Complicated Relations

Being a part of any society means giving in to the collective opinion on some level. Even when our thought is more logical and has a rational argument, we fear facing the wrath of the collective.

“Complicated Relations” by R. S. Chintalapati tells the story of two couples who had to give in rather than live with their choice. The bitter reality is that their parents are the ones who trick them to save them.

---

Credits

1. Edition II: Edited by R. K. Chamarla, & Tarun Chintam & photographed by ​Nikhil Narayanasa.

2. Edition I: Edited by R. K. Chamarla, & Satyajith Jammu & photographed by ​Nikhil Narayanasa.

---

Product

This short story is available in paperback & ebook.

Buy Book

---

Part I

Her Marriage

Cover Photo by Nikhil Narayanasa

It has just been a month since Preeti graduated. Rather than applying for an engineering job, she preferred to attempt the bank exams as she failed to succeed in getting placed in a multinational company. One morning, her father said, “I haven’t told you but I have been wanting to get you married, and finally, I found a boy who is completely suitable for you.”

Looking at her shocked face, he continued saying, “The boy is attractive and earns around ninety thousand a month in InfoTech, a software enterprise.” ​

Preeti was terrified while listening to her father. She had many fears ever since her adolescence but the marriage wasn’t just fear. It was terror. Her father paused for a response while she was digesting what she just heard. He understood that she was unprepared for his proposal.

However, since he considered it to be his responsibility to get her married, he continued, “I know it is hard for you to accept to get married. However, considering the circumstances, you must get married someday. So I have taken utmost care in selecting this boy and so I assure you that every aspect of him is perfect!”

​Preeti could do nothing but nod her head. She firmly believed that she couldn’t share her problem. Even if she tried to, she knew that her parents would not be supportive as it is taboo in India. She also knew that even if they agreed to her request, people in their neighbourhood would look down upon their family for a lifetime.

Unable to express her problem, Preeti replied, “Father, I have never thought of marriage. I would need some time.”

That afternoon after their lunch, Preeti and her mother were chit-chatting about various family issues and her mother randomly brought up the marriage topic. She wanted Preeti to accept it and assured her that the boy was well disciplined and fairly religious. She thought that he was the perfect groom for her.

Preeti was a bit taken aback after the chat and wanted to confess unable to hold it anymore. However, just before she started, her mother continued, “Your father’s health is deteriorating and in the recent medical tests it has been confirmed that he has both diabetes and blood pressure. Moreover, your marriage issue is making him tense.”

Listening to her mother, Preeti didn’t utter a word. Realizing that her father was hoping to get her married at any cost, Preeti decided to express her problem to the boy himself on their first meeting. After planning her course of action, she accepted to get married and her father’s happiness knew no bounds.

Within two weeks, both the families met. After an hour of formal talks, Preeti and Rahul were given some private time to talk. Both of them went to the lawn and Rahul honestly admitted, “You look beautiful, more than you did in the photos.”

This made Preeti slow down in her confession. However, since it was her only chance, she ignored all the consequences before spitting out, “Rahul, you are truly handsome but I have always been only interested in girls!”

---

Part II

Deal!

Cover Photo by Nikhil Narayanasa

Preeti felt Rahul was subdued and stood still silently for a few minutes. Immediately afterwards, he said, “That should not be a problem. Even after marriage, your freedom will not be curtailed. Your girlfriend can keep visiting you and I will not touch you until you give me your consent.”

Preeti could not believe what she just heard. She expected he would make a scene of the issue and would reject the marriage at any cost.

​Soon enough, Rahul walked back to the drawing-room before interrupting all of the family members by declaring, “We agree to get married as soon as possible!”

Want to read more?

Subscribe to writerspouch.org to keep reading this exclusive post.

Subscribe Now