Meera is going to meet her life partner. Her eye stopped at the mirror as she checked her appearance. Too much excitement has gripped her. The house is crowded with relatives. Her cousins and friends begins to tease her. Meera's parents were too busy moving in and out of the house. It's the typical scenario of Indian parents.
The groom arrived in a Ferrari with his parents. Upon entering, the parents and relatives of Meera welcomed Keshav, the groom, as well as his family. Everyone moved into the living room while the server served bonda, bhajji, onion pakoda and tea (south Indian snaks). All of them eagerly awaited the bride's arrival. Meera appeared and greeted them with “Vanakam.” Her red saree made her look stunning. After 5 Minutes, it was time to allow bride and groom to be alone together so they could get to know each other.
Keshav and Meera moved upstairs. A sofa was available for them to sit on. However, Meera looks nervous.
Keshav: Are you comfortable?
Meera: Yes.
Keshav: It’s a strange feeling isn’t it? I Mean, we have never met each other, so it’s a little strange being here alone with each other.
Meera: It’s a little change. But in a good way.
Keshav: So you like being here with me all alone.
Meera: No, no. I always wondered what it would be like to be Meeting someone for an arranged Marriage, so today I can feel.
Keshav: Oh.. that’s so sweet, by the way, what are your likes and dislikes?
Meera started laughing
Keshav: Why are you laughing? Did I say something funny?
Meera: No, no. Actually I knew you would ask me that kind of questions people typically ask, like what do I like to eat, what kind of clothes I like to wear, who my favourite movie star is, what my favourite colour is..
Keshav: Sorry! But what else are we supposed to talk about?
Meera: Shall we play a game?
Keshav: Game? right here? What kind of game?
Meera: Let me tell you the rules, I am going to ask you a question and without thinking just give Me the first answer that comes into your head.
Keshav: So do you ask all the questions, or do I get to ask to?
Meera: No, no. first I’ll ask you a question and you‘ll answer, then you ask me and I’ll answer and it will repeat.
Keshav: Okay I am ready, let's start
Meera: Past?
Keshav: Just one girl friend, back in college a long time ago.
Meera: Now your turn
Keshav: Home?
Meera: Relationship
Meera: What is important for a good Relationship?
Keshav: Trust
Keshav: How can I trust you? I mean what makes you trust someone?
Meera: Trust has to be earned, not demanded.
Meera: Earnings? In your opinion, what counts as earnings?
Keshav: of course it’s not Money! Both smiled and he continued its memories.
Keshav: Memories?
Meera: I believe that traveling bonds people together and creates memories.
Keshav: Splendid!
Meera: What makes a toxic relationship?
Keshav: Conditions. Relationships should be free of conditions. Conditions are different from expectations.
Keshav: What makes you sad?
Meera: Disrespect. There must be Mutual respect between the two sides.
Meera: What kind of relationship do you want with your life partner?
Keshav: Compatibility rather than chemistry. It has to be physically, emotionally, sexually compatible with each other.
Keshav: Love?
Meera: I wanna love someone unconditionally irrespective of every aspect. love is giving! and not expecting!
Meera: Cooking?
Keshav: I love to. And I am not expecting a Maid, so household chores and cooking will be shared.
Keshav: Are you fond of spending Money?
Meera: Yes, of course! However, too much spending is bad. Investing is my favourite way to spend. In My opinion, spending should have values.
Meera: What makes you happy?
Keshav: A smile of someone I love or wish to love, may be she is Meera, I hope so!
Meera: Anymore question?
Keshav: So will you marry me?
Meera: I think you’re the best half that I can ever find.
The two smiled shyly and Made their way downstairs. As Meera listens to the phone ring, her father answers it. After finding out keshav wasn't the groom it shook him to the core. There is an issue with the real groom's travel, and he has been stuck in traffic. There was shock among everyone. Keshav realized that he was at the wrong address. Even though they only talked for five Minutes, both realized their hearts belonged together. They apologized for the inconvenience caused and asked if there was any way to proceed further. In confusion, Meera's father starts to inquire about the family whether it would be possible for him to continue with the Marriage. Despite everything, they meet all of their expectations, but finally Meera's father inquires about the caste, and denies being against inter caste Marriage. Keshav and his family moved out after being upset. As Meera looked at Keshav with tears in her eyes, he moved out of the house, not being able to resist.
As India becomes more globalized, there are intense deliberations in orthodox families on the Merits of getting married within their own community. The caste system is hereditary, and the practice of marrying within the caste ensures that the hierarchy is perpetuated.
What do you think about inter caste marriage? What will you do if you were Meera/keshav?
