By Eswar Tavva
It is a custom among Indians to visit personally, on mutual consent of elders, a house where a girl of marriageable age lives with her parents. This is to see the girl personally to observe her personality skills, interests and other desirable qualifications that a boy and his parents looking for and fix her to get married to the boy.
This was his tenth match-making process. All his previous ventures failed drastically because of one problem he had. Everything was set for the day in the girl’s house. The boy’s parents were worried knowing that their son's problem might cause trouble again. So, they want to wrap it up as soon as it's possible.
The beautiful girl, dressed in traditional attire, walked into the hall where the boy and elders from both sides were gathered. She was directed to sit across from the boy. As soon as Sridhar saw the bride, he whispered "Yes" to his mother sitting next to him.
His mother said, "The boy likes the girl. Ask the girl to take a look at my son." Upon hearing this, the girl slowly raised her head and glanced at Sridhar before whispering something in her mother's ear. Sridhar's mother noticed this exchange and asked, "If it's alright, Sridhar has an urgent matter and needs to leave immediately." The bride's mother replied, "The girl would like to speak with the boy. If he can spare five minutes, she would be delighted." Sridhar looked tense, but despite their reluctance, his parents allowed the meeting to take place. Before entering the room, his father warned him, "Don't do anything foolish. Keep yourself in check and finish the conversation quickly. This is your last chance at finding a life partner. If things go south, we won't be looking for more matches for you." With these words lingering, Sridhar entered the room, his nerves tingling, to meet the waiting bride.
"Hi!" She exclaimed; her voice filled with genuine excitement.
"Hi!" He replied, his tone mirroring her enthusiasm.
"My name is Mounika," she introduced herself warmly, a sense of warmth in her words.
"Sridhar," he responded, his voice tinged with a hint of anxiety.
"I know," she said knowingly, her eyes twinkling with understanding. "Why are you feeling so tense? Is everything alright?" Her concern was palpable, washing over him like a soothing wave. "Oh! I am sorry you have some urgent work. Just give me 2 minutes. I want to tell you something."
Meanwhile, Sridhar's hand started trembling, betraying the overwhelming surge of emotion coursing through him. His hand tremors were beyond his control, a physical manifestation of the turmoil within. Unnoticed by Mounika, who stood facing away from him, He quietly tried to touch her hair but pulled back quickly.
She continued speaking softly, her words laced with a romantic accent that could melt any man's heart. Her shy demeanour only amplifying the intensity of her emotions.
"Girls my age often have a lot of hopes for their future partners," she admitted softly. "I'm no different; I have my expectations too."
Her gaze softened as she continued, "But you know, Sridhar, from the moment I saw you, it was like something clicked. It's hard to explain, but there was this connection, a feeling I hadn't experienced before. Your presence just felt right, and it caught me off guard."
She paused, a gentle smile playing on her lips, "I never believed in love at first sight, but meeting you changed that. There was an undeniable warmth, a spark that made me want to know more about you. It might sound cliché, but it's true. There's something special about you, and I couldn't ignore it."
Her vulnerability hung in the air like a delicate fragrance. Sridhar's heart raced as he struggled to contain the overwhelming emotions threatening to spill out.
With a soft smile, she admitted, "I believe you possess all the qualities I've been looking for. It's not just about ticking boxes; it's about this unspoken connection that's hard to put into words. So, I'm curious, what's your opinion about us? Do you feel it too?"
As she spoke, Sridhar found himself fascinated by the melody of her words, losing the battle to control the impulse within him. His hand moved with a magnetic pull, slowly grabbed her forehead jewellery (Papidi Billa) which was laid beautifully on her hair.
In that fleeting moment, she turned towards him, her eyes catching the subtle movement. With a curious yet playful tone, she asked, "You haven't shared your opinion."
Caught in the act, Sridhar's gaze met hers, a mix of vulnerability and anticipation. He hesitated for a breath before attempting to explain. Before he could utter a word, she interjected, "Oh my goodness. Did it fall?"
He nodded, a mix of confusion and relief dancing in his eyes.
With a gracious smile, she reached for her jewellery, her fingers delicately taking it back. "It's so nice of you! By the way, how do I look without this?"
He nodded, still trying to process the unexpected turn of events.
"It's beautiful!" he blurted out, a genuine compliment escaping his lips, "You are looking gorgeous."
Her gratitude radiated as she replied, "Thank you." Then, sensing his unease, she gently inquired, "What happened? Why are you so nervous?"
With a quick response, he stammered, " Nothing. I... I really like you, and I have to leave." The weight of his emotions hung in the air, the words carrying a mix of earnest affection and a hint of regret as he hurriedly made his exit. As he exited, he managed a passing smile, leaving her with a mix of bewilderment and curiosity.
Brimming with newfound excitement, he emerged from the room and eagerly shared with his parents, "I like the girl, and it seems she likes me too. Take care of the rest; I'll take my leave now." The air buzzed with anticipation, and his words carried a mix of joy, relief, and a touch of anticipation for the future and he rushed out wishing his in-laws. Once outside, a flood of relief and happiness washed over Sridhar. He couldn't contain his joy, whispering to himself, "Yes, I am getting married finally. Oh my god! Thank you!"
As he left, the atmosphere shifted, resonating with the harmonious notes of a newfound connection. His parents, now relieved, witnessed the unfolding symphony of matchmaking. The elders, akin to skilled conductors, orchestrated discussions about the remaining intricacies, each discussion note bringing the couple closer to the climax of a beautifully arranged marriage, a true symphony of hearts and destiny.
Recurrent inability to resist urges to steal items that you generally don't need and that usually have little value. It's kleptomania.
By Eswar Tavva
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