Bride ditches greedy groom

The ceremony came to an end with the dumbfounded groom leaving the marriage hall and the bride, 22-year-old Najma name changed, belonging to a traditional Muslim family from Sangli, becoming the centre of attention in her town.

The families, had decided to do away with certain marriage-related traditions like dowry as both bride and groom were engineers and from good educational and cultural backgrounds. A bright student in school and college, Najma passed her HSC examination with 84 per cent marks and secured a merit seat at the prestigious Walchand Engineering College. She was yearning for a good education so that she could help her father.

Yet there was twist ahead: after a marriage proposal came from the groom8217;s family, relatives and clansmen insisted that there was no point in delaying the marriage.

What followed was straight from amasala movie. The groom8217;s family wanted Rs 50,000 in cash and a watch before the signing of the nikahnama.

Arranging half-a-lakh rupees at the eleventh hour was a colossal task for a poor cycle shop owner, and he sought some time with a promise that he would pay the amount before the marriage was solemnized.

But knowing about the wrangle raised by the family of the groom, Najma vented her anger and announced her unwillingness for the marriage. She even asked the family of the bridegroom to leave the place.

Facing something unanticipated, the bridegroom8217;s family watered down their demand while even a few bujurgs from Najma8217;s side tried to pacify the young girl requesting her to accept a compromise.

But, Najma was firm on sending the baraatis back. The Muslim Satyashodhak Mandal leaders applauded Najma8217;s stand and some local organisations vowed their support to her.

8220;At first, we were not happy with her decision. We were thinking of her life and she was thinking of us, itwould have been difficult for us to collect Rs. 50,000. Najma has made us proud8221;, said Najma8217;s grandfather.

8220;With poor economic conditions how can my family raise Rs 50,000 for my marriage. How will they repay that amount?,8221; says Najma. 8220;Though my father was ready to pay, I opposed because I think the man who depends on his wife8217;s family for economical aid, can do nothing in life,8221; she adds.