AN AMERICAN AND HIS BRIDE TO BE by BINOD SINHA (good short books txt) 📕

AN AMERICAN
AND HIS BRIDE TO BE


BY


BINOD SINHA


APRIL, 2010


INTRODUCTION

A change of hearts is a prerogative of an individual. It is by an individual and for the individual.


Jim and I belonged to two vibrantly diverse cultures and faith. It was our conscious decision to accept the new situation of life with full determination and respect for each other’s feelings and understanding. We were very sure that our firm faith in each other would take us through the rest of our life.
However, for my parents it was not the same. For them to accept our marriage alliance amounted to compromising the tradition, their principle and conviction. I did not want that to happen. I did not want that either my parents or we should live a life with guilt or remorse feelings. I wanted my parents to come with terms with the new changed situation by themselves. I wanted things to happen gracefully. I also knew this will take time. I had patience and so also Jim. We decided to wait.


Chapter-1
I have been waiting at the Airport since five o’clock morning to receive my friend Jim, who was coming from USA. Before I started for the Airport, I checked up the arrival time from the Airlines and I was informed that the flight would be half an hour behind schedule. But, when I reached the Airport, the announcement said the flight is two hours behind schedule. These Airlines people never give correct time of arrival. The usual excuse is the weather. They know very well, we are unable to verify the same.
I decided to have a cup of coffee.
Jim was coming to study the business prospect of his company in India. He will also be attending the marriage of my sister. We studied together for MCA in US. The Aircraft has already arrived and the passengers were trickling in the baggage collection area. After sometime, I could spot him.
He was in dark black suit and was looking handsome. His blond hair was shining in light. He inherited his handsome look and intelligence from his parents.
Jim childhood life was not a pleasant one. His parents separated when he was very young. The court gave the custody of Jim to his mother as his father was not found to be economically and mentally sounds to support his son. Jim’s father ran into heavy debt when his company failed. He did revive his company but it took much longer period than expected. After separation, his father went away to New York. His
mother remarried. Jim was sent to a boarding school and thereafter he stayed in a hostel for further study. Initially, he used to visit the family regularly, but gradually that also reduced. However, he maintained his contact with his mother.
For nearly 15 years there was no news from his father. Then one day, he had a surprised visitor-his father. His father was able to re-establish himself in his new business. He wanted Jim to join his company. Jim politely refused.
His father offered to support him for his higher study. He initially refused that offer too. However, after a lot of persuasion, he agreed to accept the money as loan. His father died in a road accident. In his will, he had given a part of money to a charity trust and the rest was for Jim. He had transferred his shares of his company to Jim so that he could become the President of the company. Jim shifted to New York and took over the company.
I was awakened up from the past history of Jim, from his strong hand that was vigorously shaking my hand. I pulled out my hand before it could get dislodged from my body. After exchange of greetings, we walked up to the car parking area.
Our driver came running, when he spotted us and gave a big salute to Jim.
“He is our driver Ram Singh,” I introduced Ram Singh to Jim.
“Hi” Jim greeted Ram Singh and shook hands with him.
Ram Singh wanted to take the Baggage trolley from Jim. He refused with thanks.
Near the car there was a minor tussle to load the baggage in the car.
“Jim!” I interrupted, “This is India. You are our guest. Let him do his duty.”
“Really, is it so?” He looked at me and said, “You all are rich people. You have chauffeured driven Car.”
“Not really! We are just rich enough to maintain our self,” I answered.
It took fifty minutes for us to reach my home.
I got down at my house and I invited Jim for Dinner. He then proceeded to his hotel.


