Love Arranged

   Certain things are destined to happen and among all such things one is marriage which holds an important rather a prodigious position in Indian society. True that Marriage is made in heaven but arranged on earth.

   

   Like every other girl Meera also had dreams about her marriage. Meera, who is a simple, smart girl in her late twenties; she is independent, talented, inquisitive and chirpy. Dusky complexion, big eyes reflecting the innocence of her heart, she is the perfect example of girl next door. She has always been the heart of the group and by nature a very emotional and sensitive girl.

   

   “Meera, book your tickets for next weekend. You have to come home. A family is coming to see you.” her mother told her over phone. “But Mom, why so soon? Tell them to wait. I have some urgent work at office.” She demanded. “These things won’t wait. Do as we say. Book the tickets and take care. Bye” Before Meera could argue again she just heard the phone engaged tone. And she has to follow her parents wish.

   Though she has set her mind for marriage but she always used to become quite restless when her parents used to talk about any marriage proposal for her. She never really thought of what kind of marriage definition she will give to hers. Arranged, Love or Arranged-Love but somewhere in her thoughts she believed that whether Love or Arranged she will make her relationship stand on trust and care.

   The next fortnight passed in fidgety for her. She was anxious and apprehensive. She checked the face book profile of the guy named Amar (she had got the mail from her father giving the details about the boy)  a number of times just to get some answer to her queries and to relax her strained mind who at that time was getting hit by a tsunami of thoughts and presumptions. “He looks handsome”, she thought, ”but is that sufficient? The profile is good. He was a software engineer by profession; he is good looking but is one meeting enough to decide? I need time”, she convinced herself and tried to calm her overburdened brain.

   Time never stops and so the day came when Meera flew to her home for the big meeting. It might be an ordinary day for all but for her it was the most difficult day. She was not able to sleep, talk or eat. Everyone in her family was trying to help her keep calm but her heart was pumping with double rate and the thumping sound was piercing her ears. She was quite nervous about how the meeting will be it was sounding like a typical traditional arrange marriage.

   The family arrived. The boy, Amar was tall and fair, dressed in complete formals he was looking smart, simple and sophisticated. The family greeted them and welcomed all of them inside. As her mother got busy serving the pakodas and cashews she just peeked out of her room to get the look of the scenario.

   Suddenly her aunt entered, “Hey, come they are calling you?” She took a glance in the mirror and saw herself as she wore a pink chiffon saree which was very difficult for her to manage. She rehearsed all the questions she had practiced before. But the very first step she took outside the room her confidence shattered and she was trembling. She just was murmuring different names of God.

   She smiled to regain her lost confidence and settled herself next to his mother and sister. As Meera was avoiding straight eye contact with anyone because she was shy Amar’s mother asked her a question,” So what are your hobbies?” She smiled and replied, “Writing.” And then the series of question and talks followed with in between reshuffling of people and laughs and such exchange of friendly gestures between the families.

   Meera observed that Amar was actually trying to tell his sister that he wants to talk to the girl. Amar’s body language made her laugh which she tried to hide in her lips. She was trying to observe every single person present over there. Then the time came both their parents told Amar and Meera to go upstairs in the room and have a chit chat to know each other better.

The excitement on both the faces was quite visible. Meera could feel the goose bumps. She was nervous and her body was working in sync with it that day. The last drop of confidence was drained as she struggled with the saree while climbing the stairs. She remembered her first interview when she struggled with the door of the conference room and dropped her certificates. The situation seemed to be similar only thing this time it will be both way.

   They both sat on the chairs waiting for each other to start. “Let him start”’ thought Meera,”at least this time it won’t be ladies first.” Might be he read her mind or might be he was anxious to know her more. He broke the killing silence and spoke, “So what is your job profile?” She replied explaining all the details that she could give but so nervous she was that she could hardly utter a word. He realized it and tried making her feel comfortable by telling about his own work and interests. He was giving intelligent, smart replies which impressed her

.

   Yes, Meera was awestruck by his simplicity and by his calmness. On the other hand Amar was captivated with her clarity of thoughts, her ideas about future and willingness to accept things as they come. In no time, they both were discussing things as they had known each other for long. They talk about everything from professional to personal from families to friends from expectations to enjoyment slowly realizing that certainly they are actually alike and their thinking are aligned to each other.

   

   An hour passed and they were still talking with some pauses in between. That was a complete ice breaker session. By that time they both decided in their heart to say a yes. They went downstairs where both the families were eagerly waiting for them. And then it was time for a serious discussion. Both families started whispering among themselves discussing and asking the choice of Meera and Amar.Things went off well. It was an obvious yes from both sides. But Meera was not expecting this to be coming when the families announced their engagement the very next day.

   “What!!! I mean I don’t even have a proper dress to wear.” that was her first response. May be she was acting like a typical girl for whom nothing but her looks matters the most. But it was her big day; she had every reason to demand. She cried, cribbed but to no avail. She has to surrender before her family happiness, before her own decision. This time she understood that apparently these things become petty in front of your own wishes especially when you are getting what you always wished for.

   That night passed in a jiffy. Like an Indian wedding the traditions and customs were followed. Everything was arranged properly as per the wishes and consent of everyone. They both got engaged. Both excited and curious they enjoyed every part of the function. There were inhibitions but there were anticipations. There was coyness but there were exhilarations. The day ended with a feeling of true love, a feeling of satisfaction, a feeling of admiration and a lesson that it is the sweet and simple things of life which are the real ones.

   Love at first sight is rarely possible these days. What was the reason to say yes is probably unexplainable. You meet people every day but a few only leave their prints on the heart. It is a matter of zing. You meet, you talk, you get to know each other but sometimes even a second is enough to take the most difficult decision and sometimes it take even years to get conclusion.

   True that no two people are alike but as the bridge connects the two banks of river, or the evening gives the serenity to the bright morning and cool nights it’s the confidence and patience that binds the gap between two souls.

   It was an arrange marriage but when it was arranged Love if you ask Meera or Amar they won’t have the answer. Yes, indeed it was Love arranged by destiny or by choice but they both are enjoying that divine, humble relationship together waiting for the big day when they will be together forever to be happily ever after.

PS- This is an extract of my own personal experience. It’s an attempt of explaining my own feelings, when it was the judgment day for me. Until recently when I was single and now when life took a complete turn to take me to a different world. First time I realized how difficult it is to pen down your emotions and your heart.

   This memoir I would like to dedicate to that special person who has changed the meaning of my life and to all those who are looking for their special someone. Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; be bold to make your choices as I made my choice to be with him forever.