Man and Wife

Sudha and Samir were going to be Man and Wife, when the right time comes. This was decided by none other than the parents of both of them and applauded and accepted by their large joint family included far away relatives. Sudha was six months old and Samir was four years old and he was the son of Sudha’s maternal uncle.

You may be wondering what is this all about. Yes, it is a custom in Andhra to get a girl married to his maternal uncle’s son or uncle himself if the age was suitable. Many may not know but this is possible because mother also was having children as her eldest daughter was herself bearing a child, till recently. Big fights ensued in the family, if anyone overlooked this custom. Only if it was not possible to get them married in this relationship, other matches were considered. The perceived benefit of this custom was that the girl would be safe with the known family, the wealth remained within the family and sometimes any deficiencies in the boy or girl were overlooked. There are very successful marriages that were performed in this manner. There are also sad cased where the girl was pushed to marry an unsuitable person and bear the consequences throughout her life. I know of a classmate of mine, who was married in class 8th to her uncle who turned out to be suffering with mental deficiencies and she ended up supporting him and the entire family single handed.

Now coming to the central characters and of the story, Sudha and Samir, they both grew up with the thought that they are going to be husband and wife. Even if they did not remember for a while, the people around them would be constantly reminding them by way of a joke or an anecdote. Though it was an understanding between two families, it was considered as a done deal. They both lived in the same village and nobody would even look and think otherwise about Sudha , other than being Samir’s wife. Sudha also took it to her heart and adored Samir. They both were growing up together and were very affectionate towards each other. They played together and studied together and were like two good friends. They both completed schooling in their small town and had to go to the larger town for further studies. Their parents got them admitted in the same college so that they would travel up and down together every day.

The atmosphere was totally new for both of them in the new college. There were plenty of new friends. While it was intimidating for Sudha, it was very interesting to Samir. In any case Sudha had Samir to shield her and chaperon her. Slowly they settled into a routine and got engrossed in their studies.

Till now both Sudha and Samir were at an age where they were mere friends and had no other thoughts in their young and innocent minds. They both were matured now and at an age where they get attracted and influenced by the opposite sex. Sudha’s child hood adulation for Sam

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ir developed into strong love and admiration for Samir and was strengthening by the day. But was Samir reciprocating Sudha’s feelings? She had a doubt. Travelling to and from the college together, spending the whole day together brought them closer and gave an opportunity to know about each other. She could notice a perceptible change in Samir. He was distracted and silent, as if he was in a turmoil.

Weather it was Sudha’s insecurity or gut feeling, she had a hunch that Samir was developing soft corner and interest in their classmate Karuna. Karuna was a sophisticated, high profile and attractive girl and was from a well-placed family. Her father was the collector of the district. Sudha’s fears were not misplaced. However much Samir tried to keep away from Karuna, he was pulled towards her and fully enamoured by her. This was the reason for his changed behaviour. He was filled with feelings of guilt, remorse and fear. He knew that his family will not accept this and he will be hurting Sudha to no end , but he was helpless. For the first time he could identify his true feelings for Sudha, that were of friendship and camaraderie and nothing romantic. He was in love with Karuna. Love is blind. He thought that he would deal with the matter once their studies were completed.

 All through Sudha was a mute spectator and there were no words to describe her feelings of hurt and humiliation. She all along, considered herself as good as married to Samir in her thoughts and mind and it would be near to impossible to consider some one else in that place. She became very quiet and subdued and was mechanically going through each day. Finally they all completed their graduation and it was time to pursue higher studies or look for a job. Samir was an intelligent and dynamic yong man. He cleared civils and was waiting for his posting. One day Sudha spoke to Samir,” I am very well aware of your feelings for Karuna and your love for her. Our fate was supposedly decided and sealed by our elders as soon as I was born. But I do not think it is correct for anyone to decide the future of another human being. We are free to choose and direct our lives, our future and to select our life partner. Our people decided too early that we both are going to be partners in life. It was too early and they had no right to make a decision for us even if they are our parents. Today I realize that you have all the right and freedom to choose your life partner and I am moving out of your life and wish you both all the luck.” Samir was speechless at her matured thinking and broad outlook. He was going to thank her but she was gone.

She moved on to the city for higher studies and her entire family supported her. She felt like a free bird, liberated and happy. She knew there was so much in store for her and was eager to start a new chapter in her life, all by herself.