Threads of Tradition: Tales Of Indian Arranged Marriages

1.

Neel Desai stood at the window of his cosy apartment in Bangalore, staring out at the bustling street below. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the city, but he felt a chill creeping in. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life—one that had been meticulously planned by his family. A glance at his watch reminded him that the meeting was scheduled for just an hour away.

His parents had decided it was time for him to marry. While Neel had always respected their wishes, the idea of an arranged marriage felt like an oddity. He was a meticulous planner, his days filled with lines of code and deadlines at his software engineering job. He had dreams of climbing the corporate ladder and one day, perhaps, starting his own tech firm. The thought of sharing his life—and an apartment—with someone he barely knew felt both daunting and exciting.

Mira Iyer was sitting in her childhood bedroom, surrounded by posters of iconic films and scattered storyboards. Her heart raced with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. She had spent years honing her craft, studying film direction and dreaming of the day when she could tell her stories on the big screen. The idea of an arranged marriage felt like a detour, a potential roadblock to her ambitious dreams. Yet, there was a strange comfort in knowing that Neel, like her, was driven by his goals and passions.

As Mira adjusted her hair in the mirror, she wondered what Neel would be like. Would he understand her late-night brainstorming sessions and her passion for capturing life through a camera lens? Would he accept her need for independence? She was determined to make it clear that her ambitions would always come first, and she hoped he felt the same way.

When they arrived at the restaurant, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and nervous energy. Mira and Neel were ushered to a private room where their families awaited them. The elders beamed with pride, exchanging pleasantries and discussing the “wonderful match” they had orchestrated. As Mira and Neel exchanged polite smiles, the air buzzed with unspoken questions.

“So, Mira,” Neel began, trying to break the ice. “What kind of films do you want to make?”

“Anything that tells a story,” she replied, her eyes sparkling with passion. “I want to make people feel something, you know? Like they’re part of the narrative.”

Neel nodded, intrigued. “I get that. I spend most of my time coding, but I believe every line of code tells a story of its own. I want to create something that can impact people’s lives.”

Their conversation flowed easily, but beneath the surface, each was aware of the boundaries they needed to establish. As their families excitedly discussed wedding plans, Neel and Mira exchanged knowing glances, silently agreeing on the necessity of keeping things platonic. After all, this arrangement was meant to allow them the freedom to pursue their individual careers without the weight of traditional expectations.

“Let’s make a pact,” Mira suggested suddenly, her voice steady. “We agree to live as roommates instead of partners. We can support each other’s goals without losing ourselves in this marriage.”

Neel considered her proposal, impressed by her confidence. “I like that idea. We can create a space that’s comfortable for both of us. No pressure.”

With a smile, Mira extended her hand, and Neel shook it firmly, sealing their agreement. At that moment, amid the laughter and chatter of their families, they took the first step towards a partnership defined not by tradition but by mutual respect and understanding.

As the evening unfolded, Neel and Mira found themselves engrossed in discussions about their aspirations, gradually realizing that they might have more in common than they initially thought. The initial apprehension began to fade, replaced by the flicker of hope for what lay ahead. They had embarked on an unconventional journey together, and for the first time, both felt a spark of excitement for the adventure that awaited them.