Chapter 1
One evening, I was lying on my bed, completely engrossed in reading a webtoon. Sometimes I became so immersed in those stories that it felt like I was living in that world.
I often wished that, just like the female lead, I could wake up in another world, start a new life, build a successful career, find love, and finally get my happy ending.
I know it's impossible.
But what's wrong with dreaming?
Suddenly, my mom's loud voice echoed from across the room.
"Priya."
"Priya."
"Priyaaaa!"
"Are you deaf? Can't you hear me?"
Yes, Mom. I can hear you perfectly well. Thanks for asking.
She can be so annoying sometimes, I muttered to myself.
"So, what brings you here, Mom?"
"You know, beta, I've been thinking... it's time for your marriage."
"Marriage?"
I stared at her in shock.
"What do you mean?"
"Priya, you're already twenty-five years old. You help us in the family business, but you still don't have a stable career, a goal, or even a boyfriend. If you get any older, it'll become difficult to find a good marriage partner. This is the right time for you to get married and settle down. Who knows? Maybe you'll become a wonderful wife and mother."
She smiled before continuing.
"And this morning your dad received a marriage proposal for you. The boy has a good job, he's an engineer, owns an apartment in South Mumbai, and has only one sister. It's a small family. You'll be very happy."
"Mom, please..."
"I don't want an arranged marriage. I want to fall in love first. I want to go on dates before getting married. Marriage is a huge decision. We shouldn't rush into it. And twenty-five isn't old. If you think I'm old enough to get married, then why do I still need your permission just to go on a trip with my friends?"
"Beta, in our society, many women are already married by twenty-five. Some even have one or two children."
"Mom, please stop. You're becoming really annoying. I'm not ready for marriage—emotionally or physically. Marriage is a big deal."
Just then, my dad walked into my room.
Apparently, he'd been standing outside the door, secretly listening to our entire conversation.
"At least look at his photo."
He held his phone in front of me.
I glanced at it for a second.
"He looks ugly, Dad! How could you even choose someone like him for me?"
Dad didn't even hesitate.
"You're not exactly a beauty yourself. Go look in the mirror first."
His words hit me like a slap.
I pointed at the door.
"Both of you, please leave my room."
They walked out, and I shut the door behind them.
Who even says something like that to his own daughter?
For the past two years, they had been constantly pressuring me to get married.
Honestly, they were becoming as annoying as those relatives who never minded their own business.
I flopped back onto my bed beside my cat, Bubu.
"You're so lucky, Bubu."
"You don't have to deal with annoying parents."
"You just sleep, eat, play, and poop."
"Seriously... lucky you."
Bubu completely ignored my heartfelt speech.
She jumped off the bed and walked away to eat her food.
I let out a long sigh.
Why is life so difficult?
I don't have any passion in life.
I'm a complete introvert.
I don't have a career. I only help at my dad's restaurant for some pocket money.
I tried getting a job once, but it didn't work out.
My love life?
Absolutely zero.
I can't even remember the last time I made proper eye contact with a guy.
I even tried using a dating app, but I never liked anyone enough to meet them.
I just can't seem to form an emotional attachment anymore.
I'm confused.
I'm stuck.
Sometimes it feels like this life was never meant for me.
Or maybe….
I've simply been living the wrong one or It all feels just a dream.
I don't remember when I fell asleep.
All I remember is the warmth of the tears still clinging to my cheeks
I never imagined…
...that I would never wake up in this world again.
