Chapter 1: A Pledge of Companionship: Cherish my bangles, vermilion & veil.
"Some people might say 'Marriage has nothing to do' with happiness, but I beg to differ. In my opinion, 70% of life's happiness depends on marriage and choosing the right partner. Marriage plays a significant role in our lives, and its impact cannot be overstated."
Marriage is an entire companionship and a sacred thread of trust that each person ties to the other. I attended the marriage rituals of strangers, and I saw how a girl walked behind her groom, leaving everything behind and putting her trust solely in his hands. She hid tears under mascara and pretended to smile, with big expectations in her eyes, hoping to keep that smile and innocence intact forever. She was looking radiant & blushing with shyness.
Marriage brings stability, companionship, and the opportunity to fulfill life's dreams together. It's about love, not envy; support, not exploitation. Life is temporary, so let's spend it on each other's well-being and happiness, not on materialistic displays.
Dreams, opportunities, lifestyle, and education should be equal for all genders. One should respect this principle through right companionship and understanding. Marriage isn't about ritualistic grand ceremonies involving two families; it's a promise and commitment of respect to each other until the end, free from pressure to give expensive gifts or criticize later."
Chapter 2: When a father wisely invests in his children’s right to education
"Is it just about expensive lehengas, grand ceremonies, and feasts for relatives? Often, a father sacrifices his well-being, working tirelessly his whole life to fund his children's weddings, feeling pressured by society to make it grand. However, tradition should be meaningful, not driven by mob mentality.
If a father invests in his children's education, security, and well-being instead of lavish weddings, crime might decrease. Let children live their lives and choose their life partners, regardless of society, caste, creed, or religion. God is one; rituals are man-made. Don't sacrifice your children's happiness for a fake reputation or fear of societal judgment. I've witnessed unhappy people criticizing food at grand wedding ceremonies.
True happiness doesn't come from external validation. Marriage can be simple—a commitment between two people, with parents present, built on loyalty, communication, and mutual respect. It's about growing together, lifting each other, and finding happiness in each other's company."
Chapter 3: Better stay single
"When I open the newspaper to read, every day there are articles about failed marriages, killings, divorces, suicides, and people running away from the pressure of marriage. Why? Because no one has the right education, marriage or bearing a child isn't necessary unless you're actually ready. One can remain single for life and spend their hard-earned money on themselves. There's no pressure to tie the knot and remain in misery or take on responsibility forcefully. Extramarital affairs are a significant betrayal of oneself and one's partner. Open your eyes, get educated, and consider staying single wisely.
"There are so many things to do in life other than tying the knot forcefully. Learn skills, move to another country, learn driving, cooking, and explore the beauty of nature. Marriage doesn't mean tying a knot and fighting for a lifetime; it's an example of love and togetherness."
"If you're tying the knot with someone's daughter, son, sibling, friend, or relative, and you can't provide the desired happiness and loyalty, it's better to stay single for life rather than putting innocent lives at risk. I've heard the divorce rates are alarming."
Chapter 4: Abusive marriage & parenting
"What is the fault of a recently born child who doesn't even know about the fights and conflicts between their parents? Have you ever considered how damaging it could be to their brain? Isn't it necessary to get consent from your child before bringing a second child into this world? Shouldn't we consider whether they want a sibling or not, or if they'll receive full parenting affection and attention? How does this impact a child's life and brain? Have you ever thought about it? Who is responsible for children's weird behavior patterns, traumas, and suicides?
You're providing toxic parenting, and then parents become partial to the easiest one. Every child is born brilliantly unique. Parents should spend time with their children equally; their conflicts have nothing to do with the upbringing of children. Children need attention from both their mother and father. Bringing children into the world isn't a joke; it's a huge responsibility regarding their well-being, lifestyle, education, health, security, and a secure future. These are the basic needs of raising a child. And equal happiness is essential in parenting, not abandoning a child and wife for new love interests."
Chapter 5: Trauma of toxic parenting
A toxic marriage can lead to toxic parenting. I met a girl who sought love from her parents, but she was trapped in a toxic relationship with them. She became a victim of parental partiality. Her fault was nothing, but she loved her parents more than anything in this world. Then one day, sitting at the precipice, looking at the ocean and seagulls, she wrote these words:"
"Am I not pretty? Am I not cute? Am I not sweet? Why can't they see my innocence? Why do they behave nonsensically? If I tell you the truth... will it make any sense? Will it lessen any of my pain? Will it change their perspective? Will they see the pain in my veins?
"Shall I jump into this precipice? Shall I die? Shall I lie? What can I do for them? What can I bring for them? What can I leave for them? I tried my best... I tried hard to make them happy...
I failed at being a good daughter, or did they fail at being parents? Maybe it was my fault... or maybe not.
"Can anyone tell me my mistake? Are tears in my eyes my mistake? Is my innocence my mistake? Is my beauty my mistake? Is my life my mistake? Is my love my mistake?
"I hugged a tree in my garden... I wore an XXL shirt to feel my father's presence... I stole a perfume bottle to feel my mother's presence... Is this love? Is this care? Can anyone tell me what love feels like at home? Can anyone say?"
Moral: Consider staying single and adopting innocent lives if you're not ready for the responsibilities of parenthood and marriage. Life is temporary, and nothing is permanent. Let go of burdens and live freely, live rightly. You deserve to live life on your own terms, and so does everyone else.