Ranga's Marriage

The title of the story is short and sweet as it is, 'Ranga's Marriage'. I know some of you may ask Why not Ragannatha Vivaha or some other title. Its just that this story is purely based on Ranga's marriage and hence the title. So, have you guys heard of Hosahalli? Its no matter even if you haven't, cause its one of the most rural places you would ever find. Its just surprising that there is no mention of it anywhere in any geography book. Of course you must be aware of how the people all over the world are blindly following the English Sahibs. So its now wonder that no trace of it anywhere.

Anyway, I got deviated from the topic. Sorry about that! Hosahalli is not an ordinary village. Its always a festive place. We even have a doctor in our village and his name is Gundabhatta. Although he has been to several places he, is least interested in flying around the world like a flea-pestered dog. We also have many mango trees in our village. The sourness of those raw mangoes is so intense that you can feel butterflies in your stomach! Just like the mangoes, the mangoes everything in our village is special. The best way to get to know Hosahalli is to visit it, don't you think so?

What I am going to tell you is something that happened 10 years ago. We did not have many people who knew English then. Our village accountant had enough courage to send his son to Bangalore for his studies. However, things are much different now. There are many who know English. During the holidays, you come across them everywhere on the street. People have a general tendency to bring English words into their conversations although they did not have that practice before.

English language is considered as a "priceless commodity" and was not so much widespread a decade ago. That was why Ranga's homecoming was a great event. People rushed to his doorstep just to get a glance of him.

Seeing so many people there, Ranga came out with a smile on his face. If all the people present had gone inside, that place would have turned into the Black Hole of Calcutta. Everyone was surprised to see Ranga and he had not even changed quite a bit.

Once they realized that Ranga was just as normal, they disintegrated.

I was distressed that the boy who would make a great husband had decided to remain a bachelor.

Rama Rao's niece, a pretty young girl of about eleven, had come to stay with him. Her name was Ratna. She was from a big town, so she knew how to play the veena and the harmonium. She also had a sweet voice. Both her parents had died and her uncle had brought her home. Ranga was just the boy for her. Since I was a frequent visitor to Rama Rao's house, the girl was very free with me. The very next morning I went to her house.

Ranga reached the door.

Do you know that disappointment you face when realize that the tastiest fruit you had just taken a bite of, falls off from your hand before you could for a second? Well, that was what was evident on Ranga's face.

I went to our Shastri the next morning and told him...

We left the place. On the way, we passed by Rama Rao's house. Ratna was standing at the door. I went in alone and came out after a minute later.

Rangappa had come the other day to invite me for dinner.

I went there for dinner. Shyama rushed to me when I walked in and placed his arms around my legs. I kissed him on his cheeks and placed a ring on his tiny little finger.

Ok then, allow me to talk leave of you. I am always there! Hope you were not bored, were you?

Thank you, God bless!