She knew nothing about the man she had just married, as was usual in her community, and her stomach was in knots.
For the last ritual, the Pandit asked the couple to put their hands in the milkpot to find a gold ring. “Whoever finds it first rules forever”, he said smiling.
They both frantically searched for the ring until the groom’s fingers found hers inside the pot. Electric hummed between them and, quietly, he slipped the ring in her hand.
Year 1920
“Of course we don’t send our daughter to school. Who will marry her then?”
Year 2020
“We are sending her for a professional degree. Helps in finding good grooms.”
Year 3020
“Yes, she is in the team flying to Planet Isis. Heard there are many bachelors over there.”
She looked at the sky
With the longing
Of a bird in a cage
Through the small window
In her marital home – her prison.
She watched in horror as her 80-years-old husband exchanged vows with a 40+ woman.
Tears flowed down her face. She knew he would not wait for long but, at least, he could have let her grave dry.
He looked at the tears flowing down her blackened eyes. He pulled her in his arms and, once again, said, “Sorry, Love! Just don’t make me angry again.”
“Hey Girl!”
(Silence)
“What’s wrong?”
(Silence)
“I hope you did not give in to your mother’s threat. She thinks marrying a man will ‘cure’ you. But if you can’t bear the touch…”
(A gasp and silence)
“Look, I know! The entire group knows and we are okay!”
(A sigh and silence)
“I have a spare room if your mother doesn’t understand.”
(After a long silence) “Can you call an ambulance, fast?”
-Based on a true story
She felt a stab of jealousy as her husband eyed a man with a longing he would never have for her.
If only the world was more resilient to people like him, she would have had a chance at love too.
-Based on true stories
Short Stories 