An Arranged Marriage - Episode 1

Anadia. 

I bow to the crowd , the bow of my violin held away from me as I smile at the crowd, the fakest one I can make real, they believe because they clap. 

I curtsy again, the tulle of my gown not shifting a bit, my eyes go to the curtain backstage and my papa is there, looking as stiff as always. 

He does not show any sign of pride, he does not show that he is glad that I pulled off a concert, he looks like he always does, like papa. 

Mama is not here, she would have clapped and hooted like she doesn't care. 

I curtsy again and I walk off the stage, my manager is there, clapping me behind my back, tears in her eyes. 

"You really out did yourself this time Priya" 

Yes, well I believe I did, I have to, to keep food on the table. I pass my viol and bow to her. 

Playing my violin and being a ballerina has become second nature to me, I wouldn't know how I would survive without my music and my dancing. 

I walk to papa, kissing his cheek in greeting, his face does not change, he does not acknowledge me. 

"Go and get changed Anadia" He says, a little bite in his words. 

I nod, stepping away, going to the dressing room, I realize papa must stil be angry at me, at the fact that I decided to participate in this contest, never mind that me winning is going to pay for Anaya's school fees. 

I gently pull off my tulle skirt, before grabbing my sweater dress, what must I do to prove myself to him? 

Haven't I done enough in the past years? Ever since Asaali passed away, I've been the one helping, bringing in the money, dropping out from school. 

I sigh, grabbing my bag and my viol case, I really wish mama were here, she would know what to say to papa, know how to explain to him to let me do what I love most. 

But she isn't, she has passed away too, leaving me with papa and Anaya and Aroofa and Aroos, leaving me with them and nothing. 

I exit the dressing room and papa is there, grabbing me by my hand, I wave quickly at my manager and the other girls, wondering why papa is in such a hurry. 

We go outside the concert hall and we get in to his car, he begins to drive, his car making noises, noises signalling that it needs another trip to the auto shop. 

I turn to look at him when I finally notice we are not on the path home. 

"Papa, where are we going?" 

"Silence" 

He barks and my heart stutters in my chest. 

Papa is a strong-willed man, a full blooded native man, through and through, he has made no qualms about using his fist when he sees fit sometimes. 

I shut up, wringing my fingers, listening to the night as we drive pass. 

He comes to a stop in front of a restaurant and I know what is going on, my mouth becomes dry. 

"You didn't tell me we were going to dinner papa, I would dressed better" I say, trying to keep a semblance of normalcy. 

"Just walk Anadia" He says and I remember one time, long ago when papa smiles and calls me Nady, now, now he just calls me my name. 

We go into the restaurant and papa talks to the hostess before leading to us to a table where two men awaited, one old, like papa, the other one middle-aged. 

They stand when we approach and I bow slightly at the waist, in greeting. 

They shake hands with papa, ignoring me and I sir down, these must be native men too, thorough Native men. 

They believe women are to be seen and not heard. 

I sit quietly as the waiter comes and they discuss, the middle aged one looks at me and I shudder at his looks, he orders for me, shrimp and rice, I open my mouth to protest, I'm allergic to shrimp but papa pinches my arm, I shut up. 

They discuss and what they discuss makes me sick, they talk about me like I'm not there, they talk about wedding me, marrying because I could dance. 

They wanted me to dance for them, model for them, play for them, bring them great boon with my abilities. 

I clench my fist in my dress, unseeingly, not speaking, being the perfect daughter. 

"Is the food not to your liking Anadia?" The middle aged one asks, the one I guess I will be marrying. 

I shake my head, my trembling hands grabbing my fork as I bring it to my mouth, 

"Good girl" He says, like I'm his pet, I almost vomit the little bit of rice I've had. 

But I don't, I don't do anything, I just sit still like a good daughter. 

AN

Thank you for reading. 

It's an Arranged Marriage in this one. 

My heroines, the things they go through. 

Please leave comments. 

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/an-arranged-marriage