Chapter 5

Mia’s mom tells her to get ready for dinner with friends, providing a dress (specifying dress code). Nevertheless, Mia feels something fishy behind her mom’s enthusiasm and asks why the dinner is suddenly. Her mother answers, just for friends. Do not pretend that you have not even had a dinner party at home for your friends.” unwilling to yield to the argument Mia says “Okay” and returns to prepare herself.

Ethan and his parents reach Mia’s house and upon seeing their destination, he asks a question to his parents regarding their purpose of visiting. His father shoots back, “I told you that we were having dinner with friends and for a second, would you stop asking me questions?”

The door opens just then, revealing Mrs. Anderson. She greets them cheerfully, and Mrs. Anderson says “Ethan, it’s nice to see you again,” and he smiles and says, “Same here, Mrs. Anderson,” and they all settle themselves on the couch; Ethan’s eyes are searching in the room for something are for someone.

At that very moment, Mia pops up from the upstairs. She stands frozen in shock as she sees before her mom Ethan and his parents, and her sense tells her that something is wrong with this picture; Ethan would be sitting right there with his family.

Cautiously, Mia said ‘hi’ to Ethan and his family. Mia’s mom tells her to sit next to Ethan. Her eyes are fixed on her mother, they are full of fire, but her mother doesn’t turn to her. She is discussing something with Ethan’s parents.

Mia asks Ethan, ‘Why are you here?’ Ethan says, ‘I came for dinner.’ Mia, always quick with her questions, replies, ‘Then you knew you were coming here for dinner?’ Why didn’t you tell me?"

He said, “I don’t know. I was going to visit your home. As soon as our car just halted at your house, I knew it. How can you expect me to tell you?” I assumed that you were aware of this. Mia replies, “If I knew, I wouldn’t ask that question.”

Ethan snaps back, “You have no time to think from both sides.” Did you begin asking questions at what time? And all that you do is to remark, “Why didn’t you tell me you were visiting my house?’ Is that a question or a statement?”

During their conversation, their parents comment, ‘They seem ideal for each other. We must inform them that we are planning their marriage.’ Interrupting their question-and-answer rounds, Mia and Ethan look at each other quizzically.

Their parents announced We are arranging your arranged marriage! This was a shocking statement for both Mia and Ethan. They stare at each other–tangled in unspoken shock–and then turn to their parents with looks of astonishment. At the same time, they state, “No, what are you talking about? You must be kidding, aren’t you, Mia? Mia asks her mom, to which Ethan laughs and says, “Yeah, they are joking, right, Mom and Dad, to interrupt our conversation?”

His parents nod their heads in no. Mrs. Anderson does the same, all three saying, ‘No, we are not joking. We are serious. You are going to marry each other.’ The seriousness reflected in their parents’ eyes leaves Mia and Ethan dumbstruck.

Mia stammers, “We are not…I am not gonna marry Ethan, Mom.” Her mom stands firm. “You are meant for each other, Mia. You seem perfect as a couple, so you will be happy with Ethan.

Mia states, “You cannot organize my marriage. I already have work, and I am still young, Mom. I recall that we discussed it earlier.

Looking at Mia conversing with her mom, Ethan turns at his parents, who share the sentiment. They say only two words: ‘Mia is a great catch, Ethan. She’s perfect for you and a lawyer.’

Ethan intervenes, telling them to stop. They glance at him. “I want to talk with Mia first in private.”

Mia stares back and thinks, “Is he crazy or what?!” she says, “No, I am not going to talk to you alone.”

Disregarding her response, her mom cuts in and orders, “Mia, go and talk to Ethan privately. Come on.” Mia unwillingly went to her room, and Ethan follows her.

They get to Mia’s bedroom, and Ethan looks around somewhat uncomfortably. Mia stares at him in silence, but he remains silent. She remarks, ‘You think I will consent to marriage if we talk in private? No, you are dreaming.

Ethan sarcastically says,” judging again, you should have been a judge, Mia, not a lawyer."

“What, do I laugh in response to this?” she asks.

He answers, “No, I mean it”.

Mia states, “So I am serious. I will not marry you.

He tells her not to interrupt him straightaway. She indicates for him to go on, “What if we marry each other on the behalf that it would be done for our parents’ sake?” We seem to be bonded to the world, but in truth, we are relieved of that marriage. We can do whatever we like to ourselves. I am also fed up with all this marriage talk to my parents, and you seem to be the same. So–why don’t we put an end to this nagging?