Made for each other

I was tired. I was exhausted by the demands made by relationships. I was drained out of life to remain alive. My living days were spent like a zombie, and the nights like a corpse in never-ending slumber.

My parents decided it was time they did something to pull me out of my self-inflicted abyss. Lines of communications were opened, relatives and well-wishers were sought. The message was clear and to the point- We need a groom for our child. It is time we did our duty as parents.

I wanted to resist, but my mind was no longer in control. Like a moth drawn helplessly to a flame, I went through the motions. The groom was a person I once worked under. He and I shared a good working relationship. I nodded mutely when Mother effused his good qualities and suggested I get married to him.

I do not remember how I managed to get through the ceremony. I do not know how I managed to smile for all the photographs or at congratulating attendees.

These thoughts were swirling through my mind as I sat on our wedding bed,waiting for him to arrive. He did not take long.

He shut the door behind him and smiled at me.

'All these years I was waiting for someone who could keep me happy. I never thought it would be you.'

'I hope you feel the same way about me' he added after a pause.

I did not know what to say. I had a sinking feeling I did something horribly wrong. As if my conscience had sprung back to life and demanded to know why I did whatever I just did.

'Why did I agree to this madness? Oh God, let this be a nightmare' I pleaded to myself.

I slowly turned to look in front of me. As I did so, I caught my reflection in the mirror.

Mocking at me.

'You are stuck in a gay marriage, my friend' it seemed to say.