I AM SINGLE BECAUSE

"I am single because I haven't found the one".

"I am single because.... because I haven't met anyone whose demons could dance with mine," said Teju. Too cheeky! She thought.

Teju was standing in front of the mirror and talking to herself

"I am single because... what can I say? I missed the boat. There was a guy, but I didn't treat him right". Too much information. Come on, Teju! You need that one right answer to quieten Granny.

Teju squirted her eyes and looked straight in the mirror. "Actually Granny, I am happy and gay". She gave a devilish smile. Will most def. kill her. 

"I am single because too many times people are in relationships for all the wrong reasons". My, this will start a new debate altogether.

Just then Teju heard her mom call out. "Teju, you are ready or not? We are getting late to go to Granny's place.

"Ready mom. Give me a second".

Teju wasn't ready, mentally speaking. Family reunions used to be fun until a few months ago. That's when Granny had started chiding Teju on her growing age and pending marriage.

*

Everyone was seated on the table and eating animatedly. So far Granny had not spoken much with Teju or she had just been successful at avoiding the old lady. But now there was no escape and like lightning, the elder woman struck her with the dreadful question.

Like an automatic inbuilt setting everyone on the table stopped eating and looked at Teju for a reply.

Teju laughed and tried to dismiss it, "Granny, what a question!"

But no! the senior most member of the family refused to let go. "Teju, don't laugh and seriously tell me why are you still single?"

Every bone in Teju's bone wanted to get up and run with the blank stares she was getting. But she couldn't. So she quietly said, "I have no idea Granny".

Almost everyone could sense the chill in the air. Before Granny could say something more, Teju's father replied.

"Mom, now stop with these questions. We didn't educate Teju and make her a doctor. She chose the profession because she wanted to. Like wise, she will marry when she wants to. Right now she wants to concentrate on work and we support her fully in that. "

"Fine. Where am I saying anything anyways?" questioned Granny changing her track.

That was that. After that Dadi never troubled Teju with the dreadful question.