The Runaway Groom 1

I am an Indian, I belong to India. Yes, India; the land of diverse traditions and rich culture and heritage. India is a place where even the smallest of the events is celebrated with great pomp and extravaganza. Be it festivals or birthdays or weddings, everything is special and full of excitement; but no such celebration concludes without a drama; at least and especially when it’s my family. One such recent event, or I would rather call it an incident, is the wedding of my cousin nephew, Jaimin.

So, let me begin from the things that are usually done for the wedding. The first and the foremost is simple yet of utmost importance, selection of a bride and, of course to match her, a groom. So; one fine, bright day; my cousin sister and my brother-in-law went out somewhere, which we all came to know later, to see a family that had a bride-worthy girl, Rupali. Now, the exciting part was, both of them selected this girl then and there to be their son’s wife, and all this was out of Jaimin’s knowledge, which was very silly of them and unfortunate on Jaimin’s part.

Jaimin’s parents returned home with news that were good for them but may be not for Jaimin and nobody would know why so. But anyway, coming back to the news being announced at home, the atmosphere just turned festive. Happiness was smelled in the house because it had been ages since a marriage had happened in the family. However, out of respect for elders, Jaimin joined the celebration along with others. A fake smile shined over his face and he went with the flow of joy in the house, but he did feel some unusual pain within his heart and his soul felt hurt.

I feel disappointed as to how still there are orthodox thoughts waving into our system even in the times of modernism and advanced science and technology. The only thing I would wish for Jaimin, if not many, is that his opinion matters too. He has all the right to choose for himself and if that’s too much to ask then at least he needs to be either asked or informed beforehand and that nothing should be just pressed upon him. His respect for his family doesn’t mean he goes unheard.

Well, let’s see what happens next. The Runaway Groom 2 follows soon…

Rise and shine.