Among Indians, marrying a person from a different tribe or religion is a really big deal.
It is considered ‘weird’ and in most cases, families will spend a lot of time discussing the matter.
I have been a victim and this forced me to develop a thick skin.
My parents are from two different religions and communities.
When I was young, I didn’t understand what the fuss was all about.
Whenever I attended family functions or events, I was ushered in with strange stares and questions like,
‘Are you okay? Why don’t you come home these days? Did your mother refuse because we are your father’s family? So whom do you prefer, us or them?
My cousin’s friends always get surprised when she introduces me as her cousin.
There will be moments of ‘um’ and ‘uhh’ before they finally blurt the inevitable question, ‘How are you guys cousins?’
Taking the famous example of Sarika and Khamala, whose relationship hit the news recently and had many talking. I can’t help but pity the kids they will have.
Without doubt, they will experience unnecessary attention not only from family, but the public as well.