I talked a bit more with Priya before she left back to the hostel.

Even though Priya seemed indifferent to what was happening, I knew it wasn't easy for her. It must be hurting for her too. And knowing that I was the reason for this, I couldn't sit still. I had to do something.

I kept thinking about it but couldn't come up with a solution to the problem at hand.

Days passed. I was having a good time with Priya, but her relationship with her father did not improve. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and decided to do something about it.

So I gathered all the courage I had and decided to visit her Dad over the weekend. I didn't inform Priya so that she wouldn't have the chance to convince me otherwise.

On Sunday, I headed to Priya’s house to meet her Dad. When I reached there, I was directed to Uncle’s study room.

He was busy with some work when I got there. I knew he was aware that I was there. I had heard the Butler inform him beforehand. But I kept quiet and stood waiting.

After some time, he finally spoke.

“Well. Are you going to say something or stay there all day?”

"I didn't want to interrupt your work.”

"Really?”

I could see him trying to control his anger.

"So, did my daughter send you here?”

"No. Priya is not even aware that I'm here.”

"Ok. So why are you here then?”

"To be honest. I'm not sure. I just wanted to somehow improve the current situation between you and Priya. But I'm not sure what to do”.

"If that's your goal, the answer is very simple. Stop seeing my daughter. “

I kept quiet for some time. I felt like that was the best response. We both stayed in silence for some time. He continued speaking after some time.

"You know, after everything you do for your kids, the way they treat you. It's really pathetic. I guess I'm partly to be blamed as well. I brought up my daughter to be strong and independent. Never thought I would be on the receiving end of that.”

"You have brought up a fine daughter. She is a wonderful girl. “

After a break, I continued

"I love her very much and wish to be with her forever. I know I don't have much right now. But I promise you that I'll achieve success in life and will make sure I provide her with all the happiness in the world.“

Uncle kept quiet. I took it as a good sign and continued.

"And it's not like we are planning to get married any time soon. Priya is still staying in the hostel. And I promise we won't even talk about marriage till I'm in a good position. With the way things are going, I'm sure I'll have many good opportunities once I graduate. Just give us a chance. I promise to keep your daughter safe and happy.”

There was still no response from Uncle. So I continued.

"I know you are concerned about us being from different religions. But I don't think it is such a big issue in the current time as it was earlier. As educated as you are, I'm sure you know more about it. And we'll both still continue with our own beliefs. There won't be any change to any of that at all.”

We both stayed quiet again and a long time at that. I could feel him thinking deeply. Finally, he spoke after what I felt like an eternity.

"I'll think about what you said. But I will agree with one thing you said. Come back like you said when you have achieved what you said you would. And then we'll talk again.”

He then went silent. I realized he had nothing more to say to me. So I quickly said my farewell and left.

Considering all the ways it could have gone, I was happy with the outcome. Now I just had to hope for the best.

I returned to my life. I didn't mention anything about the meeting to Priya. I thought she was better off not knowing as it was now.

We spend a lot of time together. But I could see that she was not as energetic as usual. I decided not to bring it up and let it be.

A couple of weeks passed by, and on a holiday, Priya came over to my home. She looked very excited.

"Did you really go and talk to my Dad?”

"Yeah. How did you know?”

"He called me and spoke to me. I didn't expect him to call me anytime time soon. What did you tell him?”

"Nothing much. Just that I love you and will always keep you happy. I also promised him that we'll only take our relationship to the next stage once I'm in a good position.”

"You are amazing. I really didn't think you would do something like that. “

"I thought you might be sad despite everything you told me that day. So I thought I had to do something.”

"You are partially right. I was sad, but I did mean everything I said as well. I value my freedom and Independence above everything else. But that didn't mean I want to make my family sad. And you made everything right when I least expected it.”

She suddenly came close to me and kissed me on my lips.

I tried to pull away but quickly realized I was not able to resist at all. It was the most beautiful feeling ever. I don't know how much time passed, but suddenly I felt like I had to do something or the situation might progress to something else.

It took all my willpower to separate from her. She also seemed to be lost in a daze. But she quickly recovered.

"Good to know at least one of us has some self-control.“

She said while smiling slyly and continued speaking.

"And good for both of us too. Marriage outside the religion might be challenging for my Dad to accept. But if something else happens and he comes to know, consequences be damned, I can guarantee he will not let us off easily. And since you are the mature one in our relationship, I put you in charge to make sure nothing happens.“

She seemed to be carefree and smiling again, enjoying the moment.

I was worried. I felt like I had just tasted the forbidden fruit from eve’s garden. I tried to think of all my willpower exercises with chocolates to get my emotions under control.

Once I had calmed down. I looked at Priya and smiled

"Sure. I am ready to wait. As long as I can be with you in the future forever.”

Even though I was saying that I was praying inside to have the ability to do that.

"You are no fun.“

She said, smiling and teasing me at the same time. She soon left as she was planning to meet her parents later that day.

Only when she left did I finally calm down. Despite everything, I was pleased with what happened, and it would remain as one of the most memorable moments in my life.

Still, I decided to make sure to meet her only in Public places in the immediate future. I simply wasn't willing to take the risk or test my willpower any time soon again.