A Month Before Marriage….

As both the couple has known each other, it was the time for both the families to know each other and see the girl and guy from themselves. So a date was decided when Anjana's parenets were going to visit the guy's place. They wanted to meet his family, check the house where they are suppose to send their daughter, in-laws behavior, and lots more. As soon as Anjana's parents, sister, and her brother reached, they were impressed with the first sight of the place. They were extremely happy to see. They were welcomed inside the house where the guys' parents, and sisters were already present. With lots of discussions and meeting the guy, Anjana's parents were satisfied with the relation.

Now the turn was the guy's family to visit Anjana's place. Today his family was arriving. So, a lot of preparation was going on. Anjana and her mom was busy in kitchen. Her brother was busy in managing house, sister was busy in taking care of all the things properly, while her dad was ready to welcome them at the society gate. Finally they arrived. The guests were accopanied by Anjana's dad inside the room. Mom made them sit comfortably and take rest. Then, lots of dishes were served in front of them. Now, Anjana was called to come infront of the guests "As every Indian tradition happens (Munh dekhai)". She was sitting on the chair in front of everyone and the guests were continuously starring at her. She was asked few question from them and finally Anjana passed.

After they all had lunch, it was now the time to set the date of marriage. And here the situation takes a U-turn. The guy's sister whispered something to her mom's ears and then something happended that no one in Anjana's family was expecting. They have a demand of dowry. (Yes, you heard it right. A demand of a hefty amount.)

The guy's dad said to Anjana's mom and dad that we want around 7 lakhs cash along with a car and rest all that you want to give your daughter. Hearing this the family got stunned, speechless. As if the ground has slipped under their feet. And the last statement from the guy's dad was that "We won't fix the date now. You have to come again to our house with final consent. If you agree on this, then we can fix the date of marriage". Finally the guests left.

The Moment of happiness was drastically tured into a tension. But, still Anjana's parents decided that we must visit the place once again. Let's put our word and will see what happen. And on a very fine day they visited to the guy's place once again. As per the tradition, Anjan's parents were carrying to be son in-law's dress, shoes, grooming kit, sweets, a gold ring as a gift. But, when they arrived their house, Anjana's mom instructed their driver to take care of the gifts until she asks him to carry those gifts inside. They then went inside the house where they were made seated. But, this time unfortunately the mood of the guys' family was not good as before. And the discussion started. The greedy in-laws put their words before Anjan's parents that we will proceed further with the dates only when our demand will get fuylfilled. They were not even ready to compromise. Anjan's mom was short tempered. So, without eating anything she hastily get up from the couch and said, "I am not ready to give my daughter to these greedy people". Anjan's sister tried convincing her mom, but, she didn't agreed. Amd left the house with tears and anger.

When they all came back, Anjana excitedly asked, "Mom, how was the discussion?" What did they say? 

Mom: Anjana, I don't like this family at all. They are very greedy. You just forget the guy.

Anjana: Mom, Call them and just try to convince them.

No, I don't even like to talk to them.

Anjana: You talk dad, if possible.

Anjana's dad was in dilemma. He wasn't able to understand what to do. Finally, he decided to call the guy's dad.

Hello, the guy's dad on the other side of the call. Yes tell me.

Anjana's dad: I won't be able to give you such a big amount. It's completely impossible for me to arrange.

Guy's dad: Then, forget about this marriage. You call me only when you are able to arrange.

Anjana's dad: Please reduce the amount. Because, it's about happiness of both kids

Guy's dad: It won't be less then 4 lakhs. Or else just end this up.

Anjana's dad really wanted to end this up with those greedy people. But, Anjana's happiness was adhered with it. S, finally he agreed.

Ok, I will be give you 4 lakhs. But, it will be in cheque.

Guy's dad: No no, not in cheque. give me cash and send me befre marriage.

Her dad was left with no other option. So, finally he started arranging the amount. He arranged only 2 lakhs for now. One month before marriage her dad went with 2 lakh cash. He reached to the guy's place and handed over the amount to his dad. As soon as he left the house, a news got spread. And that was "The prime minister has announced the demonetization (note ban). This shooked everyone's head, and so the guy's family too. Because, the amount was full of 1000 and 500 notes.

Dear readers, see the cunningness of the guy's family.

As soon as the Anjana's dad returned back home, he got a call from the guy's dad saying that, "Take all your amount back, as it is of no use due to demonetizaton." Now, Anjana's mom took the phone frm her dad and spoke rudely. She said, "listen to me very carefully. My husband has already handed over you the amount. And the news has spread just after he left your house. So, those amount are not our responsibiloity, but, it's yours. Now, do whatever you want with those amount. Burn itm flow it , or threw it. But, don't call us again for this."

