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The boy is my nephew.
His mother and I are cousins.
My cousin was united with her husband
through an arranged marriage
within the same caste.
The business class does not have
too good a reputation
when it comes to interpersonality
in such social relations.
My nephew is a sweet boy,
much fond of me;
for he too has a thirst for knowledge.
He arranged a partner for him
through some Internet site
and a marriage was arranged formally
by the boy and the girl’s two families.
I learnt that the girl’s parents
were estranged
for some faithless acts
of her father’s family.
My nephew showed the girl’s photograph
and I liked it
for she resembled
another of my cousin no more from my father’s side.
I, with another cousin of mine met
the new bride and the groom at the airport
before they left for the boy’s place of work.
They sought our blessings.
Blessing a nephew and his wife
is such an emotional act!
You pour out all your best wishes;
for they will fly your flag of existence
in the world at large.
When the bride touched my feet
I touched her head, and mumbled:
live long, be happy, my blessings.
Your mother was estranged from her husband,
but you have got my nephew,
my good nephew, and accomplished.
He will be true to you.
Yours and your mother’s life has turned full circle.
Quietly your mother will wipe her tears
for the betrayal she went through.
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