Arranged Love Marriage

8. Half truths

"Since you are engaged. May I ask why you aren't wearing any ring?"

The reporter said as everyone looked at us in suspicion

I felt my hand becoming sweaty as I tried to find an answer while keeping a calm face

"Actually we have been engaged for a few months. But since we didn't disclose it, we didn't wear any ring publicly to avoid rumours. Today, we didn't wear the ring publicly for the same reason as we didn't want anyone to spectacle things before we announce it ourselves"

I handled the situation knowing Nunew is not good at handling this type of sudden questions

The crowd seemed to be believing the reason as the reporter sat down & another one stood up

"So when are we going to see your ring?"

Another reporter spoke up

"Probably on our engagement party khab"

Nunew answered

"What are your parents opinion about the marriage? What was their reaction when you told them about your relationship?"

"Actually when we told our parents they were very shocked at first but they accepted us warmly. And when we told them about getting married they were beyond happy & gave us their blessings. We are really thankful for their understanding"

I lied through gritted teeth

"But Thailand still hasn't approve same sex marriage legally. So what are your thoughts about it? What are you going to do?"

Another reporter asked the question I knew would be asked

"We believe love is love and that every kind of love deserves to be addressed. We are just like any other couple. And we want to be addressed like any other couple does. So we will fight alongside everyone for our rights"

Nunew answered the question with gracefulness

"This topic has been going on for ages everyone has been trying really hard but so far there is no success. So are you sure you will get equality?"

Another reporter asked

"We believe in equality as well as our democratic system. This rights were supposed to be ours from the beginning. So one day we will surely get equal rights"

I answered

I looked at the staffs standing beside the stage as one of them signalled me to finish the conference

I looked at Nunew as he nodded

"We are really thankful that you came here in such a short notice. However time is running out and we need to leave"

I said

"Thank you so much for coming here and hearing what we wanted to say"

Nunew smiled

"Sawadde Khab"

We Both wai'd at them and got out of the stage

---

"We work hard for you, Zee. For our family. You can't be selfish and only think about yourself"

Mom looked at me with disappoinment

"If we didn't have you this kind of day wouldn't come in our life. We won't need to feel guilty because of working hard for our family. I wish we raised you better or maybe not have you at all"

Dad said in a cold tone

I chocked on my breath as tears fell from my eyes