Love In the Time of Books
"The Unexpected Announcement"
Episode 1: "The Unexpected Announcement"
You're sitting in your room, surrounded by books and notes, trying to study for your psychology exam. But your mind keeps wandering to the conversation you had with your parents last night...
Ava
You (Ava): (thinking) Ugh, why did they have to bring it up now? I'm trying to focus on college, not marriage!
Sonia
(entering your room) Sweetie, we need to talk.
Ava
(sighing) What's up, Mom?
Sonia
Your father (Ryan) and I have been thinking... it's time for you to get married.
Ava
(shocked) What?! No way! I'm not ready for that!
Sonia
(calmly) We've already chosen a great guy for you. His name is Ethan, and he's from a wonderful family.
Ava
(upset) But Mom, I don't even know him! And what about my own choices? Don't I get a say in who I marry?
Sonia
(firmly) We know what's best for you, dear. Trust us.
Ava
You feel frustrated, angry, and scared all at once. Your mind is racing with questions and doubts...
"Secrets and Suspicions"
Ava
Ava: (calmly) Mom, I understand that you and Dad want the best for me, but can't I at least meet Ethan and get to know him before making any decisions?
Sonia
Sonia: (hesitantly) Well, dear, I suppose that's a reasonable request. But please keep an open mind. Ethan is a wonderful young man from a very respectable family.
Ava
Ava: (sighing) Okay, Mom. I'll try. But can I at least have some time to think about it?
Sonia
Sonia: (nodding) Of course, dear. Take all the time you need. But remember, this is a great opportunity for you.
Ava
You nod, trying to appease your mom, but inside, you're still reeling from the news. You can't believe your parents are actually considering arranging your marriage!
As you leave the room, you can't help but feel a sense of unease. What will Ethan be like? Will you even like him?
Just then, your phone buzzes. It's your best friend, Mia.
Mia
Mia: (texting) Hey, girl! What's up? I've been trying to reach you all day!
Ava
Ava: (texting) Hey! I'm so glad you texted. I just had the craziest conversation with my mom...
You decide to keep the arranged marriage a secret for now and change the subject.
Ava
Ava: (texting) Hey, Mia! I'm so glad you texted. I was just studying for my psych exam and needed a break. How's your day going?
Mia
Mia: (texting) It's going great, thanks! I just got an A on my math test. But enough about me... what's going on with you? You seemed a bit off earlier.
Ava
Ava: (texting) I'm fine, Mia. Just stressed about school, that's all.
Ava
You try to brush it off, but Mia knows you too well.
Mia
Mia: (texting) Ava, I know you're not telling me something. Spill the beans!
What will Ethan be like?
Ava
Ava: (texting) Mia, I'm so sorry but my battery's dying! I'll catch up with you later, okay?
Mia
Mia: (texting) Okay, girl! Get back to me soon!
You quickly turn off your phone and let out a sigh of relief. You're not ready to talk to Mia about the arranged marriage yet.
Ava
As you head back to your room, you can't help but feel a sense of unease. What will Ethan be like? Will you even like him?
Just then, you hear a knock on your door. It's your dad, Ryan.
Ryan
Ryan: (smiling) Hey, kiddo! I wanted to talk to you about something.
Ava
Ava: (nervously) What's up, Dad?
Ryan
Ryan: (serious) I know your mom already talked to you about the arranged marriage, but I wanted to reassure you that we're thinking of your best interests.
Ava
You feel a surge of emotions: anger, frustration, and fear.
Ava
Ava: (angrily) Best interests? You call arranging my marriage without even asking me what I want "best interests"?!
Ryan
Ryan: (calmly) Ava, we're trying to secure your future. Ethan is a great guy from a respectable family.
Ava
Ava: (frustrated) Respectable family? What about what I want? What about my own happiness?
Ryan
Ryan: (firmly) Ava, this is not up for discussion. Your mother and I have made up our minds.
Ava
You feel your anger boiling over, but you know you need to calm down and think clearly.
Ava
Ava: (thoughtfully) Okay, Dad. I understand. I'll take some time to think about it.
Ryan
Ryan: (nodding) That's a good idea, Ava. Take all the time you need. But remember, this is a great opportunity for you.
You nod and leave the room, feeling a mix of emotions. You're not sure what to do, but you know you need to think carefully about your decision.
As you walk to your room, you can't help but feel a sense of unease. What will Ethan be like? Will you even like him?
You sit down on your bed and take a deep breath. You need to think clearly and make a decision that's right for you.
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