InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Bonds ❯ Chapter 3

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Chapter 3

Circumstances

Circumstances are the rulers of the weak; they are but the instruments of the wise.

-James Allen

And so it all began. My grandfather always had been the typical, strict patriarch. Nobody had ever dared to say a word against him. But he never realized that in all his antiquated notions of honour, he was actually destroying me…

1961

Kagome fidgeted with the sleeves of her kimono. To say that she was in a bad mood was an understatement. Very important guests were being expected that day and naturally she was decked in all her finery. Her grandfather had been ranting about them since the previous week and was constantly asking her to behave well. He criticised her even on the smallest of mistakes, saying she had bad etiquette and a disgrace to the family. This had led to a stand-off. Kagome and her grandfather had not spoken in two days.

She looked into the mirror again. Gaudy kimono, studded hair ornament, false smile, all in place. She particularly hated the kimono. It was a nice shade of royal blue, but the garish gold embroidery on it was horrible. However, it had belonged to her grandmother and her mother had requested her to don it on the occasion. She strongly suspended her grandfather's hand in this. The clock struck six. The guests were due at seven.

Kagome sincerely wished that it was not her Grandfather's friends who were coming. Those old men bored her with their incessant talk about karma, life, death etc. etc. And then there was General Miyagi, who would tell tall tales of his exploits, especially how many Chinese he had killed. This had shocked Kagome and she had never attended these little dinners ever since. But today was something special. The screen slid open to reveal her mother. “All prepared, I see.” Kagome smiled. “Yes, mama.” Mrs.Higurashi's face suddenly became serious. “Kagome, please don't say anything much in front of the guests. Keep your views to yourself.” Before Kagome could object her mother countered, “I know you're a good girl but you tend to say wrong things at the wrong time. I also want you to make up with your Grandfather. You know he's getting on in his years.”

Kagome sighed. There was her mother acting as peacemaker again. “But mother, who are these people? The whole house has been turned upside down for them.” Mrs. Higurashi quietly looked away. “I don't know much, dear.”

But a life-changing decision for you.

In another part of Tokyo….

“Suzou-San get the car out, fast! He's coming!” whispered the servant-girl frantically.

Suzou was jerked out of his sake-induced stupor. He was grumbling, for who could resist a nice cup of that heavenly liquid? But he knew better than to argue too much, for fear of losing his job. He quickly dusted his uniform and rushed to the garage.

A few minutes later, a white car screeched to a halt in front of the driveway. Suzou nervously waited for the passengers. Two people stepped out of the house. One was a petite, exotic looking, middle-aged woman. She was dressed in a silver-gray kimono, with beautiful silver embroidery adorning it. The other was a tall, striking man whose visage a person was unlikely to forget. A pale slender face, with eyes the colour of burnished bronze. His long silver hair was pulled back in a simple knot. And his handsome face was contorted into a frown.

“This man is nearing the end of his job term here.” he said.

The woman smiled. “Learn to be patient, Sesshoumaru. He has been with us for many years.”

“I shall try, mother.”

The pair sat down inside the car. Suzou drove carefully; he knew he had a testy passenger with him.

“So we are visiting the Higurashi family?” Sesshoumaru enquired. “Yes”, Izayoi Taisho replied, with a hint of a smile. “Why?”

“You know better than to ask, child. We are going to discuss a match for you.”

“I don't think I know anything about this. I've made it clear that my career comes first.”

“The Higurashi's have only one daughter, Kagome. I'm hoping that this alliance works out.”

“You never tire of matchmaking, do you?”

“No. And you're almost 30, you need to get married.”

Sesshoumaru could only sigh.