When you are 27 years old, some say this is the prime of
your life. But if you are in India then I think it’s a reason to dread. 2 or 3
years living an Independent life, earning your own living and having your share
of fun; you will be unceremoniously brought back to Indian reality by just one
word- “Marriage.” As such I have no dread or misgivings about marriage, and I
would gladly say that it’s something to value and respect.
So while my friends are busy updating their bio data in
matrimonial sites or marital status in Facebook, and few others groaning over
their facebook friends’ marriage pictures; I just sit back and enjoy the fiasco
revealing itself to me. In my friend circles the topic of marriage is like hot
cakes. Who is getting married, how why etc. etc. It’s truly a very vicious circle.
When the pointer is at me, I usually brush aside the topic with a polite smile
and one phrase - “Will happen when it’s meant to happen.”
You will be shocked when you hear the thoughts that some have
about wedlock.
I once asked some of my friends “Why do you want to marry?”
Friend#1: “I’m bored. There is nothing else to do.” (Seriously!!!?
:O marriage= entertainment for this friend. I can almost imagine her future
husband being her singer-movie director-actor-pole dancer!)
Friend #2: Everyone is getting married, so I must too (My classmate.
He was a school topper, studied in one of the best engineering colleges in Kerala
and gets 3 times the salary I earn. So for him the next hurdle in the horse
race is Marriage. Run dude run!!! The hurdle after that is popping babies and
then throwing them into the horse race too. Then he can compete with his own
children!!)
Friend #3: He is working in US, why not!? (If I had shown
her a little more interest, she would have told me how many zeroes were there
in his salary and how many cows he had in his Farmville!!)
Friend #4: “I don’t know… My parents want me to get married.”
Me: “So are you ready for marriage?”
Friend #4: “I don’t know. My parents are searching for girl.
Maybe after a year or two.”
Me: “So how are you mentally preparing yourself for your
marriage?”
Friend #4: “I need to hit the gym, have to get rid of the
extra fat. I will look horrible in a suit if I have tummy”
I was speechless after this conversation. Everyone talks
about marriage being a milestone in anyone’s life. But isn’t it necessary to
understand and wed for the right reasons? I may not be an expert in these
matters but isn’t it petty to marry out of boredom or based on the highest
bidder like in a cattle auction!?
In my hometown, where time stands still; I used to remember
how the elderly folk used to talk to the young generation and mentally prepare
them for the bliss and challenges they will face after marriage. They never
talked about fancy words like Heaven on Earth, soul mates, eternal love etc.
They taught us that marriage is about mutual understanding, adapting, responsibility and lots of hard work!.
Marriage is an institution to bring man and woman together
for a purpose. It is the holy duty of each man and woman to not only bring
about offspring, but to make their children the successors of civilization,
responsible citizens for a better world, to do the bidding of Nature! This alliance
will never be possible between two people if they do not have the patience to
understand and adapt to each other’s needs, feelings and aspirations and yes
love each other for their virtues and vices. This is what our Centuries old
Culture is trying to teach us.
People who lament that our society is degrading and say the
rate of failed marriages are many times higher compared to the times of our own parents;
trust me you can’t blame it on Kaliyug! If there is anyone to blame its
ourselves who in the modern age of Greed, Technology and Consumerism ; made
Marriage the most sold off commodity, the most lucrative business deal and the
worst scam of our current Generation!
