Arranged Marriage: A Tale of Two Worlds
Hello there! Are you interested in reading about marriage? Specifically, arranged marriages that occur between two people who barely know each other?
If so, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be discussing the intricacies of an arranged marriage and how two people from very different backgrounds can come together to form a union.
Part 1: The Marriage Transaction
When Prakash failed class 12 and decided to become a bodybuilder, he didn’t envision marrying a wealthy woman who would support him. Yet, that’s exactly what happened when his uncle introduced him to a Muslim girl whose family owned a saree shop.
There was just one catch: he would have to convert to Islam. Prakash eagerly agreed, hoping that this marriage would be his ticket to a comfortable life.
As you can imagine, this kind of arrangement doesn’t sit well with everyone. Prakash’s rejection of a marriage proposal from a wealthy family was a sign that he didn’t want to be part of the transactional nature of arranged marriages.
However, the pressure from families to marry for wealth and religion can be immense.
But what about love?
Surely, there must be some room for it in a transactional marriage. After all, consent is important, and love at first sight can happen.
In Prakash’s case, he hoped that the good looks and the sweet personality of his bride would be enough to spark affection.
Part 2: The Wedding
The wedding day is a grand celebration of wealth and beauty.
Silver shops and sweet shops are bustling with activity as the families prepare for the big day. The bride boasts a degree in cooking, and the groom is a handsome man who looks like he walked straight out of a fairy-tale.
It’s the perfect picture of a happy couple about to embark on their journey together. However, the reality of the marriage is quite different.
Breaking the ice between two people who barely know each other can be an overwhelming task. It’s common for there to be no affection or love-making.
The quiet nature of the relationship can make things even more awkward. It’s only after the wedding day that the truth about the marriage comes to light.
In Prakash’s case, he discovers that his wife, Nazneen, has a relationship with another man. Overhearing conversations in the house, he learns that Nazneen was under pressure from her family to get married and tried to find ways to be with the man she loved.
Prakash realizes that the transactional nature of the marriage has done more harm than good.
Beyond the Transaction: Money and Beauty
In our previous discussion, we talked about the intricacies of an arranged marriage.
We now turn our attention to the role of money in relationships, as well as the societal pressures of beauty standards.
Part 3: The Power of Money
When Prakash’s father interfered with his marriage, it was a clear indication of the power of money.
Prakash’s father had paid a considerable dowry to Nazneen’s family, and he wanted his son to get the most out of it. Despite his initial objections, Prakash learned that he could influence the marriage through money.
He demanded openness in communication with his wife and even asked for a refund of part of the dowry. Interestingly, the use of money changed Prakash’s behavior towards his wife.
He became more caring, loving, and attentive towards her. This highlights the significant role that finance can play in a relationship.
Money can motivate people to work harder and give more attention to their partner.
Prakash’s family life improved significantly, with the help of money.
He and his wife had a 14-month-old daughter, and they were expecting a second child soon. Money enabled them to provide for their family and carve out a better future for themselves.
This reveals that while money may not buy happiness, it can certainly improve the quality of life.
Part 4: Confronting Societal Beauty Standards
Beauty is an elusive standard that many of us try to achieve.
Unfortunately, for some of us, this standard can be an impossible one. Nazneen was an ugly duckling who was too dark, too fat, and had a flat nose.
She was immensely aware of her flaws and the dents these flaws could cause to her societal standing. For years, she believed that love was something that would always elude her.
The struggle with societal beauty expectations is a battle that many individuals face on a daily basis. It’s not easy to love yourself when society tells you that you’re not good enough.
The social pressure to conform to a specific standard can be overwhelming and soul-crushing. It’s only when we realize that society’s standards of beauty are arbitrary that we can start to accept ourselves for who we are.
Sadly, for many, this realization comes too late. They spend their lives chasing after an ideal of beauty that is impossible to achieve and miss out on the joys of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s evident that money plays a vital role in relationships. It can be a motivating factor and can significantly impact the quality of life.
At the same time, societal standards of beauty can leave many individuals feeling inadequate. It’s through self-discovery and self-acceptance that we can learn to love ourselves and enjoy the lives we have.
Remember, money and societal standards will come and go, but self-love is something that will last a lifetime. In this article, we’ve explored the intricacies of arranged marriages, the power of money in relationships, and the societal pressure of beauty standards.
Whether it’s navigating cultural expectations or grappling with societal beauty norms, each topic showcases the complexities of human relationships and the universal quest for love and acceptance. The key takeaway from these discussions is that life is not always a straightforward journey, and every individual has to navigate their own path.
However, through love and self-acceptance, we can find the contentment we all aspire to. Ultimately, by understanding the complexities of these issues, we can become more compassionate towards ourselves and others and lead a richer, more fulfilled life.
