came to home

Cora's brother enters her room and, seeing her looking sad, asks, "What's wrong?"

Cora replies, "Brother, why is Dad fixing my marriage so soon? I just came home after so long."

As Cora is speaking, her brother interrupts, "You like someone else, don't you?"

Hearing this, Cora falls silent for a moment but then repeats, "Why is Dad doing this?"

Her brother firmly holds her shoulders and asks again, "Do you love someone? If you do, just tell me."

In a quiet voice, Cora hesitantly says, "Yes…"

Just then, her sister-in-law enters the room. She looks at Cora and asks, "Who is he? Tell us too!"

Cora sighs and confesses, "I've liked him for ten years..."

Both her brother and sister-in-law look at her, shocked. "Ten years? You mean you've been in a relationship for ten years?"

Cora shakes her head. "No! Ten years ago, I was in tenth grade... I just had feelings for him back then. But then, due to some misunderstandings, we drifted apart. After that, we never met again..."

Her brother asks, "Have you met him now?"

Cora frowns. "Will you let me finish? You keep interrupting!"

He nods, "Alright, go on."

Cora continues, "One day, I was running late at the hospital. I was rushing to catch the elevator, calling out for someone to hold it. And then… someone did. When I looked up, it was Aaron. A lot happened in between, but a few months ago, everything got sorted out. And after that, we both decided to come home because we want to get married with our families' approval and start our new life together."

Her brother sighs, "I'll talk to Mom, but I'm afraid of Dad. I don't think he'll ever agree to an inter-caste marriage. But listen, Cora, I'm a hundred percent on your side. Now, let's see what happens…"

Then he says, "Call Aaron. I want to talk to him."

Cora dials Aaron's number and says, "Hello, Aaron, my brother wants to talk to you."

Her brother takes the phone and moves aside. "Aaron, do you truly love my sister? You're not playing with her, are you?"

Aaron replies firmly, "No, brother. I love Cora very much, and I can do anything for her. In fact, I've already spoken to my parents about our marriage, and they've agreed. They even said they'll come to your house tomorrow to officially ask for Cora's hand."

Cora's brother exhales deeply. "Listen, wait for a few days. You know how strict our father is about inter-caste marriages. Give me some time to convince him. For now, take my number and keep in touch with me."

Aaron replies, "Hmm…"

Her brother continues, "Look, I'm not just her elder brother. I've been her guardian too. I've given her every happiness since she was a child. And now, her marriage is my responsibility. Just promise me you'll take care of her."

Aaron reassures him, "Brother, don't worry at all."

Her brother nods. "Alright, I'll talk later. Just give me a missed call so I can save your number."

Aaron agrees, "Hmm…"

After the call, Cora's brother returns to her and says, "Aaron's parents have agreed to the marriage. They were planning to come tomorrow, but I told them to wait a few days so I can try convincing Dad first."

Just then, their mother enters with a tray of fruits. She overhears the conversation and asks, "Convince your father for what?"

Cora's brother quickly responds, "Oh, we were just talking about going to the market, Mom."

He glances at Cora, signaling her not to say anything.

Cora sighs. "Mom, Brother, Sister-in-law… now, please leave my room. I need to sleep."

Later that night, Cora messages Aaron:

Cora: Did your parents really agree? How?

Aaron: Yeah, I don't know how, but they did! Wow, Cora, one step down!

Cora: By the way, did my brother say anything else to you?

Aaron: No, nothing.

Cora smiles and falls asleep.

Meanwhile, her brother goes to his parents' room with his wife and says, "Mom, I need to talk to you about something important regarding Cora. But I don't know how to say it… It's really important."

His mother says, "Just say it, son."

He takes a deep breath. "Mom, Cora loves someone… and she has for the past ten years. They met again after a long time. She was so sad because of Dad's decision… I know I'm talking a lot, but, Mom, I genuinely want Cora to marry the person she loves. And today, I spoke to Aaron too. I really liked him."

His mother listens carefully and then says, "Son, I have no problem with this… but will your father agree? That's the real issue."

"Mom, I know… But if Cora marries someone else, she'll never be happy."

His mother sighs. "I'll try talking to your father at the right moment."

The brother nods and leaves.

That night, when Cora's father returns home, his wife hesitantly says, "Can I ask you something?"

He responds, "Yes, what is it?"

She takes a deep breath. "You're rushing Cora's marriage… but what if she likes someone? Shouldn't we at least ask her? We are her parents—it's our duty to know her wishes too."

Her husband's expression hardens. "No! One love marriage has already happened in this house, and I won't allow another! Even if she does love someone, it doesn't matter. She will marry the man I choose for her. And I know my daughter—she will never go against my decision."

His wife remains silent.

The next morning, Cora tells her mother, "Mom, I'm going to the mall."

Her mother replies, "Take your brother with you."

Cora rolls her eyes. "Fine."

She goes to her brother's room and shakes him awake. "Get up! Let's go. Aaron wants to meet you properly. At least meet him once."

Her brother immediately gets up and gets ready. They leave together.

At the restaurant, Aaron is already waiting. As they arrive, he stands up and introduces himself.

Cora's brother smirks. "Cora, you have good taste."

Cora glares at him. "Just shut up and order food."

After they eat, her brother leans forward. "Look, I spoke to Mom last night. She's willing to talk to Dad. But I overheard their conversation—Dad said he will never agree. So, now what?"

Aaron thinks for a moment. "Brother, let me come to your house with my parents. We'll formally request Cora's hand. Maybe if we all try together, Uncle will agree."

Cora's brother nods. "That's our only option now. Try to come tomorrow. It's Sunday, so Dad will be home."

Aaron agrees. "Hmm…"

After some shopping, they return home.

The next afternoon, while everyone is having breakfast, the doorbell rings.

Cora's brother goes to answer it. Standing at the doorstep are Aaron and his family.

Cora's father frowns. "Who are you people?"

Aaron takes a deep breath and steps forward. "Uncle, we've come to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage."

Cora's father stares at him, shocked. "What…?"