Check out 16 Return-To-Work Programs In India For Ambitious Women Like You!
The 'catch', Sunny, 'saw' many prospective matches in his search for the perfect bride. But when he found her, was everything going to be 'happy-ever-after'?
The ‘catch’, Sunny, ‘saw’ many prospective matches in his search for the perfect bride. But when he found her, was everything going to be ‘happy-ever-after’?
“Come on everyone, get ready quick!” said Mr. Chatterjee. Today, again, Sunny’s family was getting ready to visit a prospective bride’s family. Yes, this was the eighteenth time they were doing this. It had become a weekend ritual for the family. They wanted the perfect bride for their only son.
This was a quest for a bride who would be perfect for Sunny and his family. And Sunny of course was not just any other eligible bachelor, he had the ability to outshine most of his kind – he was good-looking, tall and dark, but then who judges the complexion of men? He owned his own company that dealt in FMCG. The Chatterjees were affluent and popular in elite circles of the town. So, this justified that Sunny should settle for nothing less than a perfect life partner.
The search for the prospective bride began four years ago when Sunny won the “Youngest Business Achiever Award” in the town. They had been to see Anuradha, a pretty woman with dusky complexion. But she failed to impress Sunny’s family, and Sunny could not stand up to oppose his mother who had a fancy that her daughter-in-law should be fair.
Then, there was this Anamika, who was a very fair complexioned girl, but she was rejected by Sunny’s family because she was just a graduate in commerce. Sunny’s father was determined that their son was an MBA from IIM Kolkata, and his wife should at least hold a masters’ degree.
So the third girl in the line was approached. She was Shivani, an independent woman who was working as an editor in an English daily. Sunny and his family liked Shivani, but then she had her hair short. That was not something good. Sunny’s mother’s family would be there during the wedding, and then what would they all say? They would not like such a modern woman, and sure if she is bold enough to cut her hairs short today, tomorrow she would not hesitate to do whatever she likes after marriage. Shivani was rejected, or should we say she had a narrow escape!
Then there was June who got rejected by them for her short height.
Titas was rejected because she could not sing and Sunny’s maternal aunt suggested that since Sunny was a table player, it would be a shame if his wife could not sing.
Anyway, all this went on – the search for perfection and also the ensuing rejection.
Today they are going to meet the Banerjees and their only daughter Manali. They had seen Manali’s pictures. She was ‘pretty, fair, tall and slim’. Her hobbies were ‘cooking, singing, reading books, interior decoration, and painting’. She had done her masters in Economics and was working as a lecturer in a college. “Perfect, just the kind we are looking for!” they said when they saw her profile on the popular matrimony site where Sunny was registered for the last two years.
So off they went to meet this prospective bride. Sunny, his parents, his maternal uncle and his wife and their little daughter Ishaani constituted the group. They were welcomed warmly at the door by Manali’s father and were led to the beautifully decorated drawing room. The families exchanged conversation whilst the servant kept bringing trays of snacks, beverages and drinks.
Soon after, Manali was called. She came and sat on a chair beside her father. Sunny’s family started their round of questions. What are your hobbies? What would you like to do after marriage? We are a very free and frank family, so would you be comfortable with us? Can you cook? Manali kept replying them politely. Soon after, she was asked to have a private conversation with Sunny in the adjacent room. It was the opinion of Sunny’s father, “They will get to know each other better. Our times were different”.
After a short conversation between Sunny and Manali, they returned to the drawing room where their families were sitting and carrying on with their small talk, or rather waiting for the duo to return.
Sunny’s parents were finally relieved that they had found the perfect daughter-in-law. Manali would make a perfect match for Sunny. Smilingly, they thanked everybody and went home. Sunny’s mother already started calling up their relatives of their extended family to inform them all about the ‘gem of a girl’ they had discovered for their only beloved son.
Sunny was happy too. Perhaps, he had liked Shivani or Anamika or Priyambada, but now he reflected that he was lucky enough to wait and listen to his parents so far as matrimony was concerned. They indeed knew the best for him, the best that he deserved – the absolute combination of beauty, grace, homeliness and elegance. He began contemplating his days ahead with the trophy wife Manali.
Just then, Sunny’s father’s phone rang. Mr. Chatterjee received the call, and whispered to his wife, “It’s from the Banerjees. They must be very eager to know what we have decided. Can’t even wait until we reach home!”.
“Tell them we like the girl! So well behaved, such gentle and pretty,” Sunny’s mother said.
But Mr. Banerjee, Manali’s father, said something quite contrary to their expectations, “I am extremely sorry to inform you, Sir. But our daughter is reluctant to marry your son. You must be wondering why she is refusing such a gem of a boy like Sunny. Even I am shocked. But our daughters I guess now set the rules of their lives themselves, and it is as much their freedom to accept or refuse as that of a boy. Thank you for coming. And yes, I would like to apologize once again sincerely for all the trouble.”
Sunny’s father could not speak. Mrs. Chatterjee cajoled him, and all he could say was, “The audacity! How dare she rejects our son, she does not deserve Sunny”.
“She has got a long nose, such women are inauspicious. Thank God, she won’t be at our home now”.
Sunny whispered to himself, “The bitch!”
Image source: Indian bride hands by Shutterstock.
A research scholar in literature. Loves books, music, movies, cats, writing, sketching cartoons and meditating. Independent in spirit and opinion and a true dreamer. read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
People say that women are the greatest enemies of women. I vehemently disagree. It is the patriarchal mindset that makes women believe in the wrong ideology.
The entire world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024. It should be a joyful day, but unfortunately, not all women are entitled to this privilege, as violence against women is at its peak. The experience of oppression pushes many women to choose freedom. As far as patriotism is concerned, feminism is not a cup of tea in this society.
What happens when a woman decides to stand up for herself? Does this world easily accept the decisions of women in this society? What inspires them to be free of the clutches of the oppression that women have faced for ages? Most of the time, women do not get the chance to decide for themselves. Their lives are always at the mercy of someone, which can be their parents, siblings, husband, or children.
In some cases, women do not feel the need to make any decisions. They are taught to obey the patriarchal system, which makes them believe that they are right. In my family, I was never taught to make decisions on my own. It was always my parents who bought dresses and all that I needed.
The local artisans excel in crafting beautiful fabrics, each piece telling a story of skill and tradition passed down through generations.
Textiles and handlooms of India embody the essence of the country’s rich cultural heritage and artistic diversity. Renowned worldwide for their quality, these textiles showcase intricate designs and vibrant colors, woven into fabric using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Each region offers its unique weave, from the fine silks of Varanasi to the block prints of Rajasthan and the exquisite handloom cottons of Bengal.
These textiles are not just pieces of cloth but art forms that tell stories of the land, its people, and their beliefs. The craftsmanship speaks of India’s dedication to preserving its ancestral arts, making Indian handlooms a testament to the country’s unparalleled legacy in textile artistry.
Raisen, a hidden gem in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is no different. Being a unique blend of historical charm and cultural richness, Raisen is well known for its tales of bygone eras. But it is also a cradle of traditional textiles and art.
Please enter your email address