Hurtful advice

I don't know why but specifically today I rememberd something from the past. When I remembered it, it still brought tears to my eyes. What was said to me was really hurtful.

I was 26 years old back then. I had completed my studies and was doing great at my job. At this age my parents did exactly what other Indian parents do. They had enrolled my name into a matrimony site. From this matrimony site we had received a proposal from a man. This man did not fit into our basic expectations so we decided not to go ahead with their proposal. For me and my parents it was the end of the story. However my grandmother had different ideas.

Me and two of my cousins who are of same age were going through the same phase of our lives - the matrimony troubles. One day our families had met for some occasion. The topic of matrimony and the hunt came out. My aunt and uncle described their experience towards how the search for brides is going on for my cousins. My parents also decided to share their experience (going with the flow I guess).

My dad narrated the story of the man whose proposal I had received. While my dad narrated the story my grandmother intervened. She asked my dad why did he not proceed further with the proposal. My dad explained the reasons. To my surprise my grandmother said to my dad that he was thinking too much. Do not think and the next man that you find should be the one to marry your daughter.

I was shocked to hear that. I used to think that my grandmother is progressive. She had always supported the idea towards our educations and jobs. Suddenly when it came down to matrimony she was asking my dad to marry me off with any man that could be found. I was furious after hearing that. I tried to control my anger and tears. After all I was with my family members.

My dad stood up for me like a tiger. He responded to my grandmother that she did not need to worry about me. He also told her that he would very well take care of his daughter and he knew what was the best for her. Dad spoke this politely with an assertive tone. Nobody had the courage to speak anything after that. My dad quickly glanced at me. He gave me the reassurance that I needed. His look silently told me that he was on my side.

That evening changed everything for me. After that incident granny never appeared the same to me. I did not see her as a kind and loving woman after that. I also started reflecting whether the love and care that she had shown to me was real. After that incident my conversation with my grandmother would be almost like a formality. Every time I would meet her I would only ask her how is she, nothing more.

My granny died 6 years ago. However even today when I think about her I remember her betrayal. I never spoke about this to my mother because she always believed that grandmother had the best interest for me. She is completely blinded by the love of her mother and did not see how her mother insulted her daughter in front of the entire family. The hurtful advice that she had given my dad would forever be remembered.