Jhelum Express vs. Love Marriage

Her: So?

Me: (Filled with gol gappa’s in my mouth) so what?

Her: When are we going to marry?

Me: (Ahh No, not again, the same question) Arey bhai meetha khila yaar!

Her: Reply nah?

Me: About what?

Her: Tell me directly if  you don’t want to marry me!

Me: Arey, it’s not like this betu, we’ll marry soon.

Her: When?

Me: Umm… Even you know, I am not settled. Abhi age hi kya hai apni. How can I predict?

Her: But still I feel you have something in your mind?

Me: Yes, next year

Her: (Happily) Promise?

Me: Yes Baby promise.

Her: Ok, abhi shadi ka decide kar hi liya hai, so mom dad ko kab bataoge?

Me: (Aaj to yeh mood me hai bête, aaram se) Soon.

Her: How sooner?

Me: ???????????

Her: Better, tell them early they would also need some time.

Me: Uhmmmm…

Her: Vaibhav, talk to me.

Me: I am.

Her: Really? You are just responding to my questions.

Me: Na…na…

Her: See…

Me: I’ll tell them, just wait for sometime.

Her: I've been waiting since long. You have to tell them this month and that’s final. Understand?

Me: (With wide mouth open) how can you do this to me?

Her: You have not left me with any choice. The ball is in your court now. Play sensibly. I can give you a suggestion, there is an extended weekend coming on Thursday go home and tell them about us.

Me: (As if it’s that easy) let me think.

It would be a holiday on coming Thursday and I will take a leave on Friday and so there will be a four day holidays so as a normal homesick man (this is what I was showing to my colleagues)would run home. I was stuck into IRCTC website for my reservation. (Since, I was among the few lucky ones who successfully book TATKAL TICKET.) It is a 14 hours journey from Pune to Home and the reservations most of the times are full.

Anyways, I have to apply for degree at university, will definitely meet my school friends this time, will had spicy Chinese food from Sharma Jee’s New market, will convince Mom to cook “Daal-Baati” & Moong Bhajiyas these are thoughts that were there in my mind from past three months as a part of going home. But after talking to "her" I don’t see any of them to accomplished as my priorities changed by a 5 minute conversation. Suddenly the booking page opened, I was again proud on my success. Suddenly, my phone rang it was Mom.

Mom: Hey beta! How are you? How is everything? Have you taken breakfast?

Me: I want to marry a girl of my choice.

Mom: Whaaaaat????????? Is she of our caste?

Me: No.

Mom: Are you in your senses? What rubbish are you taking?

Me: Yes, I am.

Mom: It never happened in our family and it won’t happen even in the coming generations. Better you listen to me. Have you ever thought what people will say, what this society will say? People were right we shouldn’t have sent you out for studies. Better you pack your bags and come back here. You’ve totally ruined our name.

Me: But Mom I have a job here, I won’t get release on a short notice.

Mom: No worries, resign. There are lots of opportunities here. Come back.

Me: I won’t get reservations this quick.

Mom: Come by plane.

Me: Its month end, I don’t have money for flight.

Mom: Its 8^th today, but I know this would be month end for you. I will transfer money in your account tomorrow. Book a ticket and come back.

Me: Are you serious?

Mom: Yes, very much.

Sadly, I hung the phone and went back to work with lots of negative thoughts in my mind. Although, I was prepared that this is about to come but not in this way. I was still thinking how to convince her, what I should say so that she listens.

This is again a very common story. We are allowed to do most of the things the way we want but when it comes to biggest decision of life: marriage, most of parents do not accept. The thing which again and again comes to my mind is “Parents are always right, they were the ones who brought us in the world and they were the ones who were at your side when everyone was against you, all the decisions that they have made were correct.” Now, let’s move to other aspect. Marriage is a decision that people usually take after theyget matured enough and if I am not wrong same it is the case with this choosing love for lifetime. Although, choosing a right partner is not in our hands since there is no such thing called as perfect partner. You choose what you feel good is. We need a partner who is matured enough to understand the complexities of life. We men need more of a friend then a possessive girlfriend or life partner.

I really don’t know about the parameters. What should be an ideal age to get married? Some say after you settle down well enough and what all things this well enough statement includes?  A good job or a 2 BHK flat or a lavish car?

For a normal earning person like me who works in a small organization, will need some time to fulfill these dreams but does that mean, should I be judged only on my assets column? I really don’t know because parents want to give their daughter to a well settled and established man.

My ticket session was about to expire, my hands were shaking, I moved to coffee machine to grab some coffee. Something, strike tomy mind I ran back to my laptop the session expired. I logged back again, booked my ticket (since, this is an off season so tatkal ticket was easily available.)

I've decided I will convince my parents about her. They will agree. I believe. So, I am catching my Jhelum Express. Are you?