Millennial Struggle: Millennial Series, #1

By Dhara Shah

When culture collides with love, and family drama takes turns and twists. Will love strike between these Millennials?

Kiara Patel is a woman of color awaiting to find love. She is smart, emotional, and family-oriented. She brings chaos, mishaps, or disasters wherever she goes. She can lie to keep those she loves happy; even if it gets her into trouble.

Jason is the most desirable white man, but a loner at heart. His struggles are those of a typical millennial laden with student loans, expensive housing, job prospects, and commitment issues in dating. Desperate to fulfill his dreams and overcome his struggles, will Kiara and her foreign culture woo him?

Millennial Struggle is a relatable laugh-out-loud interracial romantic comedy! Taking multicultural romance to the next level of entertainment full of fun, adventures, humor, and love that truly melts your heart. Read Now!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dhara Shah
• Release date: Dec 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9798224013616

Book preview

Dhara Shah

Millennial Struggle

Millennial Series Book 1

First published by Dhara Shah 2020

Copyright © 2020 by Dhara Shah

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

Dhara Shah asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

Dhara Shah has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet Websites referred to in this publication and does not guarantee that any content on such Websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.

Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book and on its cover are trade names, service marks, trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publishers and the book are not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. None of the companies referenced within the book have endorsed the book.

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To every couple that forms a new family by changing two existing families.

Chapter One

Kiara Patel was walking around wearing a pink dress in her parent’s backyard after attending an exhausting party that her parents had thrown to celebrate their 25th anniversary. Her parents were social butterflies who threw the best parties in their circle of family and friends with great food, lovely music, and lots of entertainment. That’s right — Bollywood dance performances were a must at any Indian parties. She had to dance with her cousin Priya on a medley of famous songs back when her parents were in college.

Kiara was not only happy that her parents were still madly in love since college, but also because Jason, the love of her life, was finally introduced to her parents’ snobby friends. Jason was a white man she had brought home to meet her parents one year ago. Yep — it took one year for her parents to introduce Jason to their friends. They were finally taking him seriously. Jason had made a place for himself in her family. As absurd as it sounds, it takes forever for Indian parents to accept interracial relationships.

The party was over, and most of the guests had left. The clean-up crew, which was her cousins, uncle, and two aunts, was almost done. As Kiara was strolling down the lawn of her parent’s backyard to make the last checks, a voice called her from behind, Kiara wait.

She turned around to see who was calling her. It was Jason running behind her. She waited for him. She laced her fingers with his and continued to walk.

So, how did I do today? he asked.

Not bad, she said with a smile.

After all this, I get a ‘not bad’ from you?

I didn’t say it was bad. Did I? She looked back at him with grit.

"How about an A+ for effort?"

This is not kindergarten, Jason. She kept walking slowly, matching his gait.

I think they like me, said Jason with confidence.

Think? See, this is exactly what I was talking about. Thinking and knowing are two different things, and you’re so bad at reading people, replied Kiara.

That’s why I have you, he answered. He tried to kiss her, but she backed away.

Not here. People may see it.

Right, like they have nothing better to do except peep at us, Jason said with a grin.

You know how it is in Indian families.

Kiara, I know. I have observed that after twenty-five years of marriage, your parents still did not kiss each other at the party, the very party that celebrated their relationship.

Jason stopped walking and just smiled at her.

You think I’m paranoid, don’t you? asked Kiara

I think you just worry too much. It’s cute though. And I’m glad you worry about me, he said, smiling at her.

While Kiara was checking and picking up some trash from the lawn, Jason was contemplating whether to pull something out of his pocket. He wanted it so badly, and this was the perfect time for it. He thought about how he had already made himself known to her parent’s friends.

I love you so much, you know that, said Kiara. While tossing the spoon and napkin she had found on the ground into a trash can nearby.

I know that and I have always known that, replied Jason with confidence.

He put his fingers in his pocket again, slowly making his way to the box inside. He was debating internally whether he should do it. This was a big step, especially because Jason was afraid of commitments. He had known, loved, and cherished Kiara for the past two years. He was sure she wouldn’t break his heart.

Kiara was standing there, laughing at him. For a moment, he wondered if she knew what he was about to do.

Why are you laughing? he asked.

I’m laughing because you made it out alive from the dark caves,

He laughed with her this time. It was hard not to laugh. Kiara was a big fan of horror and villain stories. She often made references that left him with giggles. He loved that about her.

Well, I’m glad you’re finally happy. When you said ‘not bad’ earlier, I kept thinking about what I did wrong.

You did a lot of things wrong. First, you stared at me when I was dancing with Priya in my Indian clothes the entire time.

You know those clothes show your belly and are seductive for any man. Plus, you’re my girlfriend, so staring is justified. Right? he argued.

Kiara liked his stares. No wonder she wore Indian outfits at every chance she got.

Second, go easy on the food. You were gulping spicy samosas one after another. I know you don’t handle spices too well. It’s okay to slow down. It looked like you were trying to prove a point to my dad.

I wanted to blend in with the crowd, he said.

Blend in. Don’t overdo it. You know what happens if you do?

He thought about the time when he first visited her house, and her mother served kachoris. They didn’t feel spicy at first. But after a bite or two, it felt as if his tongue was on fire. If he stopped eating for a few seconds, the spice was unbearable, so he kept eating. After a few bites, his face turned red. Her father offered him some water, and he drank three glasses. After coming home, he had multiple bathroom trips to get rid of the spicy kachoris he had shoved into his stomach.

I know, I won’t. I remember that your parents and brother still laugh about that day when I had to drink three glasses of water to overcome the kachoris.

