The Story
In a society that is steeped in dogma,
but is constantly struggling to break free, two individuals are thrown together
by their respective parents, in the hope that a marital alliance is created.
Ashwin and Rhea are two strong,
independent individuals who are perfectly amenable to the idea of an arranged
marriage. However, after having gone through the increasingly annoying process
of meeting an infinite number of prospective partners in the recent past, each
views the other with a sense of frustration and mistrust. At first glance, one
feels that there is hope. That this might just be it. However, a quick succession of
flash judgments and trivial misunderstandings make both, Ashwin and Rhea, weary
and defensive. This story is about a boy and girl, who spend a day together in
the city of Delhi and how as the day progresses, both discover a little of each
other. It is a day of shedding inhibitions and realizing that first impressions
often need to be discarded. However, the question that begs to be answered is
whether a day is enough to make this all important, life altering decision? And
ofcourse, which way is the wind finally going to blow?
For Ashwin and Rhea it might not be
about falling in love at first sight but about sharing a lot of firsts.
What makes this story “real”
Every strong and understanding
relationship does not a marriage make and it is not necessary to marry your
best friend to have a perfect marriage. Having observed couples from my
grandparents’ era to now my younger siblings, I have learnt that marriage might
be about a lot of things, but mostly it is about shedding preconceived notions
and making an effort to understand your partner.
Extract
As they made their way from Vasant
Vihar to GK, Ashwin couldn’t help but get drawn into the city passing by. This
was his third visit to Delhi and he lamented the fact that he had not yet been
able to see it. He was very keen on making a trip to the Red fort and then to
the surrounding area of Chandini Chowk. He also wanted to see the majestic
steps of the Jama Masjid and sample the kebabs made from “only god knows which
meat”. Maybe after that he would drive down to India Gate and the President’s
House. Some shopping from Janpath was also on the cards as he had promised to
bring his friends back home “Indian stuff.
“Ashwin look, the driveway is so long and impressive!” barged mommy dearest into his thoughts. And the house, wow! It looks absolutely palatial. Are the pillars out front in marble? Son, you must marry this girl.
“Ashwin look, the driveway is so long and impressive!” barged mommy dearest into his thoughts. And the house, wow! It looks absolutely palatial. Are the pillars out front in marble? Son, you must marry this girl.
"This is my entry for the HarperCollins–IndiBlogger Get Published contest, which is run with inputs from Yashodhara Lal and HarperCollins India."
