It’s been a while since I jotted down something here. “You
have completely neglected our blog”, John keeps on complaining. Last two months
saw us going on an emotional roller coaster ride; thankfully together. Tumult
is not over yet. My parents have arranged for a wedding ceremony at Guruvayoor,
followed by a reception at Trivandrum. Obviously they have to answer to many inquisitive
relatives, friends and neighbors who have always been peeping toms in our life.
Mandapam and reception hall has been booked. Jewels, silk
sarees have been bought. Beauticians have been assigned and even wedding
invitation has been printed. And at the
receiving end, you can see bride and groom without any excitement. It is
our wedding ceremony about to be solemnized, but we are the ones least excited
or happy.
You must have known the reasons already— Yes, John’s parents
are still not ready to accept me. Thanks to some of our common relatives who
played their part well in the dirty game of backbiting.
When they say wedding
is not just a union of two individuals, but two families, they are absolutely correct.
Because, I feel that in our union there is a huge gap left by John’s family. That
I don’t have a new family to take as my own. I don’t have a mom-in-law to welcome
me with a lighted lamp. I don’t have a sis-in-law to help me with saree
draping. And I don’t have new relatives added to my existing group. My parents don’t
have groom’s family to ask for their opinions and suggestions. No discussions
on the Maruveedu ceremony where girl’s
family visits guy’s house for the first time after wedding.
And when I miss their
family this much, I cannot even imagine the pain John is suffering this time.
As we look into the printed invitation cards on the table
and stare at them pointlessly, John pats on my shoulder and says with his
optimistic smile, “It is just a matter of time; they will accept us for sure.” And
I lean onto his shoulders hoping to give him strength. Wedding is indeed the union of two families!
