“Hello, Mummy, How are you doing?”

“I am good dear, just little pain, you know this arthritis sometimes gives me sleepless nights” replied my mother.

“Oh, are you taking your medicine on time?”

“Yes, that I am very particular about otherwise would perish” She said.

“And don’t skip your meal, I don’t like your habit of fasting every second day” I replied anxiously.”Anyway, how is papa?”

“Don’t ask about him, he asked me to make all his favourite dishes, even at this age he behaves like a child, he is quite happy today” She replied cheerfully.

“Is it? Give him the phone” I said.

“Papa you seem to be very happy today, so what’s the matter?”

“Nothing dear, actually it’s a surprise, you are coming next week? I will tell you then.”

“Come on Papa, am too big for surprises now.”

He started laughing.

They live in the other part of the country almost 1000 miles away and I always pine to meet them, Papa had retired last year and being the only daughter we were close knit family of three, needless to say I was the most pampered child in the world.

The surprise part puzzled me! What is so new now?

Next week after dinner I was sitting in the living room with them discussing my new lifestyle, they were worried about my erratic work-hours.

 But what do they know about the boastful salaries  and untimely round the clock office hours of MNC’s, after working for almost for four decades in 9 to 6 job in a Nationalized bank, he cannot even come close to what we face daily, I thought.

“So Papa, what’s the Surprise?”

“Go through this file,” he said cheerfully.

The file was a bio-data of some P Rangarajan, a complete encyclopedia.

“What is this? Now this pisses me off, how many times I have told you that I don’t want to marry now?”

“But, dear you are getting old and at this nubile age what do you expect from us?” he asked authoritatively.

“My freedom, my life, everything,” saying this I went to my room and slammed the door.

 “At least go through the file” he requested and knocked at my door.

After waiting for few seconds,” Ok, I am leaving this at the table just have a look; it’s important this time”

Papa was unfair to me now, every time during my visits he would broach conversation related to marriage, somehow I always escaped but this time things seemed a bit different. I couldn’t sleep the whole night, just at dawn I opened the file, there was a big 4x7 picture of this man, who looked like a boy it seemed he had gone to some fashion magazine and got his picture for his portfolio. But he was smart, working in a bigger MNC earning twice my salary, the bio-data had all information; his likes, dislikes, preferences,  though I was impressed with only one which according to me one’s  biggest attribute; a non-smoker and teetotaller.

Then, I started doing research about him on his social networking profile, seemed like has a good following and popular among his friends, but there were certain bizarre elements too.

His profile made me feel for a while that he belongs to a member of “Male chauvinistic society” What else I can find? His friends spoke all well about him, but then whose friend doesn’t? Every person in this world has friends who think high of him like leading the race, intelligent, friendly, caring and blah-blah, most of it exaggerated, I thought.

 I was exasperated at the attitude of my parents. Just was about to shut my Laptop when some one knocked at the door.

“Tea” Mummy said.

“Seemed you haven’t slept the whole night”

“Yeah, kind of.” I replied sarcastically.

“Even we didn’t sleep, your Papa is really tense, and you have to understand”

“What understand? Can’t you see what I am going through and I don’t like this “Arrange Marriage Business”, its all crap.”

“Mind your language, you are 26 now and such childish behavior not expected,” she replied and hurriedly left the room.

After few minutes, she took her tea and stood at the door.

“What do you want, please let us die peacefully, what is wrong in this boy, we have been looking from past 3 years and this is only one we selected and thankfully even they are interested” she said, though this time her tone mellowed a bit.

“Do you want me leave today?” I said angrily.

Suddenly Papa came, his face was pale and hands were shivering.

“We have given you enough freedom, if you want you can leave and then don’t talk to us again, I will not tolerate this any further, you will have to marry him”

“But Papa” I started weeping.” How can you say this?”

Suddenly he realized that he spoke a bit too far and came close to me, sat beside me trying to console me.

“You know, I have done all the enquiry about this family, they are real gentlemen, they have their own bungalow in Indore plus property all over the place, they have a flat in Mumbai too”

“Okay, Mumbai part is good” I said trying to bring smile on my face.

“He is the only son, his sister is a Doctor, a pediatrician, and do you think I can find a better educated family? At the same time they are very religious and devout, at least meet them once they are coming tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow, but you should have told me” I replied shockingly.

“Don’t worry we have arranged everything.”

Next day the boy came with their parents, acted like a dutiful son, took interest in every body’s conversation and smiled at every stupid joke.

Is he trying to be too smart? I know these men; they can shield and act for sometime, being a part of “Hate boys group” in my college I quarreled with them, at times even bullying those road side Romeos.

After half an hour our parents left us alone.

