Finding Mr Right

Education and career kept me so busy all these years that I forgot that I was almost nearing 30. Before it's too late, I logged into one of the matrimony sites. The reason is as obvious as you know — to pin down the Mr Right for me. Let me tell you here, I have never been lucky in love. After n-number of crushes and a friendship which I misunderstood as love, I realised arranged marriage is "the" option for me. Sounds funny right? No, it isn't, but a reality, which I am getting used to every day. A friend of mine used to say, negotiation marriage is the option for those who are left with no choice. May be she was true or may be not. I am confused!
So my parents began the search. Believe you me, this matrimony sites are very interesting. Though I am a member of one, I happened to browse many others with the hope that I will bump into someone from the virtual world. But the web dunia is no less complicated. It's like visiting the Levis showroom and not knowing which one to buy. Either you don't like the shade or you you can't afford the price. So you end up buying nothing:(
Even if you happen to like one, I am talking about a guy not the jeans, then begins the process of matching horoscope, height, weight and complexion. I won't lie here, I happened to like one of these guys but the fella is nowhere in the picture and his mom is doing the needful Trust me, the mother does know what his son's needs are. Can't imagine what will happen after the marriage, if pre-nuptial procedures are such rigorous. Some families are so uncourteous that after receiving the photograph they don't respond. They don't know even if they like me, I am going to say no.
I don't know whether to laugh at them or on myself. But that's life, without Mr Right.

Marriage ceremonies hardly evoked interest in me a few years ago. Rather, I missed many of them since childhood. The reasons being one too many.

But now things are different. Whether it's the wedding of my friend or my father's colleague's daughter's, I am keen to attend them. The incentive in these parties is the opportunity to meet old friends and acquaintances.

A few days ago, I was at one of those ceremonies. My father's friend's daughter got married. Coincidentally or luckily, it was a Friday, my weekly day off. Though it was not closeby, but we drove down to South Kolkata from the North, where we stay. All these to meet the known ones whom I had lost touch in five years while I was away from the city.

It was a pleasant surprise to meet my childhood bumchum, mashis, auncles, jethus, kakus, didis and dadas. In fact, it was difficult to recognise some of them. Some greeted us with warmth while a few others with a light grin. But it was fun to be with the known ones after so many years.

It was indeed a great feeling to meet my childhood pal in the party. Draped in a saree, she looked gorgeous. And soon we began our usual chitchat. We had so much to share and remembered those golden days which we had enjoyed together and which will never come back. But the biggest surprise was the news of her marriage next year. She quickly clicked on her mobile and showed her would-be hubby's pic. And then there was so much to share. But time was short and she had to leave early. She had to visit her in laws house that night.

We exchanged our phone numbers and promised to continue the never-ending stories when we meet next.

But I doubt if next time she will have time if the occasion is her marraige.

Time matters, dear doctor

Indians are a typical breed wellknown for the poor sense of punctuality. It's often said that if you're late, it shows you are important. Earlier, film stars came under this category but it seems now doctors too have joined the gang.

Today, I happened to visit one of the leading hospitals in Kolkata. Not that I was keen to visit but rather forced to. Thanks to the wisdom tooth that has been disturbing me for long. As advised by my neighbour, I had called up the doctor's personal secretary on Monday. He gave me a time. 12.30 pm sharp on Wednesday. I thought I was lucky because I won't have to waste a casual leave. I was at the hospital right on time. The doctor, much to my dismay, was missing. His assistant greeted us with a smile. He asked us to fill up the registration form and complete the formalities before the doc arrives. I followed what he said. Shelled out Rs 150 for registration. All these took me another 15 minutes.

I was back to the chamber. Another paitent was also waiting and stared blankly at me. It was 1 pm by then. I was still waiting. I looked around the AC room. Posters of distorted faces of patients being cured after surgery dotted the walls. Indeed, the doctor is an expert, I murmered. It was 1.30. But the doctor was nowhere and I became a bit restless. I called up the doctor's secretary and he said the doctor will be a bit late. At 1. 45 pm, when I had already made up my mind to leave, the surgeon walked in with his secretary. Disgusted I was, but stayed back and stepped inside his room.

The doctor was late but looked absolutely normal. He looked at me and enquired about my problems. I blurted out all. He asked me to sit on a huge chair where he wanted to ckeck my tooth properly. And as started detecting, I couldnt resist myself to pour out my grouse. That he was late and he should have been a bit more responsible. He was polite and had his excuses ready. His job, he said, is different and if a patient's condition is serious, he can't leave and come. "But why then give a time at the first place?," I asked. He said, it rarely occurs like this. He is always punctual unless he gets stuck with a serious case.

I really didn't know what to say next. But, I was sure, he knows patients will anyway wait for him...time is on his side