Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Bridegroom

Bridegrooms are now a days sold for a price. Higher the qualification, more the price. There is a price tag for doctors, engineers,MBAs,CA's etc. Everything is saleable now a days. If cricketers are saleable, government officials are saleable, ministers are saleable, why can't bridegrooms be saleable.I was on the lookout for a suitable bridegroom for my daughter. One day, as I was browsing through the matrimonial coloumn of The Times of India while sipping morning tea at home, I came across a very interesting advertisement with caption "Bridegrooms are sold here." I noted down the address of the shop written below and decided to visit the shop on my way back from office. After finishing my work in office, as I was returning home in the evening, I visited the shop which happened to be on the way. I had unusual experience that day. As I reached the shop, I could see there was a big rush in the shop. Young ladies and gentlemen were busy selecting the choicest bridegroom and bargaining with the salesmen for the best deal. I was watching the whole scene from a distant corner. As the crowd receded after sometime, I approached the salesman . I asked him softly. "Do you have a suitable bride for my daughter". The saleman looked at me from head to foot as if trying to assess my worth. He then said. "Sir, what is your budget". I kept quiet, Without waiting for an answer, he picked up the photograph of the best piece available and said. Sir, this guy is a chartered accountant, works in a multinational, has been abroad several times, is flent in English, draws fat salary, very cunning and manipulative, highly Ambitious, believes in success at all costs. Price tag is 30 lacs. This is the only good piece available to day. All others are sold out. I remained silent. The salesman thought probably it was too expensive for me. He then picked up another piece and said. Never mind. I will show you another one. Look at this one sir, this one will fit your budget. This guy is a stage actor, he is flambuoyant, very stylish, smart, capable of fooling anybody, can mimic any bollywood actor on stage. Price is only 15 Lacs. I will give you a dicount of 5%. I was still unmoved. This time, salesman was little puzzled. But he did not lose heart. He was convinced, my budget was bare minimum. As is the practice, good salesmen do not let customers go empty handed, he finally came up with a piece and said. Sir, You simply can't reject this piece. It is dirt cheap and costs virtually nothing. This guy is very simple, Honest,straight forward, never tells lies, does not smoke, does not drink, keeps himself miles away from clubs, casinos etc, sticks to his principles, is very spiritual and is a class teacher in a school and earns a modest salary. It is a rejected piece,sir. I can give you at throughaway price. With tears in my eyes, I said, thank you for showing me this one. He may be dirt cheap in your eyes, but to me, he is invaluable. This guy is the only one suitable for my daughter.

1 comment:

shilpa said...

This experience should be bad for any man looking for bridegroom.People still follow certain so called custom and traditions which are man made to please others.If this whole dowry system stops from the girl side itself we will not encourage the other person to take the opportunity.i believe its all in your hands how to treat the entire matter .there is no garantee that after giving big dowry ,girl will be happy. being a women if someday i have a son i will refuse to accept dowry as a women i understand how would it feel on her parents side.