A Love Story

An Indian Love Story

Shiva and Lakshmi were in love with each other. They studied in the same college. The first time Shiva saw Lakshmi, he knew that she is the one he is going to spend his entire life with. She had deep blue eyes, shoulder length hair, great smile and great figure. Lakshmi liked Shiva’s broad shoulders, his sense of humor and the way he cuddled her. It also did not hurt that he regularly brought her stuff and took her to fancy restaurants. Everyone in college knew about Shiva and Lakshmi’s love story. “ You look great together”, everyone used to tell them. Shiva and Lakshmi were together always, sitting side by side in class, together in the cafeteria, taking a stroll in the garden together, watching movies together, and when in home texting each other. They used to hold hands freely in the college, making their relationship public. They had also kissed a few times. “ They will marry each other”, people thought.

But there was one problem. Shiva and Lakshmi were both Indians, belonging to a different caste. In India the marriages in most cases are arranged by parents and the religion and caste of the prospective bride/groom are of paramount importance. One day when Shiva went home, he saw many relatives and family friends. Everyone one was in a joyous mood, eating and partying. There was a lot of hustle and bustle. “Who are all these people Papa?”, Shiva asked his father. “Son, they are relatives of Geeta, a girl with whom me and your mother have decided to arrange your marriage”. “What, but Papa I don’t want to get married to Geeta or any other girl you choose. There is a girl whom I love, Lak..”. “Shut up!!!!, Shiva’s father thundered so loudly that the entire house became silent. “Nothing Nothing”, Shiva’s father came outside to tell Geeta’s relatives. Now dragging Shiva’s hand his father went inside to a room far from the crowd and told, “ Look Shiva, I don’t have time for your nonsense. These people are highly respected and reputed. They have come from far away to see you. We will not get such a match again. Now don’t insult me in front of these people. Geeta is sitting in the adjoining room. Go and talk to her”, saying Shiva’s father forced him. Shiva, reluctant and agitated went into the room. As he entered the room he could hear sounds of bangles clinking. He first noticed the hand. There was a beautiful design of Mehendi on it. He later saw the girl’s face. Gosh she was the most beautiful girl Shiva had seen. Tall, long, beautiful hair, shy smile and she wore the traditional Indian bride saree. Her eyes were dark and deep. “Hi, I am Geeta. Our parents want us to see and like each other for marriage”. Wow He fell in love with that voice, he got an adrenaline rush, an erection. Shiva was blushing non-stop. He was mesmerized by Geeta’s beauty. Half an hour later Shiva came out of the room and told his father, “Dad, I know you will always have my best interests in mind. I accept to marry Geeta.” “Yaaaaaaaay”, Shiva’s father shouted, came to the hall and announced proudly, “Shiva has accepted the marriage proposal.” Geeta’s parents were happy and ecstatic.

That night Shiva called up Lakshmi. “Luck, I want to tell you something. My parents have forced me to marry Geeta, a girl of my own caste and community. I told my parents about our love affair but I was threatened with dire circumstances if I thought of pursuing marriage with you. They also said your life will be under threat. So for everyone’s safety I accepted the marriage proposal. Geeta is not a very good girl, not even half as good as you, but I guess so is our fate. Don’t worry we will be good friends. Take care. Bye”. On the other end of the phone Lakshmi was shocked. She started crying. She thought she and Shiva belonged together and would get married someday. For the next few days, Lakshmi’s parents noticed her sadness. They knew something was wrong. But they did not bother her. They did not try to talk too much with her and upset her more. They did not even ask what upset her. Lakshmi’s mother had in fact read some of the messages on Lakshmi’s mobile phone. She knew her daughter had a boyfriend. But she never asked Lakshmi about it. On seeing her sad recently, she knew Lakshmi and her boyfriend have some problems. One day as Lakshmi came home, there was a whole set of delicacies on the table. “Why special food today ma”, Lakshmi asked her mother. “Shhh , not so loudly. Now wear that saree on the couch, get fresh and ready.”, her mother said. “Mum but why? Lakshmi asked. “Just do as I say”, her mother said. As Lakshmi got ready and came to the drawing room, a young man sitting on the chair got up and extended his hand forward “ Hi! I am Varun.” Before Lakshmi could realize what is happening, her mother came from the kitchen and said “Lakshmi, this is Varun. He is an investment banker from London. Why don’t you two talk and get to know each other”. “Maa but,” before Lakshmi could complete her sentence her mom had already gone inside.

“So Lakshmi,” Varun started speaking, “ Your mother told me you recently completed Engineering with a distinction. Very impressive, I must say. Your mother also told me you like painting and playing the violin. I play the guitar. I am happy we both like music”. Lakshmi was not listening. Multiple thoughts were running in her head,“ Why didn’t mother tell me, a boy was coming to see me for marriage, hell why didn’t mother ask me if I was ready for marriage and what are my preferences”. Varun was still speaking, “ I was surprised when my parents told me you have to go to India to see the girl they have selected for my marriage. I didn’t know what to expect. But when I heard about you from your mother, and now that I see you I should say you are really beautiful and talented and nice. I think marrying you will make my life more beautiful”, saying this Varun looked into Lakshmi’s eyes. She too looked at him and gave him a faint smile. Varun looked handsome, smart and caring. Lakshmi observed that he is kind and considerate. Lakshmi and Varun got married a month later.