The “Business” of “Marriage”

The “Business” of “Marriage”

Matrimonial Musings

A Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE  

Visit to the Marriage Bureau 

Pune 

Circa: 1980

Around 37 years ago – in the year 1980 – I went to a “Marriage Bureau” in Pune.

All my attempts at finding a suitable bride through the “love” route had failed.

So – I decided to go in for an “arranged marriage”.

The Proprietors of the Marriage Bureau were a “made-for-each-other-couple” – who seemed to be in their early 40’s.

The man and the woman sat side by side in the same office as true partners.

They seemed to be a most compatible couple.

The harmony in their relationship was visible in their demeanour – and I was convinced that they were true “soulmates”.

Seeing this “ideal couple” at the helm of affairs – it inspired confidence in me.

I knew that I had come to the right place – only a truly happily married couple whose relationship was rocking would know the “compatibility aspects” required for a happy marriage.

I was sure that this “made-for-each-other couple” would find the best bride for me.

Both of them asked me a number of questions – regarding myself – and also – about my “expectations” – as far as the bride was concerned.

Within a week – they had lined up three girls for me to “see”.

I liked the very first girl I “saw” – in a typical “kande-pohe” ceremony at her place. 

The girl also liked me. 

So – we both said “yes” to each other.

For the sake of courtesy – I “saw” the other 2 girls too – and I liked both of them.

But then – legally – I could have only one wife.

So – I got married to the first girl to whom I had said “yes”.

All the 3 girls the “Marriage Bureau” had suggested were a “perfect match” for me.

This was “proof of the pudding” – that – the “made-for-each-other couple” who ran the “Marriage Bureau”  – they knew what marriage was all about.

36 Years Later

Meeting the “Matchmakers” 

Pune

01 January 2016

It was a grand event – in the best 5 Star Hotel in town – to celebrate the Golden Jubilee (50^th Anniversary) of the ‘Marriage Bureau’.

Yes – the ‘Marriage Bureau’ had been started 50 years ago – was still going strong – in fact – they now had a global presence – and operated online through their website – and – today – they had launched their ‘Mobile Matrimonial App’ too.

It was a huge event – and the crowd must have been at least a thousand strong – maybe even 2000 – and – it seemed that most of the couples whose marriages had been “arranged” by this “marriage bureau” had made it a point to attend.

They had even tracked us down to our present address in New York – and since we were in India for our annual Christmas Vacations – we – my wife and I – made it a point to attend the function.

The proprietors of the ‘marriage bureau’ – who – most probably – were now in their late 70’s – still looked a very “made-for-each-other couple”.

Both of them were in perfect harmony with each other – like “soulmates” – a “perfect” couple – and they acted like perfect hosts.

Dressed in matching colour-coordinated clothes, the two of them stood together at the entrance to welcome us – and – later – after they had cut the magnificent anniversary cake together – both of them moved around to personally greet us and ensure that our glasses were topped up, our plates were full and we were being well looked after.

During the party – many couples expressed their gratitude to the “made-for-each-other couple” proprietors of the ‘marriage bureau’ – and – I too made it a point to meet them and thank them for finding me a most suitable bride.

After the event – we – my wife and I – walked to the foyer of the hotel – and I asked the concierge to get me a taxi to Aundh – when – a male voice suddenly said from behind: “Why Taxi…? I am going towards Aundh – I will drop you in my car…”

I turned around – it was the ‘Proprietor’ of the ‘Marriage Bureau’ – our host.

Soon – his chauffeur driven limousine arrived.

“You two sit on the rear seat – I will sit in front with the driver…” he said to me and my wife.

“Sir – but what about “Madam”…? Isn’t she coming…?” I said.

“…“Madam”…? Which “Madam” are you talking about…?” he asked.

“Sir – by “Madam” – I meant your wife – isn’t your wife coming with you in the car...?” I said to the the ‘Proprietor’ of the ‘Marriage Bureau’.

“My “wife”…? Ha Ha... Well – I don’t have a wife – I am a bachelor…” he said.

I was stunned.

On seeing my bewilderment – the ‘Proprietor’ of the ‘Marriage Bureau’ said to me: 

“Don’t feel embarrassed – it happens quite often...

Many people think that my “Business Partner” is also my “Life Partner”...

But – we are quite clear about it...

We never mix “Business” with “Matrimony”...

“Business” is “Business” – and – “Marriage” is “Marriage”…

You should never mix “Business” with “Marriage”...”

VIKRAM KARVE

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Disclaimer:

This story is a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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This is a re-post of my story MARRIAGE BUREAU posted by me Vikram Karve online earlier in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal Blog at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/01/marriage-bureau.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/02/the-matchmakers-story.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/09/the-business-of-matrimony.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/11/the-matchmaking-business-matrimonial.html