Lecture At the In- Laws’

BAD LUCK IN LOVE (2)

BACKGROUND: Elba's Home

'Is the tea sugar free? No. they won't serve that to a youngster like me. Let me look at something else. The table cloth! It's pretty. Did Elba's mom choose it?' Nothing could divert Shawn's attention from Elba's father's glares. He had not officially said anything against the marriage to start a dispute and Shawn's parents had already said yes.

He glanced at Elba's mother who had this mournful look. Mrs. Liza, her mother had said that a soldier's life can be always at risk and she didn't want her daughter to face the aftermath (i.e., being widowed). From her expression, he felt like she is already mourning his death or routing for his death. As if, she married Mr. Basu after making a deal with Hades (god of underworld) not to kill him.

"I wouldn't have gone for military if I knew that would be a problem. Moreover, I am an officer in status with tones of privileges. I can assure your daughters' happiness and well-being." He was talking like an aristocrat or a noble man. He never knew, being privileged was a problem before. 'Should I guarantee them with some life insurance? Ha! at this rate, I will start counting myself dead. Should I get a portrait of myself framed? Then there won't be much hassle after I die and I wouldn't have to worry about my looks in the portrait as a wandering soul.'

The verbal fight of giving their daughter to a potential scum bag according to their imagination, went for hours without interval. The in- laws' fight seems to have already begun before they could even get married. Shawn was sweating and felt dehydrated. Even Mr. Basu's dog made him feel unwelcome. The time wasn't waiting for them to stop this unnecessary fight, so it turned noon.

"It's already late. What about having lunch with us?" Elba's mother nudged her husband and he just let him stay for lunch. 'Is this a progress?' he was relieved. He couldn't imagine the melodrama of running away with Elba and all the scenes to unfold. Not to mention being called Naïve couple. He was praying to not see such day. He couldn't really eat much to his heart's content as his every move was being judged by Elba's parents. He didn't feel this much suffocated in really long time. The food went down his throat, itching the interior surface.

"We will accept your Proposal." The well chewed rice still managed to get stuck in his throat upon hearing Elba's father's voice. But he couldn't cough. That would be disrespectful. The water was far from his reach. "But you should know that marriage is not a simple event of putting on garlands. it's our child's future." Elba was so lost in excitement that she didn't notice her future husband choking to death. He kicked at her leg to get her attention to pass water. His face was turned all shades of blue and couldn't manage to kick the right person. Well, thanks to Mrs. Liza's chosen favorite round Dining table, everybody's legs were assembled together and anyone could kick anyone.

Shawn actually kicked his mother-in-law. She was surprised. 'Who kicked me?'

Shawn should have replied to her father's approval but the rice ball seems to be against this marriage as well. Elba was nervous. 'Why isn't he answering?' In her hurry, she kicked him to reply.

The nervousness was enough for her to mistake her father's leg for her husband's. Let's not blame her. The man she treasured and couldn't afford to let go was about to be hers. (DEVIL'S LAUGH). She couldn't let the only moment slip. But her kick slipped.

Her father was surprised. 'Who kicked me?'

'Oh, it's you?' Both her parents stared at each other. They used to kick each other under the dining table whenever they got naughty (in the literary way).

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Get your brains out of the gutter!!

They winked at each other and Mrs. Liza kicked back, which went for her daughter and looked at her future husband, expecting him to be the one who kicked and found him choking to death. As the story shouldn't have a sloppy ending, the male protagonist survived the choking, thanks to the kick and the heroine quickly giving him water.

"Yes Father! I understand." The answer came a bit late but right after he managed to push down the rice. All the heads steered towards him. "What did you call me? Father?"

Mr. Basu's thought- I hadn't even accepted him for a full minute and he is already hitting on me?

Mrs. Liza's thought- Wow! This kid is fast!

Elba's thought- Oh my goodness~ how much I waited to hear that! I can finally get married before I turn 30. Hurray!!! Now, I should start planning for children.

Shawn's new Quest awaiting: Become a father.

(BLESS THIS POOR MAN)