Innocence

"Study?? O mom, I have nothing to study. I have finished my final year, Mom. You don't remember. Please don't worry about me too much. Let me help you. Shed your anger. Talk to me like you did," Juli tried to cool up her mother.

Stella didn't pay heed to her advances. She continued doing her work with her mouth tight shut. Juli felt aggressive and cursed herself for being the cause of her anger. She didn't know the consequences of loving Jude. She presumed that she must have taken permission from them before falling in love with that hunk. She had wasted three precious years of her life. Now, there is no way to repent. The time had come to marry the man of her father's choice.

George called to Stella in a loud voice, "Stella, come here, listen to the breaking news."

"Uff ho... You need to disturb me for everything," she swiped her forehead with her arm.

"It is shocking news, come soon," he announced again.

Juli was sitting inside the Veranda from where she could hear her father. George was seated comfortably on the lawn chair holding a newspaper. She waited for her mother to enter patiently. Stella rushed from the kitchen to accompany her husband.

George began reading the newspaper headline, "A twenty-year-old girl fled away from her house with her boyfriend."

Stella seemed awkward. She responded in anger, "Oh what's it, George? Don't waste my time."

"Listen to the complete news. A twenty-year-old girl left her home for the sake of a man of thirty years old. She married him secretly without the knowledge of her family. Everything went well when one day the innocent girl learned that her man suffered from anger issues."

"Oh my my!! This is what is happening today," Stella sighed.

"Yes, but that's not the end. There is more to the story," George interrupted.

"Please continue," Stella said anxiously.

"The man hit her with a fork at a restaurant, when she doubted her character," George continued.

"Such a villain and heartless person," Stella expressed her concern.

"Yes, my dear. This was not the first time he had attacked him. He tortured her mentally and physically. She wanted to leave that insane man. He was clever, he accepted his mistake and instantly took advantage of his medical treatment. The girl believed and trusted him but launched a complaint after undergoing severe assaults. He had made his life a hell. It was a love marriage."

"I am happy that you are not hearing the case, otherwise, you would have got emotional," Stella stood up and entered the kitchen to complete her chores.

George sat dismayed, staring at the newspaper to look for further titbits of the day. His mind seemed disturbed by undue thoughts. Although the silence in the house was killing him from inside, he tried to keep his cool. He remembered the childhood days of his daughters.

Meanwhile, Juli took this story to heart. She knew well that her father wanted to indicate that marrying the wrong man would lead to opposite consequences and her parent's concerns were genuine. She couldn't understand why they were making a fuss out of an already resolved matter. She committed that she would not go against their wishes, but her parents were not trying to understand. Unknowingly, a lone drop of tear escaped from her eyes.

She said inwardly, looking at the wall mirror as if talking to her reflection, `What are you doing Juli? Again a lone drop of tear. Be strong, rough, and tough. Harden yourself. Smart girl. Don't worry about anything. Your time will come. You will be given the best offerings. Wait for the opportune moment. Don't act silly. Be strong and brave. '

Juli lay on the bed weeping. She was already troubled by her mother's behavior. She picked up her mobile to check all the unread messages. She felt relieved to see that no message appeared about Jude. Then she remembered that she had blocked his numbers. He was becoming an intruder, the troublemaker of her family. She kept the mobile aside to take some rest. It was not so easy to forget him, but she made herself bitter to bear all this. She was also pretty sure that if not her, he would marry Celia. That was also an assumption, as Juli never inquired about his past life.

The family sat for lunch together at the dining table. Stella cooked spicy hot pasta and prepared almond juice. Her parents were relishing the meal. Juli appeared worried while eating. Every minute was passing with a lump in her throat. She stared at her wristwatch and concluded that time was passing very slowly. Her tribulations were clearly visible in her countenance.

George showered his love by inquiring her politely about her health, "Juli, are you not feeling well? Come on have your lunch. We will be going for a walk in the evening."

"Yes, Papa, I am alright," she replied faintly. Stella remained silent but she could fathom her condition.

She started serving a bowl of hot pudding to her, "Juli, do you like it?"

This sentence sparked a ray of joy in her face. She was extremely happy and she hugged her mother. She exclaimed, "Mummy I am sorry, very, very sorry."

"Daughter, don't stress yourself too much. We know you will never go against our wishes, albeit we feel bad to shun your choice. You are too small in this greedy world. We married your sister at the age of twenty-three. She was mature enough to fight for her rights. Hers was an arranged marriage, so we didn't feel that pressure. We have always worked for your betterment, my dear child. Why do you worry about yourself, girl? Maybe Jude is a good match for you, but we as parents are failing to understand him. Remember, we will always think about your bright future. Come on take a sip of your favorite beverage."

Juli was in a state of confusion. She could not comprehend whether her mother was supporting her or trying to bring her to an understanding.

She nodded her head, `" Yes mummy, I respect your decision."

"But child, we have not yet taken any decision. The newspaper headlines are scaring me to death. My mind is filled up with what ifs and how. It would be extremely excellent if you took some honest advice from us"

"Yes, mummy. I am always ready for it," Juli uttered.

They finished off with lunch and retired to their respective rooms more peacefully than ever.