Threads of Tradition: Tales Of Indian Arranged Marriages

3.

The days following her meeting with Vihaan Rao were a whirlwind of introspection and decision-making for Amrita Verma. She found herself caught between her responsibilities toward her family and her own career aspirations. Each day seemed to present new challenges as she balanced her work with the mounting pressure of the impending marriage arrangement.

Amrita’s office was her refuge—a place where she could immerse herself in her projects and momentarily escape the uncertainty surrounding her personal life. Yet, her mind was never far from the decision she had to make.

One afternoon, as she worked through a particularly complex financial report, her phone buzzed with a message from her mother: “We need to talk about the next steps. Can we meet for lunch tomorrow?”

Amrita’s heart sank. She knew this meeting would be crucial in determining her next course of action. She agreed to the lunch and spent the evening pondering the implications of her potential marriage to Vihaan.

The next day, Amrita met her parents at a quaint café near their home. They had chosen a table with a view of the bustling street outside, but inside, the atmosphere was calm and intimate. Her mother’s face was lit with a hopeful smile, while her father’s expression was more subdued.

“Amrita, we’re so glad you could make it,” Suman Verma said warmly. “We wanted to discuss the details with you and see where you stand on this.”

Amrita nodded, taking a seat. “I’ve been thinking a lot about this arrangement. I had a good conversation with Vihaan, and he seems like a reasonable person. But I need to know more about how this would affect my life and career.”

Rajesh Verma leaned forward. “We understand your concerns. Vihaan and his family are aware of your career commitments. They’ve assured us that they are open to supporting your professional goals and respecting your independence.”

Amrita’s eyebrows knitted together. “I want to be sure of that. How can we be certain that this marriage won’t stifle my career or personal aspirations?”

Her mother reached across the table, her eyes sincere. “Vihaan’s family is well-established, and they have a reputation for being supportive. We can arrange another meeting with them to discuss these details more thoroughly. We want to make sure you’re comfortable with this decision.”

Amrita considered this. Another meeting with Vihaan and his family might provide the clarity she needed. She had already seen his respectful demeanor, but further discussions could help cement her understanding of how they would handle their life together.

“Alright,” Amrita said finally, “I’ll agree to another meeting. But I need to be clear on certain aspects before I make any commitments.”

Her parents’ faces brightened with relief. “Thank you, Amrita. We appreciate your willingness to work through this. We’ll arrange the meeting as soon as possible.”

The following week, Amrita and Vihaan met once more, this time in a more formal setting—a conference room at a prestigious hotel. Vihaan had arranged the meeting to discuss the specifics of their potential marriage, including how they would handle their respective careers and personal lives.

Vihaan greeted Amrita with a warm smile as she entered the room. “Thank you for coming, Amrita. I hope this setting is more comfortable for you.”

“It is,” Amrita replied, taking a seat at the conference table. “I appreciate you taking the time to discuss this further.”

Vihaan’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rao, joined them, and the discussion began. Vihaan laid out a detailed plan regarding their future. He proposed that they would maintain separate careers and that they would support each other’s professional aspirations. He also assured Amrita that he was open to living in a way that would allow her to continue her work without undue restrictions.

“I understand that your career is important to you,” Vihaan said earnestly. “I want us both to be able to pursue our passions and contribute to our respective fields. We can work out a schedule that allows us both to be fulfilled professionally and personally.”

Amrita listened carefully, her mind processing his words. She was impressed by the level of thought Vihaan had put into their future. His approach was pragmatic and considerate, addressing many of her concerns.

“I appreciate your clarity,” Amrita said. “It’s important for me to have the space and support to continue my career. I want to make sure that we’re both committed to this balance.”

Vihaan nodded. “Absolutely. I believe that mutual respect and understanding are key to making this work. If we both approach this with that mindset, I’m confident we can build a life together that accommodates both of our goals.”

The discussion continued, covering various aspects of their future life together, from living arrangements to family planning. By the end of the meeting, Amrita felt a sense of reassurance. Vihaan’s willingness to address her concerns and his thoughtful approach to their potential marriage were encouraging.

As they concluded the meeting, Vihaan walked Amrita to her car. “Thank you for being open to this discussion, Amrita. I know this isn’t easy, but I believe we can make this work if we’re both committed.”

Amrita smiled slightly. “Thank you for your understanding, Vihaan. I’ll need some time to think about everything, but I appreciate your willingness to address my concerns.”

As Amrita drove home, she reflected on the meeting. Vihaan had shown a level of respect and consideration that was reassuring. While the arrangement was still a significant change from her original plans, she felt a glimmer of hope that it could work out.

Back at her apartment, Amrita spent the evening reviewing her thoughts and weighing her options. She knew that making this decision required careful consideration, but she also recognized the importance of finding a balance that would allow her to pursue her career and personal goals while honoring her family’s wishes.

In the quiet of her apartment, Amrita began to envision what her life might look like with Vihaan. It was a daunting prospect, but one that held the promise of growth and compromise. With a mix of apprehension and hope, she prepared herself for the next steps in this journey.