Chapter 1
RK Kalyana Mandappam (RK marriage hall)
The marriage hall is full of people roaming here and there and people are well dressed in silk and jewels. The instruments are playing in a rhythm and children are playing with their fellow mates. Father of the groom welcomed Sriram and Shailaja, one of the reputed families in the city. They wished the couple and presented them the gifts which they bought for them
After having breakfast in the dining hall, the bride’s mom and Sriram and his wife seated themselves in the chairs relaxingly. Sriram started the conversation, ”Akka, the marriage went well actually, and trust me, the food is amazing" he said with a smile, and the bride’s mom told him ”Yeah Sriram, at last, my daughter got married and I felt like winning a huge prize. Because settling the life of our children is not that easy" She turned her head towards Shailaja and she nodded her head in agreement. ”Then what about Nandhini and Vivaan, Shailaja? I asked you to bring them to this marriage, Nah?" She questioned her creasing her eyebrows together.
Shailaja smiled a bit and told her ”No Akka, they are busy with their own works. Nandhini is having exams and she told me that she has to study a lot and Vivaan has office today and he can’t take leave often." The bride’s mother said, ”Ohhh, I understood now. Okay at least bring them for the family pooja which is on Sunday" she paused and then said, ”I hope busy bees won’t have any work on Sunday” everyone started laughing and thus the function ended happily.
Nandhini’s Home:
Sriram and Shailaja are having tea and watching TV meanwhile Sriram’s phone started ringing. The call is coming from his brother Jayaram and he picked up the call instantly. Unless there is an emergency, you can’t expect any calls or messages from Jayaram and that’s why Sriram picked up his call immediately. But now, there is no emergency or urgency. After enquiring about the well-being of the family, Jayaram started the topic. ”Sriram I think its time for Nandhini to get married" The topic was really not pleasant for the whole family because they had other plans in their mind. Nandhini is 22 years old pursuing her final year degree in law and her ambition is to become a Judicial officer. That’s why Sriram didn’t let anyone come with marriage proposals until she fulfils her dream of becoming a judge. But now the situation is different and whenever they show their head in functions, the people ask about Nandhini only and you all know why.
Sriram has huge respect for his brother and he denied politely, ”No Anna, we are not going to get her married now. As you all know about her passion, we cannot compel her to set aside her dream at any cost. Sorry to say this Anna and please don’t take it as wrong“. But Jayaram was not convinced and asked his brother to reconsider their decision. ”See Sriram, Nandhini is not a little girl. Dreams are important and I can completely understand that. But we should think about her future also. Dreams can be fulfilled at any time but marriage is something different that has to be done within a certain age. The groom’s family is well known to me and I can assure you that you will never regret your decision ever.”
This strikes the head of Sriram and he said that he will consult the family and inform him later. Sriram told everything to his wife Shailaja and she too thinks the same as Jayaram. They called Vivaan to the living room and discussed the matter in private. Vivaan said, ”There is nothing to worry pa. We shall talk with the groom’s family in the first place and let them know about Nandhini’s aim. If they are okay with that, then we shall proceed further. Otherwise, let us stop this. What do you say?" This seems to be a good idea for Sriram and he agreed to go by the idea of Vivaan. The next day Nandhini went to college and the other three - Sriram, Shailaja, and Vivaan planned to meet Jayaram for deciding the proposal. Jayaram told them the family name of the groom. Little did they know that they are the relatives of the bride who got married a few days ago.
"It will be better if we get to see the groom’s photo first," said Sriram seeing his wife who nodded her head with a smile. Jayaram stretched his hand holding the mobile and showed them the groom’s photo. ”His name is Kathiravan Shastri and he is working in Bosch Company, Cochin. He is an MBA graduate and only son of the Shastri’s family. You might have heard the name ‘Raghunath Shastri’, the famous businessman in Coimbatore.” Jayaram said and Sriram thought for a while and replied, ”Ohh yes yes, I have heard the name. His wife’s name is Devika, right? Last week we attended the marriage of his wife’s sister’s daughter.”