 Initial few minutes were real travail; he would ask about my job, my work, my assignments, hobbies, likes, dislikes, I too should have made a bio-data, as he asked everything in the same way as things mentioned in his file.

 After a while he stopped, I looked at him, first time a full view; he was not that bad, I thought.

“Do you really want to marry me?” I asked.

He almost jumped out of the sofa, but then smiled and said “it applies to both of us, and I am certainly here with the same intention, I won’t lie to you but I choose you moment I saw your photograph!”

Now what is this? Is this some kind of love at first sight humbug, why do men always come with these cliché’s, it has two meaning either the person is really dumb or too innocent. Which one is he?

 I looked at him and said “You mind if I let you know in few days?”

“Sure, take your time” he replied softly.

But my parents had some different plans.

The other day I was sitting in my room alone, musing trying to figure our conversation, may be I was too rude? He seemed gentle most of the time but then I was angry over this whole business arranged so promptly by my father,

Then Papa came, mummy followed him, he was ecstatic.”You know, they are ready and waiting for your approval, though I have already assured them.”

“What but at least give me sometime?”

“You have two days to decide” and he left the room.

Buckled under parent’s pressure I acquiesced to their adamant behavior.

Past few days I noticed my mother had started acting in a bizarre manner, every time trying to cajole and persuade me, not to mention Papa in his own way was equally unrelenting. But then I had to marry some one and not being in any kind of relationship there were no choice for me.

My marriage was fixed with this unknown guy whom I met twice and spoke on phone couple of times. The D-day was just in a month as there were no dates for next six months. I had seen this kind of episode in typical bollywood flick “Chat Magni Pat Bhyah”, I too became victim of this drama, a real one though.

Papa had big plans for me; they had spent almost half of their life’s saving, everything was grand. He made it a memorable day and left no stone unturned to make me feel happy, but some how I was still distant from the whole affair, was jittery throughout the day.

After marriage we went to a small honeymoon for few days to a nearby hill station, it was a sweet one, but then initially things are always good, isn’t?

He then promised me to take to Europe tour next year.

Finally, we were back to our old routine, he would work six to seven days a week as there were some major deadlines. Even I was quite involved in my work but now there were few unwarranted things though expected , every day I had to speak to my mother-in-law explain her everything and at the same time my mother too was insistent, They were always ready with lots of do’s and don’t. In this whole process few months passed.

But, Prakash, my husband seemed like a decent guy, he would never unnecessarily do something against my wish, and as the work load became normal he would spent time with me. Slowly I came to know he was quite funny at times, always trying to impress, make me happy and took care of me, even during his busy schedule to would call many times a day, just to ensure if things are fine.

His approach and devoted attitude started making imprint on my thinking; one day on Sunday he almost surprised me.

“Tea for you ma’am” he said with a smile.

Starting my day with his lemon tea, which even I started liking, he then cooked the whole breakfast and I was fairly impressed with his culinary skills.

We saw a movie that day, an intensely romantic one.

 While returning from movie hall he said”Kkusm, can you take leave tomorrow?”

“Why, is it important?”

“No, I am just asking if you can.”

“Yeah, but tomorrow is Monday, is it so important?”

“It is very important; I have a surprise for you”.

 Next day he took me to a long drive to some resort, as always meticulous in his planning he had already booked a room there. We were tired and went to sleep after having lunch. In the evening he took me to an evening walk.

After walking for half kilometer, I saw a huge park, it was kind of wonderland, everything was so fresh.

“You know, today is Monday, this is the reason I brought you here, since weekends are almost packed”

“It’s heavenly” I said in awe.

We sat there few minutes and after I came up with terms with the beauty and panoramic view of the place he broached a conversation. That day first time we expatiated on different things in life, mostly about past few months.

After a while the conversation suddenly took a new turn “I wanted to speak to you, at this place only, in fact I was waiting for this day”

My heart almost sank, what is it? The surprise is still not over I guess.

Looking at my face he stared smiling,” Come on; take it easy, I am not giving Rocket science lessons.”

After pausing for few seconds he continued,” The moment I saw your picture there was instant vibe, a feeling that you are the person I should marry.”

“However, when you came to our place, I saw you were little confused, but then who wouldn’t be? Isn’t this strange that you have to marry somebody without knowing him?”

Then he took my hand and clutched my fingers “After all it’s your life, rather our life, now how can we pledge to be together the whole life? But then every time when I look at you it further makes me believe that this is possible, just a little amount of trust and understanding is required”

I was sitting there numb, almost dazed as if he is reading my mind.

“However, when I saw that you were still finding problem to adjust I thought I should take little time to know you better, to know what you want?, what do you like?, I know it’s not easy I mean, suddenly you have to leave your home, your independence and have to be in a bonded relationship with a tag of sacrament, isn’t?”

