That evening was not as busy as it usually is - I could see from the window. Post Christmas things were supposed to be steady - they were.
Sauntering in the verandah , I was enthralled by the feelings of many things altogether.
We had no hurry as we were way ahead of the time. The Gardenia was fare-welling the daylight gradually.
We, the upper-middle class family, were trying to envelop all possible etiquette to dash the boundary that surpasses to so called higher and civilized class. It was quiet simple to understand in such occasions that more you pretended you belong to the godforsaken civilized class, more you were valued.
The girl's family had not arrived yet . We were waiting and waiting and waiting.
After half an hour a person in his 60s belled the door of our deluxe room - Three Naught Seven. We behaved exactly how we had rehearsed past an hour.
We were supposed to be patient and calm - all high class families remain so.
The gentleman was apologizing again and again for the delay in their arrival and was getting our 'no worries' response.
This was a get-together hosted by them to know the two families a bit before I were to be betrothed to the gentleman's daughter. The girl's family were staying in the room adjacent to ours. As soon as the hosts reached the hotel, our values enhanced many-folds.
Formalities - asking and declining and asking again- went for an hour.
My to-be-in-laws were consistently trying to match our status.I was never valued with such an honor in my life - neither in almas nor in offices.
There is something in such get-tethers that you suddenly become dignitaries. I could notice many changes in my parents too .
My dad was talking about all my achievements and intelligences that I never knew when did I belonged. My housewife mom was deliberately chocking English
words between her words and sentences while she talked to her parents. Thanks god the girl was in her room.
The to-be-in laws too were adaging all possible adjectives to their culture, family backgrounds and so on.
An hour of hobnobs among the intellectuals on all possible topics - Culture to Politics to technology to movies to international affairs to burning issue- made me ashamed of my lack of diverse information even after my MBA and Engineering degrees.
Next, The duo family decided that I should understand; the girl to and perhaps vice-verse.
I never had a girlfriend because I didn't care initially and when I cared no one took interest in me . I am good looking and good earning, well qualified. So, whom to blame if no-girlfriend is a failure ?
Career?
OK, Career.
I had seen Riya earlier in a family function but never talked. I already had some estimation about this 'to know' meeting, so I had an inchoate preparation for the situation. I always prepare for the incidents to arrive- I am an MBA.
'Hello'
'Hi' - the girl replied.
'So Can I know something about you' - shit! I asked as if I was HR of a official interview panel.
I got replies for all my planned queries - schooling, colleges, hobbies, friends, interests, career plan if any...
She didn't ask many things. Perhaps a to-be-bride should not. Never knew the rule though.
Silence.
...
Silence.
'I was informed that you are the most beautiful girl I am going to meet. That was a gross understatement' - I vomited what I'd rehearsed . Silence breached.
She smiled. I liked that. Liked the one who smiled as well.
While we were sent to know a bit, Our parents got into a discussion reserved for parents-only. Perhaps a serious one.
While I was passing by the host's room , I heard a whispering conversation . I shouldn't , but I held on there.
-" But... this is a very huge amount .. 80 Lacs..and other expenses too... "
- "I know but .."
- "Where will I arrange this much from ... ?"
- "We will manage.. we will sell those lands in the city and ... and ornaments too ... will get loans. Won't we?"
-" Hmm- don't know!"
-"Hmm.. but we won't get better match ...it's her luck.
...
" and what's in our life after her.. it is going on somehow anyways... isn't it?"
" OK! - ( a sad voice) - telling them ... will see what's in our fate !"
I understood each and every word of the conversation. But,I tried to erase recent few minutes from my memory.
Suppose I didn't listen a word.
Suppose I was not passing by.
Suppose I was not there.
Suppose ...
But .. Suppose I was really a most sought-after boy and such boys cost of course . Don't?
Another half an hour.
So, The get-together was over. The very purpose of it was achieved.
All were happy. My parents and to-be-in-laws. Smiles on every face - genuine or not - didn't matter!.
'OK Sir! Don't forget to call us when you reach back your home.. and.. will meet soon to finalize dates. Son, Keep visiting us...' We listened in the last.
Somewhere in nearby... the song drew my attention and eluded me with a feeling ..
'I don't know why I love you but I do.
I don't know why I cry so but its true..
............. ......'
PS : This is my effort to capture 'the social business'.
