A week later as usual, Meenakshi returned home and went straight into the kitchen to prepare dinner. Her parents and Keerthy were already seated at the dining table by the time she finished cooking. She served the chapatis with gravy silently and finally sat down to eat.
Under her mother’s scrutinizing gaze, Meenakshi carefully placed just one chapati on her plate. Before Radha could comment, Keerthy quickly added two more. Meenakshi immediately slipped them back onto Keerthy’s plate and covered her own plate with her hand, silently pleading her not to provoke their mother.
After dinner, Keerthy helped Meenakshi wash the vessels. When they were done and about to leave the kitchen, Radha stopped Meenakshi and handed her an envelope.
“One of my friends brought this proposal. The man looks good, works in an IT company and earns well. His two brothers are already married, and he is ready to marry you.” Radha said.
Keerthy squealed in excitement and pulled Meenakshi closer as they looked at the photograph together. The man did look good though noticeably older.
“He looks fine but he looks old.What’s his age?” Keerthy asked, passing the photo to her father.
Radha shifted uneasily and cleared her throat, an unmistakable sign that something unpleasant was coming.
“He’s thirty-nine, divorced. He is looking for a kind girl who can take care of his son.” she said and Keerthy gasped in shock. Madhavan shot to his feet, fury blazing in his eyes and slammed the photo onto the table.
“You are sending my daughter to someone’s house as a nanny? He is thirty-nine, are you out of your mind, Radha? What has gotten into you? Why are you so determined to ruin our daughter’s life?” he roared.
“What’s wrong with being a second wife? There are women who marry as second wives and still live happy, successful lives.” Radha snapped, deliberately avoiding his gaze.
Madhavan laughed bitterly hearing her words. “You’re right but from what you just said, it’s clear he isn’t looking for a wife. He is looking for someone to raise his child. And he is far too old for our daughter.”
He picked the photo from the table and flung it back at Radha.
“Meenakshi, go to your room and rest. Don’t waste the few hours you get for yourself.” he said firmly, turning to his daughter.
Without a word, Meenakshi turned and walked to her room, her steps quiet and her heart heavy.
She lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling and her mother’s words echoed in her mind.
” What is wrong with being a second wife? At least I could be a good mother to the child. I wouldn’t be a burden to Amma anymore. She wouldn’t feel ashamed of having a daughter like me. Should I talk to Amma and Appa? Should I agree to this proposal? ” The thought lingered, heavy and suffocating.
Sleep refused to come. Meenakshi lay awake for a long time, wrestling with thoughts she never wanted to have.
The next day at school, she poured her heart out to Hema. The moment she finished, Hema smacked her lightly on the head.
“Are you mad? Don’t you dare even think about marrying someone just to escape your home.” she snapped and Meenakshi blinked in surprise.
“You deserve love, Meenu, not charity. Not compromise. I strongly believe you’ll find the right person. And when you do, he will adore you, cherish you the way you truly deserve.” Hema continued firmly.
Meenakshi smiled softly, comforted by her friend’s conviction as they walked back to their respective classrooms.
Two days later, Radha walked into yet another matrimonial centre and took a seat with a determination etched across her face. This time, she had decided, she would get Meenakshi married, no matter the cost.
As she waited for her turn, her attention was caught by a voice from the next counter. It was Balaram who was talking about Aakash.
“I’m looking for a bride for my son, he is a cheif accountant, thirty-one years old. A very simple and reserved man. It’s not necessary that the girl must be highly educated or working, I just want someone kind and humble. My son prefers a simple wedding, either at a temple or a register office.” Balram said and hearing those words Radha’s heart skipped a beat.
” Maybe I have come at the right time”, she thought, hope flickering within her.
She waited until Balaram left and then hurried to the desk.
“I don’t want to beat around the bush, I just heard the gentleman enquiring about a bride for his son. If you don’t mind, could I see the boy’s photo? I think my daughter might suit his expectations.” she said briskly.
