Nov 30th:
The day had dawned with birds chirping cheerfully. The previous night I had prayed hard to God requesting him to skip this one day (Nov 30th) from my life. Alas, there was no way out. I didn't want to get up (for obvious reason). I opened my eyes and forced myself back to sleep. My father came and told sternly "Get up Manu ". And that meant I needed to get up and get ready for the eventful day. My mind was full of questions and I was confused. I kept telling myself to remain calm and had made up my mind to tell "NO ". My reason was simple - I was not prepared for this whole thing called 'marriage', although no one was willing to take it.
The entire household was in a bizarre mood. My mother was cooking mouth watering delicacies. Our family friends had come over and they too started helping. My father was all set for the day. He saw me and told "Get ready soon .They will be here anytime now ". I opened my mouth to tell what my confused little brain was thinking ,but I realized that I was short of words and hence decided to remain silent . My mother took a break from the activity filled kitchen and said "Take bath and wear a Saree ! ". Hearing the word 'Saree' the lid on my brain was toppled and I started to vent out my frustration on my mother and told a stern "NO ". Seeing her alarmed face I continued with all impunity, " I will wear a Salwar Kameez only. Let HIM see me dressed in a salwar kameez. He is coming to see me and not my attire " . My mother tried convincing me in vain. (It is a tradition of wearing a saree on this occasion being diligently followed down the ages). I held on to my point of view. Seeing all this drama, my father told to my mother "Leave.Let her wear what ever she wants. Don't pester her " . I was relieved and felt a sense of achievement - on momentary basis.
I went to my room and was undecided as to what salwar should I wear. I was not in a mood to decide and I wanted to talk to some one. But my sister was not at home. She was at college. So I called her and poured my heart out to her. My sister advised me to be calm and cool. I said okay and started to get ready very reluctantly. I wore a blue kameez. As I was getting ready - physically and mentally, my father was keeping track of their whereabouts. At last their car came. I became more anxious and tensed. I felt like running away somewhere. I was waiting inside my room as my parents welcomed them. I was curious to see who all came. So the traditional 'Ammayi chodadam' (meaning - seeing and meeting the girl) had begun. My father called me and I came and sat exactly opposite to HIM. Pleasantries were exchanged. All the delicacies which my mom had prepared were served. Now I was waiting anxiously with butterflies in my stomach. My father told "You can talk with him now ."
We went to my room and made ourselves comfortable. Never did I realize that after this day my life would take a drastic turn and sweet change for ever! Here we were, just him and me, face to face. He was the ice-breaker. He was very calm casual and cool . I liked his attitude and he made me feel very comfortable. I never felt as though I was meeting him for the first time. Very rapidly, I was at ease and had calmed down. He had a very good sense of humor. He was a simple and straight forward plastic surgeon. We discussed about our interests, careers, professions and everything.I started to like him and I was mesmerized in this conversation. I was impressed by the way he presented himself and slowly my mind started to tilt in favor of THE positive option. I felt very warm and wanted to talk to him for ever. At that very moment, I felt I had found my 'soul mate'. He had tremendous patience and paid attention to each and every detail in my talk, without interrupting me. He recognized my ambitions and promised me that he would support my dreams (which he is doing till date and would continue to do so forever). We spoke and spoke for almost 2 hours.
As we sat hypnotized in each others charm, our parents were very anxious to know what were we talking for 2 hours (which I have never told them till today and they are still wondering how could I have changed my mind to 'yes' after meeting a near complete stranger for just 2 hours). At last we came out and our parents asked us what was our decision. I could sense the worry and eagerness in my parents face. They asked for his reply to which he casually answered " Ladies first " and looked at me with a smile. I said " Yes "and he also echoed my answer. It was a pleasant surprise. Everyone, especially my parents, were very happy and a sense of festivity broke out. My father was relieved as the first major hurdle was crossed successfully. I was very excited and happy. I realized that I was in Love and love filled the air! The feeling was different, unlike any that I had experienced earlier and which cannot be explained in words. I was on cloud nine. There were people chatting around me, but I could not hear any. The room was bustling with activity but I could not see any. My mind that was a concoction of thoughts just until a few hours ago, now could not think of anything or anyone. My mind and heart was only filled with him. That night he called me and we spoke for the whole night! And after that we started speaking for ever! Our parents decided that June 14th would be the day to annouce to the world that we are man and wife! And my new life journey had begun! And that's how I became Mrs.Manasvini Arvind - the status which I am always proud of.
PS : What exactly was spoken shall always remain a closely guarded secret between us.
