sixwordstories | (no subject)

Arranged marriages are good for no one.

It is the custom in my caste, and my family.

Custom does not make it any less inappropriate.

I do not understand why you would think so. My parents consulted with me, and chose a man they thought would make me happy and that they felt I would have a successful marriage with.

I was not forced to agree, and I believe it is the best choice for me.

A marriage of convenience should not be considered a marriage at all. Husbands and wives should be in love.

Love is measured in all kinds of ways, though. I love Chander, he is my dearest friend since we were children.

*smile* I know it is not for everyone, but for my people, it is a way that works well. My parents have been married forty years, and while they didn't love each other when they married, they have come to love one another with great commitment. They are very happy.

I would wish for love from the outset.

Unfortunately, some people think that passion is love, and then, when it fades, they no longer want to be married. I believe that marriage is for life, and that affection, trust, common goals and values and a commitment to each other is a strong foundation for something that is meant to last a lifetime. We are well suited to each other.

My congratulations. I wish you happiness.

Thank you. I am sure we will be happy, when he returns.

You know your husband, then?

My fiance. We have not married yet. We grew up together, and have been friends all our lives.

I'm sorry, I meant to say husband-to-be. That is good, those are always the best marriages. If things had been different I would have married my best friend too.

My Chander is missing. He was on a Doctors Without Borders mission to Darfur, and he has been missing for three years. But I have faith he will return.

Where are you from?

I'm from Kashmir, and you? I'm sorry about your fiancé. I will pray he comes home safely to you. War is a terrible thing, especially for the innocents caught in it.

I'm Altaaf, by the way.

I am from West Bengal. Thank you for your kindness. I keep praying for his return, though many tell me I should not. But I have faith that he will come back home. The terrible war there is very sad. Chander went there to help the children, many of whom have AIDS and injuries from the fighting.

Altaaf, it is nice to meet you. I am Jaya.

It is nice to meet you too Jaya. He will return to you, inshallah. You are Hindi, but I'm sure your gods will listen too. I have heard it is terrible, and if it is like Kashmir, doctors are afraid to treat anyone.

Yes. The situation in Kashmir is near to my heart. I have friends who are nurses there. I pray it is resolved peacefully, soon, and that everyone can be free.

I love my country, but many times I do not like their policies. Your people are our brothers and sisters, and this fighting is no good for anyone.

The government will not let it be resolved peacefully, so we have to fight for our freedom. For too long the beauty of Kashmir has been spoiled and families torn apart.

Just remember that the people of India are not the enemy. Most of us wish the same for you and your country.

I am glad to hear that. Shukriyaa. When I was young, I had friends who were Hindi and Sikh. The war affect everyone.

War always does. Our leaders never understand that.