Swiping for Shaadi: Episode 15 - The "Swiping for Shaadi" Phase

Sid stared at Anjali with feelings of awe and respect. “You don’t have any feelings for him anymore? Even if he smiles lovingly?” Sid asked in wonder.

It wasn’t the first time he had asked. He had been pestering her for a while to make her admit that she didn’t have any crushed feelings for Varun.

“This is the nineteenth time you are asking. And my answer is always No. I admit it was a stupid crush, but the guy is really great, but it seems that the time is not right. Marriage is a need for me right now as my parents are pressurizing me like crazy. But he is just 27 and not a big deal for a man to remain unmarried.”

“Thank God, you realized it quite early. He doesn’t seem to be in a relationship mode, he wants to focus on his career and family, and social life. Dating girls is not even a part of his agenda as he could have dated some other girl in your office.”

Anjali hummed and tried to divert Sid’s attention to another topic. “What about your bride search?”

“Nothing as of now. My father trusts Prem Uncle and would like to appoint him as the mediator. But I wonder what would be Prem Uncle’s choices!” He said in mockery.

“Don’t you think this is peculiar? When we shop for clothes or mobile phones, we check for online reviews. But when it comes to careers and life partners, we consult our relatives and other acquaintances.”

They both were seated in a café near BKC, but it seemed they needed something else than a cup of coffee. As it was the end of the month, they both decided to save the weekend fun for the next week and preferred to sip on the hot coffee. ☕

“I don’t know why you always become philosophical when it is about marriage. Leave it. Don’t overthink about it.” Sid advised.

“Really, I talk philosophically? I thought I talk like a feminist. But yes, my theories are applicable to all eligible men and women who want to get hitched soon. We all are in the same boat. And I am not overthinking, bro. I am thinking right. Hence, I have decided something.”

“Are you finally ready to approach Prem Uncle for proposals? I am telling you, he is the best in Agra. His judgments are perfect and his marriages have achieved a 100 percent success rate. No divorces till date, we haven’t heard any conflicts in the marriages he has arranged.”

Anjali perceived Sid as a marketing agent working for Prem Uncle. Approaching Prem Uncle 👺 was the last thing on her mind even though her father suggested it every time she visited Agra.

“It is not Prem Uncle, bro. It is simple. Where do we buy our favourite mobile phones and outfits? Where do we check for reviews for the products we intend to purchase? Online. I am planning to register on the marriage portals.”

Sid looked at her in disbelief. A person who never believed that love can be found online was now planning to register on online marriage portals! He simply couldn’t believe his ears.

“But you always thought these marriage portals are for those who are in their late 20s and have not found anyone to marry.” He said casually.

“Yeah. And that’s me.” 🙋She answered ironically to his question, making him feel sorry for the question he had raised. She added, “I am going to tell Papa about this so that he doesn’t bother himself with the search process. Anyways, he seemed to have run out of proposals for his friends’ sons and nephews. Prem Uncle is out of the question. So, why not I try my luck?”

That’s great! Do tell me how your experience is. If I don’t get married within 2 years, I can also try that approach.” He was excited to know more about Anjali’s prospective stage.

“I admire your enthusiasm to get married. You have just started and you are already ready to face rejections and stay single, and try out the online approach.” She clapped dramatically, ensuring that it is not audible to others sitting in the café. 👏

“And what if you don’t find anyone in the online mode? Will you approach Prem Uncle then?” Sid asked, noticing gloomy expressions on Anjali’s face.

Anjali sensed that he was not ridiculing her intentionally, but trying to pull her leg again. She slapped his shoulder playfully and they continued with other travel talks.

But at night, when Anjali was winding up her day and relaxing on the couch, she thought to herself. What Sid asked wasn’t mockery or fun, but it could also turn into reality. Was she ready to face another round of rejections or disappointments in not finding her perfect better half? Will she dare to consult Prem Uncle then?

Anjali was stuck in a maze of thoughts again. She scrolled her Facebook homepage for some diversion, but she could find pictures of engagement or wedding functions of her school and college friends and some of her other relatives. Gosh, the whole world is finding their soul mates and I am still searching for him? I bet the day I find him; I am not going to spare him, seriously! 👊😅

She lay on her bed for a while and closed her eyes. She remembered herself during her college years and dreams about her life partner. Of course, he is somewhere; she was searching for him in the wrong places. She was going to find him online. She registered her profile on a reputed marriage portal named vivahsoon.com and felt a glad sense of relief.

In the coming days, she would find someone who is like-minded, enjoyed traveling and photography, is of their caste and community and has a good job in Mumbai, and has booked a house. Wow! So many additions to her dream man category! Earlier, it used to be loving, caring, and understanding, but the requirements had increased because of her family’s expectations!