THE DEAL

Yes ,the deal was on.It has come to this stage after protracted meetings after meetings directly and through third persons.The initial proposal came through a well wisher, though a neighbour and both the families as per the tradition landed in the doorsteps of the family astrologer who gave the green signal after going through both the horoscopes judging “7.5 porutham”.The bride’s father felt as if he had cleared the entrance exam .But the mother was’nt that happy . She had repeatedly objected to the proposal “see ,they don’t have any assets, more over the boy has two younger sisters yet to be married and I am not going to throw my daughter in to that whirl pool”.But there was nobody to attend to her wisdom .They were concerned that the girl would be left stranded since nearly three proposals had already been rejected citing the colour of the heroine .They convinced the mother that at least the boy was a medical graduate with no bad habits,he even now performed sandhyavandana and never even glanced at girls .
Now it was the time for the next stage ,the tough financial negotiations and the girls side began with the lowest tender of 10000 bucks and 25 sovereigns offcourse exclusive of perks like furniture ,all household utensils and silver and brass items.After one week both parties clinched the deal at 25000 bucks and 50 soverigns including the bride.The talk of the town was that the tender was on the higher side like the TATA-CORUS deal .But all this had to overcome the last and final hurdle ie the meeting of the boy with the girl popularly termed “ponnu parkal ceremony.

Mean while all the the hell broke loose in the hero’s place when he was informed of the above proposal ‘.No no no why didn’t you ask me in the first place.I am only interested in a doctor as my second half .”It took almost two days to convince him that what he needed was not a lover but a wife who can look after him and also the whole family and the essentials needed was a low qualification ,a good knowledge in cooking and other family rituals,absolute obedience and respect for the elders ,a tinge of fear mixed respect for the mother in law and a lot of patience for dealing with the boy’s sisters and brothers.In,short a good house manager “.Don’t look in to the short term but it’s a long term , no , permanent investment,more over this alliance will lift our family to the next level and finding boys for your sisters will be a lot more easier” “
. “But what about me.It’s I who have to tolerate for entire life and I am yet tosee girl,leave alone know about her “Don’t talk rubbish,do you think you will know about her in two years? No way my son ,we have married for twenty years and still am in the dark about her”.“But I have never seen you hug nor a day has passed not hearing your screaming and showering abuses at her and it’s I who have to shower water over her face to revive her from her repeated swooning .” “But that has not prevented her from raising you all five besides taking care of me.That is life my son and not your day dreaming image as in movies.Its all about tolerating ,persevering and compromising from a position of strength ,not the other way round as in a love marriage;. All this won’t convince you a bit .But first have a look at her and if you don’t like her we will see then”.
The D-day was fixed,consulting the panchangom and venue at a relatives place .That night he tossed in his bed thinking of the one love which he had killed due to sheer cowardice and the price he had to pay and pay he will.
The sun took a long time delivering light and life.Around tea time after rahu kalam was over he prayed to all the deities who took pity on him and said best of luck.Surrounded by his relatives he was led to the venue.He felt a sudden tinge of curiosity as to his prey and shyly entered the house greeted by the girl’s side.When everybody had taken seat in the pavilionand customary compliments paid some body from the crowd booed “let the girl bring the coffee”.He began to sweat and looked at the floor as if she was about to surface from the floor “.Hey here she is ,look up and to the right and this will be the first and last time you can look directly to her face”every body except the two victims laughed and cheered.
It took him years to glance up to the shy thin built tall girl who flowed in to the room neatly dressed in a red saree with little make up,but her small face glowed in the fading evening and the vitality of youth percolated his senses.He drank the coffee steadily not risking a second glance at her . “If you want to have a talk with her go ahead,we are very forward” her father whispered
He went upstairs and soon she followed accompanied by two lady commandos who took position on the door which was partially open .All the courage in him fledand he knew not what to utter and drank her with his eyes.He summoned all his courage and words stammered out of his mouth “what are you studying?”
He could detect a pityful smile flowering out from her small mouth
“I have just completed my degree”.What subject he queried “Mathematics”. Her voice was soft with a tinge of hoarseness and tickled him.He felt more at ease and began the interview in all its seriousness,noting her arrogant smile. “What are your interests”I like classical music and small talk,she answered taking her own sweet time.He suppressed the instant cough and went on “Do you like cricket”. “You mean the game with three sticks and a ball.yes”
He was floored.Not willing to give up he ventured “Do u like reading books” “off course I love reading Kumudom and kalki”.He cursed his fatherand kept on a la Dravid “Do u love mukesh songs”.Her laugher was genuine and spontaneous “But Mukesh only acts in films,does he sing also?The deal was clinched instantaneously.No more questions he laughed . “If u want to ask any thing shoot”He faced his prey.She said “one only.Do u like me?”. “ Off course”.
Cheers went all around signaled from the escorts.They were married shortly and are living the Heavens own tryst with destiny.