The Story of My Life-Part I

wedding.pic.1.dhare

Where do I begin is a big question?

COURTSHIP & MARRIAGE

I think I can compartmentalize my life so far into three segments.
  • The first 19 1/2 years, a carefree life of my youth.
  • The second segment is when I(we) got married on March 30, 1970 and it ended on July 29, 1996-the day I lost the love of my life.
  • The third segment is post-widowhood (oh how I hate that word, but we humans like to label everything.)
I will start with the second segment of my life first, and call it PART I. You see, this year, 2020 is a landmark in many ways. I turn 70 and this would be the year when my husband and I would have marked our 50th wedding anniversary. It feels like a lifetime ago…March 30, 1970.
So this is how it all started…
In India back then, and even today, the majority of marriages are arranged. But in reality, not ALL marriages are arranged. There are a few of us women, strong-willed, independent kind for whom nothing could be ‘arranged’.
Don’t take me wrong…in my opinion, it is one of the best ways to meet and marry. The parents do all the research and compatibility is the key. In most cases, we are how/what we are raised as. So two people raised in similar situations (economically as well as life values) make for a better chance of compatibility. You might say, what about love? In my opinion, love comes later…throughout ones married life. It evolves…from a mere ‘physical attraction’ to ‘caring’…and that latter, in my opinion, is TRUE LOVE. Shared experiences such as childbirth, job losses, financial troubles, loss of loved ones, etc., bind and bond two people, that is, unless it becomes the cause of falling apart. A meeting with an eligible bachelor can be facilitated.
And that is exactly what happened in my case…..
I was born to my parents rather late in their lives. Dad was already over 40 and mom, 30…a bit too old for those times. The story of my parents marriage is a very unique one and deserves a whole new ‘Part’, if not a whole new book! A marriage between a widower and a child bride/child widow…a huge taboo, second marriage for both! A scandal you might say; a widow remarriage was unheard of and not the norm in those bygone days, (but it was ok for a widower to find another wife)…and that had an affect on my getting married too, in the conventional way.
But trust me, my dad and I never believed in adhering to convention and to the chagrin of my poor mother, who totally adhered to social norms, this was a hard pill to swallow! Two stubborn individuals! So due to my parents’ age, and especially given the circumstance of my parents’ marriage, the pressure on me to get married at the earliest, was immense.  Vicious rumors were spread in the small community and in the light of this, and so as to not cause my parents any grief, I agreed for them to start looking for an eligible groom. I was a mere 18 year old at the time when the ‘hunt’ began!

Well…many suitors were turned away by me…most were deemed too old and a few that were reasonably young, I found them immature! One, a physician, lived on the same street, just a few doors down from me… he was over 30 and I thought that was too old back then! You see, it’s the girl’s parents who approach the parents of the boy…so for the girl to turn down a boy, is scandalous. Oh, I was rejected too, by a couple of guys-how dare…they didn’t know what they missed, hah!

I was getting a bad reputation in our small community (Brahmin caste and sub-caste within that larger group). People would gossip and I was frankly told to my face that I was too picky and rejected perfectly eligible gentlemen and would never get married at this rate. Hah, I said…that’s fine by me!

I was gone on a study tour across India, for a fortnight, and little did I know that a ‘suitor’ would be waiting for me when I got home. My husband had an advantage…he had visited my parents’ home with his brother and sister-in-law while I was gone, of course, saw my pictures and heard all the praise from my parents. It was like they were ‘selling my virtues’…an argument as to why he should marry me! I was an artist of sorts and my dad very proudly showed off my art work to the visitors.

I think my husband, then just a prospect, was very impressed. He told me later that this one b/w picture of me, was the selling point! Can you imagine in this day and age? Guess a picture is still worth a thousand words, hah! So when we met, we exchanged pictures. Like we needed pictures to remind us of how we each looked! After all, we lived in the same town and saw each other every single day from the time we were engaged, up to when we got married!

So after seeing my pictures, paintings and listening to my dad brag about me, the day came when we actually met face-to-face. The rumor mills started spinning and it seemed like the whole neighborhood knew that an ‘interview’-that is what it used to be called, was to take place! There were hardly any phones in those days, and internet was not even a thought, so how did the word spread? So annoying for a 19 year old ‘independent-minded’ young woman!

It was late evening and my mother was filled with excitement and dread. My aunt from another town, had come over to ‘help’. Snacks were prepared with great care and I was ordered to dress in my best. It all seems so ‘primitive’ now, but that is how it was back then, and perhaps still is!

