Love Through A Different Lens: A Glimpse Into Arranged Marriages
How My Parents’ Generation Loved
After a particularly slow week, I decided to embark on a cleaning spree. In the process, I stumbled upon an old album.
As I flipped through the album, it struck me that it had been quite a while since I last held a physical photograph.
Amidst the collection, a particular photo from my parents’ wedding caught my eye. The image sparked a sudden interest in revisiting their love story.
It made me wonder about the moments leading up to that photograph— the emotions, the laughter, and the promises exchanged.
Except there was no love story.
My parents didn’t share a romantic tale; theirs was an arranged marriage, a union decided by their parents.
In the Western world, this concept might seem alien, but in India, it has been a prevalent practice for decades.
The Eastern societies, more collectivist, usually make decisions as a unit, with families playing a huge role in the matrimonial process.
Although times have evolved, this societal norm still lingers.
Reflecting on my parents’ generation, I realized that their perspective on love was markedly different.
Theirs wasn’t a conscious choice to fall in love; yet it was a gradual and shared journey, guided by tradition and family bonds.
Their love was expressed through subtle gestures — the act of cooking a meal, stolen glances, and even the occasional small quarrel, all stemming from a place of genuine concern and care for each other.
Looking back, I realize that love, in their era, existed in these simple yet meaningful actions.
As societal norms shift, the nature of relationships also changes.
However, the essence of care and consideration remains a timeless element in the world of love.
