We often hear the word “no,” but now I could tell just by looking at someone’s face. By seeing your mother’s expression, I realized that things might not work out here either.
This morning, there was a lot of commotion at home, and I woke up earlier than usual. As I stepped out of my room, my mom immediately started talking.
Mom: “Good, you woke up on your own. Otherwise, I was about to come and wake you. Now get ready quickly, don’t just stand there.”
I already knew where I had to go, but I still asked:
Me: “Why?”
Mom: “Don’t even think of creating any drama. Just get ready quickly.”
Me: “Mom, first we see the girl’s photo, send ours to her, then the families meet. You haven’t even seen her yet. If we don’t like anyone, what then?”
Mom: “I am your mother. You’ve seen many girls’ photos, right? This is just a visit to your uncle’s place. They are having a housewarming pooja. We are not there to see anyone for marriage, just observing. If anyone seems good, then we will think.”
My uncle lives about 50 km away in a new house. My elder sister is married, I have a younger sister, and mom is eager to find a bride for me.
We got ready and drove to my uncle’s house. It took about two hours.
I am a bit shy when it comes to girls. Every time I go to such a place, I get nervous.
At the pooja, everyone sat and I quietly observed. I wondered if any girl would catch my attention.
The pooja ended. I stepped out for some work and returned after an hour. By then, everyone had eaten.
Mom came to me:
Mom: “Eat first, then we will go. I saw the girl, and she didn’t particularly impress me. Her grandparents raised her well, so they suggested you both talk alone. I couldn’t refuse them. Go and talk.”
Me: “Mom, if you didn’t like her, why ask me to talk?”
Mom: “Just one look won’t hurt. Talk to her, and I’ll handle the rest.”
I sat on a garden bench outside. Mom sent her over. A simple, slightly dusky girl approached. No makeup, no visible nervousness or excitement. She probably didn’t even know someone was there to see her.
I stood and said hello, gesturing for her to sit. We sat on the same bench, a little apart. For the first five minutes, she didn’t look at me or say anything.
After eight minutes of silence, she spoke:
Girl: “Okay, shall we go? But tell your family later, so my grandparents don’t get hopes. Better to be direct.”
I hesitated, sensing she might have faced many rejections before. Gathering courage, I said:
Me: “Why do you think I’ll say no?”
For the first time, she looked at me.
Girl: “I should tell you that I studied hard and now have a job. I take care of my grandparents. Even after marriage, I will continue. I’ve been rejected before, so I know the ‘no’ faces. That’s why I said be clear.”
Me: “Just like you.”
She stood up.
Girl: “Shall we go?”
Me: “Wait, I want to talk to you.”
She was surprised and sat back. Silence followed for a few minutes, but I had already made my decision. I said:
Me: “Have you heard my answer? Now it’s your turn.”
Girl: “What do you mean?”
Me: “Tell me if you like me and want to marry me. Be honest, just like now.”
Her face changed. The stern expression slowly turned into shyness and a smile.
Girl: “Don’t rush. First, talk to your family. Don’t say yes now and change later.”
Me: “If nothing changes, then yes.”
Girl: “Go talk to your family first.”
At that moment, my little sister called for breakfast. Before leaving, I handed her my number.
At home, the first thing I told my mom was that I liked the girl.
Mom: “What? After seeing so many girls, you liked her? What magic did Rachna do?”
Mom had probably decided to say no, but I ruined all her plans.
Me: “Mom, I think there’s no better bride than her, and no better wife than her for me. It didn’t even feel like it was our first meeting; it felt like I had known her forever.”
Mom and Dad agreed. They informed my uncle that our answer was yes.
The next day, Rachna called:
Girl: “Hello.”
Me: “Yes, tell me quickly. Yes or no? If yes, we’ll set a wedding date.”
She didn’t speak, just cried. Perhaps she had held back her tears for a long time. I let her cry.
That was our first meeting. Love bloomed in just 15 minutes, and we got married. My mom now says there could never have been a better bride for me.