The marriage date was approaching nearby, just a month was left and a lot was still pending. In those hectic moment, both the couple were still in touch. However, both of them decided to enjoy shopping together. So, these love birds took out special two-three days from their busy professional schedule and started visiting showrooms. Sometimes for lehengas, and sometimes for sherwanis. Somehow, both of them managed to fulfill the major requirements, and the rest was left on their parents.

One night over phone call....

12.04 AM: Phone rings.. Anjana picks the call.

Amreet: Hey which place would you like to visit after marriage?

Anjana: Mmmmm. Not sure... U decide..

I am finalizing Andaman, Amreet said.. Will that be fine?

Wow amazing.. Are you sure? Will we be visiting Andaman after marriage?

Yes, baba. Let me look into the package.. Will send you few of the selected package. Just finalise one of them.

Sure! Anjana excitedly replied.

Just a day after...

Anjana received a message from Amreet. Seeing the message, she lost her control and jumped up the bed. Guess what? It was nothing but a booking for the Andaman.

Hastily, she picked up her mobile and dialed Amreet's number.. Finally we are going? I can't imagine... Really love u a lot. This is the statement that came for the first time from her side. 

Anjana was working in an MNC in a metro city. But, as her date of marriage was approaching, she has to resign from the job and return to her hometown, because very few days were left and still lots of work was pending. However, she got occupied in finalizing her outfit, her makeup, jewelry, and lots more that she hardly got time to chat with the guy now. Her parents were engrossed in deciding venues, catering, guest lists, as well as gifts. But, the image of Amreet was always in front of her eyes and on her mind (Have I mentioned the guy’s name anywhere?). Well, Amreet was his soulmate or you can say her prince charm. All she dreamt of spending a queen lifestyle with him, with no worries, no boundaries. Just a life where friendship and romance have maximum dominancy.

Today, Anjana's parents were coming to pick her up. This was just because it was very tough for her to carry entire all her own to her hometown. Actually, she was leaving her working city, her Pg. Her sister Gracy who was residing with her was coming along. She was also engrossed in packing with her sister. Finally, they all were set to leave for the station. Undoubtedly, the entire family was filled with joy and excitement. They were seen taking selfies, gossiping about arrangements and lots more. 

They all reached the railway station 1 hour before. Tired yet excited, they sat down somewhere in the vacant place. In the meantime Anjana received a call from Amreet.

Amreet: Did u reach the railway station?

Yes we are here, Anjana replied! Are you in office?

No, I am on the way. I am coming to visit you and mumma, papa.

Anjana: Arey, no. Why are you coming? It will be hectic for you.

That's fine. We have almost reached. I am with my friend. And listen, I have packed dinner with me. Just tell me where are you.

Anjana: Ok. Just give me a call as soon as you reach on the over-head bridge. I'll come there itself.

Finally, they met each other. Amreet handed her bag of dinner and then left from there.

                                            ........................

Anjana’s house started getting crowded with her relatives. Her mama, mami, cousins, and everyone has arrived.

Just one day before marriage, a proper ritual that happens in every Indian family was Haldi and Mehendi function. Anjana’s hands and feet were embellished with beautiful designs of henna. While on the other side Amreet was also busy looking after all the preparations as well as he was also being engaged in applying Haldi. But, despite all the gatherings and family clutters, the romance of these love birds was at the highest peak. They didn’t leave a single opportunity to click their Mehendi and share with each other.

In such a happy and joyful moment, Anjana's dad gort a call from her in-laws asking for the rest of the 2 lakhs. Amreet's brother on the other side of the call, "Uncle, we want rest of the 2 lakhs or else we won't come with the bride." Anjana's dad was completely tensioned. He couldn't think what to do now. He didn't even want to create a scene. So, he said please trust me, I will give the rest of the amount soon as lots of money has been drained in arranging the marriage. But, Amreet's family on the other side was not ready to negotiate. And at the last, Anjana's dad came to a conclusion that he will be giving rest of the 2 lakhs in cheque as soon as the bride and guests will be arriving. They finally then agree.

Finally, the date of marriage has come, and Anjana was all set to become the lady of his dream. The function was solemnized grandiosely and it was now the time for the girl to say farewell to her parents. In Hindi, we call it Bidai ceremony. I hope, this is the most heart-breaking time when a girl has to leave a parent’s house to settle down with someone to some place where she is completely unknown. But, what to do? It’s something that every Indian girl has to follow custom, and so did Anjana. She broke down with tears when she hugged her dad, as she never knew that it would pain so much when she has to leave her lovable mom and dad.

Finally, she was at Amreet’s place where her mother-in-law and other relatives were waiting for several rituals to perform. Everything was new for her, but, yes quite happening and full of excitement. Lots of fun and frolic giggle talks were there, and she was the center of attraction for everyone over there.