This story relates to customs from a few decades ago, when marriages were finalized after the "bride-seeing" ceremony. During this event, the bride and groom met for the first time, with the bride attempting to impress the groom with her appearance and accomplishments. Much has changed since then.
Lalitha, who had just arrived to speak with her mother, paused at the
door, overhearing the conversation. This was nothing new—it had happened many
times before. Yet, each time it stung just the same. Why did even her mother
have to hurt her with such careless words? Lalitha was slightly dusky,
and a bit heavy, but her features were striking and well-defined. Saroja,
on the other hand, was petite, slim, and fair, with a natural charm that drew
attention effortlessly.
Lalitha was highly educated, bright, and always topped her classes. She
sang beautifully and could hold deep, intelligent conversations. In contrast,
Saroja, while attractive, had never quite matched her elder sister’s intellect
or accomplishments. However, Saroja had also been present once during a
bride-seeing event of Lalitha when the young man’s mother audaciously
sought Saroja's hand. Since that day, her mom ensured that Saroja was
never around during these occasions.
Despite her other successes, Lalitha loathed these bride-seeing
rituals. Her parents, hopeful and traditional, allowed anyone to come without
proper vetting or even exchanging photographs. They believed that photos could
be deceptive and that meeting face-to-face would work better. But nothing had
worked so far, not because Lalitha was unattractive, but for various other
reasons, including some young men feeling intimidated by her intellect.
One evening, Lalitha’s mother received a call from Chella Mami, a
family friend. Her son, Vishwa, had just returned from New York on a brief
visit, intending to select a bride. Vishwa was highly accomplished, having
completed his MBA from Harvard and working at the UN. He disliked the
conventional bride-seeing process and requested that his parents arrange an
informal gathering where all the girls they had in mind could meet him at once,
along with their families. It would be a relaxed, high-tea event where Vishwa
could interact casually with everyone.
Chella Mami invited Lalitha’s family and subtly hinted that they should
bring both Lalitha and Saroja, though she requested they keep the real purpose
of the gathering a secret from the girls.
The day of the gathering arrived, and Vishwa’s house bustled with
energy, filled with about a dozen young women, each dressed in their finest,
accompanied by their parents. Vishwa, wearing jeans and a stylish embroidered
kurta, looked strikingly handsome. Tall, well-built, with chiselled features
reminiscent of a young Sylvester Stallone, he had a charismatic presence.
Outgoing and confident, he greeted everyone warmly, easing the shy girls out of
their shells.
Many of the girls had brought small gifts, and Vishwa graciously
accepted them, encouraging them to showcase their talents. He led the way, skilfully
playing both the guitar and saxophone, which further lightened the atmosphere.
Soon, the other girls joined in, performing songs, dances, or playing
instruments. As usual, Saroja stole the spotlight with her filmi music and
energetic dance moves. She stayed close to Vishwa throughout, charming him with
her playful banter. The atmosphere was lively, with laughter filling the air,
as the girls subtly vied for Vishwa’s attention, and the parents looked on with
amusement.
Lalitha, in contrast, remained quiet and subdued. She watched the event
from the sidelines, smiling gently, but made no effort to compete for
attention. After a while, feeling a mild headache, she slipped away to the
quiet veranda, hoping for some peace. As she sat down, she reached for her
phone, but it was missing. It must have slipped into the sofa cushions. Just as
she bent down to search for it, Vishwa appeared by her side.
“Looking for something?” he asked with a smile.
“My phone,” Lalitha replied.
Vishwa took out his phone and dialled her number. Moments later, they
heard the familiar ring from beneath the sofa. Kneeling, he retrieved it for
her, handing it back with a grin.
“Thanks,” Lalitha muttered, feeling a bit shy.
“I’m Vishwa, by the way,” he said, sitting beside her. “Why are you
sitting here alone? You seem quiet. Are you not feeling well?”
Lalitha smiled, briefly introducing herself. Vishwa seemed genuinely
interested, and before long, they were deep in conversation. She talked about
her work, her love for reading, her favourite authors, and her passion for
classical music—both Carnatic and Western. Time flew, and they ended up talking
for over half an hour. Lalitha found herself growing more comfortable with him,
secretly hoping for something more, though she couldn’t ignore how Saroja had
spent much of the evening by his side, making him laugh.
The next morning, as Lalitha, Saroja, and their parents were having
their coffee, the phone rang. It was Chella Mami.
“I have some wonderful news!” she exclaimed. “Vishwa has made his
decision. We’d like you to come over to discuss the next steps.”
“How can we proceed with the younger daughter’s marriage when the elder
one is still here?” Lalitha’s mother asked, assuming they wanted Saroja.
Chella Mami laughed gently. “Oh, no! Vishwa has chosen Lalitha. He is captivated
by your elder daughter and told us that if he were to marry anyone from
yesterday, it would be her. He admires her intellect and feels she would
complement him in many ways and be a perfect partner.”
Lalitha’s mother hugged her tightly, tears of joy in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Saroja inwardly happy for Lalitha, quietly slipped out of the room,
leaving the moment to her sister. -
