The 29th

“Appa I am not yet ready for it “said Vidya
“They will be here sharp 11, and I don’t want any kind of drama this time” said Narayanan.

This was the 28th guy she was supposed to meet in the past 2 years. Either she will not like the guy or the guy will not like her. This became a habitual routine for her. Every weekend either the guy or his relative would come to see her. But this time it became a huge hue and cry. Sri chechi was telling that the guy is very old and limps while walking.

This is it! I am not going to get married to him Amma. So what he belongs to the royal family, so what he earns good money? He is a 5th failed for god’s sake! Have you guys lost it? I don’t want to marry an uneducated guy Amma. Please do something no?

Molu, this is the 28th guy. I have been counting days and guys since 2 years. Appa is fed up with these things too. We can’t just keep you at home like this forever no? What about Raju and Janaki then? You have hit 29 last month. People have started talking rubbish. Your dad can’t take it and above all I can’t take this crap anymore. This is it; you have no choice honey, you will have to marry this guy. Period!

“Hi, myself is Jairam and I works with a reputed sari shop.” Vidya looked at him with awe and couldn’t stop smiling. “I works” it seems. Look at him, he looks even older than Appa, I mean how on earth will I spend my whole life with him?

“Why don’t we leave these guys alone, let them have a chit chat “ said Radha chechi, Jairam’s sister. They all went out to see Narayanan’s pepper farm, leaving these fellows all alone in the room.

"So, what is your hobbies?" asked Jairam. Vidya looked at him and thought all I want now is to kill you. But being a sensible person she ignored her fiery thoughts and replied “ Reading”.

"Oh I too love reading. Have you heard of Milks and Boons? Its my all time favourite because it is full of romance and love. I am a gentleman but I am very much into romantics"

Its Mills & Boons and I don’t like such novels. I am into thrillers and fictions.

“Why? You don’t like romantics? “ asked Jairam and held her hand tightly. “I think I am getting romantic and in love with you Vidya” said Jairam and hugged her.

Vidya, not knowing what is happening around, suddenly tried pushing him away. But Jairam kept murmuring “ I never hugged any woman like this. It feels like Milks & Boons story only."

Next we see is Vidya sitting on Jairam’s belly with a sharp knife ( almost like a butcher knife). She was hitting him and shouting at him, threatening him that he is going to get killed by her right there right now.


“You shouldn’t have done that molu. People will start talking about it all the more. “ said Amma.

“All you are worried about is your reputation no? Have you ever thought how embarrassing and humiliating this whole episode was for me? Have you even thought the challenges I will have to face after this whole verdict?

All this talking will not ignore the fact that you have 2 younger sisters waiting for you to get married. If I focus only on your miseries I will not be doing justice to my other daughters. Being a mother I have to ensure that I am not favoring any of my children.

The conversation was going nowhere and it was best for both the parties to keep quiet and wait for the next groom. Villagers started passing comments on Vidya and it was getting difficult for her to go to the office. Even her Dad was facing plenty of problems in his school.

Days passed by and the day came when Vidya had to see the 29th groom. She heard from Sri chechi that this 29th groom is coming from North India.

So what he is working in North India? He is a graduate, with a government job. Infact his whole family is in North India. Wouldn’t that be great?

But Amma how can I leave Kerala? I mean how can I leave my roots and go to a place where I have never been to?

Enough Vidya, I see you want to argue on every single thing. This time make sure you don’t create any fuss or over react. Please for the sake of Janaki and Raju just keep quiet will you?


Siddarth Menon, you can call me Sid. I am working with Vijaya Bank in Agra. I have come for 10 days leave and keen to get married this year as I am already 32 and being pressurized by my folks to marry someone this year itself.

Same here. I see guys every weekend and this is getting frustrating for me. You know you are the 29th!

Ha ha ha. Bingo! You are the 29th too! This is my 29th visit to Kerala since past 2 years.

Anyways, Siddarth I need to ask you few questions. Do you have any bad habits?

Like?

Like do you drink or smoke?

Why? Are you going to order something now?

Very funny! But I am serious!

Yeh I am serious too. I mean, I would not mind drinking 1-2 pegs.

Oh lord! So you are a drunkard?

Come on Vidya! Drinking 1-2 pegs doesn’t mean I am a drunkard. See it is a kind of lifestyle. You stay away from your family, you have a good friend circle and on weekends you have no one to roam around with, so all you do is spend time with friends have 1-2 pegs, smile , laugh and prepare your self for the next Monday.

But if you don’t like it and if you would insist I will definitely think of quitting it

Vidya smiles

By the way your paintings are lovely. I actually thought you have bought it from Ramada paintings.

Oh thanks but this one is not my painting. I bought it from Ramada, just that I painted the frame with silver color. You wana see my paintings? Come I will show them to you.

Wow they are just wonderful!

Vidya, I think I kind of like you. Would you mind painting my life with your colors?

Vidya smiles, Amma smiles.............
And the whole family celebrates the final nod of approval coming from Vidya.