My last post lead to quite a few questions in your minds I guess. These have lead to an idea, a whole cultural aspect of India! Interesting, won’t that be. It will probably give you an inside look of a simple Muslim family’s life in South India.
P.S. Thoughts come and vanish, so I ain’t promising this.😇😇
Back to the story! A cup of tea – Part 2! Ready?
Cmon in then :roll:😎
I got the shock of my life, when he stood there all smiles. Having seen me at a little less nervous state, a few seconds back, when I was unaware of his presence.
For that minute or two that I stood after I saw him, I felt like I was fixed in that spot. I lifted my feet and rushed towards my room.
Breathless. Heart beating frantically. Mixed thoughts.
As I entered in, my younger sister and brother, looked at me. A giggle escaped their lips. I was furious and these mad siblings were enjoying it. How cruel? How brutally cruel they can be?
Next minute, my sister asked, So, how is he?
I look at her as though she spoke in an alien language.
What?? You think I would see him? I answered.
You saw him. Don’t bluff! She remarked.
I had but seriously, had I? 😋😶
What dear, did you get blind in front of him? Or were you awestruck? Or do you know him already? She began her quizzing.
I smiled and then we burst into giggles. The typical sisterly giggling session!
She was expecting my answer. I knew it. So, what was my answer? Wanna know?
Let me rewind a bit. All my life, I have always been a nerdy, bespectacled, plaited, no make-up, the quiet and unapproachable kind of girl. There were some instances when I did feel that I was being approached by, and they ended with it. Do not approach!!
So, when I saw him, I felt funny.
I mean, he was a good looking guy, not that dashing-macho-hero-with-enchanting-eyes-kind of man. The simple and decent one, who was firm yet kind. Well, these qualities of him were revealed later.
Fact is I felt nothing except for humour. I didn’t know what to feel! Frankly speaking, I was too busy planning and working hard for my grades. The only guys I knew were my two brothers and about 19 cousins of mine!! All on my maternal side. And we were about 20 girls that side! Here I was. I felt nothing and was wondering how would I know if he was the one for me?
Would there be music at the backgrounds? Would there be violins played near my ears? Would there be flowers falling from the sky? Petals scattering and making me feel lost! Would there be any pointers from the sky, telling me he’s the one?
I waited to see if something like that would happen. They left. No questions asked, no answers expected.
I was very apprehensive as I always was, when the groom side had to send back an answer! Yes or No!
Coming to facts: Islam doesn’t stop us from choosing our spouses. There are a few points to keep in mind though.
** The couples who’ve been engaged, may meet, as long as they are not left completely alone.
** If there is someone whom you like and wish to marry, you may approach them in the right way. Discuss with parents. Send a proposal. Wait for the answer. Agree, rejoice. Disagree, try to prove you’re an eligible one! But do not force!
** Do not in any way, cause or do any thing that would defame the other person.
** There are many, will surely discuss some day!
You may be wondering, did the call come?
Oh yes! The call came. There was all hue and cry at home! Absolutely, they said a yes! I’m not that awful to look!! 😒😒
There was just one matter. As he was going to leave in a couple of months (he worked in Saudi Arabia at that time) after the marriage, so we had to fix it in 20 days!
20 days left! The countdown began!!
For a typical Indian wedding, it is quite less time!
And on the 21st day, I ended up becoming a wife. A new identity and a new place to call home!!
The end!
Now don’t wait for any disclosures about any romance etc! That’s not coming! 😋😝
S.F.R.
Wow……👌
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Thanks dear! 😄
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Wow, I just read both posts. Thank you for the insight into arranged marriages, coming from the UK I just don’t know much about them. 21 days is so sudden! How long do Indian weddings usually have to prepare?
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Yeah Indian arranged marriages are real amazing. Number of days prior to wedding depends on how far preparations are done. Indian families have a practice of preparing from the day a girl is born. 🙂
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I mean how long before you agree marriage to the time a wedding usually takes place? Lol
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Agree to final wedding day – depends from one week to 2 or 3 years. 🙂
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Wow! Thank you so much for sharing this part of your life with us, Syeda! It´s definitely better hearing about arranged marriages from you then relying on books or films… but hey, who knows, maybe your story has got some bollywood-potential, especially with the 2o days countdown;) I for one would love to see such a film! Lots of love, dear! Sarah
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Thanks for reading it dear. I can tell you so much about arranged marriages 😉
Hahaha! Do you watch Bollywood movies?
All the rites and rituals last for 7 days!! Ending with the “farewell” of the bride! 😄😄
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You´re welcome 🙂
No, I´m afraid I haven´t watched that many Bollywood films, but I do seem to remember a lot of colours, singing and dancing:) I´m sure I wouldn´t have the stamina to celebrate for 7 days! It sounds rather horrible to me;) Have a lovely weekend, Syeda! Many hugs!
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Oh you have no idea how tiring it becomes yet there is a fun in those events! The noise and enjoyment is amazing! Someday will describe those events 😉
You too dear! Have a wonderful weekend! Lots of love and hugs! Syeda.
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I´ll be very much looking forward to hear/read about it!! Sarah xoxo
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Lol! You soooo …make me wanna write more! 😉
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Ohh! Pleeeease do!!! 🙂
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Aww! Sure will my dear! 🙂
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Enlightening.
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Thanks for reading! 🙂
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