A Wedding Proposal

Kanika restlessly tapped her foot & checked her watch every 10mins. She had no idea when she would reach the destination. It was an era when Google Maps was unknown. Kanika's mother, Kumudini, sat calmly beside her in an autorickshaw. Kumudini was in her early 40's; she had striking facial features & was fair-complexioned. A pinch clip secured carefully coloured strands of silver hair. She definitely, did not look her age. Kanika asked her mother, "Amma, how long will it take to reach the wedding venue?" Kumudini sighed & replied, "It's early in the morning & there is no traffic. Don't you worry, we will reach on time".

No sooner did they reach the venue than Kanika ran up to the bride's room. She sighed in relief that Preethi was getting her final touches of makeup. Preethi looked gorgeous in a dark green Kanjivaram. She wore traditional family jewellery & a bridal hairdo adorned with fresh jasmine flowers. Kanika's attempt to say, you look pretty was interrupted by loud Nadaswaram. Pretty bride, Preethi's eye's popped. She had cold feet. Kanika pressed Preethi's right shoulder & whispered into her ear, "Take a deep breath." Preethi forced a smile.

Traditional South Indian wedding rituals were in full swing. Children ran around in cute traditional attire. Women exchanged gossip, eyed each other's sari & jewellery. Men greeted one & another with awkward pleasantries. Kumudini found a vantage point to witness the wedding. She carefully set pleats of blue Kanjivaram, sat down & spread pink pallu over her lap.

As the wedding ceremony progressed, Preethi's heartbeat fastened. Kanika ensured she was in Preethi's sight. Each time their eyes met, Kanika smiled & mouthed the word - breathe. The handsome groom was oblivious to this & beamed with happiness. Kumudini admired her daughter, dressed in a full-sleeved green short kurta & beige Patiala. Kanika's countenance was enhanced by large jhumkhas & smile deepened her dimples. Kumudini wondered, when is it going to be Kanika's turn? The wedding ceremony concluded by noon. Kanika & Kumudini wished the newlyweds & left for home.

The day had turned windy & seemed rainy. As soon as they boarded an autorickshaw, Kumudini said, "Do you know what happened?" Kanika was exhausted; she raised her shoulders in a question. An old man, sitting behind Kumudini, had asked, "Is that your daughter?" Kumudini had nodded yes. He then asked, "Can your share your daughter's horoscope?" Kanika found it hard to hear over the wind. She got the gist of it & knew where this conversation was going. Kumudini had curtly replied, "We are not from the same community." Kanika said, "Amma, you have put an end to it; what's the problem?" Kumudini was furious & said, "That man had no teeth." Now Kanika's eyebrows were knotted & thought, so what? Kumudini raised her voice over the loud wind & repeated, "He asked, Aunty, is that your daughter?" Kanika still did not understand what bothered her mother. Kumudini said, "He is older than me. He called me aunty!" Kanika laughed until her stomach hurt & eyes teared up.

Take Away: Do not ask a women's age or even dare to mess with the topic.