Beginning 1995 Jai Kaushik, perfect. Tall, fair, handsome, 5’10’’, working in a top pharmaceutical company, a rare blend of logic and creativity, poet, quick witted, mathematical genius, pursuing MBA from a leading University. A best fit to be written on all matrimonial columns, a dream for all the women. Sharada, short, wheatish complexioned, stout, the only appeal in her face are the dimpled cheeks, mischievous glint in her eyes (which were of course hidden behind her spectacles) as well her long hair. The first time it was on a photograph, Sharada just detested the very discussion of marriage. Grandma was adamant, and here was a family, who wanted to take her as their daughter-in-law. Sharada was forced to look into the photograph, and that changed her life forever, her heart skipped a beat. She wondered until now, how could somebody so perfect be her future. She wouldn’t have dared to dream for a man like Jai Kaushik. But sometimes, imperfections are so perfect. People, relatives, friends, everyone were jealous about this match. Both their families exchanged vows and the dates were yet to be announced. Star partners in every sense, nothing could go wrong for this taurian and virgo, Jai and Sharada – beginning of an instant love story. The two year courtship was like a roller-coaster ride. Highs, lows, blues, pinks, Sharada hardly remembers any day that has gone sour between them. Except for Jai’s autocracy, which Sharada loved. A zing of dependability is independence for every woman; an emotional dependability. Sharada lived every moment for the future. She was a part of Jai’s family now; their seemed no hiccups for her unlike the new bees. A cinema-scope comedy filled movie, bright coloured photography with a tinge of black for sophistication, texture of cotton hung across a hill for art, classic tamil and Malayalam songs were the background scrore, love lyrics by friends, choreography in bharatanatyam and kuchipudi, dialogues were sweet nothings and direction by God. Yes, before they could blink and open their eyes, Sharada and Jai were at the feet of “Lord Krishna” in Guruvayoor. Sharada’s father conferred her hand to Jai; they got ready for a lifetime tie-up, that’s how their weding cards read. As they climbed down the aisle, Jai had a victorious thumbs-up, very young and yet too early, a four years difference was also perfect. A loving mother-in-law, a caring father-in-law, an adoring bro-in-law; that set the beginning of a perfect love, family and life. The first night something very special for the newly we couple and this one for Sharada and Jai was one to be remembered. Sharada was not new to the family; and hence for her everything seemed cool, she does not remember shedding a tear, as she left her family to a new home. They had left Guruvaryoor to their destination house, however, the drive was tiring and by the time the family was home, it was dark, power cut around (a sign!). The mother-in-law picked up a bronze vilakku (diya) to welcome. Everything led in dark with a ream of light coming out of the vilakku (diya). A white cloth laid on floor dressed with rice puffs, tired both entered the house. As they finished their customary round of puja and Prasad, they had to stay in the dark for about 30 minutes cracking jokes before the power came back. As they planned for dinner, Sharada was up and ready to lend her helping hand, that night the mother-in-law and the daughter-in-law cooked food. Sharada was busy cleaning the floor and vessels. It was almost midnight, and Sharada with a little hesitation stayed in the sit-out wondering what next, a little push by her mother-in-law made her enter the bed-room. The room was not decked up like the movies, it was an ordinary bed room, and Jai was tired, waiting. Jai spoke logical things about transport, expenses, food, and friends and so on, Sharada kept listening to all these, the tiredness in them literally pulled their eyes and soon Jai fell asleep, tired and snoring. Sharada’s eyes were wide open and didn’t know when she went into deep peaceful sleep.
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