“See I am not saying all this is not true or there is a different explanation to things, frankly I very much believe in this institution of marriage and have always tried to look things from your point of view, I also have a sister, I know how it feels to leave your own world to come to new world rather make your own world”

Then he looked at me and smiled.

His words were ringing in my mind, each of them echoing truth and purity; in few minutes I became so comfortable almost self, seemed his magical words made all the difference.

Then he said, “Kkusum look at me, I just want to tell you shed all your inhibitions and be yourself, this life is not mine but its our, we have to make this happen and I need you more than anything else in this world, today you mean everything to me, you can trust me as your friend, your husband or what ever way you like.”

“I assure you that I will take every possible step to make this life a reality, we will have our shares of differences, fights, alterations but inspite of all our togetherness is something which matters and “I LOVE YOU” ”

I looked into his eyes and started crying, it’s like somebody has said something I wanted to say all my life, all fears, confusions almost vanished, as if he has made me a free bird, I cried uncontrollably with tears gushing all over my face but he just stood there holding my hand.

After few minutes I looked into his eyes and said “I LOVE YOU TOO”

Then he wiped the tears from my face and then held my hands tightly and said “Let’s go home”

I followed him like an obedient child, there was exultation in spirits and I said to myself “I have found my man and “MY NEW HOME”.

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (10)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

...
written by idiott, March 02, 2010

God i think i will get diabetes!!! So sweet love story!!! If such kind of Praksh's are available outside the keyboard and word documents, then i am all ready to get myself converted to a girl!!! lol...good story indeed.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by Administrator, March 02, 2010

An excellent story.......................
Its amazing the way you turn simple things into an interesting story.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by umbrella, March 02, 2010

mmmmm...sounds like a fantasy! ..Kinda some bollywood romantic flick...

But...being a man, trying to see things from a woman's side is really good. Kudos to author!

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by umbrella, March 02, 2010

@ Domarp

How come P.Rangarajan turned into Prakash..i wonder

@Idiot

Mr. Diabetic..ur hilarious comment is a real rib-tickler.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by idiott, March 02, 2010

@umbrella...
p.rangrajan is Prakash Rangrajan i think
but i know it kinda weird as generally we don't call that way. In telugu, P is called intiperu and is not the name. Same in case of Tamil,kannada and mallu but i don't know what it is called. But common for this story, you can give the author that much benefit of doubt (never read such romantic fantasy in recent times).At least consider the level of sacrifice for which I am ready...lol (small thanks from my side for your comment..)

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by bri, March 02, 2010

hmm i luv romantic ones liked the conversational style
P.S: any semblance to real life; or just another one frm ur grey stable..

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by Domarp, March 03, 2010

First of all,sorry guys for my ignorance on "Mr P Rangarajan" hope this gaffe is taken in right spirit

@Idiot: Believe me life out of our word documents and keyboard is much more interesting and romantic ...anyways Mr Diabetic thanks for your input..

@Admin: Thanks for your input....the very fact that i got encouragement to write because of the fellow incubations

@Umbrella : Sounds like bollywood flick.. but you know what I have come across some real good couples in my life and this story is dedicated to all of them..but then have also come across some dominating husbands where working women takes the whole pain of all work right from household, to children, to office..i feel pity for them..it is time that men should emphasize and see the other side of the story....the truth it fulls me with disgust to see treatment meted out to women particularly in Indian society...we might accord equal status and footings to women but it is put only on paper not in action....then again we use the terms like 'Fairer sex' and 'Better half'..mere cliches i believe as we still need to understand meanings of these words...hope to that future has something else in store...my exasperation is not to spoil the mood the story but yes we need to understand the women side of the story too..at least give a thought to it..

@Bri..

Off course it has semblance of real life..life which every one dreams but only few have.. May be one needs to understand Mr Prakash better to live such life..Needless to say such Kkusums are also part of such life as equal partners

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by Pavalamani Pragasam, March 03, 2010

A very clear narration reflecting the changing times, mindsets and expectations. I belong to the generation of the girl's parents in the story and as such I'm very concerned, really worried, about this new freedom concept in present generation girls to whom arranged marriage is anathema. Their fanciful ideas and imaginations and expectations leave me scared for their happy, peaceful, meaningful married life. They are unfair and unrealistic in many of their 'demands'. How I wish all new generation girls are lucky like the heroine of this story!!!

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by Domarp, March 04, 2010

@PP: thanks ma'am for your input...I personally feel that life is as we see it..its not always love marriage that work in fact the facts show its otherwise(I don't want to demean the love marriage in anyway whatsoever)...however today the changing times there is an imperative need on part of both men and women to realise the pace of time and needs...

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by Yashu Rustagi, March 11, 2010

A lucid, well-written and thought provoking narrative. Good going

• 
• +0
• 
• 

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Add Comment Preview