OPTING FOR ARRANGED MARRIAGE

OPTING FOR ARRANGED MARRIAGE

Finally there was Ranjan, a prey to romantic impulse, but otherwise a man of extraordinary perception who showed me his country in a new light, and with whom I would have asked nothing better than to travel on uncovering together hidden pleasures of India.

Something in the air made me feel Ranjan's mood had changed. Since the matter was now in the open, I asked a question. 'Any further thoughts on the subject of marriage?'

'Yes,' he said. 'This has been settled in my mind. I am thinking it will be an arranged one.'

'Traditional style,' I said.

'That is the meaning of an arranged marriage. It means I am saying yes to tradition.'

It came as a disappointment. I would have preferred this romantic adventure and my tiny involvement to have ended on a different note.

This he seemed to have sensed, and there was a touch of consolation in his laugh. 'Unless minds are changing,' he said. 'That is always possible.'

(From Norman Lewis, "A GODDESS IN THE STONES: Travels in India", Jonathan Cape, London.)

Kishalay Sinha [G]