My suitor arrived with his brother and sister-in-law and I to this day, remember what he wore. Not sure what I was wearing…a saree of course, but which one, can’t remember. I acted very nonchalant, almost annoyed that I was going to be ‘paraded’ in front of these strangers.

To my surprise, these people were the nicest. My suitor was visibly nervous… I, on the other hand, was quite amused. They let us two be alone, first on the veranda, and then we took a walk up the street. As we approached the street from my house, the lights in the neighbors homes turned off…they did not want to appear to be peeking at us, but they were! I remarked this to my suitor and I think we got a chuckle. I always took my ‘favorite guys’ to this spot up the street, a lookout hill from where you could see the city lights. We talked, and he told me about his life in the US (he had come to school to the US to do his masters in 1965; worked in NY City after he graduated; and then returned to India in 1969 to see his family and perhaps find a life partner). I am sure I babbled too…who knows what. But I think he found me amusing. Most ‘girls’ did not ‘talk’ to the guy, and definitely not suggest taking a walk! Actually, I think he found me refreshingly ‘bold’ as they referred to girls like me. What he told me just a few weeks before he passed away, confirmed to me what a first impression I had made on him and it was re-inforced throughout our marriage.

After a couple of hours, they left. My dad asked for my impression of him. I was non-committal…what if he did not like me. So I said that he was ok…but said something about his nose, just in case he rejected me!

The next day, in a very modern and non-traditional way, my suitor came to my home and told my parents that he would like to marry me. Wow…that was hardly the traditional way-normally either his brother would have come over or sent word with a common friend. I was VERY impressed and I think I fell in love with him at that instance! This all sounds like a Jane Austen novel…doesn’t it?

I was at school and was on my way home on a bicycle. I heard his brother’s car (which had a hole in the muffler and made a racket) and wondered what the verdict was. My mother very shyly informed me that Venkatesh had approved and asked to marry me. My heart went into a flutter…I admitted to myself that I was IN LOVE!

In my husband’s case, a very eligible bachelor (good looking, highly educated, ‘foreign-returned’, coming from a great family-dad was a well-known physician, etc.), he had ‘met’ several prospective ‘girls’ but hadn’t felt the ‘chemistry’ with any of them.  I knew a few of them and they were no chopped liver…lucky for me!  So as they say, marriages are made in heaven, might just be true!  I certainly believe in fate, kismet, karma…or what ever it might be called.

After three months of post-engagement courtship when we saw each other every single day for hours, much to the chagrin of my parents and his mother, we were married on March 30, 1970! It was a very traditional Indian wedding…with, it seemed like a total of 1,000+ people in attendance, over a period of three days of the wedding ceremonies and rituals. Here are some pictures from our wedding album:

Now we are Mr. and Mrs. Damoor S. Venkatesh!

Well I hope you have enjoyed this section of “The Story of my Life-Part I”.
More to follow including photoblogs of my travels.

Please feel free to leave a comment….Thank you for visiting… Namaste!

 

46 thoughts on “The Story of My Life-Part I”

  1. Barbara Bank March 29, 2020 — 4:12 pm

    A beautiful story of the beginning of the married life of beautiful people.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. Freddo Wilson-Higuera March 29, 2020 — 5:43 pm

    Thank you for allowing us in to such a special memory! Enjoyed reading this! 🥰

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. (Post author)
      Kamala Venkatesh March 29, 2020 — 7:45 pm

      Thank you so much for letting me share this with you and for reading!

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  3. Suzanne Watson Fleming March 29, 2020 — 6:03 pm

    Thoroughly enjoyed reading about your romance!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. (Post author)
      Kamala Venkatesh March 29, 2020 — 7:42 pm

      Thanks so much Suzanne…I know you have heard my story before!

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  4. Eileen March 29, 2020 — 6:28 pm

    Thank you for sharing such a beautiful experience of independence and tradition merging. Your husband sound like a wonderful man.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. (Post author)
      Kamala Venkatesh March 29, 2020 — 7:44 pm

      Thank you Eileen…I think that quality of me, my independence, was what attracted and endeared me to my husband, and he let me know it just a few weeks before he passed away. He was a wonderful man…let me be ME! He would have been pleased with this blog, and probably would have chuckled, hehe!

