24th June, 1995.
Delhi.
"He is a hard-working man." An elderly man spoke his point of view, his voice decisive.
"But he doesn't have a house of his own, nor a shop, only a godown that he has recently bought. He lives with his maternal uncle-aunt." An old lady protested weakly, worried for her daughter's secure future financially.
"I know the odds but his honesty won my heart. I trust him. Our daughter will be happy there." The conviction in her husband's voice didn't let the old woman object further. She knew he won't choose anyone for their daughter unless he is sure about him.
"But we cannot overlook the fact that he had studied only till high school. My sister is a graduate." Shalini, their elder daughter piped up her judgement, her voice scornful.
"Nandini, come here my child." Swastik Bedi called her youngest daughter who was standing in a corner of the room , silently hearing her family discussing about the prospect, they'd seen for her marriage.
As her father called out her name, she became attentive and walked towards him with hesitant steps. He patted the seat near him on the bed and she wordlessly obeyed.
"Nandini my child, hear me out carefully. I've seen a prospect for you and I find him good. He is five years elder to you and earns well, enough for his family of three- his father, younger brother and himself. He also has an elder sister who is married. He lives with his uncle-aunt and maternal grandmother, and is yet to buy a house of his own. He runs a small business of automobiles and is independent, honest and trustworthy. They haven't demanded any dowry from us but above all this factual information I see my younger-self in him. He'd respect you. Do you agree to marry him?"
Nandini quietly listened her father's description about the man he's chosen for her, a question popped up in her mind about his mother but she waited for her father to finish. She was confused as she hasn't met him ever, neither knows his name nor his nature. But her father's last lines did the magic, she trusted her father's words and that was enough for her to decide.
Everyone in the family waited for her answer while she took her own time to contemplate. Being the youngest amongst the seven siblings, she was the most pampered and loved by her parents. She'd a freedom which many members in her family didn't have, maybe because they all were a generation older than her. Her four elder sisters eyed her begrudgingly for they were never asked their opinion, instead they were made aware about their husband after the marriage dates were fixed.
"I'm ready father because I trust you." Nandini answered with a shy smile which made her father smile elatedly at her decision.
"God bless you my love. I'll ask Mr. Sharma to inform the boy's family about our decision and further discussion." Swastik announced happily while Asha, Nandini's eldest sister-in-law went to bring some sweets that she'd cooked yesterday.
Mr. Sharma was the one who'd introduced both the families to each other for the alliance as he was the common friend.
"Grandpa, we also want to see our uncle." Monica, Nandini's thirteen year old niece demanded cutely which Swastik couldn't deny.
"Oh is it? Okay I'll show you your uncle's picture but you've to bring it from the cupboard." Monica forwarded her palm instantly, requesting Swastik to give her the keys and ran away along with her grandmother and other younger siblings to see her to-be- uncle's picture.
"Nandini, do you also want to see your would-be- husband's photograph?" Bharti, her eldest sister questioned her with a teasing smile. Resisting the urge to say yes, Nandini scurried towards the kitchen and everybody chuckled. Her father considering her consent for marriage was more than enough for her. Besides she would eventually get to see him on their engagement.
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Bade Acche Lagte Hain | MaNan
Fanfiction|Alternate Universe| An arranged marriage tale of Manik and Nandini, set in the era of late 90s. Beautiful cover made by :- @weirdosaurs. #1 on Manik on 28th March,2022. #1 on arrangedmarriage on 13th April,2022. #1 on Forever on 10th September & 4t...