"Then you might have seen the groom too." Jayaram said and Shailaja nodded as no and continued ”No Mama, we haven’t seen the groom but had a talk with the bride’s mother." Jayaram asked about their opinion on the groom’s family and all the three are satisfied. Vivaan started ”Pa, it will be better if we can talk with Shastri’s family. Because sharing the details about Nandhini and her aim will make it good than deciding without informing them." and all of them agreed to Vivaan and immediately Jayaram dialled the number of Shastri. Jayaram spoke a few words and told them about their wishes. The groom’s father agreed to meet them in a Temple which is convenient for both the family since it will be good to discuss the marriage before God.
They straight away went to the temple and met Raghunath and his wife Devika and all shared a good moment in discussing the marriage of their children. When they told about Nandhini’s ambition, Devika is very glad and told them, ”Wow, it is really a good thing Anna(Sriram). And we are not the stereotype of not sending girls to office. Nandhini can work after the marriage and absolutely there is no problem for us. In fact, having a daughter in law who is a judge is equally a pride for us, right?" she said with a genuine smile and Nandhini’s parents are more than happy to hear such words from Devika. They look really genuine and kind and they find no reason to postpone this proposal.
They exchanged their numbers and bid a bye to each other. Other than the bride and groom, everyone is happy with the proposal and they agreed to take it to the next level after the completion of her final exams.
Two months passed just like an hour and in this one month, the families got close to each other by sharing their love and care. In between these two months, Nandhini also completed her exams and as usual, she passed with flying colours. It is evening time and Sriram felt that it is the perfect time to speak with Nandhini regarding her marriage proposal. ”Nandhini, what do you think about your future? I mean what do you plan to do, because your studies are completed and now what is your plan?" he asked politely and she shrugged and said, ”Nothing much pa. I got job offers from three law firms and I didn’t decide about it yet. And the day before yesterday, Madhu told me that judicial exams might be conducted at the end of the year. So I thought to get one job and simultaneously prepare myself for the exam." she finished and looked at her mother who just patted her shoulder with ‘don’t worry’ look.
"Nandhini we got a marriage proposal for you," Shailaja told her which made Nandhini snap her head in shock. ”What?” she asked without masking her shock expression and now Sriram told the situation in control. Meanwhile, Vivaan also joined them in the discussion. ”Yes, my dear. The groom is really good and we feel that he will be your perfect match in every way. And we all know what you will think at this time. Don’t worry. We already spoke with the groom’s family and they are fairly okay with your profession and goals. Please consider our words Nandhu.” he said with a smile and Nandhini is just spellbound by their love. She loves her family and at the same time, she equally loves her profession and ambition. She smiled in assurance and everyone retired to their respective rooms after dinner. Though Vivaan tried to maintain the normal mood of the family, Nandhini cannot decide anything particularly in the span of a short time.
Nandhini’s Pov:
I didn’t exactly remember when I got shocked to this extent last time but this is just beyond the limits. My dad himself promised me not to bring any marriage proposals until I fulfil my ambition but now this sudden marriage proposal is somewhat shocking to me. I can’t blame my parents because they are forced to answer society for keeping me with them instead of getting me married to someone else. Even though my parents assured me that my future in-laws are okay with my ambition and profession, I can’t imagine myself in the place of being someone’s wife and slight fear is also raising in my heart concerning my career.
what if they turn their words and keep me locked inside the house after marriage?
Will the groom or my so-called future husband be understanding? will he pamper me like a baby? or will he torture me like the husbands shown in movies/serials?
God! why I am thinking all this? Because I have to, right? aaahhhhh... This marriage topic made me mad and I have to clear my mind.
My brain popped up the picture of my stupid friend Madhu. Yes, she is my best friend and my stress buster. Even though she doesn’t fill my brain with ideas or advice, talking to her will give me some energy and I think this is indeed necessary at present. I quickly dialled her number and she picked up at the last ring. ”Hey, Madhu something serious dii," I told her and she asked me ”What? Are you getting married tomorrow?” I mentally slapped myself for having this idiot as my friend. ”I badly want to fill your mouth with stones. What a mouth you have stupid. Listen, my parents spoke to me a few hours ago and its none other than, about marriage only." I told her in a single breath and she started laughing like a maniac. ”Hey just stop laughing and tell me some ideas. Because I am damn confused here." I groaned and she started with her as usual dialogue. ”Nandhu, think twice before you make a decision. If you like the groom then say yes otherwise, say no. That’s it“.
