Groom hunting. A huge feat and responsibility willingly
undertaken by the majority of Indian parents. And it is a hunt. A hunt for the
best of the best. But I wondered, who is the prey? The would-be-groom or me? Or
both of us? Hard to say isn't it? And my Dad is a master huntsman. I have seen
him in action when he searched for a groom for my elder sister. His lists of
criteria and checklists are amazing. No comprise on the character, ethics (both
personal and work) and lifestyle of the would-be groom. He never leaves any
stone unturned. All questions regarding the would-be-groom and his family should
be investigated and answered to his exacting standard and satisfaction. No two
ways about it. And he is meticulous in this. The level of commitment, time,
energy and resources he puts into this is amazing. And Amma is his partner in
all of this. Both of them together, well, let’s just say they are a formidable
team. Nothing gets past them. As for me, well, I felt humbled and cherished.
Nothing but unconditional love for us, their daughters, would have invoked such
serious commitment to this entire quest. Duty only takes you so far. I realised
that for my dad to get into this the way he did, taking into consideration
every possible factor with regard to my future happiness, with pure stubborn ‘no’
to compromise, is him expressing his unconditional love for me. And I was no
easy child to love. I can attest to being responsible for most of the grey
hairs and lost hairs on my parents’ scalps. But they have never once held that
against me. (I know, I have the best parentsJ).
So when my dad came to me with a proposal that he is really happy about, I didn't
have to worry about the would-be-groom’s character, principles, values, etc. I
can honestly say to you that my dad made sure I don’t have to worry about that.
He answered all my questions truthfully and disclosed full information on the
guy and his family. And I realised, that my dad has given me a gift. In taking
on full responsibility to vouch for the would-be-groom’s character profile, I
am left to worry only about the compatibility of me and this stranger. All I
have to do now is to test if there is any possibility for this stranger, one
Mr. Suresh Kumar, and myself to be good life partner to each other. So I ask to
speak to this guy before I could give/withhold my consent. I was informed that
could be arranged the very next day. “The next day” arrived way too soon.
(to be continued…)
