"I need to tell you something, Viya. And I need you to say yes."
I blinked, confused.
"What do you mean?"
He hesitated, his jaw working as though he was struggling to find the right words.
"I have arranged your marriage."
For a moment, I just stared at him. The words did not make sense. They felt disconnected from reality, like something I had heard in a dream.
"What?" I finally managed to say. "Why?"
Uncle took a step closer, his expression pained.
"Viya, please listen to me."
But I could not listen. Panic was rising in my chest, drowning out everything else.
"I am not ready for marriage, Uncle. I have dreams. I have ambitions. I am only twenty two years old. I just got my first job. I do not want to get married so early. I thought you of all people would understand that. I thought you would at least consult me before making such a huge decision about my life. I did not expect you to just marry me off to some random person."
My voice was rising with each word, trembling with emotion.
Uncle looked at me for a long moment. Then he spoke, and his voice was so quiet I almost did not hear him.
"I am suffering from a heart disease, Viya."
The world stopped.
"What?" I whispered.
Uncle's face was calm, resigned, like he had already accepted whatever fate awaited him.
"There is no guarantee of my life. The doctors have told me it could be months. It could be weeks. I do not know how muchtime I have left. And I cannot leave you alone with Sangeetha. I know she will take care of Avija. But you... I worry about you, beta. I need to know you are settled. I need to know you have someone who will take care of you when I am gone."
My legs felt weak. I took a stumbling step toward him.
"No. No, Uncle, we will go to the doctors. We will get you treated. Nothing is going to happen to you. You are my only family. You cannot leave me."
Tears were streaming down my face now, hot and unstoppable.
Uncle reached out and placed his hands on my shoulders, steadying me.
"Viya, listen to me. I have never asked you for anything in my entire life. But I am asking you now. I need you to do this for me. I need you to marry the man I have chosen for you."
I shook my head, unable to speak.
"I can take care of myself, Uncle. You do not need to marry me off. Please."
"I want you to have your own family, beta. I want you to have someone who will stand by you. Someone who will protect you."
His voice broke slightly on the last word.
I looked up at him, my vision blurred with tears. This man who had taken me in when I had no one. This man who had raised me, educated me, given me a chance at life. He was asking me for something. For the first time in my entire life, he was asking me for something.
How could I say no?
My lips trembled. I tried to speak, but no words came out.