They don’t know about your toilet trips, but I do, mentioned Kiara imperatively.

Alright, I get it, he said.

Third, you were so chatty with these other girls. I was jealous, she said with her eyebrow raised.

A bit? That’s an understatement, don’t you think? You know I’m natural with girls, so I can’t help it if they find me cute, he said, just to see her reaction. He loved it when she got irritated.

She rolled her eyes.

Okay! Okay, I only did it to piss you off, and it was intentional. But you look so cute when you’re angry. Those big brown eyes of yours.

He finally pulled the box from his pocket while she wasn’t looking. He put his arms around her.

Kiara, I love you and only you, said Jason, while bending towards the ground.

He had finally kneeled on one knee with a box in his palm. He opened the box abruptly.

Kiara, I know that you’re the one for me. Will you marry me?

Jason thought about how he should have made a speech or had something written up for her, but it was too late for that. He was already on his knee. He thought about how he had always been going with the flow. This was the right moment. He felt that after months of nagging for a commitment, of course, she was going to say yes. Kiara wanted an official commitment more than he did. He wasn’t ready before, but he felt ready today more than ever. It was bound to happen someday, and today seemed like a perfectly good day to him.

Kiara experienced a state of shock. She had heard him and paused. She didn’t know what to say. For the first time, she was speechless. For a talkative person, this was a curse.

Jason wondered why she wasn’t saying anything. She just stood there in shock. He thought about whether she had heard him. So he repeated.

Kiara, will you marry me?

No, she replied. She had heard him the first time.

Jason wasn’t expecting a ‘no’ for an answer, especially after she had made it clear that she wanted a long-term commitment. They had met each other’s families last year. This was a serious relationship. He met her parent’s friends and extended family just a few minutes ago. What was she thinking if she had to say ‘no’ to his proposal?

Kiara was also shocked that Jason proposed to her when she least expected it. But isn’t that how proposals are supposed to be — a surprise for the woman in the relationship? She looked confused, but was firm with her response. She kept looking around to see if anyone else saw them. Luckily, no one had spotted them at this very moment.

Chapter Two

Two years ago

Kiara Patel was heading to the restaurant to meet her potential new clients. She had just received a new lead from a friend. She was dressed in a red turtleneck with a long black skirt and high heels. She had intentionally left her hair down. She knew she looked great when she did that because she had dark, straight hair. The wind blew her hair to her face as she walked two blocks on Michigan Avenue in Chicago.

She entered the restaurant and got herself a table. She knew she was early to the meeting, but she liked being early rather than late. Her father, Mahesh Patel, taught her about the significance of punctuality as a little girl. While she was waiting, she noticed a brunette-haired man sitting at the table in front of her. He was with another man with blonde hair, and it seemed like they were old-time friends. She was trying not to, but couldn’t help eavesdropping on their conversation. The brunette-haired man was Jason, and the blonde-haired man was Dave. She had figured that out from their chat so far.

Dude, your phone is buzzing constantly. Why don’t you just answer it? said Dave.

Jason replied, with a smug, Because I’m trying to avoid this person.

Is it the girl you dated recently? asked Dave.

I wouldn’t say dating. We had a good time together once, and she wouldn’t stop calling or texting me after that.

Typical, isn’t it? replied Dave.

I don’t understand these girls. We met, and I bought her a few drinks. She took me to her place. We had a good time. That’s it.

Then why didn’t you let her know when you saw her last that this was nothing more than a hookup? inquired Dave.

I did. When I left the next morning, she asked me when we would see each other again, and I told her I would text her. I never did because I didn’t want to see her again.

Maybe she thinks you wanted to… said Dave.

If I wanted to, I would have reached out to her, texted her back, or answered one of her calls. If I’m doing none of those things, that means I’m not interested, emphasized Jason.

I had one of those girls too recently. She stalked me on Instagram and texted me almost three times a day, but when I didn’t respond; she showed up at my house. Can you believe that? shared Dave.

See, these girls are everywhere. They always want something more, even though you’re clear that this is nothing more than a hookup, at least from your side, argued Jason.

It annoyed Kiara to listen to their dating tales. She thought about how the girl must have felt being ignored after reaching out so many times. It almost broke her heart to listen to them. Is this how men treat women these days? she thought. It’s like they don’t give a damn about their feelings. Sex, and that’s it. What if it started as a hookup, but now it was special? Was it wrong for a girl to reach out?

Kiara saw her clients walk into the restaurant. She waved at them and prepared for them to join her at her table. This middle-aged couple had recently moved to Chicago and were looking to buy a new condo in the city. Kiara worked as a realtor on the side while she waited to get into the Physician Assistant Master’s program. She had completed her Bachelor’s in Biology, but could not find a job for over six months. She got a real estate agent license while she was in college and has been working part-time as a realtor ever since.

Hi, I’m Kiara Patel. Were you able to find this place, okay? she asked.

Oh, yes, said the wife of the client.

Please have a seat, said Kiara.

I’m Jess, and this is my husband, Nick, she said.

It’s Jasmeet and Nikhil Batra, but we go by Jess and Nick, clarified Nick.

Kiara smiled and greeted them. The couple sat down, and they all ordered coffee. It was common for Indian Americans to pick shorter white names. It makes it easier for everyone to pronounce, especially work and other places in American society.

Our friend Tara told us about you and how you can help us purchase a condo in the city. We want to live closer to work so we can easily commute using the trains or buses just in case we don’t want to drive in the snow, mentioned Jess.

I see. You aren’t a big fan of the snow, said Kiara.

"We’re from California. I can drive in the