'Coming of age' to an Indian girl in the early 80s' usually meant the beginning of a long 'hunt',for the most eligible bachelor who would eventually become her 'husband'.The concept of a 'life-partner' was kind of nascent,with very few Indian men allowing their wives to go ahead and work to build a fruitful career and treating them equal in society....

Come the advent of the new millenium and the usage of the word still has'nt yet changed....Well,almost has'nt.It's different now,'cause thankfully,the hunt is more for a compatible 'life-partner' and not just a 'husband'.However,one thing has'nt changed.Life is a bugbear when you're single,settling your career and well,the operative word being.....SINGLE! That still remains tabboo! because if you are,then you have to have a reason for remaining so.

I beg to differ.'Cause for me,being single is an individual's choice and prerogative.
Well,at 24,having been eligible and in the marriage 'market' for 2 years now,here are some of my experiences,some hilarious,some dark and some simply too absurd to even think possible!
:-)

I've somehow been a bit of a recluse....The truth is,I like going out for the occasional cup of coffee,but am fussy about the company I keep,or am seen with.That's about being me. Anyway,to cut to the point.I was working with a new team and after having completed a team meeting,on exitting the conference room,I received a call from home.Like a bolt from the blue,I realised that I was being given details of my first 'arranged blind date'.Ulp.......was my first reaction.Jesus Christ!-my second and Catatrosphe! my third....After half an hour of calming myself down in the rest room,I went back to work....

D-Day arrived,a Saturday(my week-end was runied,how convenient!) and after having a two hour counselling session by my Father on reasons why I would have to consider this possibility as a future option,them being the guy was well-settled,an engineer, was willing to let me study and did'nt mind my working to get my career underway.Wow the quintessential Prince Charming! yeah rrrright!

Hmmmm,well,cut forward....Dad,Mum and me in our car,that night,travelling behind the 'prospective's car,consisting of him and his relatives and my bro-the navigator,going out to dinner.My Dad spends the half hour of the entire trip,telling me why I should'nt consider this guy....Ironically,this was after spending the former half of the day trying to convince me on why I should "Say Yes!"

Why?'Cause when he came home,and was sitting down on the sofa,well,seemed nice,quiet,played the drums-,someone with an interest in Western Music,and seemed very amicable to talk to and carry on a conversation with.Catastrophe began when he got back off the sofa to go to the front door,on the way out.I stand kinda tall at 5'6",and this guy,even on tip-toes did'nt reach my height....Heck! was I shocked????Na.......It was the most hilarious moment.Because in addition,to being tall,I can't describe myself as a creeper,more like a palm tree,(still flattering myself),well,whatever,basically on the healthier side of life! :-) And this guy was as lean as one can get....I mean jeez....very badly matched....almost all of a sudden,I was caught with a really bad fit of giggles.I mean,I had been hysterically nervous about this entire situation for the past two days,meeting a stranger,the prospect of getting married and moving into a strange family,adjusting work life,studies etc etc....and here it was almost like Providence had turned it into a huge joke! as if to say,'Chillax!,this happens too'....!!!!!! :-)

I told my friends this story the next day....and boy,did they have a good laugh at my expense....and it made me realise and sympathise with this person,who came,expecting a pretty,tall and willowy gal,and well....never mind! :-)

Moral of the story:Especially for all women going through the cut right now.Arranged marriage set up....always make sure the guy is atleast 2-3 inches taller,even on paper! before you agree to meet him,or else....You never know what you might get or whom you meet!