Threads of Tradition: Tales Of Indian Arranged Marriages

2.

The next few days passed in a blur for Amrita Verma. Her mind was consumed by the prospect of meeting Vihaan Rao, the man who could potentially become her husband for the sake of her family’s business. She continued her work as usual, but her concentration faltered, her thoughts often drifting to the upcoming meeting.

On the morning of the meeting, Amrita found herself standing in front of her mirror, adjusting her formal attire—an elegant yet understated blue blouse paired with a pencil skirt. Her reflection looked back at her, a mix of determination and apprehension in her eyes. She wanted to make a good impression, not just for her parents but for herself.

Her phone buzzed with a message from her mother: “Vihaan and his family will arrive at 2 PM. Please be punctual.” Amrita took a deep breath and prepared herself for the encounter.

As she arrived at her parents' home, she noticed the house had been transformed for the occasion. Fresh flowers adorned the dining table, and a selection of her mother’s finest dishes were being laid out. Her parents were in high spirits, their faces bright with a mixture of hope and nervousness.

The doorbell rang precisely at 2 PM. Amrita’s heart skipped a beat as she opened the door to find Vihaan Rao standing there. He was dressed in a neatly tailored suit, his dark hair neatly combed, and his expression polite but reserved.

“Hello, Vihaan. I’m Amrita,” she said, extending her hand.

Vihaan shook her hand firmly, his grip strong but gentle. “Nice to meet you, Amrita.”

The initial awkwardness of the greeting quickly dissolved as they moved to the dining area. Vihaan’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rao, were warm and welcoming. The conversation started with small talk, with everyone exchanging pleasantries and discussing the latest news.

As the meal progressed, Amrita couldn’t help but observe Vihaan more closely. He was polite and attentive, responding to questions thoughtfully. There was an underlying sense of seriousness about him, a contrast to her own more relaxed demeanor.

“So, Vihaan,” Amrita’s father began, breaking the silence, “tell us a bit more about your work. I understand you’re involved in several business ventures.”

Vihaan nodded. “Yes, I run a company that focuses on renewable energy solutions. It’s been a challenging but rewarding field. We’re working on several projects that aim to make a significant environmental impact.”

Amrita raised an eyebrow. “That’s impressive. It must be quite demanding.”

“It is,” Vihaan replied, his voice steady. “But it’s also fulfilling. I’ve always been passionate about sustainability and making a difference.”

As the conversation continued, Amrita found herself warming to Vihaan’s earnestness and dedication. Despite their different backgrounds, there was a shared sense of responsibility and commitment. She could see why her parents were eager to arrange this marriage.

After dinner, her parents excused themselves to give Amrita and Vihaan some privacy. The two of them sat on the balcony, overlooking the garden, the evening air cool and refreshing.

Amrita took a deep breath. “So, Vihaan, I understand this arrangement is a bit unconventional. How do you feel about it?”

Vihaan looked out at the garden, his expression thoughtful. “It’s not what I imagined for myself, but I see it as a practical solution. My family values tradition, and this arrangement helps them feel that I’m fulfilling my responsibilities.”

“And what about you?” Amrita asked. “What do you want from this marriage?”

Vihaan turned to her, his gaze steady. “I want to ensure that we both have the freedom to pursue our own lives and goals. I don’t want to impose any expectations on you or your career. I believe we can make this work if we both approach it with honesty and respect.”

Amrita nodded, feeling a sense of relief. Vihaan’s approach was different from what she had expected. His respect for her independence was reassuring.

“I appreciate your honesty,” Amrita said. “I want to make sure that this arrangement doesn’t compromise my career or personal aspirations. I hope we can find a balance that works for both of us.”

Vihaan smiled slightly. “I agree. Let’s take this one step at a time and see where it leads us.”

The conversation continued, covering their hobbies, interests, and future aspirations. By the end of the evening, Amrita found herself feeling more comfortable around Vihaan. His calm demeanor and willingness to respect her boundaries gave her hope that this arrangement might work out better than she had anticipated.

As they said their goodbyes, Vihaan and Amrita exchanged a genuine smile. There was an unspoken understanding between them—a mutual recognition of the complexities of their situation but also a sense of optimism.

Walking back to her apartment, Amrita reflected on the evening. Meeting Vihaan had been less daunting than she had feared. His approach to their arranged marriage was pragmatic yet considerate, and she felt a flicker of hope that they could make this work.

In her quiet apartment, as she prepared for bed, Amrita realized that while the path ahead was uncertain, she was not alone. With Vihaan’s cooperation and her own resolve, she was ready to navigate this new chapter in her life.