"Chanda, can we talk?" Sharon asked, her voice laced with a hint of concern.
"Of course, Mother. What's on your mind?" Chanda replied, setting aside her book.
"I've been thinking... you're 25 now, and I want to see you settled down. You deserve a good life, a loving husband, and children to call your own," Sharon said, her eyes filled with a mix of love and longing.
"Mother, we've been over this. I'm not ready for marriage. My career is just taking off, and I want to make a difference in the world. Can't you understand that?" Chanda asked, her voice firm but gentle.
"I understand your dreams, dear, but life is short. You don't want to miss out on the joys of marriage and family. Trust me, I know what's best for you," Sharon said, her tone soft but persuasive.
"But Mother, that's exactly what I'm trying to do – build a life that's meaningful to me. Can't you support me in that?" Chanda asked, her voice laced with a hint of frustration.
Sharon sighed, her expression a mix of love and worry. "I just want what's best for you, Chanda. But I suppose we can compromise. Find a good man, someone who supports your dreams, and we'll talk about the rest."
Chanda nodded, a small smile on her face. "I can do that, Mother. But promise me one thing – you'll support me, no matter what I choose?"
Sharon smiled, her eyes shining with love. "I promise, dear. I'll always be here for you, no matter what.
Chanda thought she had won a small victory, but little did she know that her mother had already set wheels in motion. The next day, Chanda received a call from her mother, inviting her to dinner.
"Who's coming to dinner, Mother?" Chanda asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Just a few family friends, and someone special I want you to meet," Sharon replied, her voice mysterious.
Chanda's heart sank. She knew her mother's tactics all too well. She arrived at her parents' house, dressed in a elegant black dress, her hair styled perfectly. As she entered the dining room, she saw a handsome man sitting next to her father.
"Chanda, this is Larry, a successful businessman and a family friend," Sharon said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Chanda forced a smile, her mind racing with thoughts. She knew her mother was trying to set her up, but she wasn't interested. As they sat down to dinner, Chanda tried to make small talk with Larry, but her heart wasn't in it.
As the night wore on, Chanda found herself feeling more and more uncomfortable. She excused herself and stepped outside into the garden, taking a deep breath of fresh air.
"Chanda, can I join you?" Larry asked, appearing beside her.
"Sure," Chanda replied, her voice polite but distant.
They stood there in silence for a moment, looking out at the stars. Then Larry spoke up.
"Chanda, I know your mother is trying to play matchmaker, but I want you to know that I'm interested in getting to know you for who you are, not just because of your family connections."
Chanda turned to him, surprised. No one had ever spoken to her like that before. Maybe, just maybe, this night wouldn't be a total waste after.
Just as Chanda was starting to feel a connection with Larry, her mother appeared at her side, a broad smile on her face.
"Ah, wonderful! I see you two are hitting it off!" Sharon exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Mother, please... don't interfere," Chanda whispered, her face flushing with embarrassment.
But Sharon was undeterred. "Nonsense, dear! I'm just making sure you two have a chance to get to know each other. Larry, tell Chanda about your business ventures. I'm sure she'd love to hear all about it."
Larry launched into a detailed explanation of his company's latest projects, and Chanda found herself zoning out, her mind wandering to all the things she'd rather be doing.
As the night wore on, Chanda's mother continued to meddle, pushing her and Larry together like two pieces of a puzzle. Chanda felt like she was being suffocated, her independence and autonomy slowly being stripped away.
Finally, she'd had enough.
"Mother, that's enough!" Chanda exclaimed, her voice firm but polite. "I appreciate your efforts, but I can handle my own life, thank you very much."
Sharon's face fell, but Chanda stood her ground, her heart pounding with determination.
Chanda took a deep breath and continued, her voice firm but respectful. "Mother, I know you want the best for me, but I need to make my own decisions and mistakes. I can't let you control my life forever."
Sharon's face fell, but Chanda could see the hint of a smile beneath her mother's disappointed expression. "I just want what's best for you, dear," Sharon said, her voice softening.
"I know, Mother. But what's best for me is to live my own life, make my own choices, and learn from my own mistakes. Please understand that."
Sharon nodded, a small nod, but a nod nonetheless. "I understand, dear. But promise me one thing - don't shut me out completely. Let me be a part of your life, even if it's just a small part."
Chanda smiled, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "I promise, Mother. You'll always be a part of my life, no matter what."
With that, Chanda felt a sense of freedom wash over her. She knew she still had a long way to go, but she was ready to take on the world, on her own terms.
As she turned to leave, Larry approached her, a smile on his face. "Chanda, I have to say, I'm impressed. You're an amazing woman, and I'd love to get to know you better. But on your terms, not your mother's."
Chanda laughed, feeling a spark of attraction. "I'd like that, Larry. Let's start with coffee and see where it takes us."
Chanda decided to focus on her career and put her love life on hold. She threw herself into her work, taking on new projects and impressing her colleagues with her dedication and talent. She was determined to make a name for herself in the medical field and prove to herself and others that she was capable of achieving great things.
As the months went by, Chanda's hard work paid off. She was offered a prestigious fellowship at a top hospital and was hailed as a rising star in her field. She was proud of herself and her accomplishments, and she knew that she had made the right decision in focusing on her career.
But as she was basking in the glow of her success, Chanda received an unexpected phone call from Larry. "Hey, Chanda. I know you're busy, but I was wondering if you'd like to grab coffee and catch up. I've been thinking about you a lot lately."
Chanda was taken aback. She had thought she had closed the door on her personal life, but Larry's call made her realize that she still had feelings for him. She hesitated for a moment before agreeing to meet him.