1. I am an ardent critic of dowry .
2. I am bachelor and this story is product of my imagination . :)
~ Sumit
Sauntering in the verandah , I was enthralled by the feelings of many things altogether.
We had no hurry as we were way ahead of the time. The Gardenia was fare-welling the daylight gradually.
We, the upper-middle class family, were trying to envelop all possible etiquette to dash the boundary that surpasses to so called higher and civilized class. It was quiet simple to understand in such occasions that more you pretended you belong to the godforsaken civilized class, more you were valued.
The girl's family had not arrived yet . We were waiting and waiting and waiting.
After half an hour a person in his 60s belled the door of our deluxe room - Three Naught Seven. We behaved exactly how we had rehearsed past an hour.
We were supposed to be patient and calm - all high class families remain so.
The gentleman was apologizing again and again for the delay in their arrival and was getting our 'no worries' response.
This was a get-together hosted by them to know the two families a bit before I were to be betrothed to the gentleman's daughter. The girl's family were staying in the room adjacent to ours. As soon as the hosts reached the hotel, our values enhanced many-folds.
Formalities - asking and declining and asking again- went for an hour.
My to-be-in-laws were consistently trying to match our status.I was never valued with such an honor in my life - neither in almas nor in offices.
There is something in such get-tethers that you suddenly become dignitaries. I could notice many changes in my parents too .
My dad was talking about all my achievements and intelligences that I never knew when did I belonged. My housewife mom was deliberately chocking English
words between her words and sentences while she talked to her parents. Thanks god the girl was in her room.
The to-be-in laws too were adaging all possible adjectives to their culture, family backgrounds and so on.
An hour of hobnobs among the intellectuals on all possible topics - Culture to Politics to technology to movies to international affairs to burning issue- made me ashamed of my lack of diverse information even after my MBA and Engineering degrees.
Next, The duo family decided that I should understand; the girl to and perhaps vice-verse.
I never had a girlfriend because I didn't care initially and when I cared no one took interest in me . I am good looking and good earning, well qualified. So, whom to blame if no-girlfriend is a failure ?
Career?
OK, Career.
I had seen Riya earlier in a family function but never talked. I already had some estimation about this 'to know' meeting, so I had an inchoate preparation for the situation. I always prepare for the incidents to arrive- I am an MBA.
'Hello'
'Hi' - the girl replied.
'So Can I know something about you' - shit! I asked as if I was HR of a official interview panel.
I got replies for all my planned queries - schooling, colleges, hobbies, friends, interests, career plan if any...
She didn't ask many things. Perhaps a to-be-bride should not. Never knew the rule though.
Silence.
...
Silence.
'I was informed that you are the most beautiful girl I am going to meet. That was a gross understatement' - I vomited what I'd rehearsed . Silence breached.
She smiled. I liked that. Liked the one who smiled as well.
While we were sent to know a bit, Our parents got into a discussion reserved for parents-only. Perhaps a serious one.
While I was passing by the host's room , I heard a whispering conversation . I shouldn't , but I held on there.
-" But... this is a very huge amount .. 80 Lacs..and other expenses too... "
- "I know but .."
- "Where will I arrange this much from ... ?"
- "We will manage.. we will sell those lands in the city and ... and ornaments too ... will get loans. Won't we?"
-" Hmm- don't know!"
-"Hmm.. but we won't get better match ...it's her luck.
...
" and what's in our life after her.. it is going on somehow anyways... isn't it?"
" OK! - ( a sad voice) - telling them ... will see what's in our fate !"
I understood each and every word of the conversation. But,I tried to erase recent few minutes from my memory.
Suppose I didn't listen a word.
Suppose I was not passing by.
Suppose I was not there.
Suppose ...
But .. Suppose I was really a most sought-after boy and such boys cost of course . Don't?
Another half an hour.
So, The get-together was over. The very purpose of it was achieved.
All were happy. My parents and to-be-in-laws. Smiles on every face - genuine or not - didn't matter!.
'OK Sir! Don't forget to call us when you reach back your home.. and.. will meet soon to finalize dates. Son, Keep visiting us...' We listened in the last.
Somewhere in nearby... the song drew my attention and eluded me with a feeling ..
'I don't know why I love you but I do.
I don't know why I cry so but its true..
............. ......'
PS : This is my effort to capture 'the social business'.
1. I am an ardent critic of dowry .
2. I am bachelor and this story is product of my imagination . :)
~ Sumit
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