I romanticized the runaway wedding
Breaking away from the societal conventions
I didn't want an arranged marriage
And life with a total stranger
With a decision on a partner taken
With mere minutes of meeting and conversation
Nor I want to be bought by dowry
But the girl I loved, chose to run away from me
And not risk being ostracised by the family
By marrying me, after six years of friendship
I still see families avoiding their beloved kids
For marrying someone they loved
Not talking, not meeting, and not giving properties
Some families relent after seeing the smiles of
Their grandkids, they welcome back their kids
With the runaway weddings involving
Different caste, class, and religion
Many get killed for the honour of the family
More than love for their kids
They take pride in their societal status
People might cite the failure of many love marriages
But, I have seen arranged marriages that are hell
People remain stuck in abusive and unloved relation
For the sake of kids or for the sake of family pride
I wonder when will the society of my country
Rise above the societal norms and accept love marriages
I have come across couples who ran away and got married and led nice life. But my society and relatives are still not very evolved to accept love marriages. The ostracisation of the girl or guy for marrying someone out of caste, class or religion is still a reality. The honor killing of young guys and girls is also prevalent in my country. The image was snapped by Lorna.