I had to to attend a marriage. It was the bride who invited me and I wished her , before I sat in a quiet corner and began reading, as I did not know any one there.

“Halo, how are you?”, it was ……..Well, is not my ex wife? She is not embarrassed, as I am. We separated some ten long years ago and I did not like even like  to be reminded of it. But she is jubiland, as though she is just now married, or is it really the matter? Seeing my confusion, Anitha sid:”Don’t look so frightened, dear. I am your old mate.” She went and brought a chair and  sat near me.

I asked:”What are your activities these days? Are you married again? Tell me all about you.” Just then a young man came and wished her. “It is my ex husband .”

“Oh. You have told me. You carry on, I have to meet many people.”

When he went away, Anitha asked:”How are  you  in this marriage? Are you a relative?” “No. The bride happens to be my friend.”

“Girl friend? Or just a friend?”

“It is a long story. I taught her in the school.  She used to write me  afterwards  also, Just friendly enquiries. When her marriage was fixed, she pleaded my assistance. I met her and gave her a lecture on matrimony, based on my experience. You too might have learnt something , isn’t it?” She fell silent. “Have I hurt you? Who is the fellow who came here?”

“It is Vipin. ” She did not say anything more.

By this time, the ceremony was over. People were offering gifts to the couple.

“Shall we go to them. I shall introduce you to her”

“I have not brought anything to give. Vipin said he would buy something. But he is absconding as usual ” “You may give this book I was reading when you came.”

We went and she presented the book. I told the bride she was my wife.

“Oh. Ramesh, this is the professor I told you about”. She shook hands with both of us. We then went for meals, sitting side by side, as before. Did  she feel any regret for the beak up? Or is it my wishful thinking? All the while, I was mechanically eating, thinking about our past.

That too was a love marriage,as they call it. She was my neighbour, a school teacher’s daughter. We used to go together to see cinema in the town and then have supper in the hotel. I was alone, my parents being far away in Trivandrum. Her parents allowed her complete freedom.

We were married without the consent of my parents. Naturally  she was insulted by my mother, when we went to my home, after marriage.  We soon returned, never to go there again.

When we were undecided about our plans, Vipin came and she abused him mercilessly. I felt sorry for the boy, actually he was much junior to Anitha.

“Finish your meal, we shall wait for you”, I told him. He thanked me. Afterwards, I took them to my house. She took charge of  my kitchen as before. Vipin talked to me about her only. “I have been spending all my salary on her only. I love her and am her slave shamelessly. Still, she would not say yes to my proposal ” The poor boy almost wept.

“What is the matter, Vipin? did the professor scold you?”

“Is dinner ready?”, I asked her.

After dinner, I gave my decision;”Tonight you sleep together as husband and wife. We all will stay together in this house. Marriage ceremony is meaningless.meaningless. Live in, is a better alternative”