Suitable Wife Poem by Malabika Ray Choudhury

At twenty-one, Rani had many marriage proposals,
Too many, too hard to decide!
Men with high education, men with charming personalities, and men from affluent families,
Who were looking for a suitable wife!

Rani was a pretty girl, with a flawless skin
And a soul with empathy, love and respect,
A captivating smile made her irresistible,
Definitely those suitors were eager to please her,
And win her heart!

But when Rani's Father met the mother of the most successful prospective groom,
with a zillion degrees in his resume,
She asked - is your daughter fair like Snow White?
Because that's what I am looking for!

To spend on the wedding reception
The next family asked for rupees ten thousand,
Rani's Father was shocked, and horrified,
and heart-broken too!
Dowry? for the greatest blessing in his life,
Who he raised the way King Janaka raised his daughter, Sita,
After the Saint-King found her from the earth!
And imagined a great man will hold her hand!

He was the proudest father,
Who didn't hesitate to declare - my daughter is a gem,
She is an avid reader, and she writes poems,
Painting and singing are her passions,
She looked after her ailing grandparents
Care when they needed!

Who bothers about reading and writing,
Who reads sentimental poems, anyway?
Have you bought an upscale house for my son to live?
The house should be in an affluent area too,
Definitely that's what my son deserves!

Rani's Father heaved a sigh,
And said - perhaps my daughter is not fortunate enough
To be included in your clan,
Probably she is destined for a different future,
Perhaps my daughter shouldn't marry anyone.