They were always comparing Lilly to her mother. They called her mini-me. Could be twins. Could immediately tell she's your daughter. All her life she heard how much she resembled her mother. But... there's always a but!! But why is she so dark? Oh, she didn't get your colour. They would tsk in sympathy for the girl who wasn't born fair like her mother.
Her parents would always ignore the comments. She knew her mother secretly wished she was fairer, but only so she wouldn't hear those hurtful comments. Her parents loved her so much, they allowed her many opportunities her other friends were envious of. They urged her to study and go all the way. They encouraged her passion for the Veena. And when she wanted to join athletics, her parents explained this might mean she would be spending a lot of time under the sun, but didn't stop her. Of course, this made her even darker. Her father called her "Wild Flower" when he couldn't convince her otherwise on certain choices.
So, when they were looking for a bride that had a Degree and above, it was no surprise, the Matchmaker recommended her. The Groom had also requested for one that was musically inclined as he played the violin and he wanted someone who would work to help raise a family. It's the latter that tweaked her interest and she said OK as she had no intention of staying at home to be a full time housewife.
Today was the day the groom and his family would come to "negotiate" with the bride's family. And if everyone was agreeable, they'd set a date for the wedding. That morning, she was up at dawn, for prayers and a traditional shower in turmeric and herbs. She wore a saree that was specifically bought for the occasion and once again her mother walked her through on how to behave. *Keep your head slightly bowed, don't look him in the eye, greet everyone, be polite.... *
She waited in the kitchen to meet the boy from the good family. And finally her little sister came to get her. "Come" she whispered. "They are ready to see you. And remember, behave." She was such a grandmother.
She grabbed the tray with the drinks and walked out, at first hurriedly until her sister caught her arm and slowed her down. She gave herself a shake, told her mind to behave, and stepped out gingerly with the tray of drinks. As she walked towards them, and started serving them. She heard his mother say, she's very beautiful like you, but she looked a lot fairer in the photograph.
Before Lily could stop herself, she said "Yes, I am a carbon copy of my mother. Looks exactly the same but you know carbon is black, so I am the Carbon Copy."
It was a blur after that. His mother was taken aback, her mother started apologising... and Lilly quickly apologised and went back into the kitchen. She felt terrible for her parents.
After an eternity, the guests left and her mother walked in. Lilly dared not look up. "The boy likes you. We are looking at a date sometime in June. Do you like the boy?" She was so stunned, she nodded.
All images taken with my trusty iPhone 7 Plus, edited with my favourite apps Photofox & FontMania
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