"Thank you, uncle," replied Aarti in a monotonous voice.
"Aarti is 17. I think it is a good time to start looking for marriage proposals," Ajay suggested to his brother.
Aarti bit her lip and looked at her father.
"I need to think about it, Ajay," replied her father calmly.
Ajay stood up and added, "This is the best time for you to decide. Take a firm decision. Our family lineage should continue."
Aatma just shook his head as Ajay started walking towards the entrance.
Aarti waited for her uncle to leave before asking, "Are you going to marry me off, dad?"
"Sit down, Cuty," urged her father. Aarti followed his words obediently.
"I have already decided to send you to London for further studies."
Aarti’s face lit up with anticipation, but a question lingered in her mind.
"Then why didn’t you inform my uncle, dad?" she queried him.
"Hear me, Cuty. It is important to listen to what others tell you. It is equally important not to express your emotions. Ultimately, it is crucial that you make the final decision yourself. Your uncle was suggesting his idea. There is nothing wrong with listening to that, right? "
Aarti nodded her head in acceptance.