The agent slid the photograph across the desk and Radha studied it carefully.
Aakash looked exceedingly simple, almost plain. The thick-framed glasses and old-fashioned hairstyle made him appear far older than his age. There was nothing striking about him.
” Perfect, Meenakshi is kind and humble, exactly what they want. She’s fat, and he looks too old for his age. They must be facing the same struggles as us in finding a bride for him. They will surely accept Meenakshi.” she thought and her lips curved into a satisfied smile.
“And they want a simple wedding, no need to worry about expenses. I can convince everyone.” she thought again and paid the registration fee and informed the agent that she was interested in the groom for her daughter.
The agent checked both the profiles and with the horscope details he checked if they match.
” Both their horoscopes match for each other. I’ll inform the groom’s family about your interest and if they are interested too, I will share the contact details to both of you. You could talk to each other ” he said and Radha walked out of the centre, convinced she had finally found the solution to her problem.
Balaram had just entered his house when his mobile rang. It was the matrimonial agency. The agent informed him that a family had shown interest in Aakash and asked if he would like to receive the girl’s details.
Balaram’s face brightened and he immediately asked the agent to share them.
Padma handed him a glass of water as he sat down, waiting patiently. Moments later, a notification chimed. He opened WhatsApp and saw the photograph.
The girl looked gentle with kind eyes and a soft smile. She was a little chubby but there was an unmistakable warmth about her.
Padma glanced at the screen, then abruptly snatched the phone from his hand. Her face twisted in displeasure.
“Is this why you paid money to that agency? These days everyone opens a business just to loot people. Stop wasting your time staring at her and come have lunch.” she scoffed and tossed the phone onto the tea table before walking away.
Balaram picked it up again and his gaze returned to the photograph.
Later, in the room, he read through the details carefully. ‘ Meenakshi, Elder daughter. Master’s degree in English’. There was no mention of her profession, but Balaram didn’t mind. Education and character mattered more to him than salary slips.
Something about her felt… right so he dialed the number given and waited.
Radha paced her room anxiously, wondering whether the agent had shared Meenakshi’s details yet. When her phone rang with an unfamiliar number, her heart skipped a beat.
“Hello,” she answered.
“Hello, en peru Balaram, matrimony office la indha number koduththanga. Ungalukku enga paiyana Akasha pudichchu irukkunu sonnanga ” (Hello this is Balaram. The matrimonial agency shared your number. They mentioned that you’re interested in our son, Aakash.”)
Radha’s face lit up instantly. ( Aamanga, Meenakshiyoda amma. enga ponnuku unga paiyana engaluku romba pudichchi irukku )
(Yes… yes, I’m Meenakshi’s mother. We really liked your son for our daughter.)
“I think it would be best if we meet in person, Let our children meet first. If they are comfortable, we can discuss further.” Balaram said thoughtfully and Radha agreed without hesitation.
“I’ll call you tomorrow to confirm our visit,” Balaram added before ending the call.
That evening, Radha was unusually cheerful. At dinner, she served extra food onto Meenakshi’s plate, an act so unexpected that everyone froze. After dinner she called her daughters and husband to the hall before they could retreat to their rooms.
“I’ve found the right man for Meenakshi,” she announced and all eyes turned to her.
“Before anyone starts scolding me, let me finish,” Radha said quickly.
“He’s not too old. This is his first marriage. He works as an accountant. He has a brother and a sister who are yet to be married. They are middle class just like us but the family seems very nice.” she said and showed the photo of Aakash to everyone from her mobile.
Madhavan studied the photograph for a few moments longer before handing the mobile to Meenakshi.
“He may look older, but he’s only thirty-one,” Radha said.
Madhavan nodded slowly. He wasn’t someone who judged people by their appearance and Aakash seemed decent enough. Still, a quiet unease lingered in his mind, experience had taught him that things were rarely as simple as they appeared.
