Threads of Tradition: Tales Of Indian Arranged Marriages

1.

Anaya Mehta stood by her bedroom window, gazing out at the bustling streets of Mumbai, where the rhythmic honking of rickshaws and the vibrant colours of the markets painted a familiar picture of the home. At 24, she had built a life filled with dreams, ambition, and a close-knit family that always rallied around her. As a marketing executive at a leading firm, Anaya was on the cusp of a promising career, but her heart was tethered to her roots, to the laughter of her parents and the warmth of their shared meals.

One evening, her parents called her into the living room, their faces alight with excitement. “Anaya, we have someone special to introduce you to,” her mother announced, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Anaya’s heart raced; she had heard the whispers of arranged marriage among her friends and family, but she had always imagined finding love on her own terms. They spoke of Rishi Kapoor, a charming NRI entrepreneur living in California, whose success seemed to shine even brighter through their descriptions. Their eagerness was palpable, but Anaya felt a knot tightening in her stomach.

As they shared stories of Rishi’s accomplishments and their hopes for the union, Anaya sat quietly, her mind racing. The prospect of leaving her beloved family and familiar life for an unknown world felt overwhelming. Would she fit into Rishi’s life? Would he understand the significance of her traditions? Her parents’ joy was a sharp contrast to her unease, and she felt a wave of guilt wash over her for not sharing in their excitement.

That night, as Anaya lay in bed, she grappled with her reservations. She couldn’t shake the thought of how much her life would change—how her laughter-filled evenings with her parents would become distant memories. Would she ever feel at home in California, far from the smells of her mother’s cooking and the vibrant festivals that marked her childhood? The weight of the decision loomed over her, as she contemplated the balance between her dreams and the expectations of family and tradition.