An Outlet: Part 2

6 August, 2017.

I'm reading this book called Mahashweta and I wanted to write down my thoughts and feelings over what I read so here we go:-

Chapter 2:

Even though Anupama has been a victim of 'love at first sight', she knows her boundaries. She knows the difference between her and Anand's background and the fact that she realises that this is a hindrance, shows her practicality and that communicates that she has not (yet) been blinded by love.

Sumitra and her dark complexion. This story surely has to have been written years back because of the use of the term 'sadly, her dark complexion prevents her from getting a groom'. Though I agree that even after all the anti-racist protests and empowerment movements, there are a lot of people with a 'fair is better' mentality and the use of the word 'sadly' triggers me.

I don't know if I should feel surprised with the fact that Anand always knew that he wanted a 'beautiful bride'. I mean, even I would definitely want my guy to be gorgeous. But I will say that in a world where people take a lot of time to get commited to a person, this guy surely went for it way too early. You cannot just decide about marrying someone you haven't even spent a day with.

Then again, what's arranged marriage?

I feel that Anand should have atleast discussed something with Anupama before asking her hand for marriage. It's just way too absurd and sudden to me. I mean, I would feel so awkward if a person I met yesterday (regardless of whether I have feelings for him or not) goes up to my father and asks him if he can marry me.

And the fact that Anupama's dad wants her to marry Anand and will try and convince her to do so. Hello? You think marriage is a joke? When was she supposed get the memo? Does she have no say in her fucking marriage?! And does character/behaviour not count when considering someone as a prospective groom?

Having first hand known the difference between what people show and what they are, I can guarantee you that I will never fall for descriptions. Never.

Radhakka is shown to be a narrow-minded old school woman. But I really want to know what is the problem with getting a foreigner as a life partner. I really want to ask some real life Indian-foreign couple and know what all the fuss is about.

Deciding the arrangement date before even seeing the woman? Boy, no wonder I am so against the system of arranged marriage.

Chapter 3:

The marriage has taken place. The only thing that satisfies me about this whole arrangement is that for some reason the bride and the groom have fallen for each other.

Anand is going to London for 2 years and I'm happy to see that he is taking Anupama with her. I thought he was going to leave her in their house to suffer the mother-in-law's wrath. So far so good.

Oh, Anupama will join Anand after two months. That changes the dynamics...

Anupama has to take permission from her mother-in law for every single thing. If you tell me that I'm not going to completely free even after marriage...

Radhakka seems to only care about status.

Girija having to lie to her parents and sneak out with a boy. I kinda understand her.
I know, I'm shocked by this too. But when you restrict someone way too much on something that the whole world is already gone ahead and done, the person is going to rebel against it and do those activities behind your back.

Anupama feels unwanted and lonely in her household. I can't stop but put myself in that situation and think about my (probable) future. I have a feeling that if I get married, I won't be able to feel fully comfortable with the in-laws or the family in general. There would always be a level of distance while dealing with any member. Just like Anupama, I will have to learn to endure the painful of the pains (both physical and metaphorical) cause nobody would really give two shits. They would think of my situation as a burden.

Oh boy, the leukoderma signs begin.