A traditional South Indian household in Chennai is involved in the last minute preparations of welcoming a prospective groom and his family. The girl in question is the eldest daughter of the house. She is all of 15 years old and has no clue what to expect.
The all important horoscopes were matched prior to their visit and the elders were satisfied with what the stars foretold about this possible match. All the elders are present to judge the boy and his family with a magnifying glass. An assortment of sweets are prepared and the whole house wears a festive look. The girls` parents have butterflies in their stomachs. They give strict instructions to the girl - Do not sit like that/ Do not stare/ Do not laugh/ Speak only when you are spoken , yada yada yada.. So much so, that the girl decides to keep mum and pretend to be a statue for the whole time.
The paltan arrives. They are welcomed suitably ,some small talk is made and refreshments are served. There are roughly 15 people from both sides present for this occasion. Every one's word counts. All eyes are on the groom scrutinizing him with questioning eyes. The girl is ushered in by her sister and aunt. The attention is now diverted to the girl. She is asked to sing a classical song. Together with her sister, she obliges. Shortly after, the groom's party takes leave. It is understood that the groom will respond within a day or two.
2 days later.
Trrrriiiiiiinnnggg! Girl's father picks up the phone (They are travelling to a temple town that day and everyone is getting ready to leave).
The boy's father on the other end " Namaskaram ! Hope alls well at home ? "
" Ohhh Namaskaram namaskaram ! So nice of you to call. Yes yes we are all doing fine. How are you all ? " , the girl's father breaking into a sweat.
The rest of the family crowds around him trying to catch some words from the other end.
" Listen ,actually there's been a slight confusion. Our boy is perplexed and is not able to decide because on that day two of your daughters sang . He does not know which one is THE girl " , the boy's father sheepishly.
" Oh is that so ? Would you like to meet the girl again then ? The right girl .. Ha ha ha " , he enquires trying to sound jovial.
" Yes please. So sorry for the embarrassment. My son will be leaving for work. Will it be alright if he stops for a couple of minutes to meet your daughter ? " .
" What a question !! He is welcome anytime .. Please don't feel bad. We didn't realize this confusion might occur. Do come, why don't you all come ? " .
" No no, we don't want to cause any inconvenience. He will be there alone in half an hour. Thank you so much " the boy's father hangs up.
Tension fills the girls` house. Temple trips are forgotten momentarily. The girl is decked up yet again. Half an hour whizzes away like a nano-second. The boy arrives. He courteously apologizes for the mess and requests to speak to the right girl for five minutes in private. He is ushered to the first floor veranda where the girl is standing nervously.
" So what have you studied ? " the boy breaks the ice.
" Just.. completed my Xth Std.. bought my XIth Std books ", the girl answers in a whisper
" Oh.. How much did you score in Xth ? And what was your favourite subject ? ".
" I passed .. got 67 % ... and I liked Maths the most ".
" OK very good. You needn't study further. My family will not permit my wife to study. Your duties henceforth will be to take care of my family and their needs " so saying, the boy made his exit.
Thanking the girls` parents and other relatives around for their hospitality, he made his way to work. The decision was made.
Phones rang, telegrams were sent, letters were posted and wedding invites were sent out requesting everyone close to attend the marriage. Within a month, the boy and the girl are married...
This wedding took place in the year 1959...
--- ( to be continued )
5 comments:
Interesting!!!!!
Will be back to read the rest:-))!!!
Thanks! :):)
gr8 start:)....stirs curiosity
hahaha..funny!
one question though. In traditional South Indian families, they wont allow unmarried girls to be present at the groom-meets-bride ceremony. right? or thats what ive heard. so, i am assuming the girl's sis was already married that time. was she?
Sriram, I saw this comment only today. The girl here was the eldest. Her sister was unmarried. I guess the duet was b'cos she was nervous:D Or maybe, just maybe they didn't follow the protocol;) thanks for reading this. I'm reading it again after months, thanks to you..haha.
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