“Is there anything else we should know?” he asked carefully.
“They want a very simple wedding. A temple wedding or even a registered marriage would do. They are looking for a calm, kind girl to fit into their family. That’s why I didn’t mention that Meenakshi is working at the school.” she explained and moved closer to Meenakshi and clasped her hand tightly.
“Meenakshi, it’s not that I hate you. I’m only trying to give you a better life. I told them you are educated but I wasn’t sure how they would feel about you working. What if Aakash doesn’t want his wife to work? You could take a break for now. Once everything settles, you can talk to him and return to work later. Please, Meenakshi, just a small sacrifice. I’m sure everything will fall into place.” Radha said softly.
Madhavan shook his head and disappointment clouded his eyes.
“If they truly want to marry Meenakshi, why hide the fact that she can support the family?They’re middle class. Having a working daughter-in-law would only help them.” he asked quietly.
Before Radha could respond, Meenakshi spoke. She was exhausted of the daily discussions, the negotiations, the careful weighing of her worth.
“Appa, amma is right. You are my father. Of course I look beautiful in your eyes. But let’s be practical. No one really wants a girl like me. If someone is willing to accept me, I should at least compromise on something since I couldn’t lose my weight.” she said gently and Madhavan felt his heart crack.
“At least I won’t be a burden anymore. Keerthy can get married without worries once I leave. With a simple wedding, we can save money too.” she said and her was voice steady despite the ache behind it.
“You don’t have to sacrifice anything, Meenakshi,” Madhavan said, his voice breaking.
She stopped him with a small shake of her head.
“No, appa. There is nothing wrong with him. He looks decent, he is only a few years older than me and he works as an accountant. He has a brother and a sister so I’m sure he will be a kind and responsible man.”
Radha felt relieved and smiled hearing her words.
“Even Meenakshi understands. The groom’s father said they will proceed only if both families are comfortable. He will call tomorrow to fix the visit. I wanted everything to be clear before they come. Since Meenakshi is fine with it, we shall say she isn’t working. Once the marriage is fixed, she can quit.” she said finalizing every details.
Meenakshi silently walked to her room with Keerthy following close behind.
“Sissy, are you really okay with this? Why should you quit your job? Are you doing this because of me?” Keerthy asked, resting her head on Meenakshi’s lap.
Meenakshi smiled and gently stroked her sister’s hair.
“No, silly. I’m doing this for myself. He seems right to me. And about my job, I don’t even know if that’s his condition. For now, I just want peace. Maybe I do need a break… to rest and build a new life after marriage. Let’s hope for the best.” she replied with a smile.
At Aakash’s house, dinner was followed by laughter as Lavanya excitedly talked about her college excursion. Her bag was already packed for the three-day trip and she was set to leave early the next morning.
Later that night, Balaram entered Aakash’s room and sat beside him with his mobile.
“Aakash, I’ve found a girl for you. And before you refuse, listen carefully. Her family agreed to all your conditions. We are going to meet them the day after tomorrow.” he said and showed Meenakshi’s photograph.
Aakash stiffened. “Appa, please… this isn’t a joke. I can’t do this,” he said, panic flickering across his face.
“Do you think she isn’t beautiful? Do you believe appearance defines a person’s character?” Balaram asked quietly.
Aakash shook his head immediately. “No, appa. That’s not it. This isn’t about her. I’m just… not ready.”
Balaram folded his hands before his son, “Please, Aakash. Do this for me. I’m sure you won’t regret it. She may not be beautiful in everyone’s eyes but she looks genuinely kind. You set your conditions and she is willing to accept them. What if something happens to me tomorrow? I don’t want to leave you alone in this world.” he said in a trembling voice and tears welled up in his eyes.
“Give me the peace of knowing that someone will be beside you… someone to share your life and your emotions.” Balram added.
Aakash felt his chest tighten, the weight of his father’s words pressed down on him.
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A/N:
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