Oporichita

Oporichita Probondo Anupam begins by illustrating his life, which is significantly shaped by his maternal uncle. After the passing of his father, his uncle takes on a commanding role, overseeing all family matters and, consequently, Anupam's existence. Anupam depicts himself as someone who has consistently acquiesced to his uncle's choices, lacking the autonomy to forge his own path. He humorously characterizes himself as well-educated and attractive, yet devoid of any genuine influence over his life, especially regarding marriage. The marriage proposal for Anupam is presented by his friend Harish, who recommends a suitable match. However, the process is anything but romantic. Anupam's uncle assumes control, primarily focused on the financial standing and social status of the bride's family. The attributes of the girl appear secondary to the dowry and the family's capacity to provide it unconditionally. The uncle's detailed and somewhat crude assessments concerning the dowry underscore the societal fixation on material wealth in matrimonial arrangements. The selected bride is Kalyani, a fifteen-year-old girl from a family that was once affluent but has since experienced a decline. Her father, Shambhunath Babu, is depicted as a man of dignity who consents to the match despite the evident power imbalance. Anupam himself is powerless in this situation and resigns to the arranged marriage. He is even denied the chance to meet his bride prior to the wedding, with his cousin Binodada serving as his representative for the pre-wedding blessings. Binodada's curt endorsement, 'Not bad, real gold,' further underscores the superficial and transactional essence of the arrangement. The story takes a dramatic turn on the wedding day. As Anupam and his party arrive in Kolkata for the ceremony, his uncle, ever suspicious and controlling, insists on inspecting the bride's jewelry to ensure its quality aligns with the agreed terms. This act of overt distrust and disrespect deeply offends Shambhunath Babu. In a moment of quiet defiance and self-respect, he calls off the wedding.