The Prospective Bride

“Congratulations dear! You’ve finally found a suitable girl for your son!” exclaimed Mrs. Meena as she barged into the living room, where Mrs. Puran sat checking photographs and horoscopes that lay scattered on the table. “It must have been a tough job.” She added further.

Mrs. Meena took a seat beside Mrs. Puran awaiting her response, but the lady seemed too engrossed in her affairs. “What’s the matter Mrs. Puran?” she asked throwing a questioning look. “Aren’t you happy with your choice?”

“I’m firm about my choice dear.” Mrs. Puran finally broke her silence “just been trying to find a way to dispose these photographs and horoscopes. They are of no use now. Maybe I should pass them to someone looking for a bride.” She sighed

“You must have been spoilt for choice with so many proposals, don’t you?” asked Mrs. Meena. “Spoilt for choice? Never! It was the most tedious job I’ve done all my life. One wrong move and you lose it all.” said Mrs. Puran. “What do you mean by that dear?” Asked Mrs. Meena

“Oh! You have to choose a girl who’s perfect for the family. Her looks and her style should complement my son. Her culture and values will determine the future of my family. She has to be a dutiful wife, an obedient and responsible daughter-in-law; and most importantly, her mother!!” as Mrs. Puran was expressing her views, Mrs. Meena exclaimed “Mother! What on earth has the mother to do with this?”

“Like mother like daughter! Aren’t you familiar with the saying Meena?” added Mrs. Puran. “A daughter takes along all the qualities of her mother good and bad. A strong headed mother may influence her daughter to boss over the family, rather than accepting them. A soft natured mother will teach her daughter to abide by the rules of the new family and be adjustable. I have done a lot of research on this, that’s the reason I’m so particular about the girl’s mother.”

“So! That’s your criteria for a Prospective Bride!” said Mrs. Meena. “My dear, that’s not all” added Mrs. Puran “Family background is very important, especially that of the bride’s father. Status matters you see! You have to choose the right people because you have to move around with them all your life. Your social circle is determined by the relationships you make.”

“How about your son?” questioned Mrs. Meena “Have you prepared him to be a responsible husband and a good son-in-law? Is he prepared to fulfill the expectations of his wife and her family?”

Mrs. Puran was furious “Responsibility? Well! The responsibility of our entire family should be his priority, not his wife and her family. As far as expectations are concerned; my son is handsome, well educated and financially sufficient. What more could a girl and her family ask for?”

Lastly Mrs. Meena asked “Is your son happy with your choice?” Mrs. Puran answered beaming with pride “My son will never go against my wishes, no matter how many crushes or flings he might have had; he will always marry the girl I approve. After all! Only a mother knows what’s best for her child!"

Note: Marriage, as an institution is losing its value because such prejudices and stereotypes still prevail in traditional societies. The day a bride and her family are given due respect and equality, relationships will flourish and conflicts will subside.