Sahithi's Adventures

Good News

As soon as Komali was dressed, the three women went out, leaving Sahithi and Komali in a daze. They had no idea what all that had been about.

"I hope they approve of this match," Komali said nervously, making Sahithi look at her with an incredulous stare.

"Are you that desperate to get married? Aren't you angry at being humiliated by three unknown women?"

"Why should I feel insulted?"

"They made you strip and then examined you in the most unthinkable way."

"I don't know why you are saying that but it is normal for elderly women to check us like that. Why are you making such a fuss?"

"You mean to say that women on the boy's side actually make the prospective bride strip and examine her like a toy to be bought?"

"How many times should I tell you? It happens with all girls of marriageable age."

"But why?"

"Because they would want to see if the girl's side is hiding any defects in the girl." both girls looked at the door to see Komali's mother standing there. It was she who had answered the question. "It is quite common to exaggerate a girl's virtues and hide the defects, so the boy's elders check the prospective bride thoroughly to make sure everything is fine."

"Besides, it tells them whether the girl is obedient or rebellious." Komali added, leaving Sahithi amazed and at the same time relieved that she had been brought up in a society where checking a prospective bride before marriage was unthinkable.

The problem was that she was stuck in 1724 Ad and had to go back to her own timeline in 3220. She didn’t know if that was possible or whether she would find anyone who could help her. Even if she did find someone capable of sending her back, how was she going to convince them that she didn’t belong to this timeline? There were too many ifs and buts that seemed un-surmountable at that moment.

“What did they say?” she asked Komali’s mother to divert the topic.

“They said they would write back later.” She sighed deeply. “It appears that even this match is gone.” She seemed to be disappointed and sad. “It is always so difficult to get a girl married these days. Who will understand our problem?”

Days passed by and the family forgot about this match while the father started looking at new possibilities of getting Komali married. And then...

“Listen!” Komali’s father was literally excited, as he called his wife. She came out from the kitchen wiping her hands with the pallu of her saree.

“You seem to be very happy,” She remarked.

“Yes dear.” He said excitedly. “The boy’s father wrote to say that they have approved the match.”

“That’s great news! Our girl is really lucky. What else is my *brother saying?”

“They have asked us to fix an auspicious **muhurtam for the engagement ceremony. They want the marriage to be completed within a month of the engagement. That is their only requirement.”

“How much are they asking?”

“***1000 Rupees with the usual 10% for the groom’s sister as ****aadapaduchu lanchanam, gold for the bride.”

“They are asking that much?” her eyes opened wide in shock. “That’s a lot! Plus, the expenses for the engagement and marriage will also be heavy. Where will you get all that money?”

“Don’t worry dear. I saved 5000 Rupees for the marriage. So it should be fine. Besides, I alerted Rangaiah Setty to keep 1000 Rupees just in case there is a shortage of money. It should be enough.”

“I hope so. Well, I am really happy. Let me break this news to Komali.” She wiped her eyes with her pallu and walked into Komali’s room, where the two girls were waiting with bated breath. Komali hugged her mother as soon as she came into the room. Tears of joy flowed from the eyes of both women. Sahithi smiled happily as she watched the mother and daughter. A simple letter had brought so much joy to this kind, generous family.

“Sahithi,” Komali’s mother suddenly said, not even bothering to wipe her eyes. “The moment we met you, we have had nothing but good fortune. Your words came true like the words of goddess *****Parvathi herself. How can I thank you dear?” Sahithi gave a shy smile.

“I have done nothing, aunty. You took me in when people usually ask questions or avoid talking with a stranger. You took me in without asking too many questions. It is my great good fortune to have met you. If it had been someone else….” She shuddered to think about what might have happened. Komali hugged her.

“Hey, don’t you start becoming gloomy on my happy day.” She teased. “You have to do a lot of donkey work to show your gratitude!” she said dramatically, making her mother laugh at the expression of determination on Sahithi’s face. She got a rap on her head from her mother. “Don’t be so naughty girl or your husband will teach you better manners!” Komali pouted, making Sahithi smile at the cute expression. “Just be with me Sahi, and that is enough.” She said. “The actual work will be done by the servants.”

The preparations for the engagement started in full swing once Komali’s father had fixed a date in consultation with the ******purohits on both sides. They had 10 days to prepare and do some shopping as well. The neighbours lent a hand in the preparations and things went on smoothly. Still, they couldn’t help feeling nervous as the day of the engagement drew closer. There were so many things that could go wrong. All they could do was hope for the best.

Her father had sent some traders so that they could select some new clothes for the groom’s side and also for themselves. We all know how ladies select clothes. So the traders had grown long beards by the time the shopping was done. Hehehe!

Now, all that was left was for them to wait for the groom’s party to arrive. ‘D Day’ had finally arrived.

Glossary:

Brother: Komali’s mother refers to the groom’s father.

1000 Rupees: The currency exchange value of the Indian Rupee in 1724 was a lot higher than what it is today. Coins were preferred to paper currency, making it more valuable. A 1000 Rupees in those days would be roughly worth a small fortune, so the dowry asked by the groom’s parents was huge.

Aadapaduchu Lanchanam: it is customary to give ten% of the dowry to the groom’s sister and it is called aadapaduchu lanchanam. It varies from place to place and even from community to community and depends on the families concerned and the amount of wealth they have. 10% is usually the minimum expected.

Parvathi: Goddess Parvathi, the consort of Lord Shiva, who is considered to be the first Lady of the universe. She is also worshipped as Mangala Gowri by the unmarried girls.

Purohit: a priest officiating for the marriage. It is usual to have a purohit each for both the groom’s family and the bride’s family. These two purohits consult together and ensure a smooth marriage.