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“He made me fall in love with him, which wasn’t what I intended.”
“But that’s fantastic, if he feels the same way.”
“But it can only end in disaster when our parents—”
“I’m pretty sure Seb’s parents will welcome you as a member of their family. Everything I’ve ever read about them suggests they’re extremely civilized.”
“It’s not his parents I’m worried about, it’s mine. They just wouldn’t consider Sebastian a suitable—”
“We’re living in the modern world, Priya. Mixed-race marriage is becoming quite the thing. You should take your parents to see Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.”
“Jenny, a black man wanting to marry a white woman in 1960s America is nothing compared to a Hindu falling in love with a Christian, believe me. Did you notice in that film, they never once discussed religion, only the color of his skin? I realize it’s not unknown for an Indian to marry someone of a different race, especially if they’re both Christians. But it’s not something a Hindu would ever consider. If only I hadn’t gone to that cricket match.”
“But you did,” said Jenny, “so you’ll have to deal with reality. Would you rather try and build a worthwhile relationship with Sebastian, or please your parents by marrying a man you’ve never met?”
“I just wish it was that simple. I tried to explain to Seb last night what it’s like to be brought up in a traditional Hindu household, where heritage, duty—”
“What about love?”
“That can come after marriage. I know it did for my mother and father.”
“But your father’s met Sebastian, so surely he’d understand.”
“The possibility of his daughter marrying a Christian will never even have crossed his mind.”
“He’s an international businessman who sent you to St. Paul’s, and was so proud when you won a place at Cambridge.”
“Yes, and he made it possible for me to achieve those things, and has never asked for anything in return. But when it comes to who I should marry, he’ll be immovable, and I’ll be expected to obey him. I’ve always accepted that. My brother was married to someone he’d never met, and my younger sister is already being prepared to go through the same process. I could face defying my parents if I felt that in time they might come around, but I know they never will.”
“But surely they must accept that there’s a new world order and things have changed?”
“Not for the better, as my mother never tires of telling me.”
Jenny ran across to the stove as the water bubbled over the rim of the saucepan and rescued two very hard-boiled eggs. They both laughed. “So what are you going to do about it?” asked Jenny.
“There’s nothing I can do. I told him we couldn’t see each other again, and I meant it.”
There was a firm rap on the front door.
“I’ll bet that’s him,” said Jenny.
“Then you have to answer it!”
“Sorry. Got another egg to boil, and can’t afford to make the same mistake twice.”
A second rap on the door, even firmer.
“Get on with it,” said Jenny, remaining by the stove.
Priya prepared a little speech as she walked slowly into the hall.
“I’m sorry, but—” she began as she opened the front door to find a young man standing on the doorstep holding a red rose.
“Are you Miss Priya Ghuman?” he said.
“Yes.”
“I was asked to give you this.”
