Love After Arranged Marriage in Indian Stories: Are There Common Themes?

One common theme is the clash of modern and traditional values. In these stories, the individuals in an arranged marriage often have to navigate between their own modern ideals and the traditional expectations of their families and society.

Another theme is adjustment. Couples often have to adjust to each other's lifestyles and personalities. Like in a story where the girl was used to a quiet life and the boy was very outgoing, but they learned to compromise and now have a great relationship. Also, love growing over time is a theme. Many arranged marriage stories start with the couple being strangers and then gradually falling in love as they get to know each other better.

One common theme is self - discovery. Characters often find new aspects of themselves through the relationship. For example, they might discover a more patient or understanding side of themselves while dealing with their new spouse. Another theme is family influence. The arranged marriage is usually due to family reasons, and the couple has to navigate family expectations while also exploring their feelings for each other. And of course, there's the theme of love evolving over time. Starting from a state of uncertainty or even dislike in some cases, the love between the two gradually grows as they get to know each other better.

One common theme is family honor. In many Indian arranged marriage novels, the family's reputation and standing in society play a crucial role in the arrangement of marriages. For example, in 'A Suitable Boy', the families are very conscious of how the marriage will be perceived in their social circles.

One common theme is the adjustment. In Urdu novels of this kind, the characters often have to adjust to living with a stranger in an arranged marriage setup. For example, they might have different habits or outlooks on life at first. Another theme is family influence. Families play a big role in arranged marriages in these novels, and how the couple deals with family pressures while developing their relationship is often explored. Also, the discovery of self - through the relationship is a theme. As they fall in love, the characters also learn more about themselves.

One common element is patience. In an arranged marriage, it may take time for the couple to get used to each other. They have to be patient with each other's quirks and habits. Another is family support. Sometimes, a supportive family environment can encourage the couple to give their relationship a chance and eventually fall in love. And discovery is also important. Discovering new things about each other, such as hidden talents or interests, often leads to a deeper connection.

Cultural clashes and reconciliations are also common. Since India has a diverse culture, the couple may come from different backgrounds. For example, differences in language, caste, or regional customs. The novels often show how they overcome these differences and find love. For instance, in some novels, the female lead might be from a more modern family while the male lead is from a traditional one. They have to adjust to each other's values and beliefs. Another important theme is the slow - burn romance. It's not like a typical Western love - at - first - sight story. The couple gradually gets to know each other, starting from a state of strangers or acquaintances in an arranged marriage setup, and the love develops over time as they share experiences and understand each other better.

Shared values are also very common. Couples often find that they have similar beliefs about things like family, religion, and social responsibilities. Take a couple like Shalini and Rahul. They both believed in the importance of taking care of their elders. This common value made their relationship stronger as they worked together to care for their respective families. Another element could be mutual respect. Even though they might come from different backgrounds, they respect each other's opinions, hobbies, and career choices. This respect helps in building a healthy and happy marriage.

A really heartwarming story is that of Kavita and Ajay. Arranged by their families, they were strangers at first. But Kavita loved to cook and Ajay was a big foodie. When Kavita cooked for the family, Ajay was always the first to praise her cooking. They began to exchange recipes and cooking tips. Through these interactions, they grew fond of each other and love grew over time. It was their shared love for food that united them in love within the framework of an arranged marriage.

A couple, Meera and Arjun. Arranged to marry, they found out that they both adored traveling. On their honeymoon, which was arranged by their families as part of the marriage process, they visited a place neither of them had been to before. During that trip, they shared so many adventures and conversations that they realized they were falling in love. Their arranged marriage became a journey of love and discovery.