Can a simple decision affect the entire family?

The current generation here in India are quite lucky for they have the most amazing parents who understand them in and out. Convincing parents to approve your live marriage is not really a task. Times were different during my parents time. Though my mum had an arranged marriage with my dad who my maternal grandmother thought was perfect for her, but my mother's both sisters, my aunt's married men of their choice.

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Was their life easy? My mother's elder most sister is celebrated for her intelligence. She worked hard in those times to get herself a job in the bank. Though there were lot of alliances flowing in, she choose to marry an intern working at my grandfather's eletric appliances repair shop,who was no where close to my aunt's status, education or looks. Intercaste marriages then we're looked down upon and this was one. The opposition from family was strong, but she did it her way and she was banned by her entire family. Her new mother in law troubled her a lot, but there was absolutely no help from her parents. It took a while for the family to accept her back.

My aunt's inter caste love marriage was looked down upon by the society. Her sisters were made to pay for her choice. Every prospective groom rejected my 2nd aunt just because her elder sister had married out of caste. They thought that of the first one had an affair the entire clan can have. 2nd aunt was left with no choice but to marry an rich alcoholic guy who didn't treat her well and they ended up taking divorce after suffering in his hands for 20 long years.

I must say, my mom was lucky. My dad, who had rejected her after meeting happened to come back after 2 years and asked to marry her. Dad is the my grandmother's only son in law who is of the same caste.

Times have changed now. Parents are more open and accepting. People back then definitely had a tough time. They had to marry according to their parents wish and those who listened to their heart were held responsible for the troubles that their families faced in the society.