58th wedding anniversary

How the time flies . It was way back in early 1955 . I was away in Visakhapatnam , a 3rd year medical student . I had no inclination what was looming out there in the horizon . I was immersed in my own studies first time being away from my home . I was 21 years a couple of years past my teens . I had no inclination that my father was thinking of finding a bride for me . He never shared His thoughts with me and He always sure that what he decides will be followed without being questioned , but I was sure that He would not force something upon me which would not be beneficial to me . During the previous year He took me to see and be seen by three girls and their families - one girl was from a village near Tenali , very beautiful and I wished my father would agree but I think He believed that a too beautiful a bride will be of a problem and better to be cautious rather than being gracious ; the second girl was our next door neighbor and I was neither for nor against but my father probably felt that being next door neighbors and familiarity associated with a modicum of family rivalries based upon some past misgivings and also that familiarity breeds contempt decided against ; third girl was so unbecoming to look at and me praying keeping my fingers crossed that He would not say yes it was a manna from heaven and most welcome pleasant news for me that He also felt that I was not for the alliance the proposal was dropped and I breathed a sigh of relief . So now that I was away from home and me having no idea of what was happening that one fine day in 1955 I received a letter from my father that a bride has been settled for me and that I should travel forthwith by train from Visakhapatnam and come south to alight at Tadepalligudem Station . I had no choice to obet and took a night train and came down to the said station where I was received by my father and another gentleman who I came to know was going to be my future father in law . The night was chilly and I had sore throat and lost my voice which was very convenient for all parties concerned as I was unable to speak and in no position to say YES or NO . A Jeep was waiting outside and I was made to sit by the side of the driver with my father by my side and the othe gentleman in the back seat we drove away , stopped enroute to give me an opportunity to freshen up and proceeded to bride's town Palakol . I was ushered into a two storey bungalow which I presumed it to be their own house , but not so I came to know at a latter date . House was full of people , bride's parents , uncles and aunts and grand parents . I was shown all around , looked upon by all , but I could not speak as I lost my voice , I was speechless and nothing what so ever to contribute to what is being discussed all round . Then the time approached I was presented to a 11 year old girl who was introduced as the prospective bride and I must confess I was disappointed and felt that the girl has no clue what was happening and I felt it was unfair , but I kept my feelings to myself - let me arrange my thoughts , recollect what happened so long ago , to be precise more than 5 decades ago and will come back with next instalment very shortly - I promise

AnasooyaAthreyaSeshaAnjaneyakrishna