"Wow wow wow, what an amazing idea Madhu. No one can give such advice like you." I told her sarcastically and for that too, she laughed and continued, ”Listen Nandhu, we can’t rewrite what is written for us in our fate. Just accept the fact and enjoy your life. As I already told you before, this is your life and you have to make your decision by yourself. Don’t take other’s opinions. If you are okay with the groom and his family, then proceed further. Otherwise, just call off this proposal." she told me like an elder sister even though she is younger than me by 5 months.
After a few talks, we ended the call and now I am feeling better. Yes, marriage is not something to be afraid of and I should consider the words of my parents rather than fearing the possibilities. My mom has already sent the groom’s photo on Whatsapp and now I am going to open it.
I opened my mom’s message and to be frank I was swept off by my feet on the first sight itself. Yes, he is damn handsome and looks genuine good in all aspects. I swiped and see the bio-data attached with the photo and came to know that he is working in Bosch, at Cochin. Wow! Cochin is one of the favourite places of mine since my childhood. I have never been to Cochin but still, I saw the videos and documentaries about the beauty of Cochin city. An unknown smile formed on my lips and heart already began to say yes to this marriage.
With those thoughts filled in my mind, I slept in my bed holding my phone in my hand.
Kathiravan’s Pov:
I am now in Coimbatore since its a second Saturday and I don’t know why I feel something fishy in my parents. Yes, they are behaving like seeing me after ages and my mom made all my favourite dishes along with fish curry since I am so fond of fish curry. I have waited for the time to get the matter and finally they come up with that.
I am an introvert and I find it most difficult to mingle with the people especially sharing bonds and relationships are just out of syllabus for me. But my parents here came up with a marriage proposal and from their words itself, it is very clear that they already made a decision and now they are imposing it on me. I never said no to my parents and they are the ones who decided everything for me. My school, college, course, career, everything are selected by them and it all went well with me. I have never been in touch with any girl until today. I only share official or formal conversations because literally, I don’t know how to keep up the conversations especially with girls.
How can I suddenly cope up with a girl and start a new life as a married man?
I thought to myself but didn’t utter a word to my parents. I simply said yes and went back to my room. My mom is on cloud nine and she poured me the pieces of information about the girl whom I am supposed to marry in some months. From her words, I got to know that she is a law graduate and she also wants to become a judge in the future. I listened to everything and my mom asked me whether I have any problem in letting her go for a job in the future. Obviously no. Because I cannot restrict a person from doing their wishes and I am the one who always respects privacy. She placed the photo of the girl on my table and asked me to have a glance. I pretended to be not interested in that but deep inside I badly want to see the girl. Maybe everyone will have this rush in knowing the person whom you get married to.
Once my mom got out of my room, I went and locked the door immediately. I opened the cover and turned the pic to have a glance. I don’t know how far I am sitting like this but for the past twenty minutes, I am just seeing the photo without evening moving my head. Yeah, She is damn beautiful and her eyes are just amazing. My parents really have a good taste especially in the matters concerning me. I smiled at myself for drooling over her photo and took the paper attached to it to see her Bio-data.
So her name is Nandhini. I don’t know why but I desire to have this marriage as soon as possible. She is elegant and happy in the photo and I promised myself to keep her happy like this always. In some months, she will be my wife which means she is my responsibility. I capture her photo on my mobile and kept it in a hidden album. haha! who told you introverts are innocents!!!
I kept back the photo inside the cover and started thinking about our future. How will I meet her? Will she be beautiful inside too just like her face? Will she understand me better than my parents? Does she know to cook?
All these thoughts are wandering around my mind and I decided to sleep by keeping away such thoughts for some time.
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So, how was the first chapter guys? I purposely made it lengthier because I don’t want you guys to wait for more days.
Comment your views about Nandhini and Kathiravan and don’t forget to vote on this book!
And for those who don’t know Tamizh@tamil, here is the translation for you. Anna- Elder brother. Akka- Elder sister. Mama- elder brother of the husband is also called like this in tamizh. pa- short form of ‘Appa’ and means father.
Happy reading and bye until the next chapter.
Your lovely,
Maaya.
