It's time.

So..Yeah. It’s that time of the life. The moment has arrived. That call. Those talks.

The call, which I have avoided for as long as I remember. The call which even makes you sweat even in the coldest of temperature. The discussion, which every parent of a grown up girl consider their right. That hesitation. That speech which precedes the ultimate decision. That dialogue which follows the decision.

I feel like I am exposed to the world. I feel as if nothing else would matter anymore since the decision is made. The freedom is taken away under the pretence of responsibilities and maturity. It’s the ultimate thing. We were born to multiply. So we should do it in a proper ceremony. With proper arrangements. Through proper channels. The channel being Times of India Matrimonails, Hindustan Times Matrimonails. Shaadi.com. Or maybe that Auntyji who has been keeping an eye on you for her son(maybe cousin’s son) since the first time she saw you making a sand castle outside her house. Or maybe through that pundit who has been visiting your house and doing ‘kathas’ for any auspicious ceremony. Or maybe through that grandma who saw you dressed up in someone’s wedding ceremony.

So, the discussion goes like this:

P: So, beta. You must have thought what you want in future. You should make a diary and keep noting down the things you want, how do you see yourself in future.

M: Yes, papa.

P: Yeah, have you decided how long you gonna study.

M: Yes, papa.

P: Good. So you are to start working next year when you graduate.

M: Yes, papa.

P: Then you must have also thought that you are the eldest one in the family.

M: Yes, papa.

P: Well, we have decided to start finding a suitable guy for you then. One that you will make you happy, is well educated, and is stable in life. And we want you to get married by 2007.

M: (deep breathing)Yes, papa.

P: Yes, beta. I have created a link for you in Shaadi.com and I am going to take out adds in TOI and HT and then as the suitors would come along, we can start the process

M: (sweating) Yes, papa.

P: Good. I have made an account for you. This is the password and this is the account name. Enter the details you want your future husband to have; and something about yourself. Make it look good. Then we will find a beautiful picture for you and put it up there. Email me the details too, I would need it for the TOI.

M: (asphyxiated) Yes, papa.

P: Good. Okay, then I will wait for your mail.

M: Yes, papa

P: Bye beta.

M: Bye papa.

Yeah. So I am out there now. Splattered across millions of newspapers. Waiting for that special someone to make me happy. Waiting for that email which would carry promises of a wonderful and lovely future.

The doomsday has arrived.

The quest has begun

It’s time to become someone else now.

It’s the time to behold your destiny and prepare yourself to give it out to a total stranger.

It’s time to multiply.

It’s time to follow the family tradition of being a part of the matrimonial quest.

It’s time to lock the lingering skeletons and move on for good.

It’s time to scatter the ashes in a fast moving river.

It’s time..

..for me to be out there.