façade of the temple was adorned with intricate carvings, each telling a story of devotion and faith, etched into the stone over centuries.

The crowd was a sea of colors—vibrant sarees, traditional kurtas, and the occasional splash of modern attire, all merging into a lively tapestry of people united in prayer. Despite the hustle and bustle, there was a serene energy that enveloped the temple grounds, a peacefulness that seemed to whisper through the ancient walls.

As I walked closer, the golden idol of Lord Ganesha came into view, resplendent and awe-inspiring. Devotees stood with folded hands, eyes closed, their faces reflecting a mix of hope, gratitude, and devotion. The temple’s sanctum radiated a warmth that wasn’t just physical—it was spiritual, a kind of warmth that touched the soul and stirred something deep within.

We stood before the idol, hands folded in prayer, our hearts silently asking for the wedding to unfold without a hitch. The golden image of Lord Ganesha gleamed softly in the dim light, radiating a comforting sense of reassurance. As I bowed my head, I felt a wave of calm wash over me, as if all our hopes and concerns had been acknowledged in that sacred space.

The marble floors were cool underfoot, polished smooth by the countless footsteps that had walked these paths before me. I could feel the history in every step, the faith of millions who had come to this sacred place seeking blessings, solace, and strength.
I found a quiet corner to stand in, taking it all in. The energy of the temple was palpable, as if the very air was charged with the prayers and dreams of those who had visited. For a moment, time seemed to stand still, and I felt connected to something much greater than myself—a deep, enduring faith that had stood the test of time, just like the Siddhivinayak Temple itself.

After the prayer, I stepped outside the temple, the sunlight warm on my skin as I took a deep breath of the incense-laden air. My mother approached me with a gentle smile, her eyes reflecting both love and concern. In her hand, she held a sacred thread, its bright red hue contrasting against the soft gold of her bangles. Without a word, she reached for my left wrist and carefully tied the thread around it, her touch light but deliberate.

"This thread will help you achieve your dreams," she whispered, her voice filled with quiet conviction.

"And may it guide you toward becoming a permanent resident," she added, her words carrying a weight of unspoken wishes and prayers.

My mom can be the sweetest person in the world, but she also has a side that's downright terrifying. I love her deeply, but she's always been very controlling. Growing up, her focus was entirely on my brother, and she had sky-high expectations for him. She dreamed of him getting into IIT, the Indian Institute of Technology, but when he didn’t crack the JEE, her disappointment was palpable.

That was when she really started paying attention to me. Before that, I was more of an afterthought because I wasn’t as naturally gifted as my brother. I wasn’t brilliant, but I was always a hard worker. I studied diligently and managed to get good grades, but it was my dad who was my biggest supporter. He never gave up on me, no matter what, and I love him for that. My mom, on the other hand, was less patient, but I still respect her deeply. After all, she’s my mother.

When my brother completed his engineering degree and got a full scholarship to Harvard, we were all thrilled—except my mom. She didn’t want him to go because she feared that if he left India, she’d lose control over him, that he might never return. But Dad and I supported him, and she couldn’t stop him from pursuing his dreams. Besides, by then, her focus had shifted to me. She wanted me to crack the NEET exam and get into a top medical college. I’ve always hated that mentality—treating us like we’re robots, programmed to achieve certain goals on command.

In the end, I did crack NEET and got into a good medical college, and my mom was finally able to boast to our relatives about her “genius” daughter. It’s not that I didn’t want to be a doctor, but my true passion lies in research and technology.

Did I mention that I’m pretty good at hacking? Yeah, I picked up skills in JavaScript, HTML5, Python, C++, and more while I was in college. Sometimes, I even help my brother with his work.

Lost in these thoughts, I didn’t even realize when we pulled up to the house. It seems I was deeper in my head than I thought.

I headed to my room and changed into something more comfortable but still presentable. I opted for a black skirt paired with a floral print top, finishing the look with ivory-colored pumps. My hair went up into a messy ponytail—effortless yet chic.

As I was checking my emails, Bhai walked in with a smile.

"What do you think about going out for dinner tonight?" he asked.
I lit up at the idea. It had been so long since I’d gone out for a nice dinner. "Bhai, that’s a great idea! I’ve got some good news to share too. But who’s going to convince Mom about this?"

"Don’t worry, I’ll handle Mom. You just pick the restaurant, and I’m excited to hear your news," Bhai said, smiling.

"Okay, Bhai, sounds like a plan."
"Be ready by 7 o'clock. Oh, and Aakash, Arsh, Aman, and Harsh are joining us too," he added.
I forced a smile, though inwardly I sighed. Why did they have to come along? But since they were important to Bhai, I knew I needed to be friendly with them. It was 3 o'clock, so I had plenty of time to get ready. I decided to take a quick nap, hoping it would help me recharge.

I woke up at 4 o'clock, took a quick shower, and dried my hair. By 6 o'clock, I started getting ready. I had chosen a fancy restaurant, so I needed to dress up accordingly. I decided on a black halter-neck skater dress, paired with diamond stud earrings and black heels. I tied my hair back neatly and kept my makeup minimal yet elegant.
As I finished, I couldn’t help but feel a bit anxious. I just hoped tonight’s dinner would go smoothly and that I could maintain as much distance from Aakash as possible.

Please, God, save me tonight.