Marriageable age

Mausiji who lives in Narnaul

with Mausaji and their three daughters

– whom I have never met –

one approaching the age of marriage

asked us about skin lotions

and beauty creams.

We made a list for her

telling her which

would clear blemishes,

which lighten the skin,

and which 

remove dark circles,

and mausiji smiled,

relieved at the thought

that her daughter’s marriage

would be easier to accomplish

when her skin

improved.

Now I worry a lot

for my unseen cousin

(and where the hell is Narnaul, anyway)

They will find a match for her

Placing her,

at random,

in the first open situation

that seems to them suitable.

But will she be happy? will she be rich?

will he be kind to her,

will his mother torment her,

and when she goes into labour,

will the doctors be patient,

will they have clean sheets?

These are the questions

that dance in my mind

and I feel sad

that skin creams

hold no answer.

first appeared in Little Magazine Nov 2001