In that vast room, Rakesh's family and Rani's family sat down to eat. They shared the meal with such warmth and joy, it was as if they were already practicing the roles of future relatives. But how could Rakesh explain that the relationship had ended before it even began?
Noticing his silence, Rakesh's aunt asked with a gentle, teasing smile, "What's the matter? Are you already lost in thoughts of your future bride?"
Rakesh remained silent. Looking at the food arranged on his plate, it felt as if Rani's insults had been served up to him as a meal. He didn't want to stay there for even another second.
The lunch ended amidst much laughter and joking. Rani's father was a very jovial and sociable man. Rakesh found it impossible to reconcile the kindness of the rest of the family with Rani's harsh behavior. Once everyone had finished eating, it was time for Rakesh's family to leave. Standing at the main gate, the families exchanged promises of visiting each other again, acting like close kin. As their car pulled away, Rani's family waved goodbye. Rakesh kept looking back, trying to make sense of the chaos in his mind.
The Confrontation at Home
By the time they reached home, evening had fallen. Everyone freshened up. Rakesh's mother hadn't joined them; in Bengali tradition, it is often considered inappropriate for the mother to attend these initial formal "viewings."
As they gathered, the discussion immediately turned to the day's events. Rakesh's mother asked eagerly, "So, what happened in the end? Is the marriage finalized?"
Those who had gone replied, "What else would happen? We all liked it very much. There's no room for a 'no.' It's a good, cultured family, and the girl is beautiful. But we don't know what's
wrong with your son. Ever since he came out of Rani's room, he's been silent. All he says is 'yes' or 'no.' See if he tells you anything."
His mother turned to him. "What's wrong? Everyone says you aren't speaking. Are you still quiet? Did you not like Rani? She isn't the kind of girl one could dislike—and you liked her photo yourself."
After a long silence, Rakesh finally spoke: "This marriage won't happen."
Shocked, everyone stared at him, then at each other. "What happened? Everything was fine! Something must have occurred... that's why he was silent the whole way back. Tell us, Rakesh, what happened?"
Rakesh replied, "When I was talking to Rani, she told me she loves someone else. She is being forced into this marriage. She doesn't like a guy like me."
"Did she say anything else? Any other reason?" someone asked.
"No, nothing like that," Rakesh said. "That's all. The bottom line is she doesn't like me and is completely against this marriage."
The family began whispering among themselves, confused. "What is this? She was so cheerful when she spoke to us; we couldn't sense a thing. Even her parents said she liked Rakesh."
The discussion went on for quite a while. Finally, Rakesh said, "I'm going to my room. I don't feel well."