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  5. Meri March 29, 2020 — 7:26 pm

    LOVE reading this, Kamala! ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

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  7. Barbara Ix March 29, 2020 — 8:32 pm

    Kamala,
    You certainly are a gifted writer! Your life story is so fascinating to read and the pictures are amazing. What a foreign and exotic world you were in … and soooo young and beautiful. You were 18 when you met?
    Thank you for letting me be part of your memory.
    Keep going on, please 😘

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. (Post author)
      Kamala Venkatesh March 29, 2020 — 8:43 pm

      My dear Barbara….thank you so much and thank you for letting me share so much of my life with you…truly a sister! I have cried on your shoulders numerous times…just love you! Dang this virus…I want to see you! Hugs…

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  8. Kathy Bearden March 29, 2020 — 9:31 pm

    Kamala, such a fun love story❣Your story was beautifully told in your “independent” feisty fashion, which made it easy to picture you in that time period. Thanks for sharing.
    Kathy Bearden

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    1. (Post author)
      Kamala Venkatesh March 29, 2020 — 10:13 pm

      Thank you so much Kathy! With age and necessity due to being alone, comes a different kind of ‘fiesty’, lol!

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  9. Kasi March 29, 2020 — 9:57 pm

    So much innocence and gratitude for the human experience in your writing! Love it! Looking forward to more.

    Liked by 1 person

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  10. (Post author)
    Kamala Venkatesh March 29, 2020 — 10:16 pm

    Thank you dear Kasi…life throws curve balls and you just have to face it head-on…like you have done my friend and talented youngman! I am now encouraged to write more…if nothing else but for my grandkids to actually get to kn ok w me as a multi-dimensional human! Thanks for reading and commenting!

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  11. Mike Hadjiaghai March 29, 2020 — 10:19 pm

    Kamala, first of all, congratulations on your beautifully worded story. All these years that we have known each other, I never knew the amazing story of how you and Damoor came to know one another and get married. As I read through your writing, I could visualize and feel every aspect of your journey at that very young age. Damoor would be, and is in fact, so proud of you. Thank you for sharing this with us, and Happy 50th Anniversary to you and Damoor. ❤️❤️❤️

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    1. (Post author)
      Kamala Venkatesh March 29, 2020 — 10:32 pm

      My dear, dear Mike…how very kind of you! I have tears in my eyes. I think a big part of who I am today is shaped by his influence on me. You very well understand a broken heart. But as you and I know very well…they don’t leave us. True love goes deeper than any root can! Love you Mike and please be well. Until we meet again. 💕

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  12. Julie Pierce Casey March 29, 2020 — 10:43 pm

    I love this!! Thank you for sharing! And the photos are wonderful. I love seeing the resemblance between you and Nandini. It’s so much more striking when I see photos of you in your youth.

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    1. (Post author)
      Kamala Venkatesh March 29, 2020 — 10:59 pm

      Thank you Julie! You are so sweet. Guess we do have resemblances. I’ll tell her that, unless she re-reads my blog and sees your comment. Hope you are doing well along with your family. Take care dear girl…and I hope you know you are a very admirable young woman!

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  13. Bonnie Polson March 30, 2020 — 12:54 am

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. Matchmaker matchmaker, make me a match, find me a find, catch me a catch…
    And they did!

    Liked by 1 person

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  14. (Post author)
    Kamala Venkatesh March 30, 2020 — 1:19 am

    Haha…thanks Bonnie! Glad you enjoyed my blog!

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  15. Antoinette Corum March 31, 2020 — 1:31 am

    Kamala, I thoroughly enjoyed the story of your courtship and marriage. You made me feel as if I was a part of it. I’m looking forward to the rest–the “before” and the “after.”

    Liked by 1 person

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  16. (Post author)
    Kamala Venkatesh March 31, 2020 — 5:21 am

    Thank you so much Antoinette for reading it all! Appreciate your comments. Hope to continue to blog about my experiences as an immigrant in this country and raising a family. I really am thankful for your support!

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  17. Goldhara McKay March 31, 2020 — 6:16 pm

    Wow. What a wonderful story and yes you are a story teller. In tears. So beautiful. I am grateful to have found you through Kevin. I love photography and following photographers and now I love you. Keep writing.

    Liked by 1 person

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  18. (Post author)
    Kamala Venkatesh March 31, 2020 — 6:34 pm

    Mr. McKay…Thank you so very much for reading my story and taking time to comment! You seem like a very kind soul! Photography has become a passion…and it’s a great ‘healer’! Hope we meet some time. Take care…and again, many thanks!

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  19. Mariam Solomon April 1, 2020 — 7:56 pm

    I love it! Thank you for taking me thru memory lane with you. I want to keep reading. Please don’t stop. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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  20. Nancy Higbie April 1, 2020 — 7:57 pm

    Fascinating! Great story.

    Liked by 1 person

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  21. (Post author)
    Kamala Venkatesh April 1, 2020 — 8:09 pm

    Thank you so much Mariam! Hope to keep writing…before the memory fades! Thanks for reading!

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  23. Linda Bingham April 1, 2020 — 10:46 pm

    Thanks for sharing your story, Kamala. The story and pictures are beautiful.

    Liked by 1 person

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  24. Venkat April 2, 2020 — 7:34 pm

    Dear Kamala,
    I got to see your lovely blog, part one of your life. Being an elder brother I had the opportunity to be present at some of the high points (birth, graduation, marriage, etc. ). You have been and continue to be a very dynamic person, liked by one and all who come in contact with you.
    Proud of all that you’ve accomplished. Keep it up!
    Lovingly, Venkatram

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    Reply
  25. Meena (& Rukku) April 2, 2020 — 7:52 pm

    Kamakka,
    What a lovely story!
    I just read it to my mom and we both enjoyed it very much. Your spirit and vitality are evident in the lines. ( I didn’t know that it was almost love at first sight for you ).
    Happy 50 th anniversary.
    (The story is also a lovely tribute to a very good man. I will always remember his kindness and loving spirit. A fab uncle. )❤️
    Keep the blog going. I would love to read more.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. (Post author)
      Kamala Venkatesh April 2, 2020 — 8:30 pm

      Dear Meena and Rukku….thank you so much for remembering uncle…I agree! And thanks so much for your kind words. Yes, more to come! I will definitely draw upon your dear dads recollection of me growing up. He was a witness from the very start…lucky for me! ❤❤❤

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  26. (Post author)
    Kamala Venkatesh April 2, 2020 — 8:24 pm

    My dearest brother….what lovely sentiments from a wonderful brother who has been such a force in shaping my life along with our parents, our dear brother, Prakash, my wonderful husband and my kids! This means a ton to me! Love you so much!❤ Thank you for reading it and commenting! I was so blessed that you were there to bless me at my wedding!🙏🏽

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  27. Mary Lou April 3, 2020 — 11:26 pm

    What a lovely, heartfelt story. Seems like a marriage made in heaven to me.

    Liked by 1 person

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  28. SHEELA KISHORE April 4, 2020 — 12:56 pm

    Dearest Kamalu
    What a lovely blog! Thank you for sharing Kamalu (nickname)
    I still remember our trip to San Diego in 1986 when we brought my mom
    (your favorite Sharada aunty)to spend some time with you. She enjoyed
    her stay & loved the long chats she had with you & Venkatesh
    So sorry you did not get to your golden anniversary.
    You have shown great courage & success educating your children &
    getting them to be bold & independent & raising such lovely families
    Venkatesh is surely watching over you .
    I wish you Many Many Happy Returns on your upcoming 70th Birthday.
    Your moms 100th birthday would surely have been GRAND.
    Keep blogging .Wish you continued success
    Love you , Sheelu

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    Reply
    1. (Post author)
      Kamala Venkatesh April 4, 2020 — 2:03 pm

      Thank you dear Sheelu…much appreciated! Great memories of yours and Sharada Aunty’s visits, first one in 1971, not long after we arrived in San Diego.

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  29. Ginger Flynn September 14, 2021 — 1:12 am

    I loved reading your blog about meeting your husband and loved seeing your wedding pictures. I look forward to reading and learning more about you, as well as viewing your photos. I came across your name while viewing Kevin’s Flickr photos, specifically the photo of he moon over Glamis Sand Dunes where Kevin thanks you for suggesting the location.

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    1. (Post author)
      Kamala Venkatesh September 14, 2021 — 5:29 am

      Thank you so much for your response and comments! Yes, Kevin and I are good friends. We do shoot together quite a bit. I am so glad you enjoyed my story. I have a few more personal blogs and I hope you find them interesting. I have all the intention of being more proactive in updating my website and displaying my photos as well as presenting photo essays. I travel a lot and bring a different perspective, I hope, as a senior citizen traveling, many times alone, with only my camera as a companion. I am also on Flickr at https://www.flickr.com/photos/weddingmandk/ . If you have time and/or interest, please visit my site. Thanks again for writing.

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  31. Veronica Soeller July 13, 2023 — 2:23 pm

    Such a beautiful love story! It’s very interesting to read of how courtship and marriage took place in your culture. Thank you for sharing, Kamala!

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    1. (Post author)
      Kamala Venkatesh July 13, 2023 — 3:37 pm

      Thank you so much Veronica! The sum total of 26 years…it ended too soon. Last March it was 53 years. Such is life!

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Location Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing any of my photographs E-mail kamalavenkatesh@yahoo.com