Today, I'm packing my belongings as I need to return to Sambhaji Nagar for the pre-wedding rituals. I packed a few garments and some cash for convenience, in case online payment options fail. Just as I was checking my luggage, my mobile rang. It was Sharad: “Hello Ashu, my family is all set to leave. Have you finished packing?”
Calmly, I replied, “Yes, I'm done with the packing. I'm just double-checking to make sure I haven't left anything behind.”
Sharad teased, “Oh Mr. Perfect, hurry up! We need to reach Shamshabad Airport on time and avoid the traffic as well.”
Slightly annoyed, I replied, “I'm all set, just waiting for my Ola ride. I’ll be there on time.”
Sharad responded, “Okay, see you at the airport then.”
I put down my mobile, gathered my bags, locked the apartment, and went downstairs to meet the Ola car waiting in front of the building. My mind was a whirlwind of mixed emotions as I made my way downstairs. Noticing my tense expression, the Ola driver inquired, “Sir, is everything alright? Is it an emergency?”
Snapping out of my reverie, I replied, “No, it's nothing like that. I'm just headed to my hometown for my wedding.” The Ola driver smiled and said, “Sir, then you should be happy, not sad. You’re about to embark on a whole new chapter in life.”
I gave a faint smile and said, “Well, I don't know; it’s an arranged marriage.” The driver chuckled, “Come on, Sir, this is India. Arranged marriages are quite common here. I also got married the same way, and my parents chose the best girl for me.”
Curiously, I asked, “So, how's your life going?” With a smile, the driver said, “Bhai, it all boils down to understanding and managing. We both make our efforts. But don't expect it to be like a fantasy from the movies. Real life is about responsibility and loyalty to each other. Try to be friends with her.”
I nodded my head in thanks. His words left me pondering. Despite the commonality of arranged marriages in our culture, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of uncertainty about this uncharted journey I was about to embark on.
Before I knew it, we had reached the terminal. I got out of the car, paid the driver, and went through the security procedures. Upon reaching the departure gate, I found Sharad and his family waiting. Krishn
a ran up to me and hugged my legs. Sharad's face lit up with a brotherly warmth as he clapped me on the back, while his family's eager smiles reflected their excitement about the upcoming wedding.
The airport buzzed with the usual commotion, a mix of farewells and reunions playing out around us as we navigated through the crowd to our boarding gate. As we sat waiting for our boarding call, my mind wandered to Dolly and the new life that awaited us, a blend of hope and apprehension colouring my thoughts.
Glossary
- Ashu: Short form of 'Ashwin'. It is a common practice in many cultures, including Indian, to use abbreviated or diminutive forms of names as a sign of familiarity or affection.
- Ola: An app-based service used for renting and booking various modes of transportation, such as cars, taxis, bikes, and autos. It operates similarly to other ride-hailing services and is widely used in India.