Chapter-2
Our parents gave us the best of the education. I was the third child of our family. I did my MS in computer from an US University and was looking for a job. The eldest was my brother, an MBA, married with two kids. He was looking after our family business. The next was my elder sister, a MBBS, who was getting married. Both were arranged marriages. The youngest brother was a final year student of IIT, Delhi. Our parents were not conservative but were firm believer and follower of our tradition, customs and culture. My father was a person of conviction but friendly. He maintained certain disciplines in his life and expected his children would follow the same. My mother was a person of few words. She was cool but assertive. She was the binding force of the family and maintained cordial relationship with all other relatives. We, the children respected our parents.
Jim arrived at my place earlier than our usual dinner time.
I introduced him to my family members. He shook hands with every one. The ladies greeted him with folded hands, pronouncing, “Nameste”. He tried to emulate but could not do it properly. After brief discussion, we proceeded for dinner.
“Did you have a good rest?” my father enquired from Jim.
“Oh! Yes. It was most comfortable. The weather is good. I am fine”, he politely answered.
“Where you stay in US?”
“New York.”
“I believe it is a very expensive place.”
“Yes! It is, compare to other cities. But you know, this is the nerve centre of the commercial activities of the world. The opportunities are better.”
“What kind of job are you engaged in?”
“I am working for a law company.”
The statement of Jim surprised my father.
“I understand your area of specialisation is computer. Then how come you are with a law company?” my father was inquisitive.
Jim could read the confusion going on in the mind of my father. He tried to explain in a simple manner, “I am president of a law company which I inherited from my father. There are professionals who work for the company. Besides this, I also have a software company of mine own.”
“Are foreigners also working for your software company?” my younger brother was prompt to ask.
“Yes, I have few Chinese, Indians, and Koreans working for my company besides the Americans.”
“How do you rate them?” it was the turn of my sister to ask the question.
“So far as the intelligence is concerned; all are on the equal level. But the Indians have the added advantage over Chinese and Koreans is the knowledge of English. They are able to adapt to the American ascent faster than others. It helps in better communication and understanding.”
“Are you comfortable working with Indians?” my sister asked again.
Jim smiled and said, “I have not experienced problems so far.”
He stopped for a moment and then added, “Indians basically are well educated and qualified. They get quickly adjusted to the work culture of America. They have good appetite for learning new things. They are hard working and able to complete their task well before the schedule date. They do not mind working extra hours or on weekly off or Holidays. Completion of a project on time benefits the company. Perhaps this could be reason that they become the preferred employees. ”
“What is your plan in India?” asked my father.
“I had a few meetings today to explore possibility of business in India. I have to follow up it again tomorrow. After attending the marriage I would be visiting Rishikesh for a couple of days. I have heard a lot about this place. If it were okay with Abheri, I would request her to accompany me.”
It was a surprise suggestion; since I was nowhere in the original program nor it was discussed with me. I politely declined the offer to avoid the embarrassing situation,
“Thanks for your invitation. But I am sorry I would not be able to make it. We have our guest here. I need to be present here”
After dinner Jim left for his hotel.


Chapter-3
Next day was the marriage. Jim by this time had become familiar with every one. Because of his good nature and capability to communicate with all age groups, became friendly with my relatives and family members. He was liked. He became the object of attraction. And, also the subject of gossips.
Jim was watching all the ceremonies with amusement .He was mesmerized by the dresses worn by the Bride and Bride groom. He had many queries.
“Why are your parents sitting there?”
“They are performing ‘Kanya Dan’,” I answered.
“What is that?”
“They are offering their daughter to the bridegroom. They are transferring the responsibility of the welfare of their daughter to the boy.”
“Why the couple is going around the “Fire”?”
“This is called ‘Saptapadi’- the seven steps. The marriage will be considered complete only when all the seven steps are taken. Each step is an oath of responsibility and duties of a husband and wife. These are commitments made in front of “Fire God”. The relatives and friends are the witnesses,” I explained.
Jim had been listening to my explanation with apt attention
By the time the marriage ceremonies were completed, it was already 4’oclock in the morning. At five-o clock the ‘Bidai’- farewell was fixed. My sister was meeting each members of the family. She stared crying when she came to meet parents. My parents were also crying.
“Why your sister and parents are crying? Are they not happy with this marriage?” Jim whispered to me.
I had to suppress my laugh on his question, “Till now my sister was under the care of our parents. From today onwards she is no more with them. The feeling that she is going away, works on the emotion and you start crying. It is emotional break out.”
People were curious to know about Jim and my relationship with him. My standard reply was, “He is just my friend. We had studied together in US. He is here on a business trip.”
My people were not able to buy my story.
The following day Jim left for Rishikesh, a holy place located in the foothills of Himalaya Mountain in northern India. Jim was very keen in visiting this place as this place is famous for learning yoga and meditation. It is this place that the sacred river Ganga leaves the mountain and flows out into the plains of northern India, providing a serene atmosphere.


Chapter-4
I took permission of my parents and reached Rishikesh.
Is it possible, I wonder, for a man to change so fast? When I reached Rishikesh, it was difficult to believe the