A Wedding I Wasn’t Invited To

That day, I discovered my true standing in his life.

Our relationship spanned a decade. For ten years, we were together. A significant amount of time, wouldn’t you say?

He couldn’t marry me due to his younger sister’s situation. I had known his sister for five years.

He frequently stated that his sister needed to marry before him.

My consistent response was, “Okay.”

Three years passed.

I inquired about his sister’s prospective groom.

He replied that they were searching and it might take several more months.

I questioned why we couldn’t marry first.

He explained that his mother believed marrying me first would hinder his sister’s chances.

I asked if it was due to my different caste.

He denied it, emphasizing his responsibilities as the elder brother.

My response was simply, “I understand.”

Two more years went by.

I asked again about our wedding plans.

He responded that it would happen soon, after his sister’s wedding.

A few months later, he informed me of his sister’s upcoming wedding, with the engagement the following week.

I expressed my congratulations.

Days before the wedding, I asked about my invitation.

He promised to check.

The wedding day arrived and passed without any invitation for me—no physical card, digital invite, or phone call from him or his sister. His sister, whom I’d known for five years, who even stayed at my place during work trips to my city, who wore clothes I picked out and received as gifts from him on every Raksha Bandhan and birthday; the jewelry she wore and wedding gifts from her family were my suggestions; yet, I wasn’t invited.

Ten years. Ten years he was my boyfriend.

Following the wedding, he updated me on its success.

I offered my congratulations.

He informed me that our marriage was postponed for at least a year due to family traditions prohibiting two weddings in the same year.

I simply replied, “Okay.”

That was our final conversation about marriage. I felt hurt and disappointed.

He could have used his sister’s wedding as an opportunity to introduce me to his family.

Reflecting, I realized he had never introduced me to his family in those ten years.

His complete disregard for me during his sister’s wedding made me question my position in his life. Was I considered family to him?

The answer, it seemed, was no.

I felt manipulated and used, as if I was a source of shame for him and his family. I understood his parents disliked me and he lacked the courage to defend me.

Therefore, I made a decision.

I left.