Dear Diary,
Bit of back story before i let you in on my secrets. It all started one day, as I lay in my bathtub contemplating on the events that took place over previous week. I'm in my late 20's and managed upto now putting off marriage. Although my parents and family have been pestering me to tie a knot with someone. A customary duty was to be performed by all asian parents like millions of other Indians around the world, to find a sensible suitor for their child and marry them off.
I had finally given up fighting and agreed to do it, as I've just recently quit my job a week ago too. My potential suitor will be arriving tomorrow. I would have to prepare for the selection process to see if I was a suitable wife. I was hoping i wasn't, but then i'd be one among those rejected girls who weren't good enough.
Lost in my thoughts, I turned to look at the clock striking midnight. Any chance of sleep was now dominated by anxious feelings of my near future. Somehow I managed to finish washing myself and head to bed by 12:30am.
The next morning i had a rude awakening to my mum yelling about how lazy I was and how I was not going to manage my married life if i couldn't even wake up early. I climbed out my bed whilst my dear mother was still lecturing and cursing me at the top of her lungs.
Brushing my teeth, I was staring at myself and thinking. I am actually a fully grown woman now and my once skinny flat body was now curvaceous. I am portioned really well, a tall good fitted size 10. Nice wavey black hair, thick and healthy. Good plump lips, well toned legs, perky ass, D cup boobs and a clean shaven cooch. What else could a man ask for...
I was almost ready when my toddler nephew came running inside screaming excitedly. "He's here, he's here!"
The potential groom had arrived in a black Mercedes SUV with his parents. My parents walked outside the house, welcoming our guests in. Wondering how he'd look like, I peeped through my bedroom curtains but couldn't really make out much. Not long till I heard my father calling out my name.
"Kiran, kiran betta come here please" He called.
This was my que, something I've repeatedly been told how to do. Entering the livingroom, I walked slowly towards them eyes to the ground like an obedient, respectful person. Apparently showcasing my parents achievements of raising a good child. A quality much adored in the wives of Indian families. My mother handed me the tea/coffee tray nudging me to serve the guests. I did whilst doing so, I peeked up at him wanted to know who I was getting married to.
He smiled as our eye's met.
Then he spoke, "Do you mind if I talk to your daughter alone for a while?"
"Of course not son, Please go take a walk" My father responded trying to be as courteous as possible to the guests.
My heart skipped a beat when I heard him speak. The tray vibrated in my hands and I just froze. Until my mother spoke and told us to take a walk in the garden.
As we began walking out he said
"Hey, I'm Sanjay, Friends call me Jay. I wanted to speak to you openly before we commit any further."
His voice was gentle yet firm and sounded like a man commanding respect. I looked up at him, anticipating what he's about to say next. Just watching him, judging his looks. For the next few seconds, which ran in extreme slow-motion, he had light brown eyes, his black crew cut hair, neat facial hair, blending in like a perfect mixture with his hair cut. I wasn't much of a fan of his wide nose but he had a cute smile. The smile now captivated me. I was attracted to this guy, although this is the first time we met.
Sanjay was handsome, maybe not like a movie star but he could definitely ace the handsome and charming looks department in real life. He looked like a guy who took care just enough of himself to be fit. He was tall around 6'1" to 6'3". Had wheatish brown skin, broad shoulders, strong arms and chest. He dressed fashionable enough to not look out of place anywhere. I'd call it smart/casual.
"Are you ok? You don't have to be so nervous around me" His voice broke my thoughts.
"I'm ok, thanks." I mumbled.
"You're quite beautiful" He complimented me.
"Are you ok getting married to me?" He questioned looking at me in nervousness.
"Do you like me? If not we can cancel this" He continued after a brief pause.
I was alittle confused to how frank I could be, like am I still meant say very less, act shy or could I speak up now? Because I just want to say 'Yes take me.'
"Do you like me?" I asked as a counter question.
"You are perfect for me, I will give you everything you desire. My only floor would be I'm away sometimes with work. So you'll have to adjust with being able to cope with yourself those times."
"I can manage that since I'm a very independent women myself." I replied.
"Great news, so shall we tell our parents to go ahead?" Was his last question.
I bobbed my head showing my approval almost immediately which made Sanjay smile. His smile was infectious. Made me smile into a blush, I found myself smiling at him like a child in a candy store as we headed back to share our approval with our parents.
Soon, the marriage was fixed with Sanjay and we was allowed to exchange phone numbers and go out with each other leading up to the wedding. I started counting down the days until we'd be together forever.
Eventually the wedding was only few days away, everything is set up to make it the grandest wedding in my family. Sanjay and I spoke and met each other several times over the past few months to make sure we was compatible. I was happy and contented with the situation.
Five days before the wedding, a lot of our relatives started arriving at our house until what normally seemed a big lonely house was now congested with relatives and their children.
The marriage festivities went on in full swing, noisy and busy almost like the streets of India. The Indian wedding is a cultural and religious phenomenon, where it's not just about the groom and the bride, but whole families come together in social gathering. All our relatives from various places had descended on us, some relatives I hadn't even known I had, turned up. I mean anyone could have come in and stayed a week without anyone else questioning them.
The noise level was crazy within the house, lucky that we live far out in the countryside with no close neighbours. The atmosphere in the house was one of celebration. Our days and most of our nights also were spent in noisy fun, dancing, teasing and revelling with so many people close together. There were always bollywood songs blaring out the hifi system. It was the colourful, noisy atmosphere of a house that had a wedding approaching.
As we drew nearer to the day, the functions began. We had the mehndi ceremony 2 days before the wedding, where henna was applied on my hands and the family did a little dance performance for me. The night before the wedding was the haldi ceremony. It was the ritual in which ladies applied a orange coloured paste made of crushed Sandalwood, turmeric and rosewater to give the bride a natural glow for her wedding day.