Tieing the Untied

The Game Of Fate

Growing up in a village in Rajasthan, I often encountered various misconceptions about our way of life. One such misconception is the notion that our villages suffer from extreme water scarcity, where people have to travel long distances, often eight to ten kilometers, just to fill a bucket of water.

 This couldn't be further from the truth for my village. Water was accessible, and we never faced a severe water crisis. My village's conditions, or rather our perspective on these conditions, differed greatly from the stereotypical image often portrayed.

However, there was one aspect of rural life where reality aligned with common myths: Baal Vivah, or Child Marriage. This practice, unfortunately, was a part of my story.

From the moment I was born, my marriage was arranged with a wealthy Rajput family. Yet, this isn't the complete narrative of my life.

Despite the early arrangement, my father held a remarkably progressive view for our times. He believed that marriage should be a conscious decision made with full understanding and readiness.

He wanted me to know what marriage truly entailed—the responsibilities, the commitments, and the future that lay ahead. He insisted that I should be of an age where I could grasp these concepts fully before the marriage actually took place.

This belief of my father set my story apart from many others. While the rishta was fixed at birth, he ensured that I grew up with the opportunity to learn and understand the significance of marriage.

He wanted me to be prepared and to enter into this important phase of life with awareness and readiness, not just as a mere fulfilment of a promise made at my birth.

This approach allowed me to grow, to pursue my education, and to develop a sense of self before stepping into the role of a wife.

My father's belief in preparing me for the future, rather than rushing into tradition, gave me a unique perspective on life and marriage, blending respect for our cultural practices with a modern understanding of individual readiness and choice.

Destiny has its own plan. Palak is in love with someone six years older than her, someone who is supposed to be like a brother but whom she now calls her boyfriend.

Their relationship defies the expectations and norms that were initially set for them. Despite the significant age difference and the familial bond that was meant to exist between them, their love blossomed into something much deeper and more profound. Palak's affection for him grew beyond the boundaries of what was considered appropriate, transforming into a bond that both cherish deeply.

This unconventional relationship challenges societal norms and highlights the complexities of love and affection. It showcases how emotions and connections can transcend traditional roles and expectations, creating a unique and meaningful relationship between Palak and her boyfriend.

10 Years Ago

When I get admitted to Delhi University for my undergraduate studies, I meet Aryan, a senior pursuing a PhD course. As soon as I enter Uni's Block A, my attention is immediately drawn to him. He is exceptionally good-looking and charming. His appearance and his voice captivate me instantly. This enchantment lasts only two minutes until my friend Diya calls me for class.

Diya isn't just a classmate; she's my confidante, my partner in crime, and my roommate in the hostel. Ever since we first met on the first day of university, we hit it off instantly. With her infectious laughter and caring nature, she quickly became my closest friend on campus.

Living together in the hostel has only strengthened our bond. From late-night study sessions to sharing secrets under the covers, we've been through it all together. Diya has seen me at my best and my worst, and through it all, she's stood by me with unwavering support.

What sets Diya apart is her ability to listen without judgment and offer sage advice when I need it most. Whether it's helping me navigate through crushes, cheering me up after a bad day, or celebrating my triumphs, she's always there, ready to lend an ear or a shoulder to lean on.

But Diya isn't just a shoulder to cry on; she's also my partner in adventure. We've explored the city together, trying out new cafes, discovering hidden gems, and making memories that I'll cherish for a lifetime. With her by my side, even the most mundane tasks become fun-filled adventures.

In moments of doubt or despair, I know I can always count on Diya to lift my spirits and remind me of my worth. She's not just a friend; she's family. And as we navigate through the ups and downs of university life together, I'm grateful to have her as my constant companion and pillar of strength.

Despite it being my first day at university, my first class starts in just 10 minutes. Diya and I are searching for our classroom, but we get lost in this maze-like block twice, ending up back at our original location each time. The sheer size of Delhi University is beyond my imagination. We take another look at the timetable, determined to find our class this time.

Finally, we discover that our classroom is right in front of us. We had crossed it three times, ignoring it completely. As we enter, I can't help but glance back at Aryan one more time, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness for the day ahead.