Life is a Mystery !

My Dad's Contract Marriage - The Book (1st Chapter)

Utter Chaos!

Come to think of it.

I was about to cut my eleventh birthday cake and a lawyer wished me:
"Son, wish you a very happy birthday. Your parents will start living separately."

Everything had come to a standstill. I did not know what to do?

Should I celebrate my birthday and "be happy", or "cry" as my parents were getting separated?

My friends slowly moved out. The house which was full of energy minutes back, now wore a saddened look.

Oh God! Don't give a life like mine to anybody, not even to my enemies.

My Dad "Samar" and my Mom "Sandhya" would start living separately. What about me? I had no idea! I loved my parents; they were one of the best human beings on this planet. Why were they behaving this way? They always said, "Vivaan, you have grown up. Stop behaving like a kiddo!" Why were they behaving like kids themselves?

"Vivaan… Come here." It was Mom on the other side.

"Yes, Mom… Coming." I ran to wash my face, I wanted to follow what they had taught me; "Be courageous, whatever may the situation be."

I immediately reached the living area. My parents were in a bad shape, fighting within but not ready to give in and understand each other. I wished, they would say, "It was a joke! We played a prank on you, the way you play on us!"

"Well Vivaan, you knew it", said Mom.

"Yes, I did." This separation was becoming the “moment of truth”. I could understand that while happiness was not everlasting, it came and left without a mark, but sadness was so deep rooted that when it leaves, you are left with an everlasting pain.

"Vivaan… Vivaan.." Mom was anxious. I, on the other hand, was lost deep in my thoughts.

"I am sorry." I replied.

She signaled me to sit down.

"We have decided to move on. It's not working anymore." Mom spoke with brutal honesty. She didn't want me to remain in the dark.

"Mom… Dad… Is it because of me?" My body was trembling and voice incoherent.

"Calm down Vivaan", said Mom.

"I promise that I will study hard, be a good boy and will not play any pranks on you. Please…. Please do not leave me alone…. I mean cannot…. No, I mean, I want to stay with you together." I was not in my senses. I did not know, what I was saying. I was sure nevertheless that they understood every word I spoke and what I intended to.

"It's not like that", Mom came closer and wiped my tears. "You are not to be blamed, not at all."

'Then…" My hands went up in despair.

Mom looked towards Dad, maybe she was asking him to intervene.

"Look Vivaan." Dad who was sitting on the other side stood up and sat next to me.

"I don‟t want to listen to you." I stood and stepped back. Even at my home, the “Lady” ruled so I could take chances with him.

"Don‟t behave like a spoilt brat, I am fed up with everything", Mom's tone was stern but filled with emotions. I immediately wiped my tears and sat, then and there.

Last six months were traumatic. They would start fighting for some reason or the other. In the end, I was the “obvious” choice. They used me as a “punching bag” to settle scores with each other. The game of “Love All” soon became a battle for supremacy.

"Vivaan, I and your Mom will start living separately, but we are concerned for you. You remain our top most priority and we will do…‟ Dad looked towards Mom for her affirmation but she did not respond. He continued, "We will do whatever needs to be done to take care of you… in our individual capacities."

"Your Dad has decided to shift to his parent's place in Delhi. As per the contract…..

‟ Contract, what contract Mom?" I interrupted Mom. "I think we must tell him." Mom looked at Dad, but he didn't look convinced. He showed his resentment by keeping quiet. Mom still continued, "See Vivaan, you are grown up now. I hope you will understand."

I was amused no end. Parents used the words "kiddo" and "grown up" interchangeably, as per their own convenience. They would brand you as "naive" or "adult like a man" as per their own convenience.

"Yes, Mom, I have grown up… Now?" I tried to keep a brave front even though my world was upside down.

"Our separation is not finalized yet. You will stay with your Dad for the first three months and then with me for the next three. Once you have spent this time, you can decide with whom you want to stay." Mom said it all, in one go.

"Mom, what's the contract all about?" I was still not able to make anything out of it. I could understand that I would stay with one of them. Decision…? My parents took decisions for me, all my life, even the color of my underwear. How could I take this BIG decision? I was under tremendous fear sensing the uncertain future lying ahead.

She gasped for some breath and continued. "Your father wanted to give you the option to stay with anyone of us. He insisted that we put some “special conditions” in this contract to take care of you."

"Mom…" I did not know what to say.

"Vivaan, I will be very happy to have you with me. As far as our marriage goes, the only link is this contract. This “Contract Marriage” stays for the next six months till you decide who you wish to stay with." Mom showed no remorse.

I was still baffled.

"Vivaan you're a kid. You won't understand." Dad jumped into the conversation. He was relieved as his point of view was proved.

"Do whatever you both want to do", Mom moved out of the room in a huff. Bang! A usual loud noise came from the bedroom. Mom had locked herself in the room. Dad and I looked at each other. No food today. Huh, Pizza! Not Again!

I did not know what to do? It was half-past eight in the evening. My friends would soon join to play basketball. This was a routine during our summer vacation. How would I face them? Would they mock me? What if they asked me about the contract marriage?

My Dad‟s Contract Marriage.

My Dad's Contract Marriage - The Book available Amazon Kindle

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