Coming of age

Her workplace shifts
to home now,
the work never really ends
To lessen the burden
a helping hand the daughter lends
Amidst the sizzling of spices
conversations also crackle :

"Once I start earning,
we'll get a house by the beach
in Ilha de Calma, mom!
We'll make our own isle of peace."

She laughed, replied :
"You're 21..."

(21 too old to daydream? )

"You'll be getting married soon!"

(Not again!)

"23 is the correct age."

"Its too soon. I don't even work, don't have a job!"

"Oh you'll have one by them"

( I wish! )

"Find a good guy for yourself"

( I don't think I'm capable of doing so)

"Must not drink, must not smoke..."

( Remembers something, smirks)

"...should respect you and love you.."

( okay, sounds good)

" ...follows our religion.. "

( Oh, so being in love was never an option?)

"... you see how difference of religious practices is working against..."

( cuts her short) " I know"

( both let out a sigh)

"I'm so grateful to God, my girl is pretty..."

"Mom. No."

"You remember how they couldn't find a groom for her, she wasn't that..."

"I do. I do. But still, its too early...."

"You know the complications she's undergoing in her pregnancy..."

( I am reminded of the body clock. Of course! What else is the ultimate goal of our lives? )

"Let me first get a job"

"Oh yes.. Of course"

( To find : A sarkaari naukri and that "good guy" who probably doesn't exist. No pressure!)

I know this mindset is not yours,
It has been borrowed -
lent from one generation to another,
I know it has a lot to do with
"What would people say!"
I know,
this is the way of the world..
I know 
of your dreams, hopes, expectations
and my obligations
and that you want to see me happy,
I believe
there won't be anyone else who would feel the same as you do,
for me...
But!
Let's agree to disagree,
and for a change -
Find a middle